Episode 2212: The Rugby News Cycle Explodes, The IRFU Turn Their Noses Up At Player Demands, Johann van Graan Confirms He’s Leaving Munster

The rugby news lines just will not stop coming this week – hot on the heels of 4 wins from 4 for the Irish provinces in the Champions Cup at the weekend, we had huge names in the women’s game in this country writing a letter condemning the IRFU to the government yesterday, and today Johann van Graan announces he’s leaving Munster at the end of the season.

The Irish government has sought a meeting with the IRFU after receiving the letter from 62 current and former Irish women's rugby players:https://t.co/LUwMUtzTjC

— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) December 13, 2021

©INPHO/Ryan Hiscott

We speak to Andrew Trimble, former Munster player Duncan Casey and Gerry Thornley of the Irish Times about the IRFU’s response to that letter from some of their greatest current and former players, how much latitude there is for government intervention, Munster’s heroism against Wasps and Ulster’s battle for consistency.

©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Plus – the increasingly contagious Ken Early Effect claims another victim in Simon Hick, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang loses the Arsenal captaincy, and Man United/Brentford is off due to Covid issues in the United camp.

Arsenal’s All or Nothing might be bigger than Squid Game. https://t.co/gXFibJlaD0

— Harry Pinero (@harrypinero) December 14, 2021

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Have we, as a nation, “had quite enough of experts”…? Eoin and I roll the dice on today’s show https://t.co/3SgI87cAPA

— Ciarán Murphy (@saveciaranmurph) December 13, 2021

Steven Gerrard returned to Anfield as Aston Villa manager, but what does he need to do to be considered for the liverpool job? Today’s show is OUT NOW https://t.co/FCFKeYC3cH pic.twitter.com/VMM1Fn6QGB

— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) December 13, 2021