The Rugby Pod

We hear from Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick after round two of the Rugby World Cup. What went wrong for Eddie and the Wallabies against Fiji, and what next for England after a scrappy bonus point win against Japan (Getting better every day!!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re delighted to be joined by former Wallabies legend and World Cup winner Stephen Larkham for the final episode of our Beyond Expected Series. We hear about his iconic drop kick that helped win the World Cup for the Wallabies, his stellar career as a player and a coach, who makes his Kanpai XV, and lots more from one of Australia's most decorated players. The Beyond Expected Series is brought to you by Asahi Super Dry, the official beer of the Rugby World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

And we are off! We’ll be rounding up everything from an epic opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup, including England's win against Argentina, and Scotland's loss against the Boks. From the opening ceremony to a huge win for England and then the thriller to bring the curtain down on Sunday night. Plus, we’ll be chatting to Springboks legend Victor Matfield about the Boks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After round one, we hear from Steve Borthwick and Courtney Lawes after England's huge win against Argentina and George Ford's kicking masterclass. We also hear from Gregor Townsend and Jamie Ritchie after their disappointing first outing against the Springboks and where to next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the fourth episode of The Rugby Pod Beyond Expected Series, presented by Asahi Super Dry, the official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023. This week, we’re delighted to be joined by a man who was involved in the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history when Japan shocked the rugby World and beat South Africa. We'll hear how he came to be in Japan, captaining his team to a home quarter-final, and how he thinks Japan will do in France this year and beyond. In this series we’ll be talking to legends of the game, as they tell stories from their career: the unexpected moments on the pitch, friendships and post-match beers shared off the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s finally here so we’ll be looking ahead to the much anticipated start of the 2023 World Cup in France. We’ll look at all the home nations’ chances and analyse what might happen in the big games this opening weekend. So, settle back, enjoy, and make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined today by Argentina’s All-Time Leading Point Scorer. A World Rugby Hall of Famer who played a key role in securing the Puma’s 3rd Place finish at the Rugby World Cup in 07 and who will be hoping to play a key part in helping steer Michael Cheika’s Argentina to Rugby World Cup Glory in France this year, including their first game against England. We hear about what makes Argentina such a special team to play for, why they perform so well at World Cups, what it was like having Maradona in the dressing room, as well as his time at Leinster and relationship with Johnny Sexton and O'Driscoll. The Rugby Pod Beyond Expected Series, presented by Asahi Super Dry, official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023. Throughout this series, we’ll be talking to legends of the game, as they recount stories from their career: the unexpected moments that happened on the pitch, and the surprising connections, friendships and post-match beers shared off the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With only ten days to go until RWC 2023 kicks off, we’ll be looking back at the final round of action in the Summer Nations Series and picking the bones out of a record win for a mighty-looking Springboks against New Zealand. We'll also look back at a proud and historic day for Fiji at Twickenham, a dark one for England fans, and where to next for both teams. Plus, we’ll be chatting to legendary All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith about their preparations for the tournament and leading the Haka. The Rugby Pod, brought to you by Asahi Super Dry, official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re delighted to be joined by a man who famously dismantled a Wallaby scrum in 2007 to help England reach the unlikeliest of World Cup finals, former England front row Andrew Sheridan. Sheri is a man mountain and one of the toughest front rowers to ever play the game. He's also one of the nicest. We hear about his journey from back row to front row and how he changed the game for props. We also chat about what happened behind the scenes during England's infamous 2007 Rugby World Cup, what he's been up to since retirement and lots more. The Rugby Pod Beyond Expected Series, presented by Asahi Super Dry, official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023. Throughout this series, we’ll be talking to legends of the game, as they recount stories from their career: the unexpected moments that happened on the pitch, and the surprising connections, friendships and post-match beers shared off the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another week, and another red. We’ll be taking a look at all the implications of Ireland's win over England in Dublin for both teams. We'll also run the rule over a scary Springbok performance in Cardiff as they put an inexperienced Welsh side to the sword. Plus, we’ll be chatting to Italy’s Paolo Odogwu about his journey to the World Cup with Italy and what's been happening in their World Cup camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beaver is a New Zealand legend, but that wasn't always the case. We hear his incredible story firsthand, from the low of being blamed for a loss to the Wallabies pre-World Cup, to the high of getting a late call-up to the All Blacks and kicking the winning points at a home Rugby World Cup final and earning cult status. His story is the stuff of dreams and we hear it from the man himself. The Rugby Pod Beyond Expected Series, presented by Asahi Super Dry, official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023. Throughout this series, we’ll be talking to legends of the game, as they recount stories from their career: the unexpected moments that happened on the pitch, and the surprising connections, friendships and post-match beers shared off the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another warm-up week down as we get closer to the RWC, and we’ll be running the rule over an impressive Scotland performance in France and one that got away for Wales at Twickenham. We'll discuss England's win at a hefty cost, and what next for England and Farrell. Plus, we’ll be chatting to Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze about their World Cup prospects and some insight into Graham Wigsvili and his party piece. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another week closer to the Rugby World Cup and the lads are joined by Will Stuart straight from England camp to get the inside track Borthwick's World Cup prep and how the team are feeling. We take a look at the game in Cardiff and discuss whether Wales have turned a corner under Gatland with things looking more positive. The lads will be discussing how Ireland fared as they got their World Cup warm-up games underway against Italy, as well as the big comeback for Scotland against France and their World Cup squad announcement. We’ll also be analysing the 33-man England squad that Steve Borthwick has picked for the tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to Season 8 of The Rugby Pod. Big Jim, Goodey and Andy Rowe are back after a life-changing summer to dissect everything on and off the pitch. We'll be hearing about Goodey's monumental weight loss, as well as Jim's trip to Aspen, where he fell head over cowboy boots for Colorado, and bumped into Lance Armstrong. We'll also be taking a look at all the home nations' Rugby World Cup squads, and who will or who won’t make the cut for next month’s World Cup. We’ll also be discussing the warm-up matches that got underway at the weekend, as well as the latest in the Rugby Championship and Eddie Jones' very rocky start for the Wallabies. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the final episode of the season and the lads are looking ahead to all things Rugby World Cup 2023 as well as giving us an update on the situation at London Irish. Plus, we hear all about Goodey's body transformation and some very special live shows coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a hell of a club season and plenty of ups and downs, the lads look back at all the key moments from the Premiership and URC finals with Sarries winning their sixth title, and Munster returning to winning ways in Cape Town after a tough few years. Plus, we’ll be having a chat with Saracens hooker Theo Dan whilst out on Mad Monday celebrations after they won their sixth title at the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a battle in Dublin. We’ll be picking the bones out of potentially the best and most brutal Champions Cup final ever between Leinster and La Rochelle. We hear what went on behind the scenes between the two bitter rivals, and what happened post-game with Goodey on the ground at the Aviva. We'll also be looking ahead to the URC final, Premiership final & the BaaBaas against a World XV at Twickenham. Plus, we’ll be having a chat with Newcastle, England & now Barbarians winger Adam Radwan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a weekend of action. The lads give their take on two of the best club games of the year in the URC semi-finals, as well as all the major talking points from the Prem semi-finals, with GMO not appy with some of the decisions. Plus, we’ll be speaking to legendary All Blacks Strength and Conditioning coach Nic Gill as he looks to get the lads in shape ahead of the Rugby World cup with his secret weapon. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A quality episode this week as we’ll be looking at Steve Borthwick’s coaching lineup for the World Cup, a crazy finish to the regular season in the Premiership and a couple of big away wins in the URC play-offs. Plus, we’ll be chatting to Connacht Director of Rugby, Andy Friend about their phenomenal performance in Belfast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big weekend of ruggers as we wrap up two huge Champions Cup semi-finals and another Grand Slam for England’s women in front of a record crowd at Twickenham. We'll be chatting to one of their players of the tournament, Sadia Kabeya. We also wrap up the Challenge Cup and pay tribute to some of the best one of club players in the game! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How would the Premiership Top 4 do in the URC? We’ll be rounding up the final round of the URC and the end of the playoff race in the Premiership. We’ll also be discussing Jack Nowell’s whopper fine and looking ahead to the Champions Cup semi-finals. Plus, we’ll be chatting to Northampton star Fin Smith after Saints’ confirmed their spot in the premiership playoffs. Enjoy and make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the premiership heats up, we pay tribute to the 'lovable rogue' Chris Ashton as he scores his 101st try this weekend in Leicester's win at Exeter, and the lads give their thoughts on how the final four might shape up. We also take a look at the URC with the big news at Leinster with World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber set to join the Irish outfit next season and a couple of impressive performances in South Africa. Also, with the BaaBaas set to face the World XV, the lads pick their current starting lineup for an All-Star XV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim's back after taking a breather last week post Hong Kong to reveal what really went down at the world's loosest rugby tournament. The lads give their thoughts on the South African teams all getting knocked out of Europe and the travel challenges all teams are facing in the new cross-hemisphere competitions. We're also joined by Leinster and Ireland's Jimmy O'Brien to get some cracking insight on what's going on behind the scenes at Leinster and Ireland, as well as who was behind the camera when the Irish team crashed Gary Ringrose's house after the grand Slam. We also wrap up all the rest of the European action and look forward to some massive semi-finals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hong Kong has taken Jim, so we have a massive upgrade this week with England's most capped player of all time, Ben Youngs joining the Pod with Goodey. We hear about England camp under Borthers as well as life at Leicester. We're also joined by Bristol's Semi Radradra to talk about his incredible journey from working in a mine in Fiji, to being one of the best players on the planet. Lots more as we wrap up the Champions Cup quarterfinals and look towards the Semi finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We turn our attention back to domestic rugby this week with Saracens and Quins playing in front of an incredible 55 thousand people at the Tottenham stadium. We look at how the top four is shaping up and speak to London Irish's Matt Rogerson about their strong season so far and what's changed in the squad compared to previous seasons. We also look at some of the major action from the URC including some big results for Glasgow and Scarlets, and preview the European Champions action this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ireland Secure The Slam in Dublin on Paddy's weekend, so we chat to Finlay Bealham to find out how they marked the historic moment with a three-day celebration. The lads wrap up the final weekend of Six Nations action including a much improved England performance, some fight from Wales in Paris, and a nervous last few minutes in Edinburgh. We pick our player of the tournament and look at what's next and where each team is going into the World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a French shellacking at Twickenham, the lads give their take on what went wrong for England and Borthwick in their record Six Nations defeat against France, and what comes next ahead of a Paddy's Day Grand Slam showdown in Dublin between Ireland and England. We look back at Ireland's physical and at times chaotic win over Scotland, Wales' first win of the competition, and we're also joined by Italy's Paolo Garbisi to get an Italian take on where they are as a team and their ambitions for Edinburgh next weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by England's form player Freddie Steward to preview England v France this weekend and give us some insight on the England camp. The lads also preview Scotland and Ireland's Triple Crown decider in Edinburgh, and a wooden spoon shoot-out in Rome. Lots more including a couple of massive charity events for Hambo and Ed Slater, and we look forward to the home run of live shows in Belfast, Dublin and St.Patricks Day in London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Vesty played over 150 times for Leicester during one of the club's most successful periods, including winning a Premiership title in 2007. He also played for Bath before moving into coaching, where he's had successful stints at Worcester, England, and most recently Northampton Saints. We hear about his career on and off the pitch, his attacking coaching philosophy, and some of the hard lessons he learned on the famous Leicester Team bus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by England and Exeter duo Henry Slade and Jack Nowell this week to look back at England's win in Cardiff, the changing landscape at Exeter, life in England Camp under Borthers, their upcoming testimonial, and Jack's BaaBaas debut versus a World XV. The lads also chat about Gats first few games in charge and where Goodey thinks he needs to evolve. Jim gives his pitchside thoughts from Paris where Scotland's slam hopes slipped, but there's a lot to be optimistic about ahead of a Triple Crown showdown against Ireland in Edinburgh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by Jiffy this week to get his thoughts on the current crisis engulfing Welsh rugby. He gives us a dose of common sense and outlines what the Union and players need to do to move forward from this saga. He also gives some strong opinions on what Wales needs to do on the pitch to get back to winning ways. We preview the next round of Six Nations as England travel to Cardiff and Ireland go to Italy, and we look forward to the big one in Paris between Scotland and France. Can Scotland remain on track for a potential historic Grand Slam?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bracey enters the Andy Goode suite this week to chat about his remarkable journey from international player, to becoming one of the top international referees in World Rugby. He chats with Goodey about the highs and lows of his career both on and off the pitch. We hear about the challenges he faced after a controversial call in an England v France game, what he learned from the experience, what he thinks needs to change in the game, and ultimately how passionate and dedicated he is about his trade. He's a quality referee, and a top lad too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a few weeks burning the candle at both ends the lads are feeling a little worse for wear... Nevertheless they break down all the action from round two of the Six Nations including an instant classic between Ireland and France, a first for Scotland winning back to back games in the opening rounds and the dour outlook for both England and Wales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads are in great from after an unbelievable weekend of action in the Six Nations as well as live shows in Dublin and London. Jim and Goodey were both at Twickenham to watch Duhan's worldie of a try, so give their thoughts on the game, atmosphere and where it leaves England and Scotland for the rest of the tournament. We also get to hear from Sione Tuipulotu in the Scotland camp and chat through Gatland's first game back in charge for Wales against Ireland. We wrap up Italy and France and look forward to another hell of a weekend of action. How good to have the Six Nations back!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the Six Nations kicking off this weekend, Goodey sat down with the new Wales attack coach and former England, Wasps and Clermont out half, Alex King, to reminisce about his career and look forward to his new role under Warren Gatland. The lads chat about facing off against each other in the premiership, Alex's move into coaching in France and what Welsh fans can expect from their new coaching ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's almost here and we cannot wait! The first round of the Six Nations is upon us and we preview the Calcutta Cup with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend. Gregor gives us some great insight into how the Scottish camp is preparing, whether he misses Eddie, his relationship with Finn and what rule changes he's like to see brought into the game. We also look ahead to a massive game in Cardiff with Gatland's first game back in charge against his old nemesis, Ireland. The lads give their thoughts on who will be this season's MVP and breakthrough player. We also chat about the latest developments with the tackle saga and why Goodey thinks Bill Sweeney's position has become untenable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another dramatic week in rugby with the RFU bringing in a new game-changing law for the grassroots game in England. The lads give their take and what it means for the future of the game. We're also joined by Ireland and Connacht's Mack Hansen ahead of the Six Nations to find out about his tattoos, loose nights out in Portugal and whether he wants to replace Johnny Sexton at ten. Lots more chat including a wrap-up of the final round of pool games in the Champions Cup, and a look ahead to some massive knockout games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have a hell of a show lined up for you this week, we’ll be looking at Steve Borthwicks’ first England squad, Eddie Jones' shock return to international rugby, a hectic weekend of Champions Cup, and we’ll be having a chat to one of the most anticipated new England caps… Harlequins winger Cadan Murley. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by salt of the earth and northern legend Gary Graham this week after Newcastle's record win over Leicester. He gives us some great insight into the Newcastle dressing room and their Argentinan contingent, as well as rumors of a two-tiered premiership. We chat about Borthwick's latest attacking appointment with Nick Evans joining from Quins and what this might mean for Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell. We also discuss whether England need to relax their eligibility rules and we give our take on some controversial calls over the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our first show of 2023 and we set out our predictions and resolutions for the New Year on and off the pitch, including which bolters might make an impact going into a World Cup year. We're joined by six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy to chat about his love for rugby and his involvement in this year's Doddie Aid. The lads give their take on the controversy around Joe Marler and his ban for insulting Jake Heenan, and we wrap up the best of the festive action from the Premiership and URC. Don't forget to get your tickets sorted for our live Six Nations shows in London and Edinburgh in February. Just search for The Rugby Pod live shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some of the least coveted awards in rugby are back! We decide who had the biggest skidmarks in 2022, who's been horrible, who's been nice and who wins the Top Lad award. We also look back at some of the maddest moments of the year, pick our best referee and young gun as well as our highlight of the year. Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're in the studio for our Christmas party and the lads have gone all out with their thoughtful secret Santa gifts. Jim tells of the hardship of being in Tier 2 media and a run-in with an irate taxi driver ahead of the Lyon v Saracens game. We wrap up all the rest of the Champions Cup action, including the controversy in Ulster, Leinster trashing Gloucester shags and Ospreys with the upset of the weekend in France. We also react to the news that Borthwick will be England coach and what it means for England fans as well as Leicester tigers. Merry Christmas everyone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After one of the most tumultuous weeks in recent memory, we chat about the fallout from Eddie's sacking and where to next for England and the RFU. We're also joined by Exeter's Ollie Woodburn this week after their big win in Castres. We get some insight into what's made Exeter so successful in recent years as well as some changes rugby needs to make to remain relevant. The lads also give some hints ahead of their Secret Santa and next week's Rugby Pod Christmas party. No dildos or Turkeys will be harmed next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by Welsh royalty this week with former dual code Welsh international, and now pundit, Jonathan Davies joining us to chat about his stellar career, life after rugby and being one of the ost recognized voices in rugby. From playing in the very first Rugby World Cup, to ducking for cover on a pitch in Papua New Guinea with cans of tear gas flying over his head, Jiffy has had a hell of a career. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A massive week in the rugby world with Warren Gatland returning to regulate Wales, and Eddie Jones on the brink of being sacked by the RFU after a very poor November series. We cover both and we're joined by former England fullback Mike Brown this week to get his thoughts on Warren and Eddie, as well as his times with the Baa-Baas and Scott Robertson. We wrap up some of the Prem and URC action and look forward to a big weekend of European rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads pay tribute to the great Doddie Weir who very sadly passed away over the weekend after his MND battle. One of the great characters of the game, he will be sorely missed by everyone in the rugby world. We're joined this week by former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers to review South Africa's win over England and get his take on Rassie, the Autumn series and his lifelong ambition to coach the Baa-Baas with Jim. We also wrap up the Autumn series for England and Wales and discuss where to next for both teams and their under-fire coaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In April 2012, former Welsh prop Rhys Thomas retired from rugby following a heart attack during training. In this chat, Rhys tells Jim the crazy story of what led him to that point, including his struggles with alcohol, drugs, addiction and mental health. We hear about the challenges he faced, how close he came to death on several occasions, and how he eventually overcame his deamons. His story is inspiring and an important message during the month of Movember. It's a hell of a story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined this week by one of the best rugby broadcasters in the business, Scotty 'Sumo' Stevenson, to review an epic game at Twickenham between England and the All Blacks. Scotty gives us his take on Scott Robertson potentially coaching England, what's gone wrong in New Zealand behind the scenes, what rugby needs to get right, and just how big Any Rowe actually is back in New Zealand. We chat about Georgia's historic win in Cardiff and where Wales go from here. We also hear from a hungover Finn Russell on the tarmac at Edinburgh airport after a big win against Argentina and round off Ireland's unbeaten Autumn Nations Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a look back at a hell of a weekend of international rugby, with Scotland falling just short against the All Blacks, England redeeming themselves against a disappointing Japan, and Italy providing the highlight of the weekend with a huge upset against Australia. We also round up the other games in Cardiff, Dublin and Paris, and look forward to England's massive game against the All Blacks next weekend, with England's new number 9 Jack van Poortvliet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christian Day is Head of Player Affairs for the Rugby Players Association. He joined the RPA after 17 seasons as a professional rugby player, including stints at Sale, Stade Francais and Saints. The RPA is the representative body of professional rugby players in England, and represents more than 800 male and female current rugby players. In this chat, Jim asks Christian about some of the work RPA does as well as the challenges the union faces and some of the criticism the RPA receives from current players. It's a candid chat and gives an insight into what the RPA is trying to achieve, how it goes about it, and what the future holds for the game and players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices