MudderRucker – Details, episodes & analysis

Join hosts Ailbhe O’Nolan and Cian Ó Muilleoir as they bring you all the latest from Irish women’s rugby! From the Women’s Six Nations to key matches and big talking points, Mudder Rucker keeps it fun, accessible, and full of insight. No overcomplicated analysis—just straight-talking rugby chat and exclusive interviews with Irish rugby stars. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, subscribe for new episodes every week!

We talk with the inimitable Chloe Pearse and get some insights into life within the Irish camp, her rugby journey, and her thoughts on Ireland's prospects heading into the massive tournament opener against France. On Bluesky you can find Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social, and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Drop by and tell is what you think, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, wherever you get your podcast!

This week on MudderRucker, we’re joined by not one but two Irish rugby legends—Chloe Pearse and Ilse van Staden! We get the inside scoop on life in camp, the highs and lows of the Six Nations opener against France, and how the squad is bouncing back ahead of the clash with Italy. Plus, we dig into leadership styles, team dynamics, and some unexpected insights into life off the pitch. Join Ailbhe and Cian for an honest, insightful, and occasionally hilarious chat that every Irish rugby fan will love. On Bluesky, you can find Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Drop by and tell us what you think, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe—wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on MudderRucker, we're thrilled to welcome back rugby savant Chloe Pearse for another cracking episode! Join us as we break down Ireland's outstanding performance against Italy, highlighting incredible defensive efforts, explosive attacking plays, and the depth now evident throughout the squad. Chloe shares insider insights on standout players, tactical changes, and discusses Ireland's mindset heading into the massive clash with England at Musgrave Park. We also dive into controversies on the pitch, particularly that baffling TMO decision, and explore how Ireland can continue their upward trajectory in the Six Nations. Tune in as Ailbhe, Cian, and Chloe provide a passionate, insightful, and thoroughly entertaining analysis for every rugby fan. On Bluesky, follow Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and tell us your thoughts—wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on MudderRucker, we’re joined by Irish rugby legends Chloe Pearse and Ilse van Staden to unpack a huge weekend of Women’s Six Nations action. From Ireland’s gutsy, galvanising 50-minute stand against England, to France’s chaos-ball against Wales and Italy’s bounce-back win over Scotland, there’s loads to dive into. We talk player development, set-piece struggles, the growing IQ and grit of this Irish team, and how a relentless defensive mindset is putting belief back at the heart of the squad. Plus, we get into the future of the AIL, club rivalries, fullback nightmares, and what Melissa McCarthy has to do with Chloe’s rugby journey. It’s honest, passionate, and—at times—hilarious. Join Ailbhe and Cian for another episode of MudderRucker that every Irish rugby fan needs to hear. On Bluesky, you can find Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe—wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on MudderRucker, we welcome tighthead legend Katie O'Dwyer alongside the ever-brilliant Chloe Pearse to break down Round 4 of the Women’s Six Nations. Italy pushed France all the way, England cruised past Scotland, and Ireland turned in a dominant performance against Wales—but was it dominant enough? We unpack Ireland's clinical-but-could’ve-been-clinicaler win in Newport, assess the depth being built ahead of the World Cup, and discuss standout showings from the likes of Linda Djougang, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, and the unstoppable Aoife Dalton. We also talk set piece trends, scrum-half battles, and the big loss of Erin King to injury. Plus: tighthead woes, fairylike geniuses, rogue referees, and the eternal struggle with chafing. It’s honest, sharp, and seriously good craic. Catch Ailbhe and Cian with the Irish rugby insights you won’t hear anywhere else. On Bluesky, follow Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Like, share, subscribe—and light a Yankee Candle for King—wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on MudderRucker, we’re bringing you a special bonus episode ahead of the AIL Women’s Final at the Aviva! Ailbhe sits down with Railway Union captain Niamh Byrne and UL Bohemian head coach Fiona Hayes for an in-depth look at what makes this fixture—and this rivalry—so special. From Rocky-themed team talks to Atomic Kitten singalongs, we dive into the sisterhood, scrap, and sheer joy that fuels the women’s club game. We hear from up-and-comers like Aoife Corey and Molly Boyne, plus reflections from legends like Lindsay Peat and Ailsa Hughes on what it means to play—and win—on the biggest stage in Irish rugby. Whether you’re Railway or a proud Robin, or just rugby-mad, this one’s for you. It’s all heart, hustle, and a whole lot of craic. On Bluesky, you can find Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Like, share, subscribe—and don’t forget to shout for your side this Sunday. Let’s fill the Aviva! TICKET LINK: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/energia-ail-finals-day-dublin-27-04-2025/event/18006288BDFC33CD

This week on MudderRucker, it’s the end of the Six Nations—and the end of our first series! Chloe Pearse and Katie O’Dwyer are back to help us unpack Ireland’s bruising, frustrating, and oddly hopeful finale against Scotland at The Hive. We talk injuries, inexperience, and intercepts, plus how the squad responded when under pressure when leaders were lost from the field. We also look at the big Six Nations takeaways, from breakdown dominance and lineout leaps to why Ireland’s attack is sharper—but still has room to grow. There’s plenty of praise for Brittany Hogan, calls for Neve Jones in the back row, and some spicy chat about the refereeing across the tournament. Plus, we look ahead to the Rugby World Cup: who's in, who’s out, and what Ireland need to do to go deep in September. Throw in some goal-kicking gripes, a few jokes at each other’s expense, and a genuinely horrible team fragrance, and you’ve got a proper send-off to Series 1. Follow Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Like, share, subscribe—and get yourself ready for World Cup warm-ups. We’ll see you soon.

On June 1st in Oslo, a team of trans women will face a team of cis elite players from the women's game in a sevens rugby match called Ruck You—a powerful act of protest, inclusion, and solidarity through sport. This week on MudderRucker, we bring you a special episode dedicated to the voices behind that game, and the policy that made it necessary. We speak with former USA international Alycia Washington, former Irish rugby international Ilse van Staden, leading exercise scientist Dr. Joanna Harper, and former East London RFC player Alix Fitzgerald. Together, they unpack the real-world impact of World Rugby’s trans ban, challenge the myths surrounding safety and fairness, and reflect on the importance of empathy, evidence, and actual player voices in policy-making. This episode isn’t about debate—it’s about lived experience, scientific rigour, and standing with our teammates. 📌 Learn more and support the match: 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ruckyou_match/ 💸 Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ruck-you-match-team-support Follow Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Like, share, subscribe—and stand with those pushing for a game that lives up to its values.

Pre-season camp is in full swing and Jane Clohessy plus Niamh “Noddy” O’Dowd drop by to swap fresh-camp anecdotes and rewind to their very different Six Nations first-cap memories. Hear how a routine lash-lift turned into a selection cliff-hanger, why laser-tag suddenly broke out at team dinner, and what not to wear to a coach’s one-to-one. On the rugby side they dig into camp training loads, the early homework on Pool-C foes Japan, Spain and New Zealand, and which players are driving standards. Add the famous Lucky Dip, a not so quick-fire quiz, and a dash of accent chaos, and you’ve got the perfect pre-season tonic. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mudderruckerpodcast Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social | Ailbhe @irishwomens.bsky.social | Cian @rugbykino.bsky.social Like, share, subscribe—and tell us which story made you snort-laugh.