Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on the first RTÉ Rugby podcast of 2026, as we look back on wins for Ulster and Leinster in the New Year Interpros.

First up, we take a look at another impressive Ulster win, as they enjoyed an emphatic 28-3 win against Munster.

It continues a fine start to the season for Richie Murphy's side, who have undergone a complete rebuild in the last two seasons.

We also look at which Ulster players may have caught the eye of Ireland coach Andy Farrell as the Six Nations looms.

The podcast also discusses Munster's recent struggle for form, and how head coach Clayton McMillan looks set to make some ruthless calls as he begins to settle on his best team.

We break down an impressive Leinster performance as they hammered Connacht at Aviva Stadium, with the same old failings for Stuart Lancaster's side.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on the first RTÉ Rugby podcast of 2026, as we look back on wins for Ulster and Leinster in the New Year Interpros.First up, we take a look at another impressive Ulster win, as they enjoyed an emphatic 28-3 win against Munster.It continues a fine start to the season for Richie Murphy's side, who have undergone a complete rebuild in the last two seasons.We also look at which Ulster players may have caught the eye of Ireland coach Andy Farrell as the Six Nations looms.The podcast also discusses Munster's recent struggle for form, and how head coach Clayton McMillan looks set to make some ruthless calls as he begins to settle on his best team.We break down an impressive Leinster performance as they hammered Connacht at Aviva Stadium, with the same old failings for Stuart Lancaster's side.

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

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Ulster continuing impressive rebuild as Six Nations comes into focus

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?

Pathways, loss of form, gameplans, lack of leadership... What's eating Ireland? 

As Andy Farrell names his XV to play France Hugh Cahill is joined in studio by Bernard Jackman, with Neil Treacy dialling in from Paris.

The lads react to the Ireland head coach's personnel choices, as Cian Prendergast and Jacob Stockdale are rewarded for their recent form with starting positions for Thursday's Six Nations opener against France.

The younger Prendergast brother, Sam, gets the nod at out-half. It's no real surprise, even if his defence remains a talking point - particularly given France's lightning quick back three.

With the team and matchday squad now named, focus must turn to Ireland's discipline and how they can remain on the right side of the officials in the Stade de France.

As Andy Farrell names his XV to play France Hugh Cahill is joined in studio by Bernard Jackman, with Neil Treacy dialling in from Paris.The lads react to the Ireland head coach's personnel choices, as Cian Prendergast and Jacob Stockdale are rewarded for their recent form with starting positions for Thursday's Six Nations opener against France.The younger Prendergast brother, Sam, gets the nod at out-half. It's no real surprise, even if his defence remains a talking point - particularly given France's lightning quick back three.With the team and matchday squad now named, focus must turn to Ireland's discipline and how they can remain on the right side of the officials in the Stade de France.

Ulster continuing impressive rebuild as Six Nations comes into focus

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