The Left Wing

Irish Independent

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered. From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

  • 57 minutes 39 seconds
    The Lions squad imbalance, Wednesday trial match & Ireland talent emerges
    Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley team up after a big weekend for both the Lions and Ireland, with both squads notching up wins but the Lions still face questions as to their standards ahead of the Test series with the Wallabies. Luke's experience in the warm-up fixtures, Joe Schmidt's thinking in Australia's preparations and a view towards the Ireland stars of the future are all on the menu in this week's Left Wing.

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    7 July 2025, 3:06 pm
  • 23 minutes 39 seconds
    Lions 21 Waratahs 10 | Andy Farrell won't be happy after error-filled display
    Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Sydney to react to the Lions' unconvincing 21-10 win over the Waratahs. With only two games remaining until the first Test against Australia, Andy Farrell won't be happy with the amount of handling errors on display. The lads discuss how Hugo Keenan fared on his tour debut, Tadhg Beirne's poor form and what the team might look like against the Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday. If you'd like to come along to the first edition of Indo Sport Football LIVE on August 6th, head over to Ticketmaster for information on how you can join us at Vicar Street ⚽️ https://www.ticketmaster.ie/indo-sport-podcast-dublin-06-08-2025/event/180062DA7A902048

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    5 July 2025, 12:43 pm
  • 27 minutes 58 seconds
    Lions emergency pod | The Owen Farrell bombshell & what comes next
    Will Slattery is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Sydney to react to Owen Farrell's shock call-up to the squad. While we were all sleeping in Ireland, news emerged that the English veteran has been added to Andy Farrell's touring party. Will and Ruaidhri debate whether the selection was justified, what impact Farrell might have on the tour and when he will make his tour debut.

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    3 July 2025, 12:57 pm
  • 59 minutes 19 seconds
    Lions Test team takes shape & Crowley v Prendergast starts again
    In a rare Monday switch-up, Cian Tracey dials in from Tbilisi as he, Will and Luke preview Ireland's fixtures in Georgia and Portugal. But first - there's plenty to sink our teeth into as the Lions turn their attention to their attention to their next game, against the Reds. The team break down what we have learned so far and ask what Andy Farrell's Test team will look like

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    30 June 2025, 11:34 am
  • 23 minutes 6 seconds
    Lions 54 Western Force 7: Joe McCarthy leads the charge for impressive Irish
    Will Slattery is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Perth to discuss the Lions' emphatic 54-7 win over the Western Force. Joe McCarthy's outstanding outing, Tadhg Beirne's struggles and the Henry Pollock experience are all up for discussion. Ruaidhri also brings up the possibility that Andy Farrell might play his strongest team in the Wednesday fixtures rather than follow the traditional Saturday schedule.

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    28 June 2025, 12:42 pm
  • 57 minutes 30 seconds
    Not everyone happy with 'green' Lions, Farrell vs Schmidt and the Irish advantage
    Will and Luke are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor before his departure to Australia to do a deep dive into the next six weeks of Lions action. The atmosphere in the Aviva Stadium last Friday night, the Joe Schmidt vs Andy Farrell battle and the Irish-heavy dynamic are all up for discussion. The brewing dispute of whether the Australia internationals will be available for warm-up games is also on the menu.

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    24 June 2025, 3:19 pm
  • 38 minutes 45 seconds
    Argentina 28 Lions 24: the winners & losers from shocking opener
    Will Slattery is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey to reflect on the Lions' shock loss to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium. Despite a packed crowd and a cracking atmosphere, a 'clunky' Lions performance was punished ruthlessly by Felipe Contepomi's men. The guys discuss the areas where the Lions fell short, Andy Farrell's ruthless assessment and the players who will be most worried after the opening night. Rugby on Indo Sport is brought to you by Energia.

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    21 June 2025, 9:30 am
  • 59 minutes 39 seconds
    Leinster's glory day, Ryan Baird's new role & was the season a success?
    Will and Luke are joined by Cian Tracey to break down Leinster's emphatic URC final win over the Bulls. Jack Conan's big performance, the emergence of Ryan Baird, Tommy O'Brien's potential and the Bulls' dreadful effort are all up for discussion. The panel also debate whether Leinster's season can be considered a success between their URC and Champions Cup campaigns.

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    17 June 2025, 1:34 pm
  • 21 minutes 10 seconds
    Leinster 32 Bulls 7 Instant Reaction: URC title sealed by electric start
    Leinster’s emphatic win over the Bulls in Croke Park has put an end to their trophyless spell. Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey give their live reaction from Croke Park on a day where the Irish province’s fast start set the tone. Rugby on Indo Sport is brought to you by Energia

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    14 June 2025, 9:06 pm
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    Should Sam Prendergast be dropped? | Bob Skinstad on how Bulls can target Leinster
    Will and Luke get the view from South Africa from former Springbok Bob Skinstad ahead of the URC final while Cian Tracey checks in from Portugal as Andy Farrell's Lions squad begin their preparations. Leinster's showdown with the Bulls, whether Sam Prendergast should start on Saturday and what Bulls coach Jake White might be planning are all on the menu.

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    10 June 2025, 7:25 pm
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Leinster's bad vibes, Munster's heartbreak & the return of Stuart Lancaster
    Will and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster legend Reggie Corrigan to discuss a dramatic URC quarter-final weekend and Stuart Lancaster's return to Irish rugby. Luke and Reggie look back on their brief crossover at Leinster during the Michael Cheika era before talk turns to the pressure Leo Cullen's side are under ahead of next weekend's semi-final against Glasgow. Munster's contentious penalty shootout defeat to the Sharks and the huge boost Connacht received with the Stuart Lancaster announcement is up for discussion too.

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    3 June 2025, 7:18 pm
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