There are multiple routes to the top of the game, but even at that, Noel McNamara's journey is really "the road less travelled". In our opening interview of the new series, I speak to Noel about his route from Glenstal to Bordeaux, the cultural differences of coaching world stars, the season gone by and coming up and so much more. Enjoy! United Rugby Rewind - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PQ2GeblraQGHefjjfjQbF?si=cAt7YgpFQyO9Hcxt-rPJEw Red Army Podcast -...

This season has been a drag, so in our final show of a nearly 100 episode campaign, I've decided to pit two provincial rivals but real life friends against each other in a light hearted quiz. It's Munster vs Leinster, but who will come out on top? Enjoy and make sure to play along from home! Guests: Ben Leahy - https://x.com/purplebenny David Cordial - https://x.com/AH_David You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at:...

Nothing highlights Ireland's rugby rise quite like the under-20's. Despite falling short this year, it was another successful and talented squad with plenty to be excited by. Tom Savage of Three Red Kings joins me to reflect on Ireland's efforts in this year's under 20 World Championship. Guests: Tom Coleman - https://x.com/LeinsterRoyalty Harry Jones - https://x.com/haribaldijones Jack Fogarty - https://x.com/FogartyJack Aaron Talbot - https://x.com/Aarontalbot4 You can find me...

Drama! What is it about this rivalry? After 160 minutes of gripping test match rugby, the two heavyweights cannot be seperated, but more importantly, they could be on Sunday. Step forward Ciarán Frawley and a drop-goal for the ages. Tom, Harry, Jack and Aaron join me to discuss yet another Springbok-Ireland thriller. Guests: Tom Coleman - https://x.com/LeinsterRoyalty Harry Jones - https://x.com/haribaldijones Jack Fogarty - https://x.com/FogartyJack Aaron Talbot -...

From the lovable Ted Lasso to spiteful Eddie Jones, we all share the common belief: no one likes draws. Yet that is the aim for Ireland as their summer series reaches it's 2nd test crescendo. On today's show I preview the deciding test, look at Ireland will need to work on to win and discuss why this could feel like an opportunity lost for the boys in green. I also briefly touch upon that David Humphreys interview. You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with...

The world champions did what world champions do. South Africa battled to a 27-20 home win over Ireland, a first for Rassie and co; and take the lead in this test series. David, Thala and Owen joined me to recap the gruelling encounter. Guests: David Cordial - https://x.com/AH_David Thala Msutu - https://x.com/ThalaMsutu77 Owen Harrison - https://x.com/Overthehillprop You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at:...

It's almost time for the grudge match everyone is excited for. Back to back Rugby World Cup champions South Africa welcoming back to back Six Nations winners Ireland to their home turf. It's the best facing off with nothing but pride and bragging rights at stake. On today's show I preview this eagerly anticipated opening test looking at selections and playing styles. I also discuss and commentate on the closing stages of the Ireland under-20's dramatic pool win over Georgia. You can find me...

Europe's return might be over 5 months away, but draw day is always exciting. On today's special bonus pod, I reflect on the four mouthwatering pools, and how they shape up for each of the Irish provinces. Later we will recap Ireland under-20’s pool game against Italy before we wrap. You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree - ⁠https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby Learn more about your ad...

Like always, Munster did things the hard way. Climbing up the URC table with a final flurry only to squander a potential home final was as disappointing as it was somewhat fitting. In the final episode of URC Fanview, and in a Red Army Pod crossover, Patricia joins me to look back on Munster's helter-skelter season. Guests: Patricia Vieira - https://x.com/ You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com...

Any season without a trophy will feel like a failure for the Leinster coaching group. To come up short for a 3rd year in a row will lead to weeks of internal and external consternation. On today's episode of URC Fanview, David and Jeff join me to run over the highs and lows of Leinster's season. Guests: Jeff Pagano - https://x.com/HarpinOnRugby David Cordial - https://x.com/AH_David You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at:...

From coaching and CEO changes to player disruption and odd signings, sprinkle in some big wins and strange losses, it was a rollercoaster season and then some for Ulster this season. On today's episode of URC Fanview, Peter and Adam join me to run over the highs and lows of Ulster's campaign. Guests: Peter Lockhart - https://x.com/dplockhart Adam Latham - https://x.com/lathamadam19 You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at:...

The squads are in and those who are excited can barely contain themselves. Battle lines are drawn for another titanic Ireland v South Africa battle. On today's special bonus pod, South African rugby writer and podcaster Jared Wright finally joins the show to talk about Andy Farrell's 35 man squad, team selection, the Springboks and the series at large. Enjoy! Guests: Jared Wright - https://x.com/jaredwright17 You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my...

And then there was 4. After a clean sweep of home wins in the last eight, the top four from the regular season battle it out to make the URC's Grand Final. In today's solo-pod, I preview the 2 semi-finals which take place this weekend, highlighting every team's pros, cons, direction of tactics and give predictions. Enjoy! You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree -...

4 games, 4 victors and an intense semi-final weekend to come. As Munster and Leinster moved on, Ulster's season came to an end. Chrissy, Patricia and Adam joined me to recap all of the action from the URC quarter finals. Guests: Chrissy Hawkins Patricia Vieira - https://x.com/_PatriciaV_ Adam Latham - https://x.com/lathamadam19 You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree -...

After a pulsating 18 round regular season, there's just 8 teams left. 3 Irish, 2 South Africans, 1 Scottish, 1 Italian and 1 Welsh. It promises to be a playoff stage for the ages. In today's solo-pod, I preview the 4 URC quarter-finals which take place this weekend. YouTube Edition: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcLeTl817KH6rAh0JFumMwg You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree -...

After 100 minutes of gripping action, Leinster's drive for 5 is denied by Toulouse snataching a sixth star. POTM Antoine Dupont and co. came out on top in London as Leinster are left wondering what could have been. Jeff and David joined me to discuss a European final for the ages. Guests: Jeff Pagano - https://x.com/HarpinOnRugby David Cordial - https://x.com/AH_David You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at:...

As the Champions Cup final returns to London, it's wish was rewarded as the two best sides meet in the final. 5 times champions vs 4 time champions, Antoine Dupont vs Jamison Gibson-Park, Emmanuel Meafou vs Joe McCarthy, red vs blue; Toulouse vs Leinster. Cian and Tom join me to discuss every deciding noock and cranny of Saturday's showpiece final. Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://x.com/RugbyKino Tom Coleman - https://x.com/LeinsterRoyalty You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram,...

World Rugby might actually hate rugby, and after yesterday's enhanced law trials, this is very possible. With the news of the 20 minute red card law trial being furthered to WXV, U20 RWC and more; is this sport's days numbered, and are we pandering to the games gone soft brigade? I tell you the reasons why on today's bonus pod. Enjoy! You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com You can find my podcasts...

And then there were 2. In a classic weekend of European action, old foes Leinster and Toulouse ground out victories to return to London's finale. Chrissy, BHH and Alex join me to discuss the captivating European semi-finals. Guests: BallHandling Hooker - https://twitter.com/BHHooker Chrissy Hawkins Alex Fulton - https://twitter.com/alexfulton375 You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree -...

After an enthralling weekend for Irish rugby in Belfast and Dublin, I hopped on to discuss the magnitude of Ireland's 3rd place Six Nations finish, Rugby World Cup qualification and much more! Enjoy! You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com You can find my podcasts on all providers @CaolanSRugbyPodcast Linktree - ⁠https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

In a bombshell of epic proportions, Leinster confirmed the signing of All Black Jordie Barrett yesterday on a short-term deal from December 2024 through to the end of the season. It's fair to say that it has not gone down too well. Friend of the pod Cian O’Muilleoir joined me to discuss the many layers of intrigue surrounding the move. Enjoy! You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com You can find my...

In a weekend that could have been horrible, came elation. We touch on Ireland and Leinster's big wins, Ulster's French capitulation and Connacht underwhelming exit from the Challenge Cup. Cian and Enda return to run over all the talking points from the weekend. Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://twitter.com/RugbyKino Enda Fahy - https://twitter.com/rugbybroadcast_ You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at:...

Despite some hope and miracle talk, it was a mixed bag for the provinces as they returned to Europe. Leinster waltzed home, Munster fought but lost, Ulster cruised to victory and Connacht stumbled to a crucial win in France. Adam and David joined me to comb through the highlights and lowlights of the Round of 16 weekend. Guests: Adam Latham - https://twitter.com/lathamadam19 David Cordial - https://twitter.com/AH_David Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram,...

With the Six Nations in the rearview mirror, we have been treated to some cracking URC action in the past fortnight. In today's audio-visual podcast, I dissect how each of the four provinces fared in the most recent block of URC action, looking at who has helped or hindered their playoff push. Enjoy! YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/TTd-DovHv_8?si=TgO39waEmeqDLYEL Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, Threads and BlueSky; with my articles available at:...