The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

James O’Connor was the first of his kind - a teenage prodigy who transcended the back pages to become the face of Australian rugby. James O’Connor joins Alex, Hask and Tins to discuss the heavy crown of early fame, his global "rock star" journey which climaxed in a Parisian prison to his settled life at Leicester Tigers. The boys dive into the week’s massive news: Henry Pollock’s alliance with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom. We ask: Is rugby finally ready to embrace a superstar, or will the "tall poppy" syndrome strike again? 🏠 00:59 Settling in Leicester Life 🌍 07:03 Nomadic Career Choices 🌟 15:12 Growing Up in Spotlight ✍️ 21:09 Eddie Hearn Signs Pollock 📣 31:14 Let Stars Promote 🤕 45:22 Injuries and Spiral 💔 48:35 Paris Rock Bottom Story 💪 52:48 Rebuilding Discipline 🏉 57:48 Wallabies Ambitions and Standards 🧠 01:08:19 The Coaches Who Shaped JOC 🗒️ GBR Survey: https://purespectrum.decipherinc.com/... 🚴‍♀️ Race To The Slater Cup https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/r... 🌎 EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/xxxxx Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded: ⁠https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England legend Lewis Moody joins Payno and Tins to celebrate his remarkable career. From untold tactics behind the 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph to the night Tommo’s uppercut left a lasting impression, “Mad Dog” lifts the lid on the hilarious, unfiltered reality of life as one of the game’s early professionals. Discover the “secret sauce” behind Leicester Tigers’ four consecutive Premiership titles, as Lewis reveals what drove their dominance, and he names the toughest Tiger of them all. It’s a high-octane trip down memory lane with one of rugby’s most fearless greats. 01:33 🎁 Charity Surprise 03:44 🐥 The Young Lewis Moody 09:43 🐯 Dosser Smith And Leicester Debut 17:37 🔥 Uni Life And The Outstanding Gas Bill 27:21 💪 Leicester Tigers Royal Rumble 36:54 🕺 Bee Gees Wembley Ejection 40:41 🥃 Rémy Martin Moment of Excellence 41:22 🏆 World Cup Charge Down 44:48 😈 Tour of Hell Confessions 56:10 🍻 2003 Nights Out Chaos 01:05:26 💡 Drop Goal Plan B 01:12:49 🏁 Race to the Slater Cup 🚴‍♀️ Race To The Slater Cup https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/racetoslatercup 🕺Lewis Moody Foundation https://www.gofundme.com/f/lewis-moody-fundraising-appeal 🥃 Remy Martin Cocktail Recipes https://www.remymartin.com/en-uk/cocktails/ 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones 🗒️GBR Survey https://purespectrum.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/53b/260334?list=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Marler and Mike Brown join Payno and Tins for the Anglo Inquisition, dissecting England’s Six Nations. The team tackle the 2003 legends criticism, Steve Borthwick’s leadership style, and the discipline crisis. It’s a raw, unfiltered health check on the state of English rugby. 00:00 🛞 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 03:04 🍷 Why 2026 Was a Vintage Year 11:52 🏥 England Health Check 21:05 🤔 Do You Believe in Steve? 30:39 ⚔️ 2003 vs 2026: The Fallout 53:09 🥃 Rémy Martin Moment of Excellence 🗒️GBR Survey https://purespectrum.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/53b/260334?list=1 🥃 Remy Martin Cocktail Recipes https://www.remymartin.com/en-uk/cocktails/ 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall. #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After one of the wildest weekends of the Six Nations, the boys are back to break it all down. Payno, Tins, Jonny May and Ben Kayser dive into Scotland’s breathtaking performance against France. Then it’s time for the uncomfortable truth: England’s loss to Italy. Is this a rock-bottom moment for England? And is the criticism of Head Coach Steve Borthwick fair? The panel also unpacks the on-field confusion between Maro Itoje and Fin Smith, with Tins revealing what really happens when leadership, pressure and game plan collide in the chaos of a Test match. 00:00 🛞 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 01:26 🌪️ Six Nations Weekend Whirlwind 03:10 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland’s All-In Tactics 15:56 😬 England’s Rome Meltdown 19:01 🎯 Take the Points Debate 31:31 🗞️ Borthwick and the Media Storm 46:17 🥃 Remy Martin Moment Of Excellence 53:21 🇫🇷 France England Preview 56:08 ☘️ Ireland Scotland Preview 58:57 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales Italy Preview 01:04:17 🗣️ Jonny’s Team Talk 01:09:37 🕊️ Matt Salter Tribute 🗒️GBR Survey https://purespectrum.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/53b/260334?list=1 🥃 Remy Martin Cocktail Recipes https://www.remymartin.com/en-uk/cocktails/ 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall. #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a tough set of runs for England, Alex and Hask head to Allianz to speak with those at the heart of the storm. First-up, the lads sit down with Conor O’Shea, Director of Performance Rugby at England Rugby, to hear about how England are dealing with the pressure approaching Rome. Conor gives his verdict on both England and Italy and speaks passionately about developing pathways through the Continental Tyres Schools Cup. In the second half, Jamie George, Jack van Poortvliet and Manny Iyogun share the mood inside camp and what it means to wear the England shirt, from their earliest memories of the game, to blocking out the noise and finding a fresh energy. 00:00 🛞 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 01:15 🇮🇹 Conor’s Italy Years 08:38 🏉 Englands Scrutiny And Bounceback 14:18 📈 RFU Progress 18:36 🔄 Rebuilding Pathways 29:18 🔍 Talent ID 34:57 🏁 Continental Tyres Grip Challenge 36:57 🌡️ England Camp Temperature Check 40:11 🍀Why Ireland Went Wrong 42:17 💥 Bench Impact and Non 23 44:25 🤣Session Terrorists 50:47 🤝 Team Culture 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall. #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Payno, Hask, and Tins dissect England's bruising Twickenham defeat to Ireland. While fans and press go into meltdown, the boys urge calm, separating emotional fallout from professional reality. Plus, the OG trio unpack the thrilling Wales versus Scotland clash and France's continued dominance. 00:00 🛞 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:48 👑 Royal Box Banter 03:57 🚨 Panic or Don't Panic 09:46 🚪 Four Doors of Fallout 28:24 🔄 Changes for Italy 40:18 📊 Ireland's Performance Analysis 45:36 🏉 Wales vs Scotland Review 52:36 🥃 Remy Martin Moment of Excellence 54:59 🇫🇷 France vs Italy Analysis 56:58 🇮🇹 Italy's Threat to England 🥃 Remy Martin Cocktail Recipes https://www.remymartin.com/en-uk/cocktails/ 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Brown returns to share a slice of humble pie after Scotland’s Calcutta Cup masterclass. We dissect Finn Russell’s "matador" magic, England’s defensive lapses, and the historic stat haunting Gregor Townsend. Plus, a look ahead to England v Ireland: does Borthwick stick or twist to get England’s campaign back on track? 00:00 🛞 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 05:27 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 How Scotland Tore England Apart 07:55 🟥 Key Moments: Cards, Drop Goal, 6–2 Bench 10:39 🧢 Mike Brown’s Early-Caps Lessons 15:41 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿England Selection Changes 20:26 🔄 Managing Squad Changes 29:41 🥃Remy Martin Moment of Excellence 33:56 🍀Ireland v Italy Re-Cap 35:53 💪 10 Debate: Farrell’s Warning 39:10 😬Ireland’s Scrum Concerns 40:09 🇫🇷 Wales 12–54 France 45:36 👀 Round 3 Preview: England vs Ireland 51:04 🏟️ Wales vs Scotland 55:58 ⚔️ France vs Italy 🥃 Remy Martin Cocktail Recipes https://www.remymartin.com/en-uk/cocktails/ 🎟️ England v Ireland Legends https://www.eticketing.co.uk/harlequins/EDP/Event/Index/2164 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Calcutta Cup week! Payno, Hask & Mike Brown preview England’s trip to Murrayfield and ask if Gregor Townsend get a response out of his team. They dissect England’s business-like win over Wales, praise Italy’s resurgence, and debate if Ireland can bounce back. Plus, Round 2 predictions. 00:00 🛞 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 01:40 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Calcutta Cup Memories 02:27 🏉 Gregor’s Big Problem 06:14 🧠 England's Mindset 22:33 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England vs Wales Analysis 32:57 🎨 Italian Renaissance 36:32 🥇 Brex and Menoncello - best in the World? 38:55 🥃 Remy Martin Moment of Excellence 43:16 🍀 Ireland's Challenges 50:56 🇫🇷 French Dominance 57:30 🔮 Predictions and Expectations 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall. #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Kayser and Shane Horgan join Payno and Tins for the GBR Six Nations preview. They discuss Andy Farrell’s "real test" amid Ireland’s injury crisis and France’s ruthless changes. Plus, Tindall explains why "everybody hates us" suits England, and drops a shock prediction for Italy. The Championship is back baby! 00:00 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 03:25 Ireland's Challenges and Rebuilding Phase 09:45 France's Squad Changes 10:04 Tribute to Uini Atonio 22:37 Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge 34:00 Remy Martin Moment of Excellence 36:27 England Team Announcement 39:32 England's Performance and Potential 58:02 Welsh Rugby's Struggles and Future 01:03:27 Scotland's Prospects in the Six Nations 01:07:55 Italy's Rising Potential 01:12:40 Quickfire Predictions 🍻 O'Neill's Live Show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-on... 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall. #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eddie "The Beast" Hall joins Payno and Hask for a a raw, unmissable episode. From becoming the first human to deadlift 500kg to being crowned the World’s Strongest Man, Eddie reveals how mental health struggles helped shape the man he is today. He opens up about the extreme psychological triggers he used to break records including visualising his children in danger and the physical price he paid. Plus, the moment of truth: Can The Beast crush the leaderboard on our Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge? 00:00 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 03:26 Life Beyond Strongman: Tanks and YouTube 06:16 Eddie Hall's Acting and MMA Ventures 13:37 Childhood and Family Dynamics 18:35 Mental Health and Overcoming Challenges 27:46 Journey to Becoming World's Strongest Man 36:38 Post-Victory Career and Challenges 44:22 Mind Games and Competitions 46:59 The Half-Ton Deadlift 54:59 Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge 🍻 O'Neill's Live Show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-guinness-mens-six-nations-preview-show-tickets-1978826898522?aff=eivtefrnd&utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=listing 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall. #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson reveals the secrets behind their success, from the recruitment process to the brutal reality of cutting players. He discusses managing England stars like Henry Pollock, the toll of England duty, and the truth behind THAT halftime rant. Plus, can the coach beat his players on the Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge? 00:00 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 03:07 Balancing Rugby and Personal Life 06:55 The Journey to Coaching 26:47 Handling Difficult Conversations 28:38 Sam Vesty Bromance 38:26 Recruitment Insights 57:56 Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge 59:20 Reflections on his International Career 01:02:57 Managing England Stars 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall. #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Payno & Hask, as they chat with Mike Brown about his transition from player to Sporting Director at Esher Rugby Club. They delve into his new role, challenges, and ask for his insights on the current state of Harlequins and Marcus Smith's future. 00:00 🛞 Sponsored by Continental Tyres 02:26🤓 Mike Brown's Journey to DoR 04:30 🟤 The Brown Philosophy 10:30 🏉 Putting the boots back on? 16:42 💬 Difficult Conversations 27:23 👂 Learnings from Cheika et al. 46:39 🃏What's going on at Quins? 01:00:50 🙏 Marcus Smith's Future 01:15:00 👀 Browny for Quins? 📗 The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded: ⁠https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones ----- YouTube: ⁨@GoodBadRugby⁩ IG: / goodbadrugby TikTok: / goodbadrugby Facebook: / goodbadandrugby Linktree: https://linktr.ee/goodbadrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The rugby icon turned reality star spills Traitors secrets, revealing why fellow England International Jonny May would be the ultimate Traitor. He discusses why he quit rugby, his wrestling debut as "The Scrum Lord," and the potential for the GBR Panto. Plus Joe takes on the Continental Tyres grip strength challenge. 00:00 🛞 Proudly Sponsored by Continental Tyres 04:29 ✂️ Truly Dreadful Haircuts 07:21 🕵️‍♂️ Inside The Traitors Experience 21:42 🤼 Wrestling Debut Chaos 34:33 💪 Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge 40:18 🎙️ Podcasting & Dream Guests 43:52 🎭 Acting Ambitions and Pantomime Plans 48:06 🏉 Why Marler Quit Rugby 58:53 🔙 Looking Back on Their First Episode Together (2019) 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones YouTube: ⁨@GoodBadRugby⁩ IG: https://www.instagram.com/goodbadrugby/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodbadrugby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodBadAndRugby Linktree: https://linktr.ee/goodbadrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England’s iconic 90s back row - Mike Teague, Peter Winterbottom, and Dean Richards - reunite to discuss the "brutal self-policing" of their era. From surviving legendary drinking sessions with Jason Leonard to smashing the Calcutta Cup, the "Three Wise Men" deliver a masterclass in what international rugby was like for the last amateurs. 00:00 🛞 Sponsored by Continental Tyres 01:55 👑 Meet the Three Wise Men 03:33 🍺 Drinking Stories 15:49 🧢 Debut Memories and Early Days 30:19 🦁 The Iconic 1989 Lions Tour 36:27 🇳🇿 The very first Rugby World Cup 40:03 🥞 The Infamous Calcutta Cup Incident 47:16 🌹 The 1991 Grand Slam and World Cup Journey 49:41 📺 The Rise of Rugby's Media Profile 51:24 💼 The Transition to Professionalism 52:06 🏃🏾‍♂️ Lomu and the 1995 World Cup 01:07:04 💪 Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge 🚴 Ed Slater Charity Ride: https://www.gloucesterrugbyfoundation.org/4ed/racetoslatercup/ 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded: ⁠https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones ----- YouTube: ⁨@GoodBadRugby⁩ IG: https://www.instagram.com/goodbadrugby/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodbadrugby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodBadAndRugby Linktree: https://linktr.ee/goodbadrugby #GBR #GoodBadRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hask and Tins reunite with their old pals James and Oliver Phelps, better known as the legendary Weasley twins from Harry Potter. In the muggle world, the twins are die-hard Gloucester fans and have many tales of mischief to share from the Shed, the Hong-Kong Sevens and The Women’s World Cup. Oliver even coaches his daughter’s team at Spartans. The lads get sorted into Hogwarts Houses, recast the Harry Potter films with rugby players and learn about the twins hosting Wizards of Baking on Prime. Grab a butter beer, a mince pie and ready yourselves for the ultimate Rugby vs Potter quiz to round up the year. Give to The Matt Hampson Foundation for Oliver's New York Marathon run: https://www.justgiving.com/page/oliver-phelps-2 All episodes of Wizards Of Baking are now on Amazon Prime. Spartans Rugby Club, if you want to give your youngsters a try, check it out here: https://www.spartansrufc.co.uk/ 🎬 00:00 – Coming Up… 🍒 02:43 – Gloucester Rugby Memories 🏉 07:23 – Oliver RFU Coaching and Women's Rugby 🎉 11:42 – Hong Kong Sevens Antics 💥 15:38 – Ascot, Tasers & Smoke Grenades ⚡ 21:31 – Harry Potter Films Recast with Rugby Players 🛞 30:07 – Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge 🎄 31:49 – Christmas Plans and Family Dynamics 🍰 33:18 – Wizards Of Baking TV Series 📜 35:33 – Rugby & Harry Potter Legacies 🤖 43:51 – Hask’s Fabulous AI Sidekick Glen 🏉🧙 47:06 – Rugby v Hogwarts Quiz 🎭 53:55 – Would The Twins Act Again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Northampton and England’s Alex Coles “The Educator” looks back on the WWE-style headlock that sparked his unforgettable nickname. He breaks down the intense pressure behind pro-rugby lineout calling, relives the glory of conquering the legendary Blakiston fitness challenge, and explains how he manages to survive the daily chaos caused by teammate Henry Pollock. Alex also reveals the reason George Furbank should never leave Northampton Saints. A classic episode of GBR - and one you definitely don’t want to miss. 00:00 🛞 Sponsored by Continental Tyres 01:57 🏷️ Why They Call Him "The Educator" 02:58 🏉 Hask at Saints — The Untold Stories 08:50 🎉 What Really Goes On at Team Socials 19:01 📣 Inside the Mind of a Lineout Caller 32:25 🚀 2025: The Year Everything Changes 41:15 ⚔️ Beating the All Blacks 43:17 ✈️ The Argentina Tour! 46:45 😅The Brutal Blakiston Challenge 52:07 🔥 The Real Reason Furbank Must Stay at Saints 57:32 😄 New Nickname Unlocked: Corporal Coles 🪽Castore Discount Code: GBR30 www.castore.com 🔐NORD VPN : https://nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded are now available: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices