Streaks, Semi-Finals And Showpieces

Episode 11 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle is a bumper edition as the panel dive into the penultimate round of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division, with the race for semi-finals intensifying and a huge weekend looming across both domestic and representative rugby.

Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, Aimee Clarke, and Stacy Hanley, the show blends tactical breakdowns, player insight, and press-box perspective as league positions, promotion hopes, and play-off places all come sharply into focus.

The trio reflect on the drama of Round 17, highlighted by Tullow ending a 34-game losing streak to secure their first-ever win in the competition, one of the standout moments of the season. Looking ahead, the panel previews the final round of AIL fixtures, what’s at stake for all ten teams, and the upcoming promotion semi-finals.

This week’s guests include Tullow stalwart Alex O’Brien, who joins the show to discuss the emotion behind that historic victory and the significance of their upcoming clash with Ennis. Shannon captain Annakate Cournane also features, looking ahead to their play-off semi-final with MU Barnhall, while the other semi-final sees Enniskillen take on Tuam.

Attention then turns to a massive weekend in the Celtic Challenge, with the Clovers and Wolfhounds meeting in the final at the Hive in what promises to be a showcase occasion for Irish women’s rugby.

The panel also reacts to the newly announced Ireland squad for the Six Nations, discussing the key selections and those unlucky to miss out.

Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know as the season sharpens at the Final Whistle.