Episodes

  • The Shaun Edwards Special - The Toughest Coach in Rugby

    The Shaun Edwards Special - The Toughest Coach in Rugby
    Jan 29 2025
    This week on The Rugby Pod, we’ve got a very special guest – we're joined by one of the most decorated and toughest coaches in either code of rugby, the legendary Shaun Edwards OBE. From his Wales Grand Slam-winning years to building France’s defensive juggernaut, Shaun gives us an insight into what makes him one of the sharpest minds in the game. Dan Biggar gets stuck in with his old coach, reminiscing about their first meeting in Wales camp, Shaun’s no-nonsense approach, and his famous defence from his 12 years with Wales. The lads also dive into his move to France, the World Cup heartbreak, and what’s next for Les Bleus heading into the Six Nations. Plus, we get Shaun’s take on Antoine Dupont, his coaching philosophy, and whether he fancies another shot at international head coaching… or even a return to the British & Irish Lions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • Episode 19 - The Big 6 Nations Preview! Coaching Shake-ups, TV Deals and Predictions

    Episode 19 - The Big 6 Nations Preview! Coaching Shake-ups, TV Deals and Predictions
    Jan 28 2025
    It’s Six Nations Eve, and the lads are buzzing for Round 1! The lads will be previewing round one, including a massive showdown in Dublin between Ireland and England, Scotland's Italian test and France v Wales. We'll also be asking if the Premiership is the right prep for test rugby, if rugby has dropped the ball with Netflix? And what happens if the Six Nations goes behind a paywall? Plus, we’ve got opening weekend predictions, Gatland’s coaching shake-up, and picks for Grand Slam contenders, Player of the Tournament, and Top Try Scorer. We’re also kicking off our biggest-ever live tour this week, so grab tickets while you can and download the MixR app for your free pint at our Walkabout shows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 18 - Six Nations Squads & Saints Star Henry Pollock

    Episode 18 - Six Nations Squads & Saints Star Henry Pollock
    Jan 21 2025
    Jim, Goodey, Bigs, and Rob are back in the studio to dissect the Six Nations squads and preview the tournament in this massive Lions year. The lads chat England captaincy, a massive injury for Scotland, Ireland's 10 question, and Welsh woes. We also review all the drama from the final round of Champions Cup group games and chat with Saints’ rising star Henry Pollock about his standout season and his England ambitions, plus we look ahead to some blockbuster Round of 16 clashes. Sit back, enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Episode 17 - Champions Cup Heats Up, Junior Kpoku's Hit List & New Look Refs

    Episode 17 - Champions Cup Heats Up, Junior Kpoku's Hit List & New Look Refs
    Jan 14 2025
    Jim’s dialling in from Spotify HQ in the USA, and Goodey’s fresh off a busy Champions Cup weekend. We’re diving into all the action, including Leinster’s brutal bust-up against La Rochelle, Glasgow's big win against Racing, and Freddie Steward’s Six Nations stock is rising after Leicester's win against Ulster. Plus, Junior Kpoku—England U20 star and Racing 92 powerhouse—joins us to chat about life in the TOP14, who's England jersey he's coming for, and what’s next for the 6ft 8 phenom. Also on the pod, the lads give their take on the Mack Hansen’s ban, and why South African fans don't rate Dupont as the GOAT. Subscribe on Spotify, sit back, and enjoy the ride! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Episode 16 - 2025 Predictions, Silky Sheets & Andre The Giant Esterhuizen

    Episode 16 - 2025 Predictions, Silky Sheets & Andre The Giant Esterhuizen
    Jan 7 2025
    The lads are back from their festive break and after some holiday chat, we dive straight into some rogue rugby predictions for 2025 including whether the Boks might join the Six Nations, Lions Tour predictions and which team the Saudis are buying. We’ll also take a look at the Prem, URC, TOP14 over the Xmas period. We also catch up with Andre Esterhuizen to talk Sharks, life in South Africa, and preparing for Toulouse in the Champions Cup. Don’t forget to get your tickets for our live shows on Ticketpass.org and also to vote for us as the best rugby podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards—head to sportspodcastgroup.com and give us a nod! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Rugby Pod End of Year Awards & Christmas Special ☃️

    Rugby Pod End of Year Awards & Christmas Special ☃️
    Dec 19 2024
    It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and The Rugby Pod is bringing you the End of Year Awards & Christmas Special! Jim, Goodey, and Producer Rob look back on the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments of 2024 with plenty of laughs. From Ireland’s epic comeback in South Africa to the RFU’s financial skid marks, nothing is off-limits in this festive rugby roundup. Who’s the player you’d least want to tackle? Who bagged the Shithouse of the Year award? Plus, we debate the best rigs, breakthrough stars, and even take a look at some utterly bizarre moments—like Leigh Halfpenny doing a haka or Gavin Coombes taking one for the team. Plus the big ones, Top Lad and best coach and player of the year. Grab a mince pie, crack open a beer, and join us for a few laughs as we wrap up 2024 in style! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Episode 15 - Beautiful Chaos of Old, South African Struggles in Champions Cup & England Unbreakables

    Episode 15 - Beautiful Chaos of Old, South African Struggles in Champions Cup & England Unbreakables
    Dec 17 2024
    The lads dissect a big weekend of Champions Cup rugby. Jim shares some tales from his trip to Paree for the Saracens game, while Goodey has been on the road too. We break down Saracens’ win over Stade Français, Sale’s performance against Racing 92, and England's overall dominance over South African opposition, including Northampton grinding out a win over the Bulls, and Leicester running riot against the Sharks. We give our take on the South African struggles in European competitions and Plumtree’s calls for change. Elsewhere, Leinster hold firm against Clermont, plus, the lads share thoughts on England 03: Unbreakables, and we give you the lowdown on their upcoming live show. Settle in and enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Episode 14 - Riding the Storm: Champions Cup Drama & Blair Kinghorn’s French Revolution

    Episode 14 - Riding the Storm: Champions Cup Drama & Blair Kinghorn’s French Revolution
    Dec 10 2024
    It’s blowing a gale both on and off the pitch. Goodey’s been on the wet and windy road between London, Bath and Glasgow for the opening round of the Champions Cup, while Jim's tweeting up his own storm over rugby platforms and where fans can watch all the action. We cover all the action, including Saracens win and Tom Willis' England shout, Bordeaux overpowering Leicester, Leinster's Guinness bomb squad doing the business, and some WWE action in Thomand Park. Plus, Toulouse and Scotland All-Star Blair Kinghorn joins us to chat life in France, Dupont’s greatness, and Scotland's Six Nations ambitions. Throw in a big update on our upcoming live show tour, some listener questions and the rumour mill, and you’ve got a belter of an episode. Settle back, hit subscribe on Spotify, and enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 19 mins