Former Ireland, Leinster and Lions back row Sean O’Brien joins The Ireland Rugby Social to share his thoughts on Ireland’s selection ahead of the Six Nations clash with Italy. Sean weighs in on back-row balance, what coaches really look for at Test level, and why some players thrive in games while others struggle to translate training form. Drawing on his experience as both an elite international and a coach, he discusses mindset, physicality, and the psychology behind selection calls. Sean also talks about stepping into coaching, the key differences between the current Irish team and past squads, and what young players must work on to make it to international level.

What went wrong for Ireland in Paris? Conor and Gavin are joined by Rob Kearney to review Ireland’s bruising 36-14 defeat to France. The panel look at where the game was won and lost, try and explain why Ireland have fallen off, and suggest what needs to happen ahead of Italy next week.

Andy Farrell names his starting XV for the blockbuster opener in Paris against France - so many big calls - Prendergast x2, Stockdale over Lowe, Loughman at loose-head and Jamie Osborne at fullback. Conor and Gavin review the Ireland team, look at where the game will be won and lost and make a bold prediction for Thursday night.

Recorded in front of a full house at City of Armagh RFC, this special episode features Andrew Trimble and Rory Best alongside Conor and Gavin as they look ahead to the Six Nations. The panel explore what sets the Championship apart, the pride of winning it, Ireland’s key selection decisions, and the teams to watch. Expect sharp insight, strong opinions, and no shortage of great anecdotes from the three icons of Irish rugby.

With Conor on a beach getting some winter sun, Gavin travels solo to Edinburgh for the 2026 Six Nations launch. At a noisy press launch, he gets a word with Ireland captain Caelan Doris and speaks with Andy Farrell about being back coaching in green after his successful year away leading the Lions. Gavin also chats with the Daily Telegraph's Chief Rugby Correspondent, Gavin Mairs and gets his thoughts on one of the most eagerly anticipated Championships in years.

On this week’s episode, Conor and Gavin sit down with Ireland and Ulster star Jacob Stockdale to unpack the highs, lows, and hard lessons of life at the top of rugby. From breaking through with Ireland and the magic of 2018 to injuries, online abuse, and rebuilding confidence, Jacob speaks honestly about pressure, fame, family, and finding perspective. He also brings the lighter side — including a few questionable impressions — while reflecting on Ulster’s season, future ambitions, and what rugby has given him.

This week, Conor and Gavin sit down with current Ireland international Bundee Aki to trace a remarkable journey from New Zealand to the centre of Irish rugby. From lifting silverware with Connacht to earning the green jersey, Bundee reflects on the moments that shaped his career and his identity as a player. He opens up on the pressure, pride, and scrutiny that comes with representing Ireland, the heartbreak of the World Cup, and the honour of being selected for the British & Irish Lions — sharing never-before-heard stories of the craic and friendships along the way.

What does it take to come back from the impossible? Ian McKinley was a rising rugby star whose career was shattered by a freak accident that left him blind in one eye. Most would have walked away—but Ian didn’t. In this episode, we explore his extraordinary journey from despair to determination, reinventing himself as a professional player with protective goggles and becoming a symbol of resilience worldwide. Ian shares the highs, the lows, and what it means to redefine your limits when life changes in an instant.