Author: jlpagano

WRAP OF A WRAP

Considering Leinster conceded more points in the first 8 minutes v Ulster (3) than the previous 160+, there was a lot more to harp on for this week’s wrap – that said I decided to try and stick to the reduced timeframe we had used over the past two weeks and I think it worked out pretty well, with Ciarán Duffy and David Cordial providing the bulk of the wrapping between them  Ciarán now sits on 199 overall contributions to Harpin’ On Rugby over the years so plans are afoot at Harpin’ Manor to properly commemorate the upcoming milestone.

ICYMI click here to check it out on Spotify or you’ll also find us on Apple and most major platforms.

FRONT FIVE

THINKING INSIDE THE BOX

MURPHY’S LAW

I’M STEVE

WHOLE NEW WORLD

DIVINE INTERVENTION

HARPIN ON…LEINSTER PLAYER PROFILES (PART 1)

lead-in question :

“Last week we honoured Jordie Barrett’s excellent display by looking at Leinster’s greatest imports so I suppose with the business end of the season upon us it might be a good time to turn the spotlight on the current crop of boys in blue. I have asked the panel to select a player each to harp on, starting with David who wants to feature Saturday night’s player of the match…”

LEINSTER SQUAD UPDATE

Last week when I put together my predicted Leinster 23 I failed to take two things into consideration – first, Leinster’s willingness to field much stronger URC squads even at this time of year.  I wonder if Richie Murphy & co even suspected to be facing both Messrs Henshaw and Ringrose together for example.  But I also forgot about the All Ireland League semifinals, which last weekend featured the names who could have played the interpro like Hugh Cooney, Charlie Tector and Cormac Foley.  Since Tarf came out on top at Castle Avenue (see updates below), Tector and Foley could well be in the reckoning for Llanelli, because I have to assume there will be a lot more cotton wool used this time around.

caveat : I have no “ITK” a la Thornley

OFFICIAL UPDATE posted Tuesday

TROLL PATROL

Now it’s time for Troll Patrol where we ‘detain’ a social media commentator and charge them with gaslightery and general online mayhem.

Ah, James.  Very bold Leinster on Munster trolling that thoroughly deserves this week’s detention.  And it’s not just the comment itself, but also the timing…right after the Bulls pinched a win at Thomond Park.  Naturally we here at Harpin Monor couldn’t possibly condone such online behaviour…

Women’s Six Nations

Irish Shield

All Ireland Leagues

WOMEN’S AIL

MEN’S AIL 1B

SVNS

Challenge Cup

Premiership

🔝🐱🐴

ProD2

Super Rugby Pacific

*************************************************************

RWC2027 QUALIFIERS

The RWC2027 tournament has expanded to 24 nations so with four extra spots up for grabs it makes for a fascinating qualifying process.

Rather than post the latest results and fixtures here however, I’d like to defer to the excellent work of frequent Harpin’ contributor Ciarán Duffy who has been keeping close tabs on the qualifying process over at his own site Post to Post Sport.

Follow this link to see how the Road to Australia is progressing..

Japan League One

Major League Rugby 

Harpin Prediction League

This is the 4th season of our Superbru prediction league among Harpin’ pod contributors.  

Kristian is the reigning champion, but the real competition is in avoiding finishing last, which means you must wear The Jersey of Shame.  I had to wear it the first year, while Keego has had the honour the past two seasons.

As you can see our resident stats expert Rugby Kino is leading the way with room to spare although Mark does seem to be gaining on him… meanwhile down at the foot of the table, a mini fightback from David sees the Jersey race up for grabs again.

We’ve also added a Cup (or Mug) competition to make things interesting, with Conor pipping Tom in the second semifinal to join some guy called Jeff in the final this weekend.

NEXT BATCH OF HARPIN’

WRAP OF A WRAP

Similar Leinster result to the previous weekend meant a similar Harpin wrap pod only this time it was Tom Coleman & Rich Mifsud providing the concise, commendable coverage on Sunday evening.

ICYMI click here to check it out on Spotify or you’ll also find us on Apple and most major platforms.

FRONT FIVE

BRIDGING THE GAP

PROVINCIAL TARIFF

A LOAN IT STANDS

FLAWED STRUCTURE

URC ON GEORGIA’S MIND

HARPIN ON…LEINSTER’S BEST IMPORTS

Here’s the lead-in question : 

“After Jordie Barrett’s out of this world display for Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening, I thought for this week’s bonus topic we could take a look back at some of our top imports over the years.  I have asked the lads to choose two of their favourites each and I might even chip in with one of my own when they’re done.  We’re going to kick things off with Rich, on whom have you chosen to harp?”

LEINSTER SQUAD UPDATE

Thought I was being super efficient having my predicted lineup done straight after the injury report came out but then the Milne/Barron news broke so I had to have another crack.  Still think we’ll have a decent 23 for the visit of the Ulstermen on Saturday.

caveat : I have no “ITK” a la Thornley

TROLL PATROL

Now it’s time for Troll Patrol where we ‘detain’ a social media commentator and charge them with gaslightery and general online mayhem.

This week’s Troll Patrol detainee claims to be a Leinster fan and his post touches on a topic I’m planning to cover for my Broken Play article on Substack this Saturday morning so stay tuned…

Women’s Six Nations

Irish Shield

Interprovincial A Championship

All Ireland Leagues

WOMEN’S AIL

MEN’S AIL 1A

MEN’S AIL 1B

Challenge Cup

Premiership

🔝🐱🐴

ProD2

Super Rugby Pacific

RWC2027 QUALIFIERS

The RWC2027 tournament has expanded to 24 nations so with four extra spots up for grabs it makes for a fascinating qualifying process.

Rather than post the latest results and fixtures here however, I’d like to defer to the excellent work of frequent Harpin’ contributor Ciarán Duffy who has been keeping close tabs on the qualifying process over at his own site Post to Post Sport.

Follow this link to see how the Road to Australia is progressing..

Japan League One

Major League Rugby 

Harpin Prediction League

This is the 4th season of our Superbru prediction league among Harpin’ pod contributors.  

Kristian is the reigning champion, but the real competition is in avoiding finishing last, which means you must wear The Jersey of Shame.  I had to wear it the first year, while Keego has had the honour the past two seasons.

As you can see our resident stats expert Rugby Kino is leading the way with room to spare but down at the foot of the table, an impressive couple of rounds has seen Keego move of the bottom for the first time in two years.

We’ve also added a Cup (or Mug) competition to make things interesting, and after this weekend we’ll know who gets to join some guy named Jeff in next week’s final, with Tom and Conor going head to head for the privilege.

NEXT BATCH OF HARPIN’

WRAP OF A WRAP

I really don’t think even my most loyal listeners would have wanted to endure an hour long pod about a 62-point whitewash and fair play to both Ciarán & Hugo for both keeping it brief and covering all the action.

ICYMI click here to check it out on Spotify or you’ll also find us on Apple and most major platforms.

FRONT FIVE

CAPITAL LOSSES

RE-COUPE DU MONDE?

7/1 ODDS

TACKLING TACKLES

CLICKBAIT OF THE WEEK

HARPIN ON…EUROPEAN QFS PREVIEW

Here’s the lead-in question : 

“Now that the European fields has been whittled down to just eight teams, it’s time to focus on the contenders for the final in Cardiff, or should I say fi-NALS, as Connucked are also in serious contention for a spot in the Challenge Cup decider.  So while we will of course be harpin’ on Leinster v Glasgow towards the end of the coming week, our panel are first going to have a quick look at some of the other quarterfinals, starting with Hugo who is going to cover Bordeaux v Munster & Northampton v Castres! [Ciarán looked at Toulon v Toulouse & Connacht v Racing 92]”

LEINSTER SQUAD UPDATE

I have a feeling Leinster won’t stray TOO far from last week’s selection but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a couple of swaps from starter to bench like Slimani/Furlong or Henshaw/Barrett although Robbie is the only Leinster player to have been on the pitch for all of our Champions Cup minutes so far.

caveat : I have no “ITK” a la Thornley

OFFICIAL UPDATE posted Monday

TROLL PATROL

Now it’s time for Troll Patrol where we ‘detain’ a social media commentator and charge them with gaslightery and general online mayhem.

Obviously for the most part trolling is a bad thing, but I wouldn’t want you thinking I was an absolute angel all the time myself, and I couldn’t resist this shortly after the full time whistle when Munster scored an impressive knockout win in the “ROG derby”.  I mean, it’s a mild troll when you think of it, I did say “seriously” for the next bit…

Women’s Six Nations

All Ireland Leagues

WOMEN’S AIL

The fixture details for the Women’s Energia All-Ireland League semi-finals have been confirmed, promising an exciting weekend of club rugby action.

Two high-stakes clashes are scheduled for this Sunday, April 13. Railway Union will host Old Belvedere at 12:30pm, while UL Bohemian take on Blackrock College at 2:30pm. Both Railway and UL Bohemian will be looking to capitalise on home advantage as they aim to secure a place in the 2025 final. Both semi-finals will be streamed Live on IrishRugby+.

Women’s Division Semi-Finals – Sunday, April 13

Railway Union vs Old Belvedere – 12:30 PM, in Park Avenue

UL Bohemian vs Blackrock College – 2:30 PM, in Annacotty

MEN’S AIL 1A

MEN’S AIL 1B

SVNS

Challenge Cup

Premiership

🔝🐱🐴

ProD2

Super Rugby Pacific

RWC2027 QUALIFIERS

The RWC2027 tournament has expanded to 24 nations so with four extra spots up for grabs it makes for a fascinating qualifying process.

Rather than post the latest results and fixtures here however, I’d like to defer to the excellent work of frequent Harpin’ contributor Ciarán Duffy who has been keeping close tabs on the qualifying process over at his own site Post to Post Sport.

Follow this link to see how the Road to Australia is progressing..

Japan League One

Major League Rugby 

Harpin Prediction League

This is the 4th season of our Superbru prediction league among Harpin’ pod contributors.  

Kristian is the reigning champion, but the real competition is in avoiding finishing last, which means you must wear The Jersey of Shame.  I had to wear it the first year, while Keego has had the honour the past two seasons.

As you can see our resident stats expert Rugby Kino is leading the way with room to spare but down at the foot of the table, an impressive couple of rounds has seen Keego move of the bottom for the first time in two years.

We’ve also added a Cup (or Mug) competition to make things interesting, and partly thanks to my prediction of Leinster to win in Durban, I just about edged HPL runaway leader Kino to reach the first ever Harpin’ Mug Final where I’ll play the winner of Tom v Conor in the next round.

NEXT BATCH OF HARPIN’