Le French Rugby Podcast

We're joined by the newly crowned King of Biarritz, Steffon Armitage, as he prepares to catch a flight to Ibiza after slotting over the winning kick at goal in a sudden death penalty shootout against bitter rivals Bayonne to win promotion to the Top 14. We also chat about what that means to both Basque clubs, take a look at the Barrages in the Top 14 and look ahead to the semi-finals... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnnie and Benji are back to reflect on a crazy final day in the Top 14 regular season and one of them might be a bit smug after predicting exactly what order the top six would finish in! We dissect all the late drama, look ahead to a Paris derby in the Barrages and a Basque derby for a place in next season's Top 14 and we catch up with Perpignan's Piula Fa'asalele, fresh from the beach bar, to find out how the party's been going after they were promoted back to the big time at the weekend... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benji and Johnnie are back to look ahead to a frantic finale in the Top 14 regular season where almost every game has something major riding on it and there are a host of different permutations, all of which viewers in the UK can now watch on Premier Sports after we teased that news last week! We get their predictions on who will make the play-offs, who will get into the Champions Cup for next season and who will finish second bottom and be in the dreaded relegation play-off. Plus, we discuss the move of Alexandre Ruiz from referee to defence coach at Montpellier and Benji doesn't hold back... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benji and Johnnie are back to analyse all the action from the first French double in the Champions & Challenge Cups since 1997, including Benji's eye witness account of Levani Botia's red card offence, and we're joined by a newly crowned European Cup winner with an incredible tale to tell. Toulouse's Thibaud Flament joins us how he's gone from fly half in the Loughborough University 5th team to second row in a Champions Cup winning side in double quick time! Plus, there might just be some news on the Top 14 returning to UK screens... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with a comprehensive preview of the upcoming all-French Champions Cup final and a look at whether Montpellier can make it a French double in terms of the two European trophies for the first time since 1997! We discuss Toulouse's injury concerns, La Rochelle's rise, who has the edge in terms of talent, power and coaching and Benji gets deep about how much it means after coming so close to lifting the European Cup but losing out in five finals... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bordeaux's Australian international second row Kane Douglas joins us to chat about the pressure of the battle to make it into the Top 14 play-offs, as well as the extent of the Covid crisis at the club, Christophe Urios' quirks and much more. Plus, we hear Benji and Johnnie's experiences of what makes the play-off race in France so special and sets it apart from every other league in the world... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benji and Johnnie return to look back on more French domination in Europe as we discuss La Rochelle's physically and tactically dominating Leinster and chat to Perpignan's former Clermont and France back rower Damien Chouly about what makes Jono Gibbes special...and get a bit of dirt on Benji in the process! Plus, we dissect Toulouse's win over a hamstrung Bordeaux and look at how many of the current France side would make it into Warren Gatland's Lions Test XV... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnnie and Benji are back to look ahead to the French dominated Champions Cup semi-finals and we're joined by former Toulouse prop and European Cup winner Census Johnston, who thinks it's Toulouse's title to lose. We hear just how intense Guy Noves was, what the Toulouse way meant for the forwards, more on Joe Tekori's now infamous reputation and how Census is now more French than Benji! Plus, we discuss whether Bordeaux will be able to take the field against Toulouse because of their recent positive Covid tests and what shape they'll be in if they do, there's a look at why Jono Gibbes is swapping La Rochelle for Clermont next season...and could Benji be joining him back at the Stade Marcel Michelin? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by All Black number eight Luke Whitelock to hear about adjusting to life in France, the differences between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, a relegation dogfight with Pau and how winning a basement battle can be better than winning the World Cup! Plus, Johnnie and Benji go head to head in a French citizenship test and things get very tense... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benji and Johnnie are back to discuss the French clubs' domination of European rugby, despite a couple of less than exciting all-French quarter-finals in the Champions Cup, and we're joined by Toulouse star Zack Holmes to chat about their win over Benji's Clermont, loving life in France, playing with the likes of Dupont, Ntamack, Kolbe and co, why Jerome Kaino isn't too happy about his fashion choices and we help him with his preparation for the French citizenship test! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by Racing and Scotland fly half and King of Paris Finn Russell this week to talk all aspects of his French adventure from his relationship with Virimi Vakatawa and Simon Zebo to what car he's driving down the Champs Elysees, whether there's frustration at constantly being labelled a maverick and much more. Plus, of course there's a look ahead to what it'd mean to be selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. And, we round up a great weekend for the French sides in the Champions Cup, look ahead to the quarter-finals and Benji isn't sitting on the fence when it comes to the situation surrounding the cancellation of Toulon's game at Leinster... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnnie and Benji are back to dissect France's failings and a famous win for Scotland in Paris, as well as discuss how a fresh waffle-related drama inspired Stuart Hogg and co to victory. Johnnie gives us the lowdown from inside the Stade de France and tells us of plans to buy a Parisian nightclub with Finn Russell, Benji analyses France's tournament as a whole and we look ahead to the return of European knockout rugby as well... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France's title dream lives on after a crazy last 10 minutes in Paris and Johnnie fills us in on what it was like pitchside at the Stade de France, while Benji gives us the lowdown on the refereeing and TMO decisions after chatting to Romain Poite and Mathieu Raynal. We discuss Fabien Galthie's comments on Paul Willemse and the Welsh players specialising in getting players sent off, chat about Ireland's win over England after Benji spent the weekend in Dublin and look ahead to the epic finale on Friday night as France face Scotland knowing what they need to do to win the title for the first time in over a decade... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnnie and Benji break down all the goings on in one of the great games of recent years at Twickenham, talk tactics and Galthie being outcoached by Jones and the Grand Slam may have slipped away for France but the title is still in their sights so we build up to an epic encounter against Wales this weekend, as well as rounding up all of the rest of the Six Nations action... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The one and only Joe Marler joins us this week to look ahead to England v France and talk about everything from his view of this current France side to the ones he's played against in years gone by to cigarettes in the changing rooms, learning French from his son and much more. Plus, we look at what's happened in the wake of Fabien's trip out and wafflegate, whether France will be ready and where Le Crunch will be won and lost... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benji and Johnnie are back to discuss what sanctions Fabien Galthie should face for breaching France's bubble, whether the French sports minister might intervene, the rearranged date for the Scotland game and the standard of French refereeing in the Six Nations. Plus, we catch up with Mr Greig Laidlaw in Japan, who gives us an insight into what the players in the Scotland camp are thinking, tells us whether it's more difficult to adjust to the cultural and language differences in France or Japan and lifts the lid on his battle with Morgan Parra at Clermont... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures and we're back for a bonus pod to discuss the fallout from the postponement of France's clash with Scotland. We weigh up when the game could possibly be played in a ridiculously congested calendar, how the release of players from clubs can be secured and consider whether more specific contingency plans should have been in place. Plus, we chat about the rumours in the French media that Fabien Galthié may have broken protocols, delve into the politics of French rugby once more and assess whether the impending investigation can come up with the necessary answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benji and Johnnie are back to discuss what's been going on in France camp with a host of players and coaches testing positive for Covid-19, how the enforced personnel changes and lack of training might affect them, whether the game against Scotland will and should go ahead and much more. Plus, we hear how it was really Johnnie who masterminded Scotland's victory over France in last year's Six Nations and we chat to referee Mike Adamson about communicating in French, why he awarded Jonny May's try at Twickenham and why we're seeing so many red cards at the moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who better to have on the show to talk about France's first victory in Dublin for a decade than a former Ireland international who now supports France and serves Antoine Dupont in his bar! Former Toulouse & Leinster legend Trevor Brennan joins us to look back at the game and talk about his sons representing France, the ban that ended his playing career, where the sport's at right now and just what makes this France side so good... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnnie's fingerprints are all over the pod this week after Scotland's first victory over England at Twickenham for 38 years and we're joined by Scotland's most capped back rower and Clermont legend Jason White too. As well as talking all things Calcutta Cup, we hear stories about Vern Cotter's famous training camps, Philippe Saint-Andre's questionable memory and much more and, of course, we look at France's thrashing of Italy. There's also a look ahead to all of the Round 2 games in the Six Nations and a bit of Top 14 chat to boot... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look ahead to the 2021 Six Nations and especially whether France's time has come or whether the absence of the likes of Virimi Vakatawa and Camille Chat will cause major problems for Fabien Galthie. We also look back at Johnnie and Benji's memories of the tournament from the days of VHS cassettes! We put our money where our mouth is in terms of predictions for this year's Six Nations and take a look at the latest Top 14 action and rumours... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As well as looking back on last week's episode and reflecting on Johnnie and Benji's experience of S&C coaches, we're joined by superagent and former England international Jamie Noon to chat wheeling and dealing, the state of the market at the moment, interacting with volatile owners, clearing up problems and the unseen work they do to help players along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discover the secret behind France's renaissance over the past 18 months on this week's episode as Les Bleus' Head of Athletic Performance Thibault Giroud joins us. The former sprinter, American footballer and bobsleigher talks us through how he's changed the culture in the French camp since taking the job just before the 2019 World Cup, what training the players do and the metrics used, what he thinks of the old stereotypes about French players, how this France side compare to players around the world and much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Clermont, Scotland and British & Irish Lions second row Nathan Hines joins us to chat about his coaching career in Montpellier, clashing with the recently sacked Xavier Garbajosa and moving to Cheshire. He also discusses playing with Johnnie and Benji, what Vern Cotter is really like and fills us in on his experience in the bubble for the Barbarians game against England that never happened... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse's All Black legend Jerome Kaino joins us to talk about their game against Exeter being called off, adjusting to life in France, the influence of Joe Tekori on and off the field, wanting to stay and coach the youngsters at Toulouse and much more. Plus, Johnnie's been banished to the basement and we're joined by another very special guest... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former European Player of the Year and England international Nick Abendanon joins us to talk about swapping Bath for Clermont, how close he came to moving back to the Premiership in the summer, life in PRO D2, the news about former team-mate Michael Lipman and what that could mean for the sport, stories from his time with Benji at Clermont and conversations with Stuart Lancaster about his England career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don't want to miss this one as we're joined by France legend Serge Betsen to discuss what more can be done to help players when they've finished playing, especially after the sad passing of the late, great Christophe Dominici, and the amazing work he's doing with his academy to help people as well. We get a great insight into Fabien Galthié, Raphael Ibanez and Shaun Edwards and discuss the current France side...plus Serge reveals he's open to coaching offers himself! It's hard not to be inspired by the great man... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Toulon, Wasps, England and British & Irish Lions legend Simon Shaw joins us to talk moving to France at the age of 38, the madness of Mourad, the culture on the Cote d'Azur and much more. He tells us some stories about Shaun Edwards, gives his insight into the current France side and throws an interesting name into the mix as a contender to be Lions captain next year as well. Plus, we discuss all the Autumn Nations Cup action and Benji gives a touching tribute to the late, great Christophe Dominici... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Racing 92 Sporting Director Yannick Nyanga joins us to look ahead to Scotland v France as well as talk about his current role, the mental side of the game after Racing's third Champions Cup final defeat in five years recently, how he's helped the likes of Camille Chat and Teddy Thomas and all the big moments from his playing career including how was left out of the France setup for five years under Marc Lievremont. Oh, and we discuss growing up in an area close to a famous naturist village and what it's like to have been named the sixth most handsome man in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined this week by the man who has captained France more than anyone else, the one and only Thierry Dusautoir. The former Toulouse man shares just how much of a burden the French captaincy can put on your shoulders, how he tried to quit and how it left him wanting to get away from rugby at the end of his playing career. He also gives us the honest lowdown on the infamous saga of the 2011 World Cup, discusses his relationship with Laporte, Lievremont, Noves and Saint-Andre and tells us how this current France team will win something if the politics between the FFR and LNR can be sorted out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Racing and France second row Bernard le Roux joins us to talk about what it's like being a part of this exciting French side after being on the brink of giving up international rugby, how he came close to playing for the Springboks after a few years in France, just how intense but also fun it is playing under Fabien Galthié and Shaun Edwards, THAT incident with Alun Wyn Jones and much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former France hooker Benjamin Kayser and Scotland back rower Johnnie Beattie discuss how Antoine Dupont is already eclipsing Benji's mate Morgan Parra, hating Johnny Sexton, Benji's lack of luck against the Irish and how France are going to blow Ireland away. Plus, a look at the Top 14 and some hot transfer rumours involving France internationals as well... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Clermont and Canada hard man Jamie Cudmore joins us to talk reputation, reality, life in France, his battles with Paul O'Connell, the glory days and a disappointing end at Clermont, playing under Vern Cotter and the concussion situation which could also be a ticking time bomb in terms of lawsuits for rugby in the years to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former All Black Chris Masoe joins us to talk about his departure as Racing 92 defence coach over lockdown, helping out at Carcassone in PRO D2, his playing career in New Zealand and France, the pair of Champions Cup final wins over Benji's Clermont and this year's final between his old club Racing and Exeter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Clermont and France full back Scott Spedding joins us to talk about not just acclimatising to life in France but becoming a French citizen, the emotion and story behind his first call-up to the France squad, problems at the 2015 World Cup and the big legal issue of him not being given JIFF status that had a massive effect on the end of his playing career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perhaps France's greatest ever player and one of the best centres to have played the game Philippe Sella joins us to discuss life at Agen, winning the title with them in his playing days, his time at Saracens, Nigel Wray and the salary cap scandal, the best try ever scored, World Cup heartache and much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Blacks legend and former Racing 92 star Joe Rokocoko joins us to discuss his playing career and his journey into coaching in Paris. He discusses bursting onto the scene in New Zealand, comparisons to Jonah Lomu and advice from the great man, cultural and coaching differences between home and France, struggling to settle before going on to thrive, how good Racing are at the moment and what Finn Russell is really like! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by Top 14 and international rugby royalty this week as Sergio Parisse talks everything from the early days at Stade Francais to the fallout at the end, life at Toulon, life after rugby, whether promotion and relegation should be introduced in the Six Nations, the heartache of Italy's final World Cup game being cancelled last year and the prospect of one final international appearance in Rome is still on the cards but when...tune in to find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulon legend and former England international Steffon Armitage joins Benjamin Kayser, Johnnie Beattie and Tim Groves to talk about his life in French rugby, from the madness of Mourad Boudjellal to having his bags packed ready for a return to England to being overlooked for international selection to the Tuesday Night Club with the other Toulon Galacticos! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former France international Benjamin Kayser and Scotland international Johnnie Beattie are here with the first episode of the brand new Le French Rugby Podcast and they're not holding back with the truth about the coaching and personality of current France coach Fabien Galthié. There's insight into other coaches and owners too, including Max Guazzini and Mohed Altrad, and we preview the new Top 14 season which kicks off this weekend... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming soon, a brand new show with former France international Benjamin Kayser and Scotland international Johnnie Beattie covering the colourful world of French rugby. From speaking to the biggest stars from around the world playing in France to all the best stories from around the game, check out the introduction to what Le French Rugby Podcast has to offer... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.