OTB Rugby

The rugby writers' Player of the Year Nichola Fryday joined Off the Ball Breakfast to reflect on her year and her decision to step away from the international scene.Catch Off the Ball's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off the Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off the Ball app or wherever you listen to yours.SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the Off the Ball Breakfast podcast.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you confirmation of the worst kept secret in World Rugby. We'll hear from the new British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell, as well as an exclusive chat with Lions chairperson Ieuan Evans. Nichola Fryday reacts to being named RWI Women's Player of the Year. An experienced France lock is a doubt for their opening Six Nations fixture with Ireland. Plus, another French side shows interest in signing Courtney Lawes.

Ruairi O’Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to preview the Reds’ return to Champions Cup action away to Toulon. We discuss good and bad news on the injury front, we talk about Joey Carbery’s departure and we talk about a potential return to the Ireland setup for Simon Zebo..(0.30) Intro and comments(5.00) Toulon preview(32.30) Joey Carbery to depart at the end of the season(41.50) Is Simon Zebo on the verge of an Ireland recall?The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Off The Ball app, or become a member at offtheball.com/joinGet in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email therugbychannel@bauermedia.ieSubscribe to The Rugby Channel for new episodes every week! #TheRed78

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Cathal Mullaney brings you the details as Andy Farrell is all but certain to be confirmed as Lions head coach tomorrow afternoon. Connacht coach John Muldoon provides an interesting insight into the province's relationship with the national team set-up.Munster's Musgrave Park has a new name. And the IRFU have confirmed an extension to a long-standing sponsorship arrangement.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily with Ann-Marie Donelan reaction continues to the announcement that Joey Carbery will leave Munster at the end of the season, Simon Zebo on a possible return to the Irish fold and tributes paid to JPR Williams following his death.

On a stacked Rugby Daily this Monday, Richie McCormack brings you news of a double blow for Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, with Mack Hansen and Jimmy O'Brien out of the Six Nations. We'll hear too from Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins. The rumours are true - Joey Carbery is leaving Munster in the summer. And Jean Kleyn won't play again this season.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Cathal Mullaney brings you news of Owen Farrell's potential move to France. England head coach Steve Borthwick has his say on Farrell's decision to step back from England duty. The Clovers and Wolfhounds teams have been named ahead of the weekend's Celtic Challenge action. And veteran full-back Mike Brown has signed a new deal at Leicester.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Cathal Mullaney brings you news of changes to the England coaching ticket ahead of the Six Nations. Terenure out-half Caolan Dooley speaks about his reaction to praise from Ronan O'Gara on social media after last year's AIL final. And Keith Wood offers his thoughts on Sam Prendergast and his international future.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Cathal Mullaney brings you Toulon's reaction to a fine imposed over Cheslin Kolbe's move from Toulouse in 2021.Former Leinster player James Tracy offers his thoughts on Joe McCarthy's international future.And ex-Munster star Fiona Hayes reflects on the incident which led to Oli Jager's injury in Munster's defeat to Connacht on New Year's Day.

Ruairi O’Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to look back on the defeat to Connacht. We discuss Munster’s mounting injury list, Fiona and Alan pick their Star of the Week, and there’s a much needed week off for Munster ahead of the return to European action.(0.30) Intro (5.00) Review of Connacht game(31.26) Star of the Week(34.00) A brief lookahead to Toulon, and the importance of having a week off Get in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email therugbychannel@bauermedia.ieSubscribe to The Rugby Channel for new episodes every week! #TheRed78