Forty20 Rugby League Podcasts

An end of season review of sorts, as teams have started pre-season for 2026, we're ready for hibernation. Back live in January, but still more to come before the end of the year... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's over....and it went as expected. Or did it? Australia return with the Ashes again, England score two tries in three games, and Shaun Wane's in charge... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2020 feels like a long time ago, and that's when Sophie Robinson last joined us on the podcast. Since then, she's taken a break from playing, until returning for her Jamaica debut last week, but it's not the start of a comeback. The former Leeds Rhino tells us what she's been up to, what's keeping her busy, the international game, how Jamaica fits in that and how, despite playing, she's back involved at her old club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ashes are going back to Australia, again, so is there anything we can do to change that going forward? Other Rugby League news and stuff as well, of course... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's The Ashes...and we're 1-0 down. What went wrong, and can we stop the Aussies? Probably not, but we're still looking forward to Everton on Saturday....and loads of other Rugby League topics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ashes are here, and so is James back in the studio, so we can talk about those, the changes to Super League, and everything else we can think of... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"There's Only One Channy Crowl!" is the title of Channy Crowl's autobiography, as you could probably guess, and she joins the podcast to talk about it, representing her birth nation of Canada this autumn, 2025 for St. Helens, future plans and how she ended up on a TV quiz show, but can she get through our tough questions? A fun half hour! You can find more details on how to buy the book on this link: https://womensrl.com/?p=776 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Grand Final, coaching changes, and Jake Connor isn't in the England squad, to the surprise of no-one, but hasn't stopped them being upset regardless... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A proper Super Sunday of Rugby League to look back on, with champions crowned from Greater Manchester, Queensland and the South of France, a repeat Grand Final to look forward to, and concentrating as much as we can on, rather than off the field... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of this weekend's Women's Grand Final, Richard de la Riviere from womensrl.com joins us to talk about that, and a very busy weekend on the pitch where there were comebacks galore, Leigh impressing across the park, Halifax winning the Wheelchair Grand Final and the most ridiculous try there's every been... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We were at the presentation of the 2025 Super League Dream Team this week, and spoke to a load of Rugby League people, so here they are! 00:00 Intro 00:41 Adrian Lam 04:16 Umyla Hanley 06:29 Daryl Powell 11:33 Mike McMeeken 15:58 Paul Wellens 18:50 Morgan Knowles 23:38 Brad Arthur 26:13 Lewis Martin 29:01 Denis Betts 35:05 Caitlin Casey 38:52 Craig Richards 43:04 Matt Peet 46:31 Willie Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Technical issues plagued the broadcast, but not he recording device, and, would you believe it, we're really excited and positive as the men's Super League play-offs begin, and we have the first Grand Final coming up on Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Almost as long as Canberra vs. Brisbane, but you can decide if the quality matches that... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some weeks loads happens, some less so. Still, always plenty to talk about in the world of Rugby League, as the play-off picture is almost set for the men, is for the women, and heading towards a GF in the wheelchairs. The weather has turned... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A midweek bonus for you as we're joined by former prop forward and current BBC Radio Cumbria commentator Becca Thompson to talk her transition from pitch to press box, following the Barrow Raiders through this Women's Super League season, how they've gone, the future in the North West, commentating without always having a summariser, and her future hopes... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Simpson-Hill joins us to talk Leeds' expulsion from the Wheelchair Super League play-offs , and much more, James Child makes an amazing entrance as we discuss Shaggate, and everything else going on this week... --- A. "A swing dance" B. "Fine cut tobacco" C. "A bird" ---- Buy the magazine: http://www.scratchingshedpublishing.com/ Grab the podcast: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/forty20-rugby-league-podcasts/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Forty20TV Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Forty20LIVE Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forty20magazine/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James returns to a week of a little bit of drama in the Wheelchair game, new coaches in the running game. League 1 exists, Woman of Steel shouts, gingers, boots as cups and the usual other stuff. ---- Buy the magazine: http://www.scratchingshedpublishing.com/ Grab the podcast: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/forty20-rugby-league-podcasts/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Forty20TV Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Forty20LIVE Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forty20magazine/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We may have had internet issues at points, but the programme cannot be stopped! The latest nonsense from Salford, a key reason why there shouldn't be too many worries about Sport England, and some actual Rugby League to talk about.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Salford's situation Arthur's seat remains at Headingley We love S4C Other stuff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not much new news, but plenty to talk about, but not bullies. John Davidson is back, and Phil and Richard try to keep him away from the biscuits and discuss all the latest in Rugby League. ---- Buy the magazine: http://www.scratchingshedpublishing.com/ Grab the podcast: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/forty20-rugby-league-podcasts/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Forty20TV Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Forty20LIVE Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forty20magazine/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WHAT! A! SHOW! James Child and John Davidson are both back with us as we start with tributes to Ray French, and the usual news and stuff, but, at 30 minutes or so in, Super League announces it will be expanding to 14 teams NEXT SEASON and all hell breaks loose.... ---- Buy the magazine: http://www.scratchingshedpublishing.com/ Grab the podcast: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/forty20-rugby-league-podcasts/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Forty20TV Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Forty20LIVE Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forty20magazine/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The future of TV, loads of talking points on the pitch, the new game and cake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're outside, leaving behind the studio to head to King Alfred Fields, home of the North Leeds Leopards, where Phil knows people, and ambushes Sam Lisone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James returns as Danny McGuire goes....another load of RL things to talk about! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Referee blaming is back, props scoring tries, Dagnall's deft touch and loads of other things we've forgotten about... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A try scorer in York's Grand Final win in 2024, Kelsey Gentles is now a free agent, and joins us to talk about her return from injury, how that is dealt with in the women's game, how she's not made a decision on where to play next, international hopes, and Wembley as well, and much more with one of the effervescent stars of Rugby League! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trying to stick to the stuff on the pitch, rather than anything else getting in front of cameras... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No Wembley hangovers for Hull KR, Wigan's women and York, nor Saints women and Featherstone with them all winning, but what is going on at both Warrington, and Catalans, who appear to blame the Challenge Cup for their current form. Praise for Halifax, as they head into the Wheelchair Super League season as Challenge Cup winners, and celebrations for Sir Billy Boston! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After finals day at Wembley, what do you think we spend most of the programme talking about? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Headingley, Forty20's Phil Caplan speaks to Professor Tony Collins about his new book, Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader, on the life and times of one of Rugby League's most significant historical figures, from his playing days, move into coaching and influence, as well as the issues he faced on and off the field. They are also joined by one of Roy's sons, Ian, who shares some of his recollections of his father. The book is available now, and make sure you order it from your local independent book shop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An episode that genuinely goes on for longer than we thought, which we're blaming on James turning up about half-an-hour in. Everything that happened last week, that we watched, and Wembley thoughts... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happened last week on the pitch, Phil goes to London, Steve McNamara's in limbo, and the illustrious history of the Championship Shield... VOTE: https://www.nationaltvawards.com/vote/category/authored-documentary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the Celtic Cup this Saturday, as Wales host Scotland and defending champions Ireland in Cardiff for three games of Wheelchair RL in one day. Phil Roberts of Ireland and Wales' Alan Caron join us to look ahead to the event, and the state of the game in their nations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a week where not much news has happened yet, Phil prepares to try a Lamington in London, Richard muses over buying a "Rudge Mode" t-shirt, a present arrives in the studio, and there's plenty of on -field action to go through as the Wembley line-up is complete, Hull KR and Wigan remain top, the Warriors Women impress again, and we all have a fun time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JAMES CHILD IS BACK! So, plenty to talk about with him, and where he's been, plus, Challenge Cup semi-finals and other bits and pieces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some magic occurred in Newcastle, Cup excitement on the horizon, and news, of which, there isn't much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Women's Challenge Cup semi-finals approach this weekend, St. Helens forward Emily Rudge joins us on the podcast to discuss the game against York Valkyrie, "home advantage" and how that could be changed, the state of the women's game in general, England, Vegas and social media, for good and bad... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pre-Magic Weekend action, inconsistencies and why Catalans REALLY (we think) aren't in the Wheelchair Challenge Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A special Tuesday edition of the programme in which we talk about the Easter Rugby League action, and wonder if the Catholic Church works like the RFL when choosing a new leader.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With World Cups on the horizon in the Wheelchair and PDRL games in 2026, this season is another big opportunity for all those involved, on and off the pitch. Add in to that LDSL, and it was a busy morning when we went to the RFL's Inclusion Season Launch in Manchester... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lot of things have happened and a lot of things have not happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We spoke to plenty of people at last week's Women's Season Launch in Leigh, and you can hear from them here! York Valkyrie: Lindsay Anfield St. Helens: Phoebe Hook & Craig Richards Cardiff Demons: Ffion Jenkins Sheffield Eagles: Andrea Dobson Barrow Raiders: Amanda Wilkinson Wigan Warriors: Denis Betts & Izzy Rowe Leeds Rhinos: Bella Sykes & Lois Forsell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People flock to see Challenge Cup rugby, we've been at a couple of launches, and some other stuff has probably happened we need to talk about... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rugby League and Politics have gone hand in hand from day one, and before that meeting at The George in 1895. Current Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for RL, which isn't easy to say, is MP for St. Helens North David Baines, who joined us to talk about what the group does, what they can't do, and his thoughts on the sport and relationships between it and those who run the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kingston-upon-Hull lead the way, Will Pryce is back, a drop goal masterclass in France, but do we want them? (The French that is.) Also: more shenanigans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another normal week in the world of Thoroughbred Rugby League, as Leeds geld Wigan, both Hull's impress, and there's some statements that you could say have come from the back end of a horse, but we, of course, wouldn't... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Challenge Cup and Coups, the Hull FC revival and remembering a Cup King.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It seems apt, at the moment, to dig into the archives once again, and here, from September 2017, is the appearance of then RFL CEO Nigel Wood in the Radio Yorkshire studio... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We'd like to run the RFL but, like Newcastle Knights, we'd probably mess it up...a month into the Super League season, and the on-field stuff is certainly in a better place then some of the off-field dramas... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens in Vegas, gets discussed in North Leeds (apart from the things that stay in Vegas.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices