The Irish Rugby Pod

The Irish Rugby Pod

The Irish Rugby Pod is hosted by Ian Madigan and David Sharkey. Madigan is one of the sharpest rugby minds and pundits in the game, with 31 caps for Ireland and 149 appearances for Leinster. Sharkey worked alongside ROG at La Rochelle for 6 seasons, including back to back Champions Cup titles, as well as work with Rugby Australia and the IRFU. He's also worked in the URC, the Prem and Super Rugby so he knows rugby around the world and at all levels of the game. Together with regular high-profile guests from across the game, they dig into the biggest stories in Irish rugby with honest, informed opinion, insight and plenty of debate. Make sure you're subscribed.
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Episode's summary

In our very first episode, former Ireland international Ian Madigan and high-performance coach David Sharkey launch The Irish Rugby Pod ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship. This week, we're joined by current Connacht and former England and Leinster head coach Stuart Lancaster, who offers fascinating insight into the inner workings of elite rugby. Lancaster talks about how coaches deal with setbacks, international squad dynamics, how coaches develop leaders and where Irish rugby stands against the world's best. The lads also lift the lid on life inside an Ireland camp, what it's like going into camp after battling it out between provinces, and what emerging players are pushing for international recognition. With Ireland preparing to face Argentina and the Nations Championship heating up, Madigan and Sharkey break down the biggest selection questions, the number 10 jersey, Dan Sheehan's captaincy and what Ireland must improve to challenge the world's top sides. Expect expert analysis, honest opinions…

Episodes

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#1 Nations Champ Preview & Secrets of Elite Rugby | Madigan, Sharkey & Lancaster

In our very first episode, former Ireland international Ian Madigan and high-performance coach David Sharkey launch The Irish Rugby Pod ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship. This week, we're joined by current Connacht and former England and Leinster head coach Stuart Lancaster, who offers fascinating insight into the inner workings of elite rugby. Lancaster talks about how coaches deal with setbacks, international squad dynamics, how coaches develop leaders and where Irish rugby stands against the world's best. The lads also lift the lid on life inside an Ireland camp, what it's like going into camp after battling it out between provinces, and what emerging players are pushing for international recognition. With Ireland preparing to face Argentina and the Nations Championship heating up, Madigan and Sharkey break down the biggest selection questions, the number 10 jersey, Dan Sheehan's captaincy and what Ireland must improve to challenge the world's top sides. Expect expert analysis, honest opinions…

02 Nov 2026
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The Irish Rugby Pod - Trailer

The Irish Rugby Pod is hosted by Ian Madigan and David Sharkey. Madigan is one of the sharpest rugby minds and pundits in the game, with 31 caps for Ireland. Sharkey has spent his career inside elite rugby environments, working alongside Ronan O’Gara at La Rochelle for over 7 seasons, including back-to-back Champions Cup wins, as well as stints with Rugby Australia and the IRFU. Together with regular high-profile guests from across the game, they dig into the biggest stories in Irish rugby with honest, informed opinion, insight and plenty of debate. Make sure you're subscribed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

01 Nov 2026