Podcasts about Challenge Cup

Hosts: Stephen Pye and Jordan Byers review Nottingham Panthers season. Taking a look at their Challenge Cup, Conti Cup, League and Playoff performances!

Hosts: Stephen Pye and Jordan Byers review Sheffield Steelers season.Taking a look at their Challenge Cup, League and Playoff performances!

... a 1 on 1 interview like you have never heard before! #UNFILTEREDBrought to you by Oxworks. Check them out @ www.oxworks.com.au

Lee, Jamie and Mike attempt to decipher how to beat the reigning Challenge Cup holders - Wigan Warriors!

... a 1 on 1 interview like you have never heard before! #UNFILTEREDBrought to you by Oxworks. Check them out @ www.oxworks.com.au

In this week's episode -  Arsenal fall short in the Champions League final, raising questions about what comes next. In contrast, Crystal Palace made history by winning the Europa Conference League, delivering a landmark moment for the club.In rugby league, Wigan continued their dominance, with the men securing their 22nd Challenge Cup title and the women completing an impressive double.At Roland Garros, the tournament has opened up completely,with all previous French Open winners already eliminated, guaranteeing a new champion this year.We also cover F1, rugby union, golf, cycling, and lots more.

The boys make their changes for the NSW Blues and QLD Maroons Game 2 lineups for the 2026 State of Origin Series before a deep-dive into all the player transfers and rumours in the month of May (Andrew Abdo, Kieran Foran, Jurbo, Ivan Cleary, Kevin Walters, Tanah Boyd, Luke Metcalf, Damien Cook, Connor Watson, AJ, Matty Lees, Perth Bears, Tigers re-signings, Gehamat Shibasaki, etc.)… NRL Round 13 is the closest round this season, with the NSW Women Blue-washing SOO 3-0, Wigan winning their 22nd Challenge Cup title, and the Las Vegas teams confirmed for 2027!——TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro12:11 - Episode Overview13:03 - Bunker Review: NSW Blues Game 2 Lineup Predictions28:30 - Bunker Review: QLD Maroons Game 2 Lineup Predictions33:14 - Bunker Review: Player Transfer News & Rumours56:49 - NRL Round 13: TSS Tipping & Supercoach Comps1:00:27 - NRL Round 13: Overview 1:38:05 - NRL Round 14: Rapid Fire Tips1:40:38 - ATG: NSW Blues win Women's Origin Series 3-01:40:49 - ATG: Wigan Warriors win their 22nd Challenge Cup1:43:35 - ATG: Teams confirmed for Las Vegas 20271:45:03 - Outro——Click the link to follow us on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok, or to listen on your preferred podcasting platform:https://linktr.ee/thesidelinestoryrlpodcast——Hosted by Daniel Tassone, Nicholas Guild & Ryan Clarke.Podcast distributed to all major listening apps.Music credit ‘Chase' [prod. Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay].Logo designed by Tahlia Tassone.© The Sideline Story: Rugby League Podcast, 2021.——“You're listening to The Sideline Story Rugby League Podcast: The Greatest View of Rugby League from the Sideline”

The Challenge Cup final review is in this week with plenty of talking points and even theories of the coin toss! We have another guest in this weeks game of darts plus a bonus game for you to enjoy. An incredible only in rugby league this week plus the predictions league is back in action! All this and plenty more. 

In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan pay tribute to BBC Pundit, Legendary Coach and League Express Podcast regular John Kear. They breakdown the Wigan Warriors winning their 22nd Challenge Cup, following a dominant 40-10 victory over Hull KR at Wembley. They discuss the standout performers from the final, including Jack Farrimond's career-defining display, and analyse where it all went wrong for Hull KR on the biggest stage. The pair also debate the selection dilemma facing Matt Peet with Bevan French returning from injury, as well as the Sam Walters' red card and whether the RFL should be concerned about the Challenge Cup Final attendance.The episode also covers the opening match of the State of Origin series, with New South Wales defeating Queensland, and the controversy surrounding Kalyn Ponga's sending off. Martyn and Jake discuss whether the decision was justified and what it could mean for the remainder of the series.They also react to the shock news of NRL CEO Andrew Abdo's resignation, discussing the implications for the game and what comes next for the negotiations between the two competitions.

Challenge Cup Final Fallout, Remembering John Kear & Dublin Exclusive After an unforgettable and historic weekend for Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup, the Love Rugby League podcast returns to debrief Saturday's final and bring you all the latest from the world of rugby league. Here's what's on the agenda this week. The boys pay tribute to the legendary John Kear following his tragic passing over the weekend. There's all the fallout from the Challenge Cup final, including a thorough debrief on where it went wrong for Hull KR - and what it means for the victorious Wigan Warriors, too.Do the performances of some of Wigan's stars mean the salary cap rules now have to change as a matter of priority? The boys also debate the future of the cup final at Wembley Stadium - with some strong views both ways!We promised exclusives - and we'll reveal a big update on the plans for a game in Dublin between Wigan and Warrington: and why TWO MORE Super League teams are going to Ireland with them in 2027! There's also an exclusive update on one of the Championship's top stars, who is being pursued by multiple Super League clubs for 2027. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosts: Stephen Pye and Jordan Byers review Guildford Flames' season. Taking a look at the highs and lows of the season.Looking at their Challenge Cup, League and Playoff performances!Guest: Dean Carter!

“We're Very Grateful” Challenge Cup Final Pre-Match Press - Willie Peters

“Everyone's Excited” Challenge Cup Final Pre-Match Press - Peta Hiku

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Robert Graham from the Rosbifs Rugby podcast to break down the extraordinary rise of French rugby — after another weekend of total dominance in Europe. Bordeaux Bègles dismantled Leinster to retain the Champions Cup, making it six straight European titles for Top 14 clubs, while Montpellier's Challenge Cup triumph means French sides have now won 10 of the last 12 EPCR competitions. So why are France so far ahead of the rest of Europe right now? We explore the systems, culture and identity driving the French rugby boom — from the JIFF player pathway and financial strength of the Top 14 to the incredible depth being produced across the country. And of course, we dive into the brilliance of Bordeaux's star-studded side — with Lucu, Jalibert, Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey lighting up Europe behind a monstrous pack led by cult hero Ben Tameifuna. We also discuss: •⁠ ⁠Whether this is the golden era of French rugby •⁠ ⁠Why the French club game feels so stable compared to England •⁠ ⁠The importance of the JIFF system in producing elite talent •⁠ ⁠Why rugby is now beating football in French TV ratings •⁠ ⁠Fabien Galthié becoming a cult figure in France •⁠ ⁠Why rugby suddenly feels “cool” in the country You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we look back on a pair of disappointing Champions and Challenge Cup final defeats for Leinster and Ulster.

It was two tough days for both Ulster and Leinster over the weekend and we recap the games and look at the bigger picture for both clubs.

his week, we're joined by former player Paddy McAllister to unpack Ulster's painful Challenge Cup final defeat in Bilbao.Was Montpellier simply too strong, or did Ulster miss an opportunity? We get into the reality of the conditions, the physical battle up front, the impact of missing key players, and whether this season should be viewed as progress or disappointment.We also look ahead to what comes next for Ulster — recruitment, squad depth, the challenge of competing financially, and why this young group could still be building towards something special.Plus, Paddy reflects on his own career, moving away from Ulster, and the lessons young players can learn from big-game experiences.If Ulster are to get back to the top table of European rugby, where does it start?

French rugby takes centre stage this week after a dominant EPCR finals weekend, with Bordeaux-Begles battering Leinster 41-19 to claim the Champions Cup and Montpellier beating Ulster 59-26 in the Challenge Cup. The lads dig into how the Top 14 has opened up a serious gap on the URC and the Premiership teams, what went wrong at Leinster, whether Leo Cullen is under pressure, and how teams can bridge the gap. There's also chat on Louis Bielle-Biarrey's Player of the Year, Cheslin Kolbe's South African return, Steve Diamond's brutal Newcastle exit, a Hollywood ending as Ealing are shocked in the Championship, rugby spying scandals from bushes to hotel fire alarms, and a few grassroots shoutouts from Middlesbrough, Mold RFC and Syracuse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super League round 12 in the bag this week with some surprising results, we have the first of our special guests on Bobby's game of darts, some more brilliant only in rugby leagues and Bry is back from the dead to give us an update on the predictions league and a join us for a Challenge Cup final preview!

Challenge Cup Final, St Helens' dilemma and PNG Chiefs arrive in Super League... EP 15 It's the biggest weekend of the year so far in the world of rugby league - and the new episode of the Love Rugby League podcast gets stuck into this weekend's Challenge Cup final.   The mouthwatering showdown between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR is previewed in full by Aaron and Matt, who are back for another week of big debate from the greatest game.   Here's what's on this week's show.   The boys debate the big moments that could decide this Saturday's cup final - as well as giving their predictions for the clash of the titans. Were Wigan right to rest almost their entire first-team squad last Thursday against Hull KR? Aaron and Matt will give their opinions on the matter. There's a detailed look at St Helens after their latest dismal defeat - with some strong opinions on where Paul Rowley's side go next.. ..and why Jack Welsby might have to leave the Saints! There's the usual look at transfers - with a big update on the future of Jason Qareqare at Castleford Tigers. And we'll also tell you what the arrival of PNG Chiefs CEO Michael Chammas in England means for the stars of one club in particular.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

durée : 00:44:04 - Retour sur le match de l''UBB a écrasé le Leinster pour décrocher une deuxième Champions Cup d'affilée avec un Maxime Lucu exceptionnel. Montpellier a aussi marqué les esprits en Challenge Cup. Les débats de 100% Rugby sont animés autour de la phase finale de Pro D2 et du salary cap toulousain. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Triunfo de Montpellier, que ha provocado una hipérbole mediática alrededor del nivel del equipo dirigido por Joan Caudullo. La temporada de Ulster, se hunde en los tres últimos partidos. Con Urbano Nuviala y Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://www.gulagalega.com/estilo-de-cerveza-artesana/1821-sinduena-drop-w-hablemos-de-rugby-lata-44-cl.html.Escucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Hablemos de Rugby. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/644699

durée : 00:45:15 - L'arrière de Montpellier, Jon Echegaray, est l'un des invités de 100% Rugby ce lundi 25 mai après le titre du MHR en Challenge Cup, tout comme l'entraineur du Biarritz Olympique, Boris Bouhraoua, pour se projeter sur la saison prochaine. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France

We are podding from the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao after Bordeaux win a second successive Champions Cup crown. Chris and Paul Grayson chat to one of the key man behind Bordeaux's success, their attack coach Noel McNamara. We also grab a word with Adam Coleman who vows to spend days partying in his match shirt. But where did it go wrong for Leinster? They've now lost five finals since their last triumph in 2018. Will there be big changes following this latest defeat? Billy Vunipola rolled back the years to help deliver Montpellier the Challenge Cup as the French claimed another title. With the last six Champions Cup winners all coming from France, why are their clubs in such a strong position and who is best placed to end the streak?

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper preview the Champions Cup final in Bilbao between Union Bordeaux Bègles and Leinster, expecting a tight match where breakdown policing, heat, and Bordeaux's pacey backline (Penaud, Bielle-Biarrey, Jalibert, Lucu) could be decisive, while warning of Leinster's structure - Coach Nienaber-led defense, and Gibson-Park's influence; both predict a Bordeaux win (around 25–15 or 28–12). They applaud Montpellier's third Challenge Cup title after scoring nine tries against Ulster, highlighting Vunipola's captaincy and Beccornu as Man of the Match, and discuss Montpellier's Top 14 form. They review the Top 14 table, note Pro D2 playoff pairings (Vannes vs Oyonnax; Provence vs Brive winner to face Colomiers), recap France women's 43–28 loss to England in Bordeaux, mention rumors about South African clubs leaving the Champions Cup.20 mins Long and no ADS! Established in 2020Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the French fair and va va voum!

Ireland legend Tommy Bowe previews the Rugby Champions Cup Final and of course Ulster's 20-year wait for silverware could end in Bilbao in the Challenge Cup final.

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! 59-26, fue el resultado final a favor del equipo francés. Los 9 ensayos logrados por los jugadores dirigidos por Joan Caudullo, sirvieron para superar con claridad a Ulster. Con Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://www.gulagalega.com/estilo-de-cerveza-artesana/1821-sinduena-drop-w-hablemos-de-rugby-lata-44-cl.html.Escucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Hablemos de Rugby. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/644699

Alan Quinlan looks ahead to what is a massive weekend of European rugby for both Leinster and Ulster in Bilbao.Quinlan previews both matches at the San Mames Stadium with Leinster looking to win a fifth Champions Cup having suffered plenty of heartbreak in recent years as for Ulster it is their first European final since 2012 when they face Montpellier in the Challenge Cup on Friday evening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On episode 232 I am joined by Bernard Jackman, a former professional rugby player, coach, and now a performance consultant, guest speaker and respected voice in Irish sport. Bernard is a former pro Rugby player who played for Connacht, Leinster, Sale Sharks and an Irish international. He has been head coach in FC Grenoble, France and at the Dragons in Wales. Bernard is one of only a small number of Irish rugby players to have won a Six Nations, European Cup, Challenge Cup and a Magners League Medal.Since retiring from professional rugby he has moved into coaching and high-performance leadership. Bernard has built a diverse career across coaching, media, athlete development and performance consultancy, working with teams and organisations both within and beyond rugby. His work has also extended into other sporting environments, including collaborations with Horse Sport Ireland and involvement around the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Jackman grew up on the Wicklow/Carlow border he grew up on a cattle farm which led to a different path to elite sport. We discuss how this affected his career and upbringing. Bernard shares his advice to parents with children on the elite sporting pathway and also offered insights to current athletes on developing their professional development and working during their sporting career. A major part of Bernard's professional development came through his master's research, where he travelled across the world studying some of the leading high-performance teams and organisations in sport including Manchester United, Dyson, Sydney Swans, Toyota, Melbourne Storm, Just Eat and more. Through visiting elite environments and learning directly from coaches, athletes and performance leaders, he gained valuable insight into the habits, cultures and systems that underpin sustained success at the highest level.In this episode, we discuss Bernard's journey through professional sport, working with Enda NcNulty, learning from Alex Ferguson, Brian O'Driscoll and Jonny Sexton, his approach to retirement, transitioning into coaching, high-performance environments, and the lessons he has taken from working across multiple sports. The conversation also explores performance, elite sport, and what high performance really looks like behind the scenes in sport & business.Find Bernard here https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardjackmanFollow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLiveRecorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBandIntro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠ 

Gloucester fell to a disappointing but not unexpected defeat away to Saracens. We chat through the potential positives and whether this is anything more than a good side beating an average one.Elsewhere, the Red Roses secured another Six Nations Grand Slam with their best performance of the Championship beating France in Bordeaux.South African sides may be on their way out of European competitions, we ask if this a good thing (YES!)Finally, Jim explains the importance of a good tiller in Dragon Boat racing.Ed PriceJim HarleyCherry Jam is proud to be sponsored by PGT LLP

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Montpellier y Ulster, disputarán el viernes a partir de las 21H la final de Challenge Cup 2025-26 en el estadio de San Mamés. Con Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://www.gulagalega.com/estilo-de-cerveza-artesana/1821-sinduena-drop-w-hablemos-de-rugby-lata-44-cl.htmlEscucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Hablemos de Rugby. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/644699

We look at the weekends rugby from a betting angle

Ulster are one game away from silverware. Ahead of a huge Challenge Cup final in Bilbao, we're joined by French rugby expert James Harrington to break down exactly what Ulster are up against when they face Montpellier.We react to Ulster's injury concerns heading into the final, the challenge Richie Murphy's side faces against one of France's form teams, and whether this young Ulster squad can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.We also get the full Montpellier cheat sheet, from their huge, physical pack and brutal set-piece to the danger men Ulster fans need to know about, including Ali Price, Tom Banks and a side that has quietly become one of the most effective teams in France.Plus, James gives his verdict on where Montpellier are vulnerable, what Ulster need to do to win in Bilbao, and his prediction for the final.

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, Ulster could receive a major injury boost ahead of the Challenge Cup final this weekend,Fiona Hayes on the breakthrough star for Ireland in the Women's Six Nations,And with another league adopting the Top-14 approach, could bonus points be changed in the URC soon?Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

... a 1 on 1 interview like you have never heard before! #UNFILTEREDBrought to you by Oxworks. Check them out @ www.oxworks.com.au

Ulster's season comes down to one game. Ahead of a huge Challenge Cup final against Montpellier, former Ulster and Ireland centre Luke Marshall joins us to break down where this Ulster side really is, and where it could be heading.We react to Ulster's defeat to Glasgow, Richie Murphy's selection calls, and what the performance means heading into a massive showdown with Montpellier in Bilbao, with Luke giving his take on how Ulster can get the job done.We also get into the rise of Ulster's academy talent, why this current crop of young players feels different, and the impact players like Jude Postlethwaite, Zac Ward and Jack Murphy have had this season as the province looks to build something for the future.Plus, Luke reflects on his own Ulster career, life after rugby, the pressure of big European weeks, and what it was really like coming through the system at Ulster.

... a 1 on 1 interview like you have never heard before! #UNFILTEREDBrought to you by Oxworks. Check them out @ www.oxworks.com.au

Neil Treacy is joined by Brett Igoe and Jonny Holland as we look back on Leinster and Ulster's Champions and Challenge Cup semi-final wins, while Hannah O'Connor looks ahead to Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations meeting with Wales.

Ahead of a huge weekend of European rugby, Lauren Salter is joined by former Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones, Ashton Hewitt and James Hook to discuss the Dragons' chances against French heavyweights Montpellier as they look to reach the Challenge Cup final in Bilbao.

Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales internationals James Hook and Philippa Tuttiett to reflect on Wales' improved performance in defeat to England, the weekend's United Rugby Championship results including Cardiff's derby win over Ospreys and the team are joined by Dragons defence coach Dale McLeod to preview Sunday's European Challenge Cup Semi-Final in Montpellier

On Wednesday's The Last Word, Will O'Callaghan speaks to Munster and Ireland outhalf Jack Crowley.Crowley is playing off the back of an impressive Six Nations campaign and is now looking to finish the season strongly with crucial games in the URC on Munster's horizon.He speaks to Will about continuing his form from the national team to Munster's, his disappointment in the province's exit from the Challenge Cup at the hands of Exeter and what it's like to work alongside Johnny Sexton.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Connacht were beaten by Montpellier 45-22 in the European Challenge Cup Quarter Final at the Septeo Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Stuart Lancaster's side were hit for two tries in nine minutes after Sam Gilbert's penalty gave them an early lead. Dylan Tierney-Martin made it 14-8 on 19 minutes, but ten minutes later the hosts ran in another try. By half time Connacht trailed 26-8, and despite Sean Naughton's early second half try being converted by Gilbert, the French side ran in two further tries to put the result beyond doubt. Jack Aungier put the final points of the day on the board four minutes from time. The away side's challenge was not helped by three yellow cards in the opening half hour, Joe Joyce and Tierney-Martin were sent to the bin inside six minutes before Shayne Bolton was also booked for a late tackle. Connacht's European Challenge Cup campaign comes to an end, with attention turning to the closing stages of the United Rugby Championship. Up next for the Westerner's is a trip to South Africa to face the Stormers on Saturday next at 12:45 pm before taking on the Lions the following week. Galway Bay FM's rugby coverage is brought to you by Screene's on the Square. The watchalong from Screene's with John Mulligan, William Davies and Jimmy Screene...

The conclusion of Season 9 is approaching! Emo, Chuckles and Jimbo bring you up to speed on the progression of the Main and Challenge Cup tournaments, as well as discuss racing issues and potential changes that are coming. What could all of that mean? Listen to find out!

RUGBY: Connacht centre Cathal Forde with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Montpellier

RUGBY: Connacht lineout & maul coach John Muldoon with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Montpellier

Lauren Salter is joined by Phillippa Tuttiett, Claire Thomas and Alex Cuthbert to preview this year's Women's Six Nations and look ahead to the Dragons' Challenge Cup quarter final against Zebre.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss Munster's Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Exeter Chiefs, and to ponder the question - where do Munster go from here?The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Go Loud app, or become a member at offtheball.com/join

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, I'm Cameron Hill.Coming up, Brent Pope on why he feels "arrogance" led to Leinster giving Edinburgh three intercept tries in their Champions Cup quarter-final,A first-half demolition job by Exeter Chiefs sees Munster crash out of the Challenge Cup,And one England legend comes out of international retirement, while a Wallabies great calls time on his career.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

The quarter-finals in the Champions and Challenge Cup are set. Ashy, Ugo & Chris look back at the round of 16. There were stunning solo tries and plenty of TMO controversy, but did the weekend deliver? We also preview the blockbuster showdowns in Bordeaux and Bath this weekend as the best teams in France and England go head-to-head. Who is best placed to go all the way? Should seedings from the pool stages last until the semi-finals? Which try-scoring scrum-half is mirroring Ashy's runs? And after Ugo's boxing presentation debut it sparks a debate around what rugby can learn from boxing when it comes to promoting the sport.

On this week's episode of The Red 78, Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Ruairi O'Hagan join Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan to discuss the improved performance and two bonus points picked up in the defeat to the Bulls in South Africa. There's a preview of the Challenge Cup clash with Exeter, and discussions on the voluntary redundancy programme announced by Munster, and the plans to stage another Champions Cup game in Cork at Páirc uí Chaoimh.The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Go Loud app, or become a member at offtheball.com/join******The League of Ireland is back this week and you can listen to live commentary of Drogheda United's meeting with Bohemians this Friday from 7 o'clock on Off The Ball on Newstalk and the GoLoud App.Jonathan Higgins will be joined in the gantry by former League of Ireland Premier Division title-winner Vinny Perth.******The Champions Cup is back with a bang this week, and we will be at the Aviva Stadium with live commentary this Easter Sunday for Leinster's clash with Edinburgh in the last-16.Kick off is at half-past-5, whilst John Duggan will be in the hot-seat from 1 o'clock on Off The Ball Sunday on Newstalk and the GoLoud App.