Overview
- McCloskey, whose podcast remarks were reported Friday, said some South Africans “just hate the Irish.”
- He argued South Africa’s entry into the United Rugby Championship has added “beef and grittiness” to regular clashes.
- He said Springbok supporters’ use of The Cranberries’ song Zombie has become irritating for Irish fans.
- Recent results include Ireland’s 13-8 pool win at the 2023 World Cup, a split two-Test tour in South Africa in 2024, and a 24-13 Springboks win in Dublin in November 2025.
- The coverage notes Ireland have won five of nine Tests against South Africa since 2016, and that Irish clubs beat South African opposition in two URC finals.