Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on the RTÉ Rugby podcast as we look ahead to the new United Rugby Championship season.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on the RTÉ Rugby podcast as we look ahead to the new United Rugby Championship season.

Neil Treacy brings you the latest news from the world of rugby, in the company of Bernard Jackman and RTÉ's best rugby analysts.

RTÉ Rugby Podcast

Province by province - The 2025/26 URC season preview

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson to reflect on Ireland's historic victory over England in London.

The doom and gloom dissipated over 80 minutes at Twickenham as the visitors beat their hosts by a record margin.

The victory gets the campaign back on track and sets the team up for a crack at the Triple Crown over the next two games.

Can this be a turning point ahead of a World Cup year in 2027?

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson to reflect on Ireland's historic victory over England in London.The doom and gloom dissipated over 80 minutes at Twickenham as the visitors beat their hosts by a record margin.The victory gets the campaign back on track and sets the team up for a crack at the Triple Crown over the next two games.Can this be a turning point ahead of a World Cup year in 2027?

From doom and gloom to a record win in Twickenham

Hugh Cahill is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to preview Ireland's crucial Six Nations clash with England.

With the England team already named, Andy Farrell and his coaching staff can start planning for Twickenham, with Jonny saying it is crucial Ireland take England out of their comfort zone.

Henry Pollock's inclusion for England could spell bad news for Ireland, but a fascinating back row battle awaits.

An improved scrum performance is critical, especially as Steve Borthwick preaches the brilliant basics of the England approach.

Hugh Cahill is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to preview Ireland's crucial Six Nations clash with England.With the England team already named, Andy Farrell and his coaching staff can start planning for Twickenham, with Jonny saying it is crucial Ireland take England out of their comfort zone.Henry Pollock's inclusion for England could spell bad news for Ireland, but a fascinating back row battle awaits.An improved scrum performance is critical, especially as Steve Borthwick preaches the brilliant basics of the England approach.

Ireland must take England out of comfort zone 

Hugh Cahill and Bernard Jackman dive deeper into the state of Irish rugby as the senior men's team face into a critical Six Nations clash with a resurgent Italy on Saturday.

Bernard has had a lot of correspondence in recent days from people who are very engaged and concerned about the future of Irish rugby (2:00), even if there is a feeling of disconnect among others. He cites the small crowd at the Ireland XV game in Limerick on Friday night.

Hugh asks Bernard for his take on the theory that Jacques Nienaber is to blame for Ireland's poor form... Spoiler alert, he isn't buying it (10:00).

Ireland are the only team in the world chasing a high phase count, believes Bernard, when the game now requires a different, less draining approach.

Has closing the foreign project player pathway impacted Ireland negatively (18:00)? The IRFU can't be surprised given the rule change so the onus is on the provinces to identify the talent.

Looking ahead to Italy, Bernard believes Andy Farrell will drop some frontliners this weekend (21:00), whatever the risks involved against an Azzurri unit who have their tails up.

Bryn Ward being promoted from the XV bench to the senior 23 at the Aviva would be a remarkable rise, with Bernard also making a case for Edwin Edogbo.

The loss of leadership from retirements of Cian Healy, Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony is being felt but Bernard says that shortfall has to come from the new generation of players, rather than coach Johnny Sexton (25:00). But are the new generation cut from the same cloth?

Hugh Cahill and Bernard Jackman dive deeper into the state of Irish rugby as the senior men's team face into a critical Six Nations clash with a resurgent Italy on Saturday.Bernard has had a lot of correspondence in recent days from people who are very engaged and concerned about the future of Irish rugby (2:00), even if there is a feeling of disconnect among others. He cites the small crowd at the Ireland XV game in Limerick on Friday night.Hugh asks Bernard for his take on the theory that Jacques Nienaber is to blame for Ireland's poor form... Spoiler alert, he isn't buying it (10:00).Ireland are the only team in the world chasing a high phase count, believes Bernard, when the game now requires a different, less draining approach.Has closing the foreign project player pathway impacted Ireland negatively (18:00)? The IRFU can't be surprised given the rule change so the onus is on the provinces to identify the talent.Looking ahead to Italy, Bernard believes Andy Farrell will drop some frontliners this weekend (21:00), whatever the risks involved against an Azzurri unit who have their tails up.Bryn Ward being promoted from the XV bench to the senior 23 at the Aviva would be a remarkable rise, with Bernard also making a case for Edwin Edogbo.The loss of leadership from retirements of Cian Healy, Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony is being felt but Bernard says that shortfall has to come from the new generation of players, rather than coach Johnny Sexton (25:00). But are the new generation cut from the same cloth?

Province by province - The 2025/26 URC season preview

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