The Rugby Pod

We're back to dissect all of the latest rugby drama with an open cloth, including the latest on the Leicester players' unhappiness at the handling of the pay cuts and Goodey and Jim launch a defence of the RPA. We also discuss the World Rugby Chairman election and, after Gus Pichot's appearance on the show last week, a certain Sir Bill Beaumont is conspicuous by his absence! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The man who could be running the sport next month joins us this week as Agustin Pichot discusses taking on Sir Bill Beaumont in the race to become World Rugby Chairman, the voting system involved, the global season, his frustration with the pace of change over the last four years, the new mindset he thinks is necessary to take rugby forward and much more. Plus, Jim's flummoxed by another riddle, there's another donation made to the NHS after the Quarantine Quiz and we check in with friend of the show Ed Jackson, who is climbing his stairs to the height of Everest this week to raise money for charity... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all showbiz this week as Big Jim and Goodey are joined by MasterChef host and massive rugby fan Gregg Wallace, we hear from former Love Island star and Ireland sevens international Greg O'Shea and are serenaded by the dulcet tones of USA international Paul Lasike (although we may have ruined it by singing along)! All that plus we discuss Agustin Pichot's shot at becoming World Rugby chairman and where the game goes from here... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by RPA CEO Damian Hopley to talk us through the latest on the discussions behind the scenes surrounding the pay cuts and furloughing of players and he is predicting seismic changes in the sport in the wake of Coronavirus. Goodey discusses his 40th birthday celebrations, we have another quarantine quiz and a riddle and we answer some of your social media questions... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are back and joined by Italy international George Biagi, who updates us on how Coronavirus is affecting his country but also has a positive story to tell. And, friend of the show Freddie Burns gives his view on the pay cuts in the Premiership and his disappointment at the way things have panned out for him at Bath. All that plus a quarantine quiz, another riddle for Jim to solve and much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're all locked down and coming to you via the wonders of video calling, complete with Jim's kids making an appearance in the background! Premiership Rugby CEO Darren Childs joins us to discuss what the likelihood is that the season will be completed and tells us they want to be first to get back up and running whenever possible. We also discuss the 25% pay cuts being imposed by many clubs across the league and have some juicy rumours and a bit of a laugh as well... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey discuss the devastating impact of Coronavirus on rugby and society in general and we hear from Guinness PRO14 Tournament Director David Jordan on what the next steps are for the suspended leagues. We also catch up with Scotland's star back row Jamie Ritchie to find out about the late postponement of their game against Wales. And, something you never thought you'd hear on The Rugby Pod...Wales' number one fan Carol Vorderman brings some much needed joy at a difficult time and we want some of what she's on... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are joined in the studio by Darren Cave and there's one thing dominating the agenda...Joe Marler getting a handful of Alun Wyn Jones and the reaction to it. We also discuss Scotland's epic win over France, Mohamed Haouas' red mist and hear some good stories on France coach Fabien Galthié from former Scotland international Johnnie Beattie. All that plus an update on where the Six Nations is at in the midst of Coronavirus concerns and much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are back and joined by the Hair Bear himself Adam Jones to discuss lids, Quins' scrum, a refereeing howler and all things England v Wales. Plus, we talk about the impact of Coronavirus and the Six Nations' possible move to satellite TV as well as analysing all the Premiership action and dropping a few big rumours... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are back after a big weekend to round up all the Guinness Six Nations and Premiership action, discussing shenanigans at the breakdown in England v Ireland and shellackings in the Premiership as Saracens, Northampton and Leicester all had their pants pulled down! We also talk Biggar's berating of the referee and the quality of officiating in general and we hear from Brad Shields on life in Cov, coming back from injury and his quest to get back into Eddie's England squad... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are joined in the studio by former Ireland international Darren Cave to preview England v Ireland as the Guinness Six Nations returns. They also discuss a massive game for Gregor Townsend and an acid test for France in Cardiff, while Goodey attempts to explain what's gone on at Wasps and we find out Dai Young's been in Dubes! All that plus the guys give their take on the Championship funding cuts and we hear from Alex Lozowski on his England exile... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim's had a traumatic weekend but he's made it into the studio to discuss Ellis Genge's interview with a beer about sausages and Finn Russell's newspaper spread and ongoing bust-up with Gregor Townsend! We're joined by injured England winger Jack Nowell to talk Storm Ciara and the Calcutta Cup, as well as Eddie Jones, Henry Slade's breath and owning his own pub. And, we analyse Ireland v Wales, France v Italy, South Africa joining the Six Nations and throw a few rumours out there for good measure... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Goodey's eating humble pie after talking up England's chances of a Grand Slam and is admitting his concern ahead of the coming weekend, Eddie's team selection comes in for heavy criticism and the man who captained Scotland to victory over England at Murrayfield two years ago, John Barclay, joins us to look ahead to this year's Calcutta Cup clash. All that, plus analysis of Ireland v Scotland, Wales v Italy and much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We gather up a host of familiar faces to discuss the home nations' chances in the upcoming Six Nations, while Big Jim and Goodey have tales to tell from an interesting Burns Night event and an appearance with a TOWIE star! All that plus some huge rumours, more Saracens fallout, refereeing controversies and much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's an epic as the big showdown between Goodey and Brendan Venter is on. We dissect the news of Saracens' relegation and all the fallout with an open cloth, Jim opens up on how he's been hurt by it and we try to get to the bottom of why the truth still hasn't come out. Plus, we round up all of the action from Round 6 of the Champions Cup and discuss the Six Nations squads, including having a chat with new Ireland fly half Billy Burns... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are joined in the studio by Ulster legend Darren Cave to round up the Champions Cup action and look ahead to the final round, while Jim is predicting that central contracts are round the corner for England! Saracens' man of the match Richard Wigglesworth joins us to talk siege mentality, playing with the kids and transitioning into coaching, Wales legend James Hook chats retirement and becoming the next JK Rowling and former Scotland star Rob Wainwright discusses bar brawls in the Hebrides, delivering the Calcutta Cup match ball and raising money for Doddie Weir's foundation... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy New Year...we're back for the first episode of 2020 and Jim's had a torrid Christmas with the kids but made up for it with a special night at JK Rowling's New Year's Eve party! We discuss Nigel Wray's legacy at Saracens, Ed Griffiths' return and whether players might be leaving sooner rather than later. Plus, Wales fly half Gareth Anscombe joins us to chat about his injury issues, Ospreys' woes and a new business venture that might just help Goodey... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim's left it late but the Christmas song is finally here and it's worth the wait! We speak to Ellis Genge about his interview that went viral at the weekend, his plans to volunteer at a soup kitchen this Christmas and Leicester's struggles. And, Exeter's star man Jonny Hill joins us and opens up about some of his team-mates. All that plus Secret Santa, social media questions, rumours and more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been a long time coming but the long awaited appearance of Big Devin Toner on the Pod has arrived! He discusses his beef with Jim, speaks candidly about being left out of Ireland's World Cup squad and his relationship with Joe Schmidt and gives us an insight into life at Leinster. Meanwhile, Goodey has tales to tell from his weekend in Belfast, Jim has some fancy dress stories from the Covskins and we dissect all the Champions Cup action with an open cloth... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The player of this season's Champions Cup so far John Cooney joins us to talk Ulster, Ireland and where Goodey should go out in Belfast on Friday night, among other things. Big Jim has some strong words on the subject of Leicester's woes and he also has a tale to tell about some beef with Warren Gatland during Barbarians week. All that, plus a look back at the weekend's Premiership games and preview of the upcoming Champions Cup action. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by Ben Foden to chat Nicole Scherzinger and Thom Evans and all things X-Factor as well as life in New York and a bit of rugby too. And, we dissect all the Champions Cup action with an open cloth, including some absolute filth of the worst kind at the AJ Bell Stadium and some filth of the best kind from Finn Russell! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Exeter Chief Stuart Hogg joins us to talk Sandy Park initiation, settling into Devon life, Scottish disappointment, hair care and much more, as well as their Champions Cup Round 1 triumph. We discuss Eddie Jones and Warren Gatland's books, chat about all the Champions Cup action and, yes, there's more Saracens salary cap comment as we record just as it's confirmed they're not appealing their 35-point penalty and £5m fine. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We speak to the journalist who dug deep into Saracens' alleged salary cap breaches, Laura Lambert, and dissect the case with an open cloth...it's fair to say Big Jim and Goodey don't see eye to eye on the subject! While Saracens dominate the agenda, we also look back at the Premiership and ahead to the Champions Cup and we hear from Johnny Williams on his recovery from testicular cancer as Movember gathers pace. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are joined in the studio by Darren Cave to take an emotional look back on the 2019 World Cup. We catch up with South African legend Ruan Pienaar, who was on standby for the Springboks during the tournament, to get the inside track on Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus and find out what impact it could have on the country. And, of course, there is a full analysis of what went wrong for England... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey look ahead to England's first World Cup final for 12 years and dissect it with an open cloth. There's apologies (sort of) for George Ford and Eddie Jones and we speak to the man at the centre of the controversy the last time England and South met in the final back in 2007, Mark Cueto. All that plus more Japanese wisdom from Jim, some Premiership chat and much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part Kiwi, part Irishman, full on legend James Lowe joins us to dissect Ireland's hammering at the hands of the All Blacks, as well as who he was cheering for and his prospects of wearing the green jersey next year. We hear a first hand account from Eddie Jones' latest off the wall press conference and Jim and Goodey discuss England's prospects against New Zealand, as well as Wales v South Africa. All that plus a Premiership round-up, some more Japanese cultural insight from Big Jim and more of your social media questions answered... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim dissects Scotland's pool stage exit with an open cloth, while he and Goodey marvel at the heroics of Japan both on and off the field. We discuss their possible inclusion in the Rugby Championship and look ahead to all of the World Cup quarter-finals. And, Australian legend Drew Mitchell joins us to talk Cheika, Jones and all things England v Australia...you don't want to miss it! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Darren Cave joins Big Jim and Goodey in the studio as we catch up with France's coach at the 2015 World Cup Philippe Saint-Andre to find out if the rumours of more mutiny in the French camp are true. Jacques Burger also joins us to discuss Namibia's heroic half against the All Blacks and how the Tier 2 nations are punching above their weight and need more support. Plus, there's a heated debate on Tomas Lavanini's red card and an in-depth look ahead to the epic conclusion of Pool A... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welsh international Rob Evans joins us to discuss Wales' epic win over Australia, as well as what it was like being left out of the squad at the last minute. Jim has found some Japanese ancestry so he can't lose when Scotland face the hosts and we dissect the Same Kerevi and Michael Hooper incidents with an open cloth. All that plus more Japanese words of wisdom from Jim and a host of your social media questions answered... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World Cup winner Steve Thompson joins us on the Pod this week and he has some strong views on the current England side and what they're lacking, as well as some candid thoughts on his time wearing the red rose. Meanwhile, Big Jim is scathing about Scotland's performance against Ireland and Goodey isn't impressed, to put it mildly, with the standard of refereeing at the World Cup so far... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by Scotland international Dave Denton after he was forced to hang up his boots at the age of 29 because of concussion and we check in with World Rugby consultant Ross Tucker to find out more about the latest on concussion and how the high tackle framework might have a big effect on the World Cup. Big Jim and Goodey preview the opening weekend of the tournament, make some predictions and Jim's even giving out Japanese lessons as well! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim & Goodey are back from their 'work' trip to Miami to dissect the final round of World Cup warm-up games with an open cloth and give their verdict on who will win the tournament. We speak to 1995 World Cup winner Joel Stransky about the sad passing of the great Chester Williams and South Africa's chances and we also catch up with the Scottish Hammer making waves in the NFL! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim has an apology for Devin Toner as we discuss his shock omission and some surprise selections from Wales and rumours of big calls by Scotland too. We're also joined by former Ireland international Darren Cave in the studio and catch up with Georgia forwards coach Graham Rowntree to hear about their historic Test against Scotland and his adventure in the Caucasus! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As well as discussing Manu's magic and whether they've got it wrong about the Ford/Farrell combination, Big Jim and Goodey are joined by Ireland legend Stephen Ferris, who is deeply concerned about the decline of the men in green. We also hear from John Cooney about being cut from the Ireland squad ahead of the World Cup, answer your social media questions and much, much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wales are world number one for the first time ever and we've got arguably their most important player off his Turkish sun lounger and on for a chat about expectation, preparation and sharing a room with Bradley Davies! Goodey's just back from a week in Portugal with stories of poolside chats with Johnny Sexton and his family and Big Jim pulls no punches on England going back to the Ford/Farrell axis and Scotland's thrashing at the hands of France. All that plus a few of your social media questions answered... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back, in a new studio and looking lean after a pre-season of training in serious humidity. We're recording just as Eddie Jones announces his 31-man World Cup squad almost a month ahead of the deadline so break down his decisions, asking Eddie are you ok?! Goodey and Jim are divided on Scott Barrett's red card, we hear from Rory Best on why he doesn't sing Ireland's Call and much, much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are joined in the studio by newly retired friend of the show Darren Cave as we discuss the best Premiership final ever and potentially the best club side ever, as well as check in with the Barbarians camp to see just how good a time they had in the lead up to their game against England! All that plus details of Jim's triathlon struggle and a few spicy rumours... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sale & England winger Chris Ashton joins us in the studio to chat about coming back to the Premiership after his Barbarians experience this time last year and his World Cup prospects. And, we catch up with Exeter scrum half Nic White ahead of the Premiership final this weekend and find out how he could be playing in the World Cup in Japan as well. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim's just stepped off the plane from New York and tells us how relieved he was watching James Lang's kick drop just under the crossbar as he escapes getting Joe Marler's face tattooed on his arse by the narrowest of margins! We're joined by James Horwill to discuss missing out on the play-offs and his great career and we look ahead to the Premiership semi-finals and PRO14 final this weekend. All that plus a few of your social media questions answered and a couple of spicy rumours... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by man of the moment and European Player of the Year Alex Goode, who has just about taken his kit off and is trying to readjust to normal life after winning a third European Cup. He takes us through the celebrations and the players' movements in the hours and days after the final whistle and discusses what the victory means to the club. And, we're joined in the studio by jungle VIP and big rugby fan Nick Knowles for a chat as well! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are back and are joined by Saracens lock Will Skelton to preview the Champions Cup final against Leinster this weekend. Goodey's not convinced about World Rugby's decision to take four French referees to the World Cup, with just eight from other countries, and we speak to Luke Pearce about what he makes of it all and how excited he is to be heading to his first World Cup as a referee. All that plus a few decent rumours and the week rounded up in the Goode, the Bad and the Ugly... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey are back with the latter finally on the path to better health after hitting the gym for the first time in years this week. We've got three great guests from the success stories of the weekend as we talk to Harry Thacker going back to his old club and inflicting another defeat on them, Sebastian Negri about how massive an achievement it is for Benetton to make the play-offs in the Guinness PRO14 and Georgie Gulliver on the celebrations after Saracens Women won the Tyrrells Premier 15s title for a second year running. All that plus a full round-up and a few juicy rumours as well... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim's back from Dubai where he spent a while in hospital and practiced his German, we're out of the studio and in the Wolfpack Bar as we analyse Saracens' comprehensive win over Munster and we discover directly from the Leinster camp how Big Jim wrote the Irishmen's team talk for them by predicting that they'd lose by 10 to Toulouse! All that plus a few juicy rumours and the week wrapped up in The Goode, The Bad and The Ugly... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim's away in Dubai so Big Joe Marler's back in the studio and we surprise him with a phone call from his old Lions mate Rory Best to discuss one of their nights out in New Zealand, his career and look ahead to the two Irish teams' chances in the Champions Cup semi-finals as well. The Israel Folau and Billy Vunipola incidents and Joe's responses to both are discussed in depth and we check in with Jim on the phone as well as he struggles with the realities of a long flight and family holiday with four kids! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim and Goodey are back from Hong Kong with tales from on the pitch and off it...you won't want to miss them! We catch up with Ed Slater on Gloucester's season as well as they move to within touching distance of a play-off place and we speak to RPA Chairman Mark Lambert about the upcoming Restart Weekend and the important work the charity is doing. All that plus a couple of juicy rumours and the week rounded up in the Goode, the Bad and the Ugly... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Goodey's back from Dubai and his bags are packed again as he and Jim head straight from the Pod to the airport for a week in Hong Kong! First, though, they dissect the European quarter-finals with an open cloth...and Darren Cave joins us to talk us through his heroic performance, Stockdale's slip-up and how much his value's gone up by! There's some love for the French, reaction to Mike Ford joining Tigers, big rumours and much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Goodey's away in Dubai so we check in with him at the all you can eat buffet but the King of Bath Freddie Burns is with Big Jim in the studio in his place talking brutally honestly about a certain moment earlier in the season, his love life, Bath's season and much more. We also catch up with the Premiership's Player of the Month Rory Hutchinson, discuss Leicester and how many teams are in a relegation battle and look ahead to the Champions Cup quarter-finals... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good things come to those who wait! Jim's walked the Calcutta Cup all the way back up to Edinburgh (or missed his flight earlier this week!) and is back to revel in Scotland's Calcutta Cup comeback. We speak to the Scottish hero Finn Russell and also catch up with Welsh Grand Slam winner Rob Evans to find out all about their celebrations and to get the answers to what everyone wants to know about the man of the moment Alun Wyn Jones... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim and Goodey arrive in the studio after spending two days travelling down from Murrayfield with the Calcutta Cup and Darren Cave joins them in the studio to discuss all things Six Nations. We catch up with Wales centre Scott Williams to discuss their Grand Slam hopes and hear from Red Roses Captain Sarah Hunter on the prospect of sealing a Grand Slam at Twickenham on Saturday and where the women's game is at. All that plus a clip of our chat with Charlie Hodgson, hear what happened when Big Jim and Devin Toner came face to face and much, much more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Jim has some explaining to do about his house in Harpenden that belonged to Nigel Wray, we discuss the effectiveness of the salary cap, the PR problems of the proposed World League and are joined by Ospreys legend Sean Holley to assess the region's potential merger with the Scarlets and the WRU's handling of the situation. All that, plus a look at the Six Nations and the Premiership and the week wrapped up in the Goode, the Bad and the Ugly... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices