Connacht's revival | McMillan's Munster future | Ireland's Aviva finale | The Rugby Show
episodePreviously titled “Prendergast's tackling | Connacht's revival | Ireland's Aviva finale | The Rugby Show” — renamed by the publisher on Aug 3, 2026
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What are the highlights from the final round of URC action?
This is an Irish independent podcast. Now, welcome along. We're going to talk rugby. We have Keane Tracy here in the studio. Later on, we're going to talk to Anna Capeless as well about the Women's Six Nations, which reaches its crescendo on Sunday, Aviva Stadium. Just shy of 30,000 through the gates at the Aviva Stadium for Ireland-Scotland. Meanwhile, URC, we are in the final weekend of the regular season with quarters and semis and finals to come. Our rugby coverage, as ever, is sponsored by Energia. They are proud to support Irish rugby all year round from the club game right through to the international stage. And like we said, we are going to talk to Anna Capeless later on in due course. 27,000 plus coming on Sunday.
Should be a great atmosphere. There are family friendly fan zones and Energia We'll be there with a sign making station as well. If you want more information on that, then you can check out their social channels. Energy, I think of the possibilities. King Tracy, welcome. So we're here. The final round of the regular season. We've meandered our way through and it's all finally poised in many ways or to boil it down. Nine into eight is the problem. Ulster play Glasgow, Edinburgh play Connacht. And then on Saturday, those two games are on Friday. So Ulster, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Connacht are on Friday, on Saturday. Leinster at home to the Ospreys is 5.15 and then Munster at home to the Lions is 7.45. Nobody wants detailed permutations in their ears right now.
So we'll just keep this very short and simple and we can watch the games unfold. Connacht are one point outside the top eight, albeit it's nicely condensed. I mean, five points separate Connacht from the Bulls in fourth. And so in effect, Connacht will most likely have to do the business away to Edinburgh. And then see what happens in the Ulster game, Cardiff game, Munster Lions games. But... They've got somebody in their sights. So there is definitely a chance that Connacht and I guess all four provinces could make the top eight. Half decent chance.
Which would be the dream scenario, obviously, from an Irish rugby point of view. But I think as a whole, like the URC has just gone from strength to strength since the big South African teams have come into it. I know there are still logistical issues with that in terms of crossing hemispheres and that, but... In terms of the competitiveness, it's just been absolutely brilliant. And I think this year's season has probably been the best, really. Certainly the regular season, the playoffs are shaping up really well. And yeah, like I said, if all four Irish teams can get into the top eight, that would be the dream scenario. Cardiff are the ones you're probably looking at there to potentially drop out.
I mean, like even you look at Connacht, they've won... Seven of their last eight URC games. Remarkable run of form. And to think that they could win, like I would fancy them to win in Edinburgh who don't have anything to play for. That would be eight and nine. And for them to potentially not get playoff rugby would just be a sickener to the Stuart Lancaster project that is absolutely humming. I know we'll get on and chat about that. Obviously, it's worked. People, listeners, I'm sure are well aware of it now, but It's worth reminding everyone that if Ulster were to drop into ninth and if they were to beat Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final next week, they would take the last Champions Cup place for next season.
So that is something to bear in mind as well if Ulster were to drop into ninth this weekend. Yeah.
I know you were at Connacht 26, Munster 7 at the weekend. As you said, that's seven wins from eight for Connacht. They're certainly paying the price for their two wins from nine. It's taken a while for The Lancaster effect to take hold, you know, which is understandable and fair. I think it's certainly cooking now. 26-7. So impressive, worthy, comfortable winners. Everything the scoreline suggests.
Absolutely. If they took a while to get the bonus point and if they hadn't, it would have been a travesty from a Connacht point of view because
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What are the highlights from the final round of URC action?
0:01–4:27
2
How is Connacht reviving under Stuart Lancaster's leadership?
4:27–9:51
3
What challenges did Munster face this season?
9:51–15:08
4
What are the key moments from Ireland's Women's Six Nations campaign?
15:08–18:12
5
How did Sam Prendergast's performance impact the team's defense?
18:12–21:21
6
What factors contributed to the atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium?
21:21–26:13
7
How do players perceive the growing rivalry with France?
26:13–29:21
8
What insights did Anna Caplice provide about the upcoming match against Scotland?
29:21–1:05:16
Speakers
4 identifiedMore from Indo Sport
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