Welcome back to What The Ruck for our first episode of 2026! We are kicking off the year with a massive guest as legendary Irish Times rugby journalist Gerry Thornley joins Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney in the studio.

In this episode, the lads dive straight into a hectic festive period of rugby, breaking down the recent European results for the Irish provinces. With the 2026 Six Nations just around the zone, the conversation turns to the growing Ireland injury list. From the front row crisis to the high-stakes battle for the Ireland number 10 jersey, Gerry and Dave analyze who has the form to step up for Andy Farrell.

Beyond the pitch, Gerry reflects on his illustrious career in the media, sharing stories from his favorite tournaments and the most memorable players and coaches he has interviewed over the decades. Plus, Dave pulls back the curtain on life in the dressing room, revealing what players really think about the media and how they handle the cameras.

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Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney return for the final episode of 2025 to break down a massive fortnight of European rugby. From Munster's statement win in Cork to the "French Procession" threatening the Champions Cup, the lads pull no punches on the current state of the game.

In the series finale of 2025, Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney dive deep into the opening rounds of the Investec Champions Cup. After a rocky start, Munster found their fire with a bonus-point win over Gloucester, but questions remain for the Irish provinces. Dave addresses the "weakened side" controversy and explains why the current format might be hurting the tournament’s prestige.

Plus, "Killer" takes us back to his battles with Clermont legend Davit Zirakashvili, revealing a hilarious story about how he ended up with a case of "Scrum Pox" thanks to the big Georgian prop.

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Former Ireland, Leinster, and Ulster back-row Jordi Murphy joins Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney for an unmissable chat on Episode 6 of What The Ruck. Get ready for the unfiltered stories you won't hear anywhere else. Jordi details his massive move from Leinster Rugby to Ulster Rugby to secure more starts and a regular spot in the national setup.

He chats about the emotion behind his career-changing ACL injury suffered in 2016 after scoring Ireland's opening try in the historic win against the All Blacks in Chicago. Jordi also speaks about his new career as a rugby agent and the transition to life after professional sport. Dave and Jordi also discuss their time as teammates in the Irish camp, and we put Jordi to the test to pick his dream pack from his provincial days.

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Dave and Luke are back for Episode 5 of talkSPORT Ireland's What The Ruck podcast!

In this must-listen episode, Dave gives his detailed verdict on Ireland's mixed Autumn Nations Series campaign. We dive deep into the performance of the Springboks in Dublin, with Dave dissecting just what made the South Africa side so impressive and physically dominant.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dave discusses Rassie Erasmus’ tactics, drawing parallels to the South Africa head coach's influential days with Munster Rugby. Did his provincial philosophy translate to World Cup success?

Looking ahead, the lads break down the long-term 2027 World Cup plan. What approach should Andy Farrell take when it comes to blooding new players? They discuss potential new options for the Ireland front row and debate the burning question on every Irish rugby fan's lips: Jack Crowley or Sam Prendergast for the future number 10 jersey?

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Get ready to see the side of Dave Kilcoyne you've never seen before!

In this week's deeply personal and entertaining episode, Luke sits down with the main man himself, 56-time Ireland international Dave Kilcoyne, to put the renowned Munster prop under the microscope. We get the real, unfiltered story of "Killer" from the very beginning.

Dave opens up on his incredible journey, starting with his earliest rugby memories at Ardscoil Rís, the influential coaches who shaped his career, and the challenging transition to becoming an an established Ireland international.

But it's not all about the scrum. Dave doesn't hold back, detailing the intense difficulties behind the scenes at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the moments that truly tested him, specifically addressing life under Joe Schmidt's strict regime.

Plus, you'll hear the side-splitting tales you won't find anywhere else:

• The greatest pranks he pulled during his playing days.
• The infamous time he had trouble with law enforcement after impersonating a member of the Garda during his early days at Munster.
• The hilarious story of stealing a drink from golf major winner Shane Lowry in a nightclub.
• A deep dive into the best characters he's ever shared a dressing room with.

If you're a fan of Munster Rugby, Ireland Rugby, or the Joe Schmidt era, this is a must-listen!

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In Episode 3 of What The Ruck, Irish rugby legend Brent Pope joins Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney for an unfiltered trip down memory lane. From the golden era of RTÉ punditry to the modern heartbreak of World Cup exits, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Brent opens up about his iconic (and often explosive) on-screen partnership with George Hook, revealing the truth behind their clashes and the friendship that underpinned the madness. The lads also debate the greatest foreign imports to ever grace the Irish provinces—who takes the top spot: Isa Nacewa, Doug Howlett, or Ruan Pienaar?

Plus, Dave Kilcoyne reflects on the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to the All Blacks.

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Simon Zebo holds nothing back in Episode 2 of What The Ruck!

The Irish rugby legend joins his old Munster teammate Dave Kilcoyne and host Luke Delaney for an incredibly honest chat about the highs and lows of his career.

Simon speaks openly about his shock at being sidelined by Joe Schmidt during the 2015 Rugby World Cup and reveals how he felt after being excluded from the Ireland squad when he moved to Racing 92 in the Top 14.

Plus, 'Killer' and 'Zebo' spill the beans on what the Munster camp was really like under Rassie Erasmus—the tactics, the culture, and the moments that defined that era. This is one you don't want to miss.

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