Today we’re joined by Chris Boyd, highly respected rugby coach with extensive experience in both New Zealand and the UK. Known for his tactical expertise and leadership, Chris shares insights into his coaching journey, including his time with the Kiwi U20s, the Hurricanes and Northampton Saints; as well as the mental side of high-performance sport. As a close mentor to Dan Biggar, their relationship adds an extra layer of depth to the conversation, offering a unique perspective on coaching, leadership, and team dynamics.

Show notes:
Continuous Improvement for Elite Players
"The very best players are gifted in one part of their game... but there's always something to work on."

• Boyd emphasises the importance of consistent self-improvement, regardless of a player's talent

Creating a Culture of Empowerment
"People that feel empowered, belong, connected are always going to want to try harder and perform better."

• Boyd fostered a culture at Saints where players felt supported and empowered, leading to better team cohesion and performance

Philosophy on Risk and Reward
Boyd’s allowed players to take risks: "The Kiwi attitude probably is a little bit more..., if we can hold on to the ball... we’re back in the game."

• He contrasts the risk-averse mindset of Northern Hemisphere teams with the more fluid, risk-taking style from New Zealand rugby

Building a Resilient Team
"You can’t grow culture, culture grows itself."

• Boyd reflects on how setbacks, such as tough defeats, can be used to build resilience and foster a team’s growth

Empathy and Connection in Leadership
"Coaching rugby is a pleasure and a privilege... life experiences teach you to be calm."

• Boyd discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, both in coaching and managing people

Developing Players Beyond Rugby
"You get used to living on big wages... but when the game stops, you can fall off the cliff."

• He warns about the challenges players face post-retirement and importance of planning for life beyond sport

The Importance of 'Why’
Boyd introduced a "Why Board" at Saints, where players would place personal photos to remind themselves of their purpose: "The last thing you saw before going out onto the pitch was why you were doing it."

• This initiative reinforced the idea that personal motivation connects with team success

Coaching Style: Balancing the Carrot and Stick
Boyd contrasts his coaching style with that of other famous coaches: "Eddie Jones wanted to keep you on your toes... with me, it was black and white."

• He believes in being clear and consistent with players, empowering them to express themselves without fear of failure

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, we sit down with one of England's most charismatic cricketers, Graeme Swann. A key figure in 3 England Ashes victories, Graeme opens up about his unconventional approach to spin bowling, the team dynamics that fuelled success, and his transition from the cricket field to coaching. With his trademark humour, we reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between, offering unique insights into the mental game that defined his career.

Show Notes:
The Psychology of Spin Bowling: Graeme details his mental approach to the game, likening it to a battle of wits with batsmen. He explains his strategy of bowling aggressively and using field placements to create opportunities for catches.

"When you're bowling spin, there’s no magic, no gamesmanship, just pure outthinking the batsman and creating an environment that makes them second guess themselves."

The Theatre of Spin Bowling: Graeme describes his belief in taking wickets from the first ball and how the theatre of the game added to his success.

The Intensity of Team Dynamics: We discuss his relationship with teammates like Kevin Pietersen, the importance of team dynamics, including the role of conflict in driving success. He shares insights into the famous Ashes campaign of 201/11 and the energy of the changing room.

Career Highlights and Transition: We reflect on his peak Ashes performances and the unexpected and abrupt end to his career due to a debilitating injury. He shares how he struggled with the transition from active cricket to coaching, revealing how returning to coaching reignited his passion.

"I didn’t have time to think about retiring. One day I couldn’t feel my hand, and by the next, I was finished. It was a brutal end to a career I loved."

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

Dan Biggar and Dan Ross step out of their comfort zone to dive into the world of boxing with none other than Carl Frampton—Northern Ireland’s first two-division world champion, renowned not just for his incredible achievements in the ring, but also for his resilience, humility, and ability to unite people across divides.

In this episode, Carl opens up about the mental and physical challenges of being in one of the most gruelling sports, the hard lessons he’s learned, and what really drives him—whether it’s legacy, family, or simply the love of the fight. From his most gruelling battles to the life lessons he carries with him today, Carl shares a truly fascinating story.

Show Notes:

Early Beginnings & Boxing Passion: Carl reveals how he started boxing at age seven. Despite finding the repetitive training tedious, it was the sparring and the thrill of the fight that ignited his passion for boxing

Hard Work vs. Talent: Carl reflects on his career by stating, "I wasn’t naturally talented, but I worked hard." Carl pushed through the pain and overcame early doubts, earning his place as one of the best in his weight class

Resilience & Mental Toughness: Carl gives an inside look at what goes through his mind before a fight. He talks about the nerves that hit on fight day, especially the pressure of making weight

Tough Fights & Lessons Learned: A defining moment in Carl's career was his European title fight against Kiko Martinez. He recounts the brutal nine rounds where both his hands were broken, and he was hurt to the body and head, but fought through to win. "That was a moment where I knew I could hang with the best," Carl says

The Pressure of Being a Champion: After becoming a world champion, Carl felt the pressure to constantly perform at his best. He recalls the heightened expectations after his first world title win in 2014, where every fight seemed to carry more weight. He admits, "It’s nice when people buy you drinks and congratulate you, but there’s pressure too."

The Breakdown with Barry McGuigan: Carl openly discusses his fallout with his former manager and mentor. The experience taught Carl not to trust people blindly and to be more cautious in his professional relationships

Life After Boxing: Now a commentator for TNT Sports, Carl is still deeply involved in the boxing world but enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle. He talks about how, after years of gruelling training camps, it's refreshing to stay involved in the sport without the physical toll

Legacy and Lessons: Carl expresses pride in being the first Northern Irishman to win world titles in two different weight divisions. "I want to be remembered for exciting, tough fights," Carl says, acknowledging his battles with Kiko Martinez, Josh Warrington and Leo Santa Cruz

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, Dan and Dan sit down with Ben Ryan, the Performance Director at Brentford FC and former coach of Fiji's Olympic-winning Rugby Sevens team. Ben shares his remarkable journey from the world of English rugby to leading Fiji to gold at the Rio Olympics, and now shaping performance at Brentford. He talks about the importance of leadership, discipline, and cultural sensitivity in creating high-performing teams, as well as the balance between structure and freedom that allows athletes to thrive. Tune in for insights on coaching, team dynamics, and what it truly takes to build a winning culture across sports.

Show Notes:

• Ben discusses his journey from rugby coach to Performance Director at Brentford FC
• Reflections on leading Fiji to Olympic gold and the lessons learned in team culture
• Ben shares how discipline and structure helped transform the Fijian team’s performance
• The importance of balancing freedom with high standards in elite sport
• Insights into the challenges of transitioning from rugby to football leadership
• Ben talks about the power of alignment and communication in building successful teams
• The role of player care and cultural sensitivity in managing a diverse squad
• Ben critiques the obsession with marginal gains and emphasises the importance of solid foundations

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

• Get the podcast in your inbox every week by subscribing here
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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

Join us as we dive into the mind of Sir Andrew Strauss, one of England's greatest cricket captains. From leading his team to Ashes glory twice to navigating the highs and lows of elite sport, Strauss shares powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and life beyond the game. This is a conversation about more than runs and wickets—it's about legacy, culture, and what it truly means to thrive under pressure.

Show Notes:
"Cricket requires players to accept the randomness of fate - a hard pill for perfectionists."

Three key takeaways:

• Resilience and adaptability in elite sport: even the top batsmen in cricket go through periods of poor form and this can take a mental toll on players: "Batsmen must be philosophical. You fail more often than you succeed, and you have to price that in." Developing coping mechanisms and a mindset to manage these ebbs and flows is key
• Importance of team culture: "Athletes thrive when they feel cared for and supported. If they feel cared for, they’ll forgive many of your weaknesses as a leader." A strong culture and the importance of balancing family life with cricket are critical – particularly when some players are away 300 days a year
• Leadership: the role of leadership is to balance the needs of individual with collective goals. "You can’t afford to let everyone do exactly what they want, but successful teams allow for individuality within a shared framework"

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, we’re joined by rugby legend Bryan Habana. From his unforgettable debut with South Africa to winning the 2007 World Cup, Bryan opens up about the highs and lows of his storied career. We dive into the pressures of being a superstar, the mental battles behind the scenes, and what life looks like after rugby. This is an inspiring and candid conversation with one of the game’s greats!

Show Notes:

• Debut Magic: Bryan scores on his first touch against England, launching his iconic career
• World Cup Glory: The emotional highs of winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup with South Africa
• Pressure of Being a Superstar: Bryan shares the mental struggle of living up to expectations after early success
• Low Points: From a crushing 49-0 loss in 2006 to being booed in 2010, Bryan opens up about facing adversity
• Leadership Evolution: From wing to team leader, how Bryan embraced responsibility as his career progressed
• Life After Rugby: Navigating the tough transition from sport to business, and finding new purpose
• Positive Mindset: The power of choosing positivity and focusing on growth, both on and off the field

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

Ever wondered what it's really like to revive a football club from the brink?

In this episode, we’re joined by Charlie Methven, football executive and co-owner of Charlton Athletic. Charlie shares his journey from the chaos at Sunderland to building stability, offering a rare insight into the cultural challenges, leadership struggles, and what it truly takes to turn a club around.

Show Notes:

• Cultural clashes and the challenge of reviving Sunderland
• Hard truths and relentless ambition needed to stabilize a struggling club
• Now at Charlton, Charlie brings the same determination to a new environment
• Honest insights and hard-earned lessons on the realities of football management
• A raw look at the fight against mediocrity in the world of football

Catch the full story and see what it takes to bring a club back to life.

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto

In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, we sit down with Shaun Edwards, the legendary defence coach of the French national rugby team and a former playing great who has shaped the careers of countless athletes, including our very own Dan Biggar.

We dive deep into Shaun’s coaching philosophy, the cultural nuances of rugby and the secrets behind building a winning mentality.

Show notes:
Coaching Style

• Shaun emphasises clarity and simplicity in coaching, advocating concise communication

Cultural Differences

• Shaun notes the strong work ethic and commitment of French players, challenging stereotypes about their approach to the game

Player Insights

• Dan B shares his perspective on Shaun as a coach, highlighting his commitment to improving players and fostering a strong team culture
• Emphasis on importance of personal connections and understanding players' motivations

Team Dynamics

• The importance of conflict and differing opinions in creating a successful team environment

Legacy and Influence

• Shaun reflects on his impact as a coach and the importance of being approachable and relatable to players
• Dan B acknowledges Shaun’s ability to make defence engaging, fostering a culture of pride in defensive performance

Player Development

• Desire for Improvement: Shaun values players who show a willingness to improve and engage with the coaching process. He appreciates when players have opinions and ask questions, indicating their investment in the game
• Individualised Feedback: He focuses on giving targeted, actionable feedback to players, allowing them to see specific areas for improvement and reinforcing what they do well

Coaching and Legacy

• Impact Beyond Defense: Shaun expresses his desire to be seen as a coach who cares deeply about his players’ overall development, not just their defensive skills. He aims to be remembered for creating a positive environment where players feel valued and understood
• Learning from Experience: Both Shaun and Dan B reflect on the importance of learning from past experiences and failures, shaping their approach to coaching and playing

Personal Insights

• Self-Doubt and Humility: Shaun acknowledges that even successful coaches experience self-doubt and emphasises the need for humility in leadership roles

Please leave a review if you like the podcast; and share with friends. Your support makes us very happy!

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto