That's a wrap on the 2026 Women's Six Nations — and what a way to finish it.31,294 people at the Aviva for a first ever standalone fixture. A heritage caps ceremony honouring 30 years of Irish women's rugby. And Ireland putting in arguably their most complete performance of the tournament to send Scotland home empty-handed.Chloe Pearse is back — cap 206, AIL Player of the Year, and now apparently the person most responsible for Beatrice Rigoni going missing from the Italian squad. We're saying nothing.We do a full tournament report card — England's cracks, France's rebuild, Italy's rise, and the uncomfortable question of whether Wales and Scotland are being left behind. Cian has the numbers. Chloe has opinions. Ailbhe has ponchos, apparently, and a new nickname she didn't ask for.Roll on the interpros. Roll on WXV. Roll on Australia.👕 The mBan Squad kit is on sale — all proceeds to HerSport → mudder-rucker-store.myspreadshop.net📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker00:00 Welcome back — and Chloe's post-AIL confession00:52 Heritage caps unveiled at the Aviva03:52 Legends in the room — the women who built Irish rugby05:33 31,294 people and the vibes were immaculate08:47 Can Ireland keep this momentum going?11:30 Ireland v Scotland — the most complete performance of the tournament14:59 Rivalry history and why the SRU should know better18:11 Six Nations trends — who's growing, who's not22:12 England's attack is genuinely terrifying23:20 England's defensive cracks — and why they probably don't care24:28 France found their flow — and it's only going to get scarier26:10 France's set piece wobbles — the thing to fix before Australia27:56 Italy: attack up, defence down, Rigatoni still sulking somewhere30:28 When the stats don't tell the full story32:59 Ireland's growth is real — but is it fast enough?36:18 Erin King: 80 tackles, 243 ruck entries, perfect intent38:47 Interpros, WXV, and the road to Australia41:38 Favourite moments of the Six Nations — and that's a wrap

Round 4 is done — and this week Ailbhe and Cian are joined by not one but two guests. Chloe Pearse is back as ever, and making his MudderRucker debut is Huw Griffin of HG Rugby — Welsh rugby analyst, stats obsessive, and self-declared England hater. He fits right in.Huw takes us inside the chaos engulfing Welsh rugby and what it actually means for the women's game, while we try to work out if Sean Lynn's rebuild is finally starting to take shape. England are still winning but something is shifting — Italy put three tries past them before half time, and suddenly the grand slam decider against France in Bordeaux feels a lot more interesting.Ireland beat Wales in Belfast in front of a sell-out crowd, and the back row did what the back row does. Hogan, Wafer, King — we're running out of superlatives. And Cliodhna Maloney McDonald is firmly team niggle, for better or worse.Next up: 27,000 tickets sold for the Aviva. Scotland in round 5. No pressure.Also — the mBan Squad t-shirts are selling. Cian explains how it all started.👕 The mBan Squad kit is on sale — all proceeds to HerSport → mudder-rucker-store.myspreadshop.net📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker00:00 Podcast Introductions01:14 Welsh Rugby Resurgence03:48 Sean Lynn Vision06:41 England Leakier Defence10:47 Injuries And Leadership14:21 Why England Concede17:48 Italy Third Place Race19:28 France Clicking Early23:24 Scotland Defensive Crisis25:27 Tackling And Athletic Gap26:10 Scotland Attack Sparks28:06 Ireland Pack Dominance28:47 Back Row Breakdown31:15 Eve Higgins And Kicking33:31 Flashpoint Yellow Card35:45 Team Niggle Debate38:06 Scotland Threats Next Week41:29 England France Prediction43:09 Ireland U20s Pipeline45:47 Mban Squad Merch Story47:50 Round Four Wrap Up

Round 3 is done — and Chloe Pearse is back, somehow vertical after UL Bohemian's AIL title win, to help us make sense of it all.England did England things against Wales. Italy absolutely shocked Scotland in a result nobody saw coming. And Ireland went to Clermont, matched France for long stretches, created chances, and came home empty-handed. Again.The margins are getting smaller. The performances are getting better. The results just aren't following yet. Cian has done something slightly unhinged with statistics that we're not going to spoil here. Let's just say the number is one in four thousand, and leave it at that.We also get into the bench decisions that had us shouting at the screen, the art of managing a referee without getting binned, and what Ireland need to do differently when Wales come to Belfast on the 9th of May.👕 The mBan Squad kit is now on sale — all proceeds to HerSport → mudder-rucker-store.myspreadshop.net📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker00:11 Chloe returns — held together with adrenaline and goodwill01:05 Three AIL titles in a row — how did it happen?07:32 England v Wales — more of the same, but Wales showed heart10:34 Zoe Harrison and the one in four thousand16:36 Italy shock Scotland — discipline, yellow cards, and a record bonus point21:16 The table — what it means for Ireland, Italy and Scotland25:05 Ireland v France — so close, so frustrating29:03 Erin King, Aoife Wafer and the performances that gave us hope34:27 The bench decisions that had us shouting at the screen38:12 Do Ireland need to be in the referee's ear more?43:11 The art of managing a referee — Chloe's masterclass43:40 Belfast on the 9th of May — get your tickets

Round 2 is in the books — and Ireland finally made it to Galway. The Dexcom delivered, the crowd delivered, and by God did the team deliver. Ailbhe and Cian are joined once again by Chloe Pearse — now preparing for an AIL final at the Aviva, no big deal — to break down a weekend that had everything. Scotland hosted England in front of 30,000 at Murrayfield and were absolutely, comprehensively, historically annihilated. France stuttered and scraped past Wales in a game that raised serious questions about their discipline. And Ireland put on a show in Galway that felt like something shifting. Aoife Wafer was back to her brilliant best. Erin King was everywhere — 14 carries, 16 tackles, leading from the front. And then there's Dorothy Parsons. We'll leave it at that. Eyes turn to Clermont-Ferrand next — France away. Chloe has a very specific prediction involving a scoreline, a penalty and a red card. She's confident. We'll see. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker

Round 1 is done and dusted — and Chloe Pearse is back, fresh off an AIL semi-final POTM, to help us make sense of it all. France beat Italy, but don't let the scoreline fool you — their breakdown was an absolute shambles and Italy had them rattled for long stretches. Chloe still thinks France are beatable, and honestly, after watching that, it's hard to argue. Wales and Scotland served up the kind of thriller that reminds you why you love this sport, and then there was Twickenham. 77,120 people. The biggest crowd in the history of women's rugby. Ireland were 21-0 down at half time, came out for the second half, and matched the world champions score for score. It's not a win. But something is very much happening here, and we're not done talking about it. Butter wouldn't melt. But it might get cut right up. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Episode 20 — we're still here 00:56 France v Italy: messy breakdown, ruthless finish 10:44 Is France actually beatable? Chloe still thinks so 12:51 Wales v Scotland: the thriller no one expected 20:14 England v Ireland: the first half we'd rather forget 28:30 The breakdown battle — and what it means for France away 33:10 21 missed tackles and the stats that hurt 37:15 78 → 44 → 21: is this serious progress? 39:30 77,120 people. Let that sink in. 41:05 Eilish Cahill arrives and immediately terrorises everyone 44:30 Changes for Italy — Chloe's teamsheet 48:15 Predictions for Galway

We're BACK! Season 3 of MudderRucker kicks off with a bang — Ailbhe and Cian are joined by the brilliant Chloe Pearse (calling in live from her sun lounger, can of Dorado in hand) to preview the 2026 Women's Six Nations. We get into Erin King's appointment as Ireland captain, what it means for the team, and why Ailbhe reckons she's been a leader in the making since she was 16. We break down England's unprecedented squad upheaval — pregnancies, injuries, and 8 uncapped players — and ask the question everyone's thinking: is there finally blood in the water? Then it's France's bold generational gamble, Italy's experience-heavy squad, and the burning question of who's going to lift the trophy. Oh, and Ailbhe makes a prediction so brave it borders on unhinged. You'll want to hear it. We also get into the PWR's very public expressions of interest in Irish clubs and provinces — stunt or genuine offer? — and what it could mean for the future of the women's domestic game in Ireland. And the Aviva. 16,300 tickets already sold for Ireland v Scotland. Let that sink in. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 We're back, baby — Season 3 begins 00:58 Six Nations preview: squads, form, who's pregnant 02:14 England's new-look squad (and new captain Meg Jones) 06:33 Injuries, uncapped players, and is there actually blood in the water? 12:51 Twickenham already sold out — 70,000 for the opener 15:17 Scotland & Wales: new coaches, same questions 28:30 France's bold rebuild — 16 uncapped players and a gamble 34:19 Italy: the other extreme (nearly 100 caps between two players) 36:26 Erin King as Ireland captain — inspired or risky? 42:41 The players Ireland need to cap this Six Nations 45:40 Niamh Gallagher: the most exciting Irish player you haven't seen yet 48:28 The Aviva, the tickets, and why this feels different 51:40 Should an Irish team join the PWR? Chloe has thoughts 57:31 Predictions — one of us goes full chaos mode

The Rugby World Cup 2025 reaches its finale, and England’s Red Roses stand tall as champions on home soil. Canada threw everything at them but couldn’t crack a side built on set-piece power, defensive grit, and the depth to finish games out. Ailbhe and Cian are joined by Fiona Hayes and Chloe Pearse to break down the World Cup Final and Bronze match. From Botterman’s turnovers and Bern’s scrum impact to Ellie Kildunne’s brilliance, they explore how England pulled away when it mattered. There’s reflection on what Canada got right and why it wasn’t enough, how France and New Zealand served up chaos rugby in the bronze final, and the way refereeing, TMO use, and “once bitten, twice shy” moments shaped the tournament. The conversation also takes in the wider picture: record-breaking attendances, growing TV audiences, the investment question, and what Ireland can take forward into the next four-year cycle. It’s the last episode of Season 2 — a curtain call not just for the Roses, but for an unforgettable World Cup. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker

Semi-final weekend delivered drama and a BIG exit — the Black Ferns are out, and Canada are into the Rugby World Cup final. Sophie de Goede led from the front in a masterclass of control and decision-making, while New Zealand couldn’t find answers in the set piece or at the breakdown. Joining Ailbhe and Cian are Chloe Pearse and Ruth Campbell to break down how Canada took apart the reigning champions, what went wrong for the French against England, and what it all means for Sunday’s final. Along the way, we talk crowdfunding myths, purple patches, turnover battles, and the difference between chaos and cohesion. We also hear Ruth’s reflections on life in the Ireland camp, using her platform for causes off the pitch, and why her dad’s purple bucket hat (and more) made it onto the broadcast. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Introduction and Semi-Finals Recap 00:36 Special Guests: Chloe Pierce and Ruth Campbell 01:40 Ruth Campbell's Advocacy for Palestine 04:55 Transition Back to Rugby 08:39 Canada's Strategic Masterclass Against the Black Ferns 10:56 Analyzing Canada's Dominance and New Zealand's Struggles 20:56 Sophie de Goede: Canada's Star Player 22:33 New Zealand's Missed Opportunities 26:28 Preview of England vs. France 27:01 France's Missed Opportunities 27:56 England's Key Moments 28:42 Turnovers and Team Psyche 30:03 France's Questionable Kicking Game 31:56 Leadership and Decision Making 37:58 World Player of the Year Nominees 41:59 Lucky Dip Fun 47:00 The End

Ireland’s World Cup run ends at the quarter-final stage against France, but not without controversy. The infamous “bite” incident grabs headlines, but the real story is Ireland’s performance across the pitch, the progress of this campaign, and what it means heading into the next four-year cycle. Ailbhe and Cian are joined by Ireland prop Christy Haney and Munster Player of the Year Chloe Pearse to reflect on the defeat, from Linda Djougang’s relentless carrying to Ruth Campbell’s fearlessness in the tight exchanges. They dig into Ireland’s scrum and maul dominance, where the attack still needs to evolve, and how pathways and depth will shape the future. The episode also features Aoife Clarke, Communications Director with the IRFU, on the landmark announcement of Ireland v Scotland at the Aviva in 2026 — with ticket sales already breaking records and signalling a cultural shift in Irish rugby. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Aoife Clarke's Journey with IRFU 01:09 Cultural Shift and Challenges 03:27 Social Media's Role in Women's Rugby 05:05 Upcoming Game and Ticket Sales 07:48 Reflecting on Past Matches and Future Goals 12:54 Quarterfinals Recap 14:49 Bite Gate Controversy 20:37 Game Analysis and Referee Critique 28:14 Player Performance Highlights 29:51 Scrum and Set Piece Analysis 31:55 Critical Moments and Player Mistakes 35:04 Future Prospects and Team Development 45:07 Upcoming Matches and Predictions 48:19 Retirements and Contract Controversies 53:16 Lucky Dip!

It finished 40–nil—but the noise told a different story. This week on MudderRucker, Ailbhe and Cian are joined by Chloe Pearse and Alice Soper to unpack Ireland’s bruising night against the Black Ferns in Brighton: the offloads, the width, the collision zone, and where Ireland’s shape came unstuck. We also zoom out to what actually mattered: the crowd, the feeling around the team, and why nights like this can still move the needle for the women’s game. Then it’s eyes forward—France next—and what a fuller deck might look like (hello, Aoife Wafer, Erin King, Dorothy Wall) when Ireland get bodies back and combinations bed in. Also featuring: offload clinic vs edge defence, Brighton buzz, and a clear-eyed look at what needs fixing before France. 📸 Instagram: @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social | Ailbhe @irishwomens.bsky.social | Cian @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Introduction to Mother Rucker Podcast 00:20 World Cup Pool Stage Recap 00:35 Introducing Chloe Pierce 00:39 Weekend Rugby Reflections 01:15 Special Guest: Alice Soper 02:46 Alice Soper's Rugby Journey 06:05 Challenges in Women's Rugby 06:58 Professionalism in Women's Rugby 12:47 New Zealand Rugby Club Scene 17:21 Future of New Zealand Women's Rugby 25:47 Weekend Match Results 26:52 Community in Women's Rugby 31:26 Reflecting on the Evolution of Rugby Culture 32:30 Challenges of Growing Women's Rugby 34:51 The Importance of Women Leading Women's Rugby 36:05 The Essence of Rugby: Fun and Entertainment 37:04 Analyzing the Irish Game Performance 40:17 Tactical Insights and Player Performances 48:28 Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals 53:06 Lucky Dip! 57:32 Conclusion and Farewell