About
Inside Line dives deep into the most pressing talking points and breaking news from the world of rugby. Each episode brings together a panel of experts, former players, and respected journalists to dissect the latest developments in both local and global rugby scenes. Watch every game live on Stan Sport.
Latest Episodes
View all 91 episodesMONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
Another One Bites The Dust

S4 Ep 8Pocock for President, Sid The Kid and the Irish Front Row Raid
Canberra gets a Wallabies test match, is a new stadium next?Sid Harvey’s stellar debut season rewarded with a new contract while Rugby Australia fights for transfer fees in wake of Irish interest in Massimo De LutiisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 Ep 7New Wallabies Shake-Up, The Next No.10 Debate & Rebels Fallout
Big changes in the Wallabies coaching setup with Kiwi Scott McLeod joining the ranks. What it means for Australian rugby, plus the ongoing battle for the No.10 jersey with Carter Gordon, Noah Lolesio and emerging contenders in the mix.We also break down a refreshed Wallaroos squad, and in the mailbag tackle the Rebels situation, player rest frustrations in Super Rugby Pacific, and key contract questions around the Wallabies setup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 Ep 6Investing and Not For Profits: The Business of Rugby
In this episode of Inside Line, hosts Michael Atkinson and Sam Worthington dive into the shifting commercial landscape of Australian rugby. The centerpiece of the discussion is the Western Force's landmark move to a not-for-profit structure. Following a Memorandum of Understanding with Rugby WA, the hosts explore how this change aims to broaden the team's investment base beyond the Forrest family and potentially secure state government support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 Ep 5The Lingering Lomax Question, Selection Surprises and an absent Wallaroos Star
The boys break down the biggest talking points in Australian rugby, including the shock Zac Lomax switch from league to rugby and why it has sparked such a reaction. They also cover major team news, Replay-gate and what went wrong with the broadcast chain of communication. Plus a look at the Wallaroos squad, the new Super Rugby Women’s draw starting 6 June, and your mailbag questions on Victoria missing out on Tests and how rugby can diversify revenue like the NRL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 Ep 4The Great Scrum Conspiracy & The Lomax Lockdown
In this episode of Inside Line, Michael Atkinson (Stan Sport) and Iain Payten (SMH) dive deep into the "geopolitics" of global rugby following explosive reports from the Northern Hemisphere. The boys peel back the layers on rumors that Australia and New Zealand are conspiring to "depower" the scrum, exploring why nations like South Africa and France are so quick to believe the Aussies are out to turn Union into League. The discussion shifts from boardroom battles to the latest scandals and safety trials: The Springbok Cloud: Digging into the UK Telegraph’s report on the six-fold decrease in drug testing in South Africa and what it means for their recent World Cup triumphs. The Ben Donaldson HIA: A look at the new pre-game concussion protocols that saw the Force fly-half pulled just minutes before kickoff due to a "mouthguard ping." The Zach Lomax Lockdown: With the NRL courts ruling that Lomax can't play for a rival until 2028, could a move to the Brumbies or the Force be back on the table? Payto breaks down the "price point" reality of luring League stars to Union. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 Ep 3Larkham to the All Blacks? Suaalii’s Struggles & The Global Calendar
In this episode of Inside Line, the team breaks down a massive Round 2 of rugby action, headlined by a historic Brumbies victory in Christchurch. Is Stephen Larkham actually in the sights of the NZRU, or is it all just Tasman smoke? We dive into the "Ferrari Faltering" narrative surrounding Joseph Suaalii’s recent performances and look at the fascinating stats showing Australian sides are keeping the ball in hand more than their Kiwi counterparts. Plus, we discuss the latest developments on the elusive Global Calendar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 Ep 2Ramm Returns, Lynagh Whispers & Western Worries
The boys are back breaking down a huge week in Australian rugby, from James Ramm signing with the Western Force, to growing speculation around Tom Lynagh and his future in Queensland. We unpack the controversial Lions try that’s left fans fuming, ask hard questions after the Force’s 56 to 24 loss to the Brumbies, and debate whether expectations are already too high for Les Kiss. Plus, plenty of listener mailbag heat on broadcast decisions, player welfare, Melbourne’s missing Tests, and how Rugby Australia can build stronger revenue streams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4 Ep 1Crichton Signs, Razor Sacked & Tahs Brawl
Inside Line Season 4 starts NOW. The team recaps a chaotic summer: the Miles Amatosero training ground incident, Angus Crichton’s shock Waratahs signing, and the All Blacks' coaching bombshell. Plus, we preview Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific and answer your questions on the 2027 RWC schedule, the Women’s game, and the Western Force’s chances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 32Wallabies Wake Up Call
Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Michael Hooper and Justin Harrison provide informed perspectives on the run of poor form from the Wallabies and answer some of the most passionate fans concerns. Will the green shoots of 2025 be realised in the years to come?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 31Nations Championship, R360 and Victorian Rugby
Special Guest Nick Stiles offers qualified insights into the direction of the game both domestically and globally, the evolution of the professional player and development of Carter Gordon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 30New Look Wallabies for Italian Job
Big changes expected for the Wallabies ahead of their crucial clash with Italy - the Inside Line crew have a closer look at the momentum required to win a RWC and how things looked in the lead up to 2003 and 2015. Plus, some sneaky player movements & the latest ruling around Tadgh Beirne's Red CardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 29Koroibete Retires, Reg 9 & RA Alignment
Michael Hooper pays tribute to the great career of former teammate Marika Koroibete. Justin Harrison & Iain Payten provide an in depth examination of the Reg 9 requirements, the importance of it's existence and the solution to ensuring the best players are available for Internationals. Plus, Michael Atkinson dives into the Mailbag.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 28Phil Waugh - State of the Game Special
RA CEO Phil Waugh sits down with Michael Atkinson & Iain Payten for a frank discussion about the biggest talking points in the game - Bledisloe Cup's Future, Scheduling, Financial Position, Code Hoppers, Grassroots, & Phil's Future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 27Jorgo Steps Up, Skelton Flying Back & Marky Mark Returning
Michael Hooper, Justin Harrison, Tom Decent & Michael Atkinson reflect on the biggest talking points heading into Bledisloe Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 26Spotlight on 10 as Bledisloe Nears
Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Tom Decent and Michael Atkinson have a close look at what's going on around the Fly-Half position - the pressures, the guidance, the pecking order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 25RA Debt Free, National Club Footy & A Marky Mark Return?
Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Michael Hooper & Justin Harrison set their sights on how RA should distribute funds following the latest financial update. Plus, discussion around the importance of bringing Mark Nawaqanitawase back & the future of a national club footy comp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 24Special Guest: Michael Cheika
Michael Cheika makes his Inside Line debut to cover the reality of player movement across the global market, his coaching ambitions, the secret behind Argentina's rise, and the direction of Australian Rugby. Must listen for all rugby fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S3 Ep 23Where There's a Will There's a Way
Will Skelton has proved pivotal to Wallabies success but for how much longer will he be able to play for the National side?Michael Hooper, Justin Harrison, Iain Payten and Michael Atkinson take a deeper look at how the Lock's future will be managed in the Wallabies Jersey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.