Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup hopes went up in smoke losing 37-34 to Northampton at the Aviva. The game was live on KCLR thanks to Halo Care and afterwards our commentary team of former Ireland out half Mick Quinn and Brendan Hennessy discussed what went wrong. First though here’s Leinster captain Caelin Doris and Head Coach Leo Cullen.
This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty (Carlow Rugby Club), James Blanchfield (Kilkenny RFC), and Paddy Browne (Tullow RFC) to break down all the latest rugby action.
Kilkenny’s seconds were in Towns Cup action, the women’s team are wrapping up their season, and the U18s had a strong campaign—losing just three players ahead of next year. We also touch on the ongoing challenge of losing players to Kilkenny College.
Tullow’s women’s team could have a lifeline in the AIL, with Suttonians reportedly withdrawing from the league. The club continues to thrive at underage level, with impressive participation and development.
We preview Carlow’s big clash against Athy in the Towns Cup final this Sunday at 3pm in Naas. Tom Crotty highlights the importance of a solid defence against Athy’s attacking prowess, noting that getting to a final is tough—but winning it is even tougher.
We also check in on Carlow’s J2s and youth teams as their season winds down. Tune in for all this and more on The Knock On!
This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty (Carlow Rugby Club), James Blanchfield (Kilkenny RFC), and Paddy Browne (Tullow RFC) to discuss all the latest rugby action.
Tune in for all this and more on The Knock On!
Carlow will face Athy in the Bank of Ireland Towns Cup Final. They squeezed out a 10-9 win against Wicklow, unfortunately Tullow lost out in the first semi-final against Athy. We had live coverage of both game on KCLR and afterwards got some post-match from both camps. The final is on in Naas on Sunday April 27th and will be live on KCLR.
This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty (Carlow Rugby Club), James Blanchfield (Kilkenny RFC), and Paddy Browne (Tullow RFC) to discuss all the latest rugby action.
Towns Cup Action
Tullow progressed to the Quarter-Finals after Skerries conceded their match. They now face Gorey away on Sunday.
Carlow takes on a strong Boyne side, who recently won Division 1B of the league.
We have the team sheets for both Tullow and Carlow’s upcoming matches.
Club Updates
Tullow RFC
J2’s face New Ross.
Tullow Ladies played their final home league game, falling short against Cooke RFC.
Katie Corrigan & Dannah O’Brien are in action with the Irish squad.
Carlow RFC
J2’s meet Wexford Wanderers.
J3’s face Longford in the Anderson Cup.
Kilkenny RFC
J2’s take on Edenderry.
J3’s battle Portarlington.
Silverware success for the Kilkenny youth teams at Foulkstown.
Tag Rugby returns this summer—James shares details on how to get involved.
Fixtures & Youth Rugby Review
We round up all the latest youth rugby results and upcoming fixtures for Tullow, Carlow, and Kilkenny RFCs.
This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty (Carlow Rugby Club), James Blanchfield (Kilkenny RFC), and Paddy Browne (Tullow RFC) to discuss all the latest action.
Plus, we review all the youths' fixtures and results across the three clubs.
This week, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty (Carlow Rugby Club), James Blanchfield (Kilkenny RFC), and Paddy Browne (Tullow RFC) to break down all the latest rugby action across Carlow, Kilkenny, and Tullow.
Plus, we’ll have a full report on all the latest news from the three clubs.
This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty (Carlow Rugby Club), James Blanchfield (Kilkenny RFC), and Paddy Browne (Tullow RFC) to discuss all the latest action.
🔹 Kilkenny RFC – A strong win over Dundalk in Foulkstown, a trip to Cill Dara ahead, and eyes on Wicklow in the cup.
🔹 Tullow RFC – A crucial victory over Athy, featuring four sets of brothers in the lineup, a dominant scrum performance, and a big game against Bective coming up. Plus, Tullow women face Galwegians this weekend.
🔹 Carlow RFC – Fresh off a win against Ashbourne, Carlow now heads to Suttonians. We break down the league permutations and their focus on the next match. Carlow women have a shot at winning the league if they beat Midlands Warriors.
🔹 Youth Rugby Round-Up – A full report on the latest from all three clubs.
Tune in for all the latest local rugby insights!
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast.
Stephen Byrne talks to James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, Tom Crotty from Carlow RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Tullow were beaten by Seapoint at the weekend in what is a tough run into the end of the season. Seapoint's try at the end of the game put Tullow out of contention for a losing bonus point. Paddy says it's going to be tough to avoid the second from bottom place on the table. Sean O'Brien played at full back and got the last 15 minutes of the game. They take on Athy this weekend in what is another local derby. Tullow women were away to Suttonians in the AIL and were beaten, they take on Railway Union this weekend.
Carlow firsts were away to Athy last weekend where they lost but did pick up two points, the seconds won their game. They take on Ashbourne this weekend at home. The women's team take on Lansdowne.
Kilkenny were at home to Wexford at the weekend, slow start, good middle and shocking end said James Blanchfield. Kilkenny take on Dundalk this weekend. The women take on Longford at home this weekend.
We also have updates on all the youths fixtures from the weekend for the clubs.
And some chat about Ireland in the Six Nations.
Stephen Byrne talks to James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, Tom Crotty from Carlow RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Tullow are at home to Seapoint this weekend, Tullow have three games left in the Leinster League and have what Paddy says is the tougher side of the draw. Tullow women away to Suttonians in the AIL and the J1's play Barnhall. There's a club development application going in for female changing rooms, referee changing rooms, disabled toilets and parking, first floor bar and viewing gallery.
Kilkenny beat De La Salle Palmerston 36-24, they were missing six starters including their front row. Kilkenny put in a great performance, James Blanchfield said. The seconds lost. Kilkenny are at home to Wexford this weekend in what was a rescheduled game due to snow a few weeks ago. Kilkenny women beat Tallaght.
Carlow are away to Athy this weekend, the confidence is up having had a good win over Wicklow a few weeks ago. Tom says they are under no illusions about this game or what's to come towards the end of the season, he says Carlow are in a good place but you must play the full 80 minutes against Athy.
We also have updates on all the youths fixtures from the weekend for the clubs.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast.
Stephen Byrne talks to James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, Tom Crotty from Carlow RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Carlow got the better of Tullow in the Leinster League Division 1A, the seconds won their game. Paddy Browne says Tullow are not going well at the moment and says Carlow could edge them at the end of the season. Carlow take on Wicklow next in their recently postponed game.
Kilkenny lost to Boyne at the weekend.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast.
Stephen Byrne talks to James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, Tom Crotty from Carlow RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
The Carlow v Wicklow game was called off due to snow still lying on the pitch and has been rescheduled for the weekend of 25th January. Carlow host Tullow this weekend in the big local derby, which is always a big clash. The women's team has a win at the weekend against De La Salle/St Mary's/Guinness.
Kilkenny's games against Wexford last weekend were called off due to the snow as were a lot of other underage fixtures. Kilkenny are away to Boyne this weekend in the league. They've been a bogey team for the side in some of their past meetings and have a dangerous attack. Kilkenny's women lost to Ashbourne.
Tullow beat Suttonians 13-7. A monumental effort from the club members saw over 60 people grab a shovel, brush and wheelbarrow and clear the pitch of snow so that games could go ahead. Tullow had a huge defensive effort to keep the Dublin side out and it was even 0-0 at half time. The women's team were in action against Old Belvedere however they lost that one. Their next game is against Swords.
We also have all the youths' updates and fixtures.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast.
Stephen Byrne talks to James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, Tom Crotty from Carlow RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Tullow were beaten by Wicklow in the league, they had targeted the three games over the Christmas period, and with the loss, Paddy Browne says they face an uphill battle in this part of the season, he says the team is not clicking at the moment.
They take on Suttonians this weekend who are third on the table. There were a number of games cancelled in Tullow due to the weather. The women's team are in action against Old Belvedere.
Carlow came up just short against Bective, Carlow had injuries and illness to contend with in the run up the games. The seconds also lost their game, they had to be shuffled around as the first team needed a few of them. They take on Wicklow this weekend which will be a tough game.
We also have all the women's and youths' updates and fixtures.
We also chat Leinster and Munster ahead of their Champions Cup games this weekend.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast.
The weather was the reason a lot of games were called off last weekend. However Tullow's firsts were in action against Ashbourne and got the win there in a gale, the seconds had to concede their game. Tullow have a few injuries on their books and are trying to navigate their way through this period. This Saturday Tullow take on Enniskillen in Tullow in the Semi Final of the AIL Junior Cup. A number of the youths' fixtures fell foul of the weather.
The firsts and seconds lost their games in the league against Seapoint. They suffered late injuries too. Their next game is against Bective in the new year. The women had no match at the weekend.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast.
In this episode, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty from Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Carlow's development side played SETU and won, a good crowd watched the game, and thanks to Johnny Tobin who helped organize the game. SETU won the league recently and included Carlow, Tullow, and Kilkenny players. There was a win for Carlow over Suttonians at home in the league, the second team won well. The J1s had a strong win despite losing their tighthead prop Ross Byrne during the warm-up. Tom Crotty says "To beat a top-three team is huge for us". Seapoint is up next and they will be a tough game, but Tom says the team will be far stronger this time around. The Carlow Christmas Party is this weekend too.
It was a quiet weekend last weekend for Kilkenny, youth games took place. The men's first and second teams welcome Mullingar this Sunday. They lost to the same side at the start of the season so they'll be looking for a better performance this time. The Westmeath side are top of the league at the moment. James says they are the underdogs coming into this game and they need an 80-minute performance.
Tullow was in action against Bective at the weekend, both teams were beaten, however. Tullow's seconds had injuries to contend with but Paddy said Bective has a fantastic side. Tullow stayed in touch into the second half but the Dublin side pulled away then. Tullow put out a younger side but ran out of steam and bodies. The first were also struggling with injuries. Tullow had to dip into the subs panel a lot on the day due to injuries picked up, 42-19 was the final score. They're up against Ashbourne next week and need a win there to stay in good shape.
We have a round-up of all the youth's action from the three clubs as well.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast. In this episode, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty from Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Tullow had a win in the AIL Junior Cup against Seapoint, they trailed 17-14 at halftime but pushed on and won the game 24-27. It was a particularly satisfying win says Paddy Browne as Tullow were beaten by the Dublin side in the league in their recent run-ins. Paddy says "Things are lifting a bit" as the team finds more consistency. They take on Enniskillen in the next round on the 14th of December. The women's side lost to Suttonians 12-48 in their AIL league game. They're up against UL Bohs on the 17th of December in a game that must be rescheduled. There was great mention of the U13 side, they have 41 players in the panel, so much so that they have problems trying to rotate the panel, they've a brilliant win record too this season.
Carlow had a development side in action last weekend where they beat Clondalkin. They've 40 players training in the senior ranks and this gave a chance to provide some of the other players a game said Tom Crotty. 20-24 was the final score in the game. The side has been using the downtime recently too to sharpen their skills and intensity, they had a recent training camp with well-known fitness trainer Paul Ward from Paulies Bootcamp. There's no game this weekend for the senior men, their next game is against Suttonians. The Carlow women played the Midland Warriors at the weekend beating them 30-0. They've 24 players now on the panel and are going from strength to strength in what is their first season competing. We have news from all the youth's sides from the weekend as well.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast.
In this episode, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty from Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Tullow and Athy drew in their game in the firsts, Paddy Browne gives us a run down of that game, we also hear about the women's game in the AIL and more.
Kilkenny lost to Dundalk despite going sixteen points up, which James says they can't understand, however the seconds won. Kilkenny's women's teams however had great weekend.
Carlow beat Ashbourne after a tough start to the season. Preparations were disrupted too as the ref was an hour late for the game. Tom Crotty says they're happy with their performance and that they are going in the right direction, the break this weekend means that the players can recuperate and get ready for the next game. The J3 team are in action this weekend where they take on Clondalkin. Carlow's women's team are at home against the Midlands Warriors, it will also be their first game with 15 on 15.
We have news from all the youth's sides from the weekend as well.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast. In this episode, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty from Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Kilkenny were away to De La Salle Palmerston in a nail-biting game, Kilkenny got a last minute kick to win it 19-21, their first away win of the season. They're away to Dundalk at the weekend and could have a few injuries to contend with. Kilkenny women head for Longford this weekend in the league.
Tullow played Seapoint who sit on top of the table, both the J1 and J2 teams were beaten. Tullow had a few injuries before the game so it disturbed preparations. The consolation was that they did pick up bonus points against the Dublin club. Tullow take on Athy this weekend. The women take on Railway Union in the AIL.
Carlow took on Athy in a tight affair and lost, "another game we should have won" says Tom Crotty. He said mistakes and lapses of concentration hurt them. He says " they're so close to getting it right". Carlow head for Ashbourne this weekend in an almost "must win" game as Carlow need to stay off the bottom of the league table. Carlow ladies had a friendly against Thurles and were beaten, but plenty learned from the game. They take on Lansdowne this weekend. SETU were in action during the week where they beat UL with some local players involved. We have news from all the youth
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sports weekly rugby podcast. In this episode, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty from Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Tullow were the only club in action last weekend in terms of men's games. They won their AIL Cup game against Creggs 34-26, they're away to Seapoint in the next round. As it turns out, Tullow are away to Seapoint this weekend in the Leinster League Division 1A. The women were beaten last weekend against Galwegians, they have a break this weekend.
Carlow host Athy in the Leinster League this weekend, it's another local derby Tom Crotty says, "We are on target preparations wise" he says for what should be a close game. The Carlow ladies take on Thurles in a friendly at home this weekend.
Kilkenny meanwhile are away to De La Salle Palmerston. We also have updates from all the youths games across the clubs this weekend and we have some reaction to Graham Rowntree departing Munster.
This is The Knock On, KCLR Sport's weekly rugby podcast. In this episode, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty from Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Tullow beat Carlow 37-31 in the big local derby at the weekend, the seconds won 15-12. Tullow got a good start initially but Carlow kept in touch in the firsts, but Tullow made a lot of ground in the second half and was too much for Carlow to catch. Tom Crotty says their slow start cost them and they were playing catch up after that.
The Carlow seconds were looking good for a win in what was a great game, but Tullow got a late try and sealed the deal. Carlow were happy to pick up the losing bonus points. The Tullow men are in the All Ireland Junior Cup this weekend.Tullow's women lost 26-10 to Barnhall.
Kilkenny firsts beat Boyne, and the seconds lost to Boyne. James Blanchfield says their centre's were the difference in the J1 game, they were in flying form both in attack and defence.
Kilkenny women lost on the road to Greystones, they're having a tough opening campaign in the league, they take on Tallaght this weekend. Carlow and Kilkenny have no men's games this weekend.
We have updates from all the youths action in the three clubs and previews of this weekend's action. The lads also discussed the naming of the Ireland squad for the Autumn Internationals.
