Rugby On Balls.ie

The fallout from Ireland's loss against Japan continues and so does the World Cup. This week, the lads reflect on Saturday's showing and what needs to happen next.  Does Joe Schmidt deserve more criticism? Has the team selection been correct? We look at these issues and more. Elsewhere, former Munster man James Coughlan chats to us about his new role with Provence rugby and what he can take from the tournament as a coach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan 19 Ireland 12...  Yet another World Cup shock for this year's hosts and yet another disappointment for Joe Schmidt's side. The lads are in studio to give their instant reaction to Saturday's showing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brent joins us from Japan to discuss Ireland's terrific start to the World Cup, how he thinks we'll perform versus Japan and how the tournament is going down in the land of the Rising Sun. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Buildup is our new weekly podcast, with Ladbrokes, where we preview all the major sporting action for the weekend ahead. We'll be building the hype, whetting the appetite and making some bold predictions for everything that's happening. This is the rugby section of the show where our regular rugby analyst Stephen Ferris is back with us to discuss Ireland's strong performance against Scotland, our prospects for the rest of the tournament and the overall Rugby World Cup so far. He also gives his tip for the Ireland Japan game.  If you want to listen to the entire show, which includes Kevin Doyle looking ahead to the football weekend, our NFL picks, and much more, subscribe to The Buildup on Balls.ie podcast feed or the general Balls.ie feed.  Get in touch with the show for any reason by emailing thegaffer@balls.ie or contact us @ballsdotie on Twitter or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland started their World Cup with a dominant victory over Scotland, but how much of that was down to Irisg brilliance compared to Scotland's awfulness? What did we learn about this team and what does it mean for the rest of the tournament?  On this week's podcast, we caught up with Irish rugby player Conan O'Donnell to chat about his experience with Japanese Super Rugby side the Sunwolves, leaving his boyhood province Connacht and different styles of rugby.  We also look back at the tournament as a whole and the refereeing so far. Get in touch with the lads via thegaffer@balls.ie and please do rate and review the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Buildup is our new weekly podcast, with Ladbrokes, where we preview all the major sporting action for the weekend ahead. We'll be building the hype, whetting the appetite and making some bold predictions for everything that's happening. This is the rugby section of the show where our regular rugby analyst Stephen Ferris is back with us to relive the 8 year anniversary of Irleand's win over Australia in 2011, give his take on the Ireland back 3 crisis, and give his breakdown on what awaits Ireland this Sunday. He also gives us his bets for the World Cup. If you want to listen to the entire show, which includes Kevin Doyle looking ahead to the football weekend, our NFL picks, and much more, subscribe to The Buildup on Balls.ie podcast feed or the general Balls.ie feed.  Get in touch with the show for any reason by emailing thegaffer@balls.ie or contact us @ballsdotie on Twitter or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presented in association with Carry Out off licence, Ireland's number one independent off licence The first episode of The Brent Pope Rugby World Cup Show is here. 24 hours before Brent jets off to Japan, Popey is in studio to look ahead to chat with Mick McCarthy about the incredible eight weeks of rugby we're all waiting for. Popey talks about how he nearly made the All Blacks World Cup squad in 1987 and his love of Japan and Japanese culture. Brent and Mick also preview Ireland-Scotland and play a game of 'Would The Pope Lie?' Brent will be with us every week throughout the 2019 Rugby World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IT IS NEARLY HERE! This is the final episode before the start of the Rugby World Cup and the boys are excited.  For this special occasion, we caught up with YouTube sensation Squidge Rugby to talk about his work and the upcoming tournament. How did you start making such unique content and who does he see as the most likely winner? Robbie tells the lads about it all over an entertaining chat.  Elsewhere, the lads chat about rugby coverage, the Ireland team that could start against Scotland and the work Felix Jones is doing with South Africa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown is on and the World Cup is on the horizon. How do Ireland look before leaving for Japan and where will Garry Ringrose play? We have a theory... On this week's show, the lads caught up with referee Wayne Barnes to discuss his relationship with Irish players, the ruck and tackle as well as the upcoming World Cup.  Elsewhere, Maurice has a look at the trends in the current game and what that means for the tournament. We discuss that viral South Africa photo and jumping to assumptions.  Please do rate and review the show, you can get in touch via thegaffer@balls.ie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WE ARE BACK!  The Rugby World Cup is fast approaching and the lads are excited. On this week's show, we chat through the Ireland World Cup squad news and discuss the reasons Devin Toner has been left out.  Elsewhere, we hear from former Connacht lock Aly Muldowney who breaks down all that goes into second row play.  There's also some Ireland form chat, a look at the other big calls and some well-needed optimism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Buildup is our new weekly podcast, with Ladbrokes, where we preview all the major sporting action for the weekend ahead. We'll be building the hype, whetting the appetite and making some bold predictions for everything that's happening. This is the rugby section of the show where were talk to our regular rugby analyst, Ireland and Ulster legend Stephen Ferris. This week, Stephen tries to diagnose what exactly is wrong with Ireland as we face what has now become a crucial game in Cardiff this weekend.  He also makes his pick for the game, having nailed his selection on each week of the show so far!  If you want to listen to the entire show, which includes previews and tips on the All-Ireland Final, Jason Quigley looking ahead to Lomachenko Vs. Campbell this weekend, and our Premier League selections, subscribe to The Buildup on Balls.ie podcast feed or the general Balls.ie feed.  Get in touch with the show for any reason by emailing thegaffer@balls.ie or contact us @ballsdotie on Twitter or

The Buildup is our new weekly podcast, with Ladbrokes, where we preview all the major sporting action for the weekend ahead. We'll be building the hype, whetting the appetite and making some bold predictions for everything that's happening. This week, regular rugby correspondent, Ireland and Ulster legend Stephen Ferris looks ahead to Ireland's visit to Twickenham this weekend, and talks about the value of World Cup warm-up games and how Irish players on the cusp of the squad need to seriously up the intensity in this game.  If you want to listen to the entire show, which includes previews and tips on the weekend's football, the All-Ireland Ladies' Football semi-finals and The Tour Championship, subscribe to The Buildup on Balls.ie podcast feed or the general Balls.ie feed.  Get in touch with the show for any reason by emailing thegaffer@balls.ie or contact us @ballsdotie on Twitter or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back! After a lengthy break, the lads are back to select their Ireland 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.  The 45-strong Ireland training squad is currently deep in preparation and competition for places is fierce.  How many out-halfs should Schmidt bring? What do Ireland do in the back-row? Who is the back-up scrum-half? We answer these questions and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster have retained their Pro 14 title after a hard fought win over Glasgow in Celtic Park. We've got lots of reaction from Scotland with Johnny Sexton, James Lowe and Stuart Lancaster.  We reflect on Leinster's season and talk about the future the Glasgow Warriors as a major entity in their city.  Sean O'Brien is out of the World Cup and won't play for Ireland or Leinster again after it was revealed he will need surgery on his hip. Sexton reflects on the loss of his longtime teammate and the lads discuss the how much this will affect Ireland's World Cup chances.  We also give an overall grade to 2018/19 for Irish rugby as a whole.  You can get in touch via thegaffer@balls.ie or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And then there was one. For three Irish provinces, their season is at an end. For Leinster, silverware is still on offer with a Pro14 final to come this Saturday.  On this week's World in Union, PJ and Maurice reflect on Ulster's season and the progress made up north. Why were they so awful against Glasgow and what does it mean for their year as a whole?  The lads also analysis Leinster vs Munster and discuss the importance of a comprehensive skill-set. We hear from Johann Van Graan and Peter O'Mahony on a disappointing end to a mixed season.  There's also a discussion on the controversy surrounding Leo Cullen's Celtic support comments, a look at the signings of the season and a chat about what recent form means with a World Cup looming.  Finally, there is an immensely powerful interview with the brilliant Jamie Hagan. The former Leinster and Connacht man speaks candidly about his own career, the highs and the lows, mental health and wellbeing. It's a remarkably honest account and insight

Leinster's quest for back to back European crowns fell just short against a sensational Saracens outfit. On this week's podcast, the lads talk to the Daily Telegraph's Charlie Morgan about the game, where it went wrong and why Irish teams keep losing to English opposition.  There's no Mick this week so PJ Browne once again slots in to fill the gap. His big concern is the double-blow dealt to Leinster fans this week as a final loss combined with the departure of South Dublin's treasured Fondue restaurant could prove too much to handle.  Elsewhere, the lads reflect on the situation in Munster and the possible replacements, Maurice preview's the weekend's Pro14 semi-finals and Charlie Morgan explains why Mark McCall is one of Europe's most underappreciated coaches.  If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review the show. Get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ballsdotie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munster's season nearly ended in disaster last weekend until a last-minute controversial penalty. Now two of their coaches have left and one former-player was critical of the current players, what's going on?  This week the lads chatted about Munster's problem, Connacht's season and heard from Johnny Sexton ahead of Leinster vs Saracens. What are the big match-ups to watch out for?  Also, we spoke to Tadhg Leader, the former Connacht man now representing USA at senior level. He's worked as a player, coach and agent and has a fascinating tale. Tadhg tells the lads about his journey to America, falling out of love with the game, residency rules and the World Cup.  Finally, we look at one of the most interesting transfers in Irish rugby this season.   Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it, you can get in touch via @ballsdotie on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or email thegaffer@balls.ie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby coverage is changing and a new wave of content has emerged. One man leading the charge is Tom Savage of ThreeRedKings.com.  This week the lads caught up with Tom to reflect on how he went from homeless to running his own successful site as well as what it's like to rely on the internet for your livelihood and handling the positives and the negatives. We also discuss Munster's season and Irish rugby journalism.  Elsewhere, Maurice and Mick look at John Fogarty and what he will bring to Ireland as scrum coach, Joe Marler and one of the most annoying things in rugby, systems versus individuals and what works best and rugby fandom in 2019.  Get in touch with any thoughts via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ballsdotie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a sensational weekend of rugby!   On this week's podcast, the lads reflect on yet another disappointing semi-final exit for Munster and a superb semi-final showing by Leinster. Maurice caught up with Peter O'Mahony after the game in Coventry while there is also some expert analysis from Bernard Jackman from the Aviva Stadium.  Also on the show, we discuss BT Sport's coverage of Billy Vunipola and the wider problem with certain journalism. Why did they decide to project that narrative?  Finally, there's some Avengers excitement, out-half breakdowns and attendance reflections.  Rate and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pocketcast etc. You can get in touch via @ballsdotie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or email thegaffer@balls.ie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.