VMTV Rugby Pod

Ireland captain Caelan Doris sat down with Stuart McAvoy on the Monday morning after Friday night's defeat to New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium. Doris gave a sense of the mood in the camp, what went wrong against the All Blacks the review process and the threats of Argentina this Friday night. 

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The dust has just about settled on Ireland's 23-13 defeat at the hands of New Zealand on Friday night at the Aviva. Rob Kearney was in studio for us on the night and having had the weekend to reflect on the match, he joins Stuart McAvoy on the VMTV Rugby Pod to discuss what went wrong for Ireland on the night. Rob also has his say on whether Andy Farrell will make many changes with Argentina in town this Friday.

Watch the Autumn Nations Series and the Men's, Women's and U20 Six Nations Championships live on Virgin Media Television.

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Rob Kearney, Matt Williams and Shane Horgan react in studio to New Zealand's 23-13 win over Ireland in Dublin in the Autumn Nations Series. The panel question Ireland's tactics in the game, what the result means for the group given Andy Farrell's imminent sabbatical with the Lions, and question was it the first time this squad missed Johnny Sexton in a big test. We also hear from Andy Farrell plus Ireland captain Caelan Doris and All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, while Andrew Trimble shares his thoughts from pitchside at the Aviva.

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A disappointing night for Ireland at the Aviva.

Match commentators Dave McIntyre & Alan Quinlan give their reaction from the gantry after full-time.

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Stuart McAvoy sits down with New Zealand back Damian McKenzie ahead of Friday night's mouth-watering clash at the Aviva Stadium between Ireland and the All Blacks!

McKenzie was about that match-winning kick against England, his kick procedure, the relationship with Beauden Barrett, working with Scott Robertson and whether New Zealand fear Ireland.

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The All Blacks in Dublin! What a way to kick-off the Autumn Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium! Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to preview the mouth-watering clash on the VMTV Rugby Pod!

Ireland v New Zealand is live on Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Play this Friday night.

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Ireland's New Zealand-born scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park speaks to Stuart McAvoy ahead of this Friday's opening Autumn Nations Series test against the All Blacks.

Speaking from Ireland's training camp in Portugal, the Leinster man discusses his journey to become an Irish international, how he feels playing against his birth country, his drive to improve and more.

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Andy Farrell named his squad for the Autumn Nations Series today so the VMTV Rugby Pod is back ahead of the November fixtures.

Stuart McAvoy is joined by Matt Williams & Alan Quinlan to discuss the Ireland squad, the World Rugby laws to be used in the tests, and Joe Schmidt's Australia.

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Irish Rugby Women's Head Coach Scott Bemand sat down with Stuart McAvoy ahead of his side's WXV1 campaign which kicks off this weekend against New Zealand in Vancouver.

Bemand also discussed changes in his coaching team, improving standards in the women's set-up, the return of Eimear Considine and targets for the season ahead.

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Munster and Ireland scrum-half Craig Casey spoke to Stuart McAvoy at the Munster Rugby Awards to reflect on his last year for club and country.

The 25-year-old also discussed his battle for the 9 jersey in red and green with Conor Murray, and his relationship with the 10s in Billy Burns and Jack Crowley.

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Munster Rugby vice-captain Aoife Corey spoke to Stuart McAvoy on the last 12 months of her career, becoming vice-captain, working with Fiona Hayes and the current state of women's rugby in Ireland.

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Munster and Ireland outhalf Jack Crowley sat down with Stuart McAvoy at the Munster Rugby Awards to look back on the last 12 months of his career.

Crowley discussed being the man to replace Johnny Sexton, his growth over the last year and the highs and lows of last season.

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Virgin Media Sport's Stuart McAvoy caught up with Tadhg Beirne at the Munster Rugby awards recently to discuss winning the Six Nations with Ireland, reaching a landmark 50th cap for his country and disappointments on the domestic and European fronts with Munster.

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What a way to win in South Africa! Ciaran Frawley's drop goal heroics gave Ireland a historic win over the world champions on Saturday in a thrilling contest in Durban. Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to dissect the win, performance and more.

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After a bruising first test defeat in Pretoria, Ireland and South Africa meet again this Saturday in Durban. Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to review that opening test and look ahead to this weekend's fixture. Matt also responds to the social media backlash following his comments on the Springboks use of their bench last week.

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It was a 27-20 win for the Springboks in Saturday's opening test against Ireland in Pretoria. Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to reflect on the physical battle, what the defeat means for Ireland and look ahead to the second test in Durban next weekend.

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What a way to return to international rugby! Ireland take on South Africa in Pretoria this Saturday in the first of two massive summer tests against the Springboks. Alan Quinlan and Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to preview the tour and the opening test here!

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It's Round 3 in the Guinness Women's Six Nations and Ireland face Wales on Saturday searching for a first win in the championship. Jenny Murphy and Fiona Hayes join Stuart McAvoy to preview the clash at Virgin Media Park as well Scotland v England and France v Italy.

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We're up and running in the Guinness Women's Six Nations with Ireland showing signs of promise despite a 38-17 defeat in France last weekend. Former Ireland internationals Jenny Murphy and Fiona Hayes join Stuart McAvoy to look back on Round 1 and ahead to this weekend's fixtures!

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Well, another Guinness Six Nations is in the book and it's another championship for Ireland. Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to reflect and discuss Saturday's game in Dublin, this year's championship, Andy Farrell, Peter O'Mahony and what's next for Ireland.

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Full reaction from the Aviva after Ireland win the 2024 Guinness Six Nations! Hear the thoughts of Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Matt Williams and Andrew Trimble plus interviews from Andy Farrell, Jamison Gibson-Park, Peter O'Mahony, Bundee Aki and Dan Sheehan!

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It's the final week of this Guinness Six Nations and there's a championship on the line in Dublin! Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to preview Ireland's showdown with Scotland at the Aviva with plenty of reaction to last weekend's defeat at Twickenham. The future of Peter O'Mahony is also discussed.

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Were the Irish supporters and media complacent ahead of Saturday's defeat at Twickenham? Rob Kearney suggests so as he reflects on the game with Stuart McAvoy. Kearney breaks down the winning and losing of the game as well as previewing this Saturday's championship showdown with Scotland in Dublin!

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It's the penultimate week of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations and there's so much on the line! Ireland head to Twickenham looking to move one game away from the historic feat of back-to-back Grand Slams! Scotland are in Rome hoping to set-up a championship decider in Dublin next week, while Wales take on France in Cardiff where both sides will be desperate for a win!

Stuart McAvoy is joined by Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams to discuss all the above and more!

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What a Round 3 in the Six Nations! Italy a couple of inches away from a win in France, Scotland beating England AGAIN, and Ireland taking one step closer towards back-to-back Grand Slams!

Matt Williams & Ian McKinley join Stuart McAvoy to discuss all of the above plus the performance of Ciaran Frawley against Wales, Finn Russell's form for Scotland, England's options at 10 and whether or not there's an arrogance growing in the Irish media.

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After the first down week, the Guinness Six Nations is back for Round 3 this weekend as Ireland take on Wales at the Aviva, Scotland host England in the Calcutta Cup and France welcome Italy.

Alan Quinlan joins Stuart McAvoy to preview the weekend as well as chat about the big news out of Ulster as it was announced Ireland U20 head coach Richie Murphy will take charge at the Kingspan Ravenhill after the Six Nations until the end of the season.

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Is the back-to-back Grand Slams on?? It's looking good for Ireland so far! A 36-0 win over Italy at the Aviva has Andy Farrell's side on course for the historic feat. Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to look back at all three games from Round 2 of the Guinness Six Nations.

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Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada speaks to Stuart McAvoy ahead of his side's clash with Ireland in Dublin on Sunday!

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He was excellent off the bench in Marseille on Friday night, even throwing in a grubber kick off the left boot! Now, Jack Conan will be eyeing more minutes in the weeks ahead starting with Italy this Sunday at the Aviva.

The Ireland and Leinster man sat down with Tommy Martin for an in-depth chat in between the France win and Italy game this week.

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What an opening weekend to the 2024 Guinness Six Nations! A phenomenal wiSix n for Ireland in Marseille, a narrow victory for England in Rome, and Scotland's first win in Cardiff in 22 years, just! Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to discuss all three games as well as look ahead to Round 2 this weekend! The Ireland U20s win over France on Saturday is also covered by the lads.

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Former Italian international and Leinster outhalf Ian McKinley joins Stuart McAvoy to reflect on Ireland's emphatic win over France in Marseille on Friday, focusing on the performances of Jack Crowley and Joe McCarthy. McKinley also gave his pre-match thoughts ahead of Italy's opener against England in Rome.

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A bonus episode for you! Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble hung around for an extra half an hour after our live coverage of Ireland's brilliant win in Marseille. The lads discuss Calvin Nash and Caelan Doris, who we both hear from here. The inevitable Grand Slam discussion given last night's result is also covered plus we also hear from France defence coach Shaun Edwards on what went wrong for the hosts in Marseille.

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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell sits down with Joe Molloy for an in-depth interview ahead of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

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It's back! And what a way to start! The 2024 Guinness Six Nation gets underway this Friday night with a mouth-watering clash between France and Ireland in Marseille! Stuart McAvoy is joined by Alan Quinlan and Matt Williams once again to preview the huge opening night fixture as well as discuss the ins and outs both squads since the World Cup. Saturday's games between Italy v England and Wales v Scotland are also covered, as well as Joe Schmidt's appointment as Australia head coach.

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That magical time of year is nearly upon us! This week, we were at the Six Nations launch at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Stuart caught up with Peter O'Mahony, Andy Farrell, Gareth Davies, Warren Gatland, Rory Darge, Gregor Townsend, Michele Lamaro, Gonzalo Quesada and Steve Borthwick! Storm Isha prevented France making it to Dublin as well England captain Jamie George.

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Back-to-back World Champions! And what a way to do it! South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday night in Paris in absolutely thrilling World Cup Final. Rob Kearney, Matt Williams and Shane Horgan were in our studios for the game and give their post-match reaction here along with post-match interviews from Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Jacques Nienaber and Beauden Barrett.

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While South Africa's triumph over England in Saturday's World Cup semi-final wasn't easy on the eye, it was an absolute classic in terms of intrigue and drama. Fiona Hayes joins Stuart McAvoy to discuss several of the big talking points from Saturday night in Paris including what South Africa do at outhalf for the final, Ben O'Keeffe's performance and England's style of play. New Zealand's much more straight-forward win over Argentina in the other semi is also covered as is the big question, who is favourite for the Rugby World Cup Final?

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What a game! South Africa are through to a second World Cup Final in a row after beating England 16-15 at the Stade de France in a crazy semi-final! Handré Pollard's 78th minute clutch penalty put the Springboks into the lead for the very first time in the game! Rob Kearney, Matt Williams and Ian Madigan were in the Virgin Media Television studio for the game and give their post-match thoughts here with Joe Molloy

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The dust has settled on Ireland's World Cup exit and it's time to reflect fully on what went wrong last Saturday night in Paris. Was it fatigue? Were New Zealand just brilliant? Are Ireland really just cursed? Alan Quinlan and Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy on the latest episode of the VMTV Rugby Pod to discuss this as well as look ahead to this weekend's World Cup semi-finals!

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Ireland's World Cup dreams end with quarter-final heartbreak, again. New Zealand's 28-24 win in Paris finished of Irish hope and finished the careers of Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls. Joe Molloy, Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan and Matt Williams react to the night here.

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There are dozens of ways to hype up this Saturday night in Paris, but quite simply, it's the biggest game in Irish rugby history. Ireland v New Zealand at the Stade de France is the highlight of quarter-final weekend at the Rugby World Cup and we've got the big match preview right here! Matt Williams and Fiona Hayes join Stuart McAvoy to build-up to the mouth-watering contest.

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A bonus episode of the VMTV Rugby Pod after Ireland beat Scotland 36-14 in Paris to secure top spot in Pool B at the Rugby World Cup. After they wrapped up our live studio coverage on Virgin Media One, Joe Molloy was joined by Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan and Matt Williams to discuss Ireland's impressive win over the Scots, the cameo of Jack Crowley and next week's huge quarter-final against New Zealand.

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It's the final weekend of the Pool Stages at the Rugby World Cup and it's all on the line in Pool B on Saturday night in Paris! Ireland take on Scotland at the Stade de France knowing that they will top the group if they avoid defeat or lose by four points or fewer to the Scots. Andy Farrell's side can also top the pool on the head-to-head rule if they get get a losing bonus point and Scotland do not get a bonus point. But, Ireland will be sent packing if they lose without a bonus point.

Rory Lawson is this week's special guest on the VMTV Rugby Pod and joins Alan Quinlan and Stuart McAvoy to preview the game. Join us live on Virgin Media One from 7pm Saturday for our live coverage of Ireland v Scotland. 

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31 Ireland caps. Two Six Nations titles. Two Champion Cups. Two Pro 12 Titles. One Challenge Cup. Over 1000 career points. It's not a bad innings is it? Ian Madigan announced his retirement from rugby on September 20 after a fantastic career in the game that took him from the schools system to the very top of international test rugby. The 34-year-old sits down with Stuart McAvoy to look back on his career and discuss what's next for him going forward.

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Yep, we're still talking about that epic game between South Africa v Ireland in Paris! We're delighted to have World Cup winning Springbok Butch James join the pod for this episode alongside Alan Quinlan and Stuart McAvoy! The lads discuss the game itself, how both teams will now approach the rest of the tournament, Rassie's tricks and more.

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The country is just about getting it's breath back after Saturday night. Ireland v South Africa was a game three years in the making and it did not disappoint for a single second! Alan Quinlan joins Stuart McAvoy to look back on a night in Paris that will live long in the minds of Irish sporting fans and rugby fans all over the world!

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It's already Week 3 in the Rugby World Cup and the talking points just keep on coming! Stuart McAvoy is joined by Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan to discuss what Sunday's defeat to Fiji means for Australian Rugby and whether it leaves Eddie Jones on the brink of being sacked already. South Africa's 7-1 split on their bench for this Saturday's game against Ireland is also debated with Matt sharing his strong views around the potential dangers it could cause.

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After two bonus victories against Romania and Tonga so far in France, are Ireland ready to face the Springboks on Saturday night? Rob Kearney, Matt Williams and Andrew Trimble preview the huge fixtures with Joe Molloy in the Virgin Media Television studios.

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The VMTV Rugby Pod is back and what a treat we've got today! Both Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy in studio for the first time! The trio look back on Week 1 of the Rugby World Cup and ahead to Week 2 starting with last night's gripping game between Uruguay and France. Andy Farrell's strong team selection to face Tonga is discussed at length. Plus, Matt Williams heaps praise on England, yep really!

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It was a happy opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup for Ian McKinley as both Ireland and Italy got their campaigns up and running with convincing wins over Romania and Namibia respectively. The former Italian international joined Stuart McAvoy to look back on both games as well as England's win over Argentina on Saturday night.

Watch the Rugby World Cup live on Virgin Media Television.

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Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park sits down with Tommy Martin just days away from making his Rugby World Cup debut against Romania in Bordeaux.

The 31-year-old talks to Tommy about the journey from growing up in Great Barrier Island to representing Ireland on the world stage, his initial struggles having first arrived in Ireland and how he's grown under Andy Farrell.

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The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend and what a way to start France v New Zealand on Friday night! Alan Quinlan and Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to look ahead to a mouth-watering Round 1 of the tournament. The lads discuss what team Andy Farrell should pick to face Romania on Saturday, if Argentina are the favourites against England on Sunday, and whether we're all forgetting about Scotland when discussing Ireland's pool. Watch the Rugby World Cup live on Virgin Media Television.

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The VMTV Rugby Podcast is back for the Rugby World Cup! In our first RWC episode, Alan Quinlan and Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to share their thoughts on the 33-man squad Andy Farrell named on Sunday afternoon, as well as discuss how Ireland have looked in their warm-up games ahead of the tournament.

South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France and England are all discussed too before the lads give their 2023 World Cup predictions!

Watch the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup live on Virgin Media Television.

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It's Round 3 in the TikTok Women's Six Nations this weekend with three massive games in the championship! Eimear Considine and Fiona Hayes join Stuart McAvoy to look back on the opening two rounds of the tournament as well as ahead Ireland's game against Italy in Parma on Saturday.

Having lost the their first two games, the guys also discuss what the implications would be for the Irish squad in the upcoming WXV competition should Greg McWilliams' squad finish last.

#TikTokW6N

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What a weekend it was for Irish rugby! Two Grand Slams from two very special days in Dublin and Cork. Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to look back on Ireland's brilliant triumph in the Guinness Six Nations, discuss the legacy Johnny Sexton has had on Irish rugby and look ahead to the Rugby World Cup in September.

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From watching the 2009 Grand Slam with a bag of chips to being on the brink of winning his second one in five years. Andrew Porter has been brilliant once again in this Six Nations and the Ireland prop sat down with Stuart McAvoy ahead of Saturday's Grand Slam decider against England.

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History beckons for Ireland on St Patrick's Weekend in Dublin! Andy Farrell's side are chasing Grand Slam glory against England at the Aviva on Saturday evening and Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to look ahead to the game!

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It's Round 4 of the Guinness Six Nations this weekend and we've got brilliant contests to preview! Delighted to have current Ulster and former Leinster & Ireland outhalf Ian Madigan on along with our usual trio of Alan Quinlan, Matt Williams & Stuart McAvoy! The action starts with Italy v Wales in Rome in a Six Nations game that the Italians go into as favourites for the first time in a long long time! Following that we've got Le Crunch at Twickenham! With Owen Farrell dropped, this one presents a huge opportunity for Marcus Smith who starts at 10 against the French. And on Sunday, Andy Farrell's Grand Slam chasing Ireland are in Edinburgh to face a Scotland who will be full of confidence despite their defeat to France in Round 3.

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Full of craic. Full of energy. Full of insight. James Lowe is a man with Grand Slam ambitions on his mind as a key figure in this current Ireland squad. Stuart McAvoy sat down with Ireland's flying Kiwi after the squad's open training session at the Aviva Stadium to chat about this year's Six Nations, improving his game, New Zealand and more.

#GuinnessSixNations #IrishRugby

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Ireland's Grand Slam ambitions are very much alive after Round 3 of the Guinness Six Nations saw Andy Farrell's side record a 34-20 win over Italy in Rome! In Cardiff however it was more misery for Wales who suffered their third straight defeat in the championship at the hands of England in a game that won't live long in the memory. Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to review both of Saturday's games and look ahead to the huge tie of Scotland v Ireland in two weeks time.

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After the first fallow week of the championship the Six Nations is back with a bang this weekend for Round 3! Ireland take on Italy in Rome hoping to keep their Grand Slam dreams alive and it was brilliant to have Italian international Sebastian Negri join the show this week, despite some dodgy WiFi in the Azzurri hotel! Negri looks ahead to the game and chats to the lads about the improvements we've seen in Italy recently. Wales v England goes ahead on Saturday evening after another turbulent week for Welsh Rugby while Scotland are in Paris on Sunday looking to keep their own Grand Slam hopes alive against a France side looking to bounce back from defeat in Dublin. Matt Williams & Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy as always to chat about all three games and more.

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There may be no Six Nations this weekend, but there's still plenty to talk about on the VMTV Rugby Pod! Another crisis in Welsh Rugby, Hugo Keenan's new contract, the state of play in the Six Nations so far and a look ahead to Round 3 are all covered!

As always, Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy as well as former Italy international Ian McKinley who joins the show this week.

The lads discuss all of the topics above and more in this week's episode.

#GuinnessSixNations | #VMTVRugby

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What a start to the 2023 Guinness Six Nations we witness last weekend! Ireland looking good in Cardiff. The Scots beating England (again)! And Italy pushing France to the limit in Rome!

Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy as always along with former Ireland & Leinster back-row Dan Leavy who makes his first appearance on the pod to look back on Round 1 and ahead to another huge weekend.

Scotland v Wales is our live game on Virgin Media One after Ireland's massive game with France in Dublin. Meanwhile on Sunday, England will look to get their competition up and running against what looks a much improved Italy.

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It's the opening weekend of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations and what a way to start! Ireland take on Wales in Cardiff in the opening game of the championship before a no-doubt feisty Calcutta Cup in Twickenham on Saturday afternoon! On Sunday, defending champions France are in Rome to take on an Italy side looking to build on an encouraging 2022. Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to preview all three games and more in this latest episode of the VMTV Rugby Pod.

If you enjoy this episode don't forget to like & subscribe!

#GuinnessSixNations #Rugby #SixNationsRugby #RugbyUnion

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The VMTV Rugby Pod is back for the first time in 2023! Matt Williams & Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to give their reaction to Andy Farrell's Ireland squad for the Guinness Six Nations which was named this morning. The big news from the squad was that Joey Carbery misses out with Ross Byrne & Jack Crowley being named alongside Johnny Sexton as the three players for out-half.

If you enjoy the podcast please like and subscribe to continue listening for the year ahead!

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Ireland's win over Australia on Saturday night saw Andy Farrell's get through the Autumn Nations Series with a 100% record and remain World No.1 at the end of the year.

Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy once again to dissect Saturday night's game from an Ireland and Aussie point of view. The Nic White incident which has caused much debate since the weekend is also discussed, as well as Jack Crowley and Ross Byrne, who both staked their claim to be Johnny Sexton's back-up at next year's Rugby World Cup.

#VMTVRugby #Rugby #RugbyUnion

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It's Round 3 of the Autumn Nations Series this weekend and Ireland host Australia at the Aviva on Saturday night under the lights! Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to look ahead to the test and discuss how selection, form, weather and more will play a part! Andy Farrell's blunt reaction to his side's win over Fiji last weekend is also covered. Ireland v Australia is live on Virgin Media Two this Saturday from 7pm!

#IREvAUS | #ANS

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The VMTV Rugby Pod is back ahead of Round 2 of the Autumn Nations Series!

Matt Williams & Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to look back on Ireland's epic win over South Africa on Saturday and discuss what changes they'd like to see against Fiji. Matt & Alan also debate whether Joey Carbery has had his chance in an Ireland jersey. Also covered is England's defeat to Argentina and Finn Russell's return to the Scotland squad.

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The VMTV Rugby Pod is back for the Autumn Nations Series! Matt Williams & Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to look ahead to Ireland v South Africa this Saturday at the Aviva! The lads discuss what would be a successful Autumn for Andy Farrell over the next three weeks. Friday's Ireland 'A' game vs an All Blacks XV is also covered as well as Gregor Townsend's decision to leave Finn Russell out of the Scotland squad this month.

#AutumnNationsSeries

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It's quarter-final time in the Heineken Champions Cup with a packed weekend of fixtures coming up! Leicester vs Leinster! Munster vs Toulouse! La Rochelle vs Montpellier! Racing 92 vs Sale!

Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to preview all four games plus react to the news of Mike Prendergast's return to Munster!

Watch Racing 92 vs Sale Sharks live this Sunday on Virgin Media Two!

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It's the final weekend of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations and a Super Saturday beckons! Ireland take on Scotland at the Aviva on Saturday afternoon. Should they win, they'll be hoping for a massive favour from England in Paris later that night to secure a Six Nations Championship, although Grand Slam chasing France will be absolutely determined in front of their home crowd. Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to preview all three games of the weekend here.

Watch Ireland vs Scotland live on Virgin Media One this Saturday!

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Round 4 already and a massive weekend ahead! Stuart McAvoy is joined as always by Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams to preview all three games! On Friday, Grand Slam chasers France are in Cardiff in a huge opener to the weekend. Saturday's double header sees Scotland in Rome up first to take on an Italian side desperate for a win. Then, the big one, England vs Ireland at Twickenham! Enjoy the show and please like and subscribe, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Alan Quinlan and Matt Williams join Stuart McAvoy to look ahead to a huge weekend in the Guinness Six Nations! Ireland are in Paris to take on France in what many feel could be a Championship decider already! Big news came from the Ireland camp yesterday when it was announced Joey Carbery will start at 10 in place of the injured Johnny Sexton. The fact that the match will see Carbery make his first start in a Six Nations game makes Matt Williams question whether Ireland have mismanaged their out-half situation in recent years.

Also on Saturday we've got Wales hosting Scotland while on Sunday, England are in Rome looking for their first win of the competition. The lads discuss all this and more in the episode. 

Watch the Men's, Women's and U20s Six Nations Championships live on Virgin Media Television.

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What an opening weekend! Wins for Ireland, Scotland and France. Some soul searching for Wales and England. Enjoy our Guinness Six Nations Round 1 review with Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Alan Quinlan, Sene Naoupu and Matt Williams! Also featuring interviews from Mack Hansen, Stuart Hogg, Gregor Townsend and Eddie Jones.

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It's Six Nations week at last! Round 1 of the Men's competition sees Ireland host Wales, England travel up to Murrayfield and France looking for a strong start vs Italy. VMTV Rugby pundits Rob Kearney, Alan Quinlan and Matt Williams join Joe Molloy for our preview show to discuss all three games as well as give their overall predictions for the tournament.

Scotland vs England is our live game on Virgin Media One this Saturday.

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It's a big week in Irish rugby! Andy Farrell named his squad for the upcoming Six Nations on Wednesday, with not too many surprises. While this weekend, the four provinces will be looking to finish their Heineken Champions Cup pool stage campaigns on a high note. Leinster are in Bath on Saturday, our live game on Virgin Media Two. Already qualified Munster welcome Wasps, while Clermont will be in Belfast to take on Ulster who have also already secured their spot in the last 16. Sunday sees a huge game for Connacht as they take on Stade Francais in Paris.

Matt Williams & Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy once again to discuss all of the above and more!

Watch the Heineken Champions Cup and Guinness Six Nations live on Virgin Media Television.

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The Heineken Champions Cup is back for Round 3! After a hectic festive period full of postponed games and plenty of talking points, particularly in Munster, Alan Quinlan and Matt Williams look ahead to ahead to this weekend with Stuart McAvoy. The contracts situation at Munster is covered, as well as their trip to France to take Castres on Friday night. The lads also reflect on the postponed fixtures from Round 2 and whether or not Leinster's 28-0 defeat to Montpellier was unfair given other games were settled as draws, Leo Cullen's side host the French club on Sunday which is also covered. Ulster are also in action on Sunday as they take on Northampton at Franklin's Gardens while Connacht host Leicester on Saturday. Before they wrap up, Stuart quizzes Alan and Matt to each pick a player who could force his way into his national team in the coming weeks ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.

Wasps vs Toulouse is live on Virgin Media Two this Saturday!

Watch the Heineken Champions Cup and Guinness Six Nations live on Virgin Media Television.

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What a week it's been! Round 1 of the Heineken Champions Cup did not disappoint with four wins for the Irish provinces, notably Munster's young guns at Wasps and Ulster in France! Since then, Munster head coach Johann van Graan has announced his departure at the end of the season, kicking off the rumour mill of a ROG return to Thomond! The women's game in Ireland has been in the headlines after a letter sent to government by 62 players criticising the IRFU. Looking ahead to this weekend, Ulster host Northampton on Friday while on Saturday Leinster are in Montpellier and Munster welcome Castres, with Connacht heading to Leicester for a game on Sunday. Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to discuss all the above!

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It's the most wonderful time of the year! Yep, the Heineken Champions Cup is back! Stuart McAvoy is joined by former Leinster, Scotland & Ulster head coach Matt Williams and Munster legend Alan Quinlan to preview Round 1 of the competition.

Cardiff Blues vs Toulouse is our first live game of the campaign this Saturday on Virgin Media Two.

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It's Part 2 of our Heineken Champions Cup preview show and we've plenty more big names to bring you! Starting with the Gallagher Premiership sides, Stuart McAvoy spoke to Leicester Tigers duo Ellis Genge & Steve Borthwick, Exeter's Rob Baxter & Jack Yeandle, Harlequins pair Tabai Matson & Stephan Lewies ahead of their respective Champions Cup openers! We then head to France as Stuart speaks to La Rochelle's Ronan O'Gara & Tawara Kerr-Barlow.

Watch the Heineken Champions Cup live on Virgin Media Television.

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It's that time of year again! European rugby is back! The 2021/22 Heineken Champions Cup kicks off this weekend! Ahead of the opening round, Stuart McAvoy caught up with captains and coaches from Leinster, Ulster and Connacht! Up first are Ulster duo Dan Soper and Iain Henderson, who Stuart spoke to just days after their massive win over Leinster in the URC. Watch the Heineken Champions Cup live on Virgin Media Television.

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Well, after what was at times a gruelling few weeks, the Lions tour of South Africa ended in defeat on Saturday night as the Springboks won the final test in Cape Town. Matt Williams joins Stuart McAvoy here to review the decider and look back on tour as a whole.

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We're set for a big finish to this series on Saturday and we're delighted to be joined by some South African firepower ahead of the final test! Stefan Terblanche joins Stuart to preview the decider in Cape Town and give his thoughts on the series as a whole. The former Sharks, Ospreys & Ulster man also discusses his own career and life after rugby.

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This hectic, crazy, unique tour is set to have a thrilling finish as the Lions and South Africa go head-to-head with the series on the line this Saturday night! Matt Williams joins Stuart McAvoy here to look back at the Springboks impressive win last weekend as well as react to the midweek team news and look ahead to a huge night in Cape Town this Saturday.

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Another special guest on the pod this week! A World Cup winner in 2007 and part of the Springboks side who beat the Lions in 2009, South African legend Ruan Pienaar joins Stuart McAvoy for a chat. Ruan gives his thoughts on the Lions win in the opening test and what he expects from South Africa in the second game this Saturday. Rassie Erasmus' Twitter antics are discussed of course as is Ruan's love of Ravenhill, Belfast and Ulster Rugby.

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The test series is up and running it was the Lions who took opening game in Cape Town on Saturday night! Matt Williams is back to dissect the match and look ahead to the second test with both sides naming their teams this afternoon. Rassie Erasmus' Twitter antics are also discussed plus much much more!

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The first test is nearly upon us! And we've got a real special treat on the pod as World Cup winner and former South African Player of the Year Gurthrö Steenkamp joins Stuart McAvoy to preview Saturday's opener in Cape Town!

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After a hectic and dramatic warm-up schedule, it's finally time for the first test between the British & Irish Lions and South Africa! Warren Gatland has sprung a number of surprises in his line-up for the opening game of the series, with Conor Murray left out of the starting XV despite being named captain while Alun Wyn Jones was out. Luke Cowan-Dickie & Duhan van der Merwe's inclusion may surprise a few while of the Irish contingent, Tadhg Furlong, Jack Conan & Robbie Henshaw get the nod, with Tadhg Beirne joining Murray on the bench. Matt Williams joins Stuart McAvoy here to run through the Lions team and South Africa's more predictable XV.

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Matt Williams joins Stuart McAvoy once again to assess the latest from South Africa! The Lions suffered their first defeat of the tour on Wednesday night to an impressive South Africa 'A' side. Matt & Stu review the performance of both teams as a whole as well as a number of individuals, notably Conor Murray & Owen Farrell. With Saturday bringing the final warm-up game ahead of the series vs the Springboks, the lads discuss who is in a good position to start that opening test.

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Stuart McAvoy & Matt Williams are back to preview the Lions first real test on the tour of South Africa, an absolutely stacked South Africa 'A' side that features 18 World Cup winners in the squad! The rumours that Alun Wyn Jones could make a miraculous return to the tour and the impact that could have for Iain Henderson is also discussed. Plus, Matt gives his thoughts on the call-up of Marcus Smith as cover for the injured Finn Russell, which meant Johnny Sexton was snubbed yet again by Warren Gatland.

Watch highlights of every game from the British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa on Virgin Media Two.

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Stuart McAvoy & Matt Williams are back and with the Lions now settled in South Africa the lads reflect on that tour opening win vs the Emirates Lions on Saturday. Plus with the news that Iain Henderson will captain the Lions on Wednesday night vs the Sharks, Stuart and former Ulster head coach Matt discuss the leadership Henderson brings. The continually worrying Covid-19 situation in South Africa is also discussed as at the time of recording (Tuesday morning) rumours were beginning to come out that South Africa's game vs Georgia on Friday was under threat as well as the Lions game on Saturday.

Watch highlights of every game from the Lions tour of South Africa on Virgin Media Two.

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The Lions are well settled in South Africa now and just days away from the opening game of the tour! Stuart McAvoy speaks to Matt Williams here on the big news this week that Conor Murray is the new Lions captain in place of Alun Wyn Jones. The lads also look back on last weekend's win over Japan, particularly how the Irish contingent performed. Plus we hear from Stuart Hogg on his pride at being named captain for this Saturday's game vs the Emirates Lions. The potential roles of Louis Rees-Zammit, Finn Russell, Owen Farrell and more are also covered as is South Africa's opening warm-up game vs Georgia, which takes place on Friday and is live on Virgin Media Two.

Watch highlights of every game from the Lions tour of South Africa on Virgin Media Two.

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With the British & Irish Lions first game of the summer taking place this Saturday vs Japan, former Ireland & Lions winger Shane Horgan spoke with Stuart McAvoy to preview the upcoming tour of South Africa. Horgan also revealed his thoughts on who should start at 10, 12 & 13, the Irish contingent in the squad, and the honour of being selected for a Lions tour.

Watch the Lions take on Japan this Saturday live on Virgin Media Two. Highlights of every game from the tour of South Africa will also be aired on Virgin Media Two.

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Matt Williams & Alan Quinlan join Dave McIntyre to look back on Ireland's phenomenal performance against England at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday. Plus, France's last-gasp win over Wales later that night is discussed as well as the final game of the Championship this Friday night as Scotland head to Paris.

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Well well well. Ireland saved their best performance for last in this Six Nations Championship as they hammered England 32-18 at the Aviva on Saturday evening! After the final whistle, Sinéad Kissane was pitchside and caught up with Johnny Sexton, Andy Farrell and an emotional CJ Stander on what was his final game in an Ireland jersey. Back in studio, Ronan O'Gara & Shane Horgan dissected the performance and what it means going forward for this Ireland team, with ROG also paying tribute to CJ Stander's Irish & Munster legacy. Back at Lansdowne, Shane Jennings & Alan Quinlan, who were on commentary duty for the game, gave their post-match thoughts to Sinéad.

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It's Round 5 in the Guinness Six Nations and this Saturday we've got a triple header on what should be the final day of the championship! Scotland v Italy open the day before England arrive to the Aviva to take on Ireland. The attention then turns to Paris for a massive game! A Wales win would see a clean sweep for Wayne Pivac's side, but should France win however, the tournament stays open ahead of their rescheduled game vs Scotland to take place!

Dave McIntyre, Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams preview the weekend action here, discuss Andy Farrell's team selection which sees James Lowe replaced by Jacob Stockdale & Conor Murray return. The lads also react to the news of CJ Stander's retirement announcement.

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Ireland's 2021 Guinness Six Nations looks a lot better thanks to a late win at Murrayfield. Having analysed the game in our live coverage, here Joe Molloy asks Ronan O'Gara, Shane Jennings & Matt Williams to discuss and assess Andy Farrell's performance as Ireland head coach so far.

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Dave McIntyre is joined by Alan Quinlan & Matt Williams to preview a massive weekend in the Guinness Six Nations. Up first, Ireland's trip to Edinburgh on Sunday to face a Scotland side that will no doubt fancy their chances of a home win. Before that however, France head to Twickenham for Le Crunch, taking on an England side with plenty of questions still left to answer in this championship.

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Plenty to talk about ahead of Round 3 of the Guinness Six Nations with the postponement of France v Scotland being confirmed just before we start recording! Sinéad Kissane runs through the Ireland team to face Italy that includes an all-Leinster backline. Matt Williams & Alan Quinlan discuss the problems with Ireland's attack, while the other massive game this weekend, Wales v England, is also previewed. The lads also pay tribute to the late Gary Halpin, following the passing of the former Ireland international this week.

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