Episode 2835: RIP Beckenbauer, Carbery’s Career, Hansen Out, Nienanber Rewires Leinster Brains, Jim’s Ban

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer was one of the greatest players of all time, winning a World Cup as a player and a manager, while changing the perception of what a defender can do. Ken takes a look at the impact “Der Kaiser” made on the game.

It’s been nothing but bad news for Munster recently with Jean Kleyn the latest to be ruled out for the season, and Joey Carbery’s announcement on Monday that he will be leaving in a few months won’t have lightened their mood. We chat to Gerry Thornley about what might be behind the decision, and how Carbery’s career has come to this.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The other big news this week is Mack Hansen’s shoulder injury, and the lack of obvious replacements for him with the start of the Six Nations not too far away.

©INPHO/Ben Brady

Plus there’s Nienaber’s very specific timeframe for rewiring Leinster players’ brains, tasty Toulouse, and Jim McGuinness’ 8 week ban.

© INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

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Every year it becomes more culturally embarrassing for us to talk about the third round of the FA Cup.

And yet… here we go again.https://t.co/mktNtsLpRG pic.twitter.com/I9e5CSZdOC

— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) January 8, 2024