Rugby’s stylistic direction of travel - is it for the best?

And Irish rugby’s tactical evolution in the last 10 years

Listen | 36:22
Jimmy O'Brien of Leinster catches the ball in front of Seabelo Senatla of DHL Stormers. Law tweaks mean aerial contests are becoming more prevalent.
Photograph: Steve Haag Sports/EJ Langner/©INPHO
Jimmy O'Brien of Leinster catches the ball in front of Seabelo Senatla of DHL Stormers. Law tweaks mean aerial contests are becoming more prevalent. Photograph: Steve Haag Sports/EJ Langner/©INPHO

With Leinster and Leicester squaring off in Europe this week, Jimmy Gopperth - a former outhalf for both sides - joins ex-teammate Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns.

We look back at an interesting time in Leinster’s history, the years when they were coached by Matt O’Connor. We also chat about Irish rugby’s tactical evolution in the last 10 years, as well as the direction of travel of the sport more generally, given Gopperth’s experience playing for 10 different clubs across the world.

Produced by John Casey.

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