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Independentie

News [1]
Opinion [2]
Business [3]
Sport [4]
Life [5]
Style [7]
Entertainment [8]
Travel [9]

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The Left Wing

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and special guests brings you the best rugby news, analysis and exclusive interviews every week on Independent.ie.

The Left Wing Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.

March 2023

Garry Ringrose of Ireland makes a break during the Six Nations match against Scotland

The Left Wing: Ringrose & Henderson out for Saturday’s Grand Slam finale – Rúaidhrí O’Connor with the Ireland squad update

Garry Ringrose and Iain Henderson will be missing from the Ireland squad to face England in their Grand Slam decider this Saturday due to injuries suffered against Scotland.

Scotland Head coach Gregor Townsend, left, and Finn Russell have had plenty of ups and downs together. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: The view from Scotland - Ireland rivalry, project players and Russell vs Townsend

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery is joined by BBC Scotland journalist Andy Burke to look ahead to Sunday's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

Former Scotland out-half Dan Parks in action against Ireland in 2010. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ex-Scotland outhalf Dan Parks on their chances against Ireland and the importance of Finn Russell

Continuing the Left Wing’s countdown to Sunday’s Six Nations game between Scotland and Ireland, Sinéad Kissane spoke to a man who played outhalf for Scotland, and also for Connacht.

Ian Madigan is trying to break back into the Ulster starting team. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ian Madigan on Ireland's Grand Slam bid, maverick out-halves and Ulster's season

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ulster out-half Ian Madigan to look ahead to Scotland vs Ireland and discuss Ulster's season to date.

Ireland will need to contain Finn Russell if they want to beat Scotland. Adam Davy/PA Wire.

The Left Wing: Ireland's room to improve, the Finn Russell enigma and Leo Cullen's future

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey look back on Ireland's dramatic win in Italy.

February 2023

Ross Byrne is set for his first Six Nations start against Italy. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ross Byrne's big chance, Wales chaos and Ian McKinley on Italy's improvement

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former Italy international Ian McKinley to look ahead to Ireland vs Italy.

The Left Wing: Stephen Aboud and the inside track on Italian rugby

As part of the Left Wing’s countdown to Saturday’s Six Nations game between Italy and Ireland in Rome, Sinéad Kissane spoke to an Irishman with the inside track on the development of Italian Rugby.

Joey Carbery is back in the Ireland squad. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Joey Carbery returns to Ireland fold as preparations for Italy ramp up

Doubts over Johnny Sexton's fitness for Saturday's clash with Italy in Rome have resulted in Joey Carbery earning a recall to the Ireland squad and Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane on today’s Left Wing podcast with the latest news.

James Lowe celebrates Ireland's win over France. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland run riot, the return of James Ryan and Wayne Barnes' mistake

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on Ireland's dramatic win over France.

11 February 2023; Garry Ringrose of Ireland celebrates on his way to scoring his side's fourth try during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Reaction from the Aviva after Ireland's victory over France in Six Nations

Well, what a classic we’ve just watched here at the Aviva Stadium.

12 February 2022; James Ryan of Ireland in action against Gael Fickou of France during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Impressive Ireland, English problems and France test looms

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley to look back on the opening weekend of the Six Nations.

Stuart McCloskey of Ireland is tackled by Taulupe Faletau, 12, and Josh Adams, right, of Wales during the Six Nations clash in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland squad update - Triple injury blow with Furlong, Gibson-Park & Healy out

It’s a triple blow for Ireland on the injury front as they prepare for their Grand Slam decider against France this Saturday.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, left, and forwards coach Paul O'Connell during the Ireland rugby captain's run at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: The view from the camps with Paul O’Connell & Ken Owens

Sinéad Kissane has this latest report for the Left Wing podcast from Wales ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations opening clash in Cardiff.

Warren Gatland is looking to spring a Six Nations surprise against Ireland on Saturday. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Irish expectations, the number 12 'debate' and the Warren Gatland wildcard

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley and Welsh broadcaster Ross Harries to preview the Six Nations.

January 2023

Warren Gatland is back as Wales head coach for another Six Nations. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland squad update, Warren Gatland's mind games and Andy Farrell's starting team

It’s opening week of the 2023 Six Nations and the Left Wing podcast is bringing you extra shows throughout the championship.

Ross Byrne (left) has replaced Joey Carbery in the Ireland squad. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: The Joey Carbery decision, Champions Cup drama and rugby's drastic tackle change

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on the final round of Champions Cup pool games and to look ahead to the Six Nations.

18 January 2023; Head coach Graham Rowntree during a Munster rugby squad training session at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Permutations, possibilities and some big Champions Cup selection calls

It’s the final round of pool games in the Champions Cup this weekend and Sinéad Kissane is joined by Cian Tracey on the latest Left Wing podcast to discuss the team news and possible permutations for the Irish provinces.

Joey Carbery, right with Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Ireland’s Six Nations squad reaction - Andy Farrell’s shock decision to cut Joey Carbery

Munster’s Joey Carbery has been axed from Ireland’s Six Nations squad which was announced by Andy Farrell today.

Andy Farrell names his Six Nations squad on Thursday morning. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Andy Farrell's Six Nations dilemma, central contracts and the return of Eddie Jones

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to look ahead to the Ireland Six Nations squad announcement and the final round of Champions Cup pool games.

Conor Murray's omission is the big talking point from the Munster team news. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing Extra: Conor Murray dropped, Garry Ringrose returns and a huge test for Ulster

Sinéad Kissane looks ahead to Round 3 of this weekend’s Champions Cup action with the Irish Independent’s Rúaidhrí O’Connor and the big news is that Conor Murray has been dropped from the Munster squad to face Northampton in Thomond Park.

Dan Sheehan has had a busy season so far with Leinster and Ireland. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Dan Sheehan's minutes, South African travel and should more players follow Ben Healy's lead?

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to discuss all the latest rugby news.

Johnny Sexton picked up a facial injury aganst Connacht on New Year's Day. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Johnny Sexton's injury, Irish Six Nations bolters and why size matters

On the first episode of The Left Wing in 2023, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to discuss all the latest rugby news.

December 2022

Johnny Sexton is set to feature off the bench for Leinster. Image: Sportsfile.

The Left Wing podcast: Champions Cup weekend preview with Sinéad Kissane & Rúaidhrí O’Connor

It’s round two of the Champions Cup this weekend and Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing podcast to look ahead to the games involving the Irish provinces with all the latest team news.

James Lowe and Leinster were in scintillating form against Racing 92 in the Champions Cup last week

The Left Wing: Leinster hit top form, atrocious Ulster and Munster's project continues

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley to discuss the opening round of the Champions Cup.

Leinster are looking to avenge last season's defeat in the Champions Cup final against La Rochelle. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Champions Cup kick off, Eddie Jones' exit and Warren Gatland returns

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to discuss all the latest rugby news.

November 2022

England head coach Eddie Jones is under pressure to keep his job. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Crucial period for provinces, Leinster's centre dilemma and is it the end for Eddie Jones?

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to assess where the Irish provinces stand heading into a crucial period of the season.

Ronan O'Gara is on a three-man shortlist to be the next England head coach. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Left Wing: Rating Ireland's November, Gregor Townsend vs Finn Russell and Ronan O'Gara to England?

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O’Connor to review the November internationals.

Josh van der Flier with the World Rugby Player of the Year award. (Photo by Dave Rogers - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

The Left Wing podcast exclusive: Josh van der Flier, Johnny Sexton and Andy Farrell from the World Rugby Awards

To cap off an incredible 2022 for Irish rugby, Josh van der Flier picked up the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year and Terry Kennedy the Men's Sevens Player of the Year, and for this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane was in Monaco to hear from the winners.

Ireland's Bundee Aki (fourth right) is congratulated by team-mates after scoring their side's first try during the Autumn International match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin

The Left Wing Live: Post-Match reaction to Ireland’s scrappy 13-10 win over Australia

Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane from the Aviva Stadium minutes after the final whistle with his post-match reaction to Ireland’s 13-10 victory over Australia.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Left Wing Ireland team reaction: McCloskey keeps his place and McCarthy gets the nod

Andy Farrell has named the Ireland team to face Australia in the last of their autumn internationals and Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Will Slattery to analyse the starting XV and replacements and he doesn’t agree with the bookies giving Ireland a 13-point spread over the Wallabies.

Showing 1 - 30 of 245 results

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The Left Wing

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and special guests brings you the best rugby news, analysis and exclusive interviews every week on Independent.ie.

March 2023

The Left Wing: Ringrose & Henderson out for Saturday’s Grand Slam finale – Rúaidhrí O’Connor with the Ireland squad update

The Left Wing: The view from Scotland - Ireland rivalry, project players and Russell vs Townsend

The Left Wing: Ex-Scotland outhalf Dan Parks on their chances against Ireland and the importance of Finn Russell

The Left Wing: Ian Madigan on Ireland's Grand Slam bid, maverick out-halves and Ulster's season

The Left Wing: Ireland's room to improve, the Finn Russell enigma and Leo Cullen's future

February 2023

The Left Wing: Ross Byrne's big chance, Wales chaos and Ian McKinley on Italy's improvement

The Left Wing: Stephen Aboud and the inside track on Italian rugby

The Left Wing: Joey Carbery returns to Ireland fold as preparations for Italy ramp up

The Left Wing: Ireland run riot, the return of James Ryan and Wayne Barnes' mistake

The Left Wing: Reaction from the Aviva after Ireland's victory over France in Six Nations

The Left Wing: Impressive Ireland, English problems and France test looms

The Left Wing: Ireland squad update - Triple injury blow with Furlong, Gibson-Park & Healy out

The Left Wing: The view from the camps with Paul O’Connell & Ken Owens

The Left Wing: Irish expectations, the number 12 'debate' and the Warren Gatland wildcard

January 2023

The Left Wing: Ireland squad update, Warren Gatland's mind games and Andy Farrell's starting team

The Left Wing: The Joey Carbery decision, Champions Cup drama and rugby's drastic tackle change

The Left Wing: Permutations, possibilities and some big Champions Cup selection calls

The Left Wing: Ireland’s Six Nations squad reaction - Andy Farrell’s shock decision to cut Joey Carbery

The Left Wing: Andy Farrell's Six Nations dilemma, central contracts and the return of Eddie Jones

The Left Wing Extra: Conor Murray dropped, Garry Ringrose returns and a huge test for Ulster

The Left Wing: Dan Sheehan's minutes, South African travel and should more players follow Ben Healy's lead?

The Left Wing: Johnny Sexton's injury, Irish Six Nations bolters and why size matters

December 2022

The Left Wing podcast: Champions Cup weekend preview with Sinéad Kissane & Rúaidhrí O’Connor

The Left Wing: Leinster hit top form, atrocious Ulster and Munster's project continues

The Left Wing: Champions Cup kick off, Eddie Jones' exit and Warren Gatland returns

November 2022

The Left Wing: Crucial period for provinces, Leinster's centre dilemma and is it the end for Eddie Jones?

The Left Wing: Rating Ireland's November, Gregor Townsend vs Finn Russell and Ronan O'Gara to England?

The Left Wing podcast exclusive: Josh van der Flier, Johnny Sexton and Andy Farrell from the World Rugby Awards

The Left Wing Live: Post-Match reaction to Ireland’s scrappy 13-10 win over Australia

The Left Wing Ireland team reaction: McCloskey keeps his place and McCarthy gets the nod

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