Champagne Rugby

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Hamish Kenny

Champagne Rugby is the Fastest Growing Rugby Podcast in the UK and Ireland, providing fans with interviews, inspiration and entertainment from the top players and pundits.

Should Jack Willis play for England?
07/08/2024

In this week's episode of the Champagne Rugby we discuss women's rugby, upcoming summer internationals and England rugby selections with director of Amateur Saracens Rugby club, Jack Goldberg.


Jack is the founder of the House of Hope 7s, a London based 7s tournament that raises money for the Denis Goldberg House of Hope Charity in South Africa.

The Denis Goldberg House of Hope is based in Cape Town as a memorial to, and realisation of the dream of, anti-apartheid icon Denis Goldberg, who was sentenced to life imprisonment with Nelson Mandela and...


How to make viral rugby content with Ruck Star Lizzie
06/20/2024

Do you want to become a viral rugby sensation? Look no further! In this week's episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, we discuss the Premiership Women's Rugby final, viral content strategies for rugby creators and growing women's rugby with social media sensation Ruck Star Lizzie.


Lizzie is known for her viral rugby videos as she reveals the secrets to her success and how she is able to live full time making rugby content.


Next we review the Premiership Women's Rugby final this weekend between Gloucester Hartpury and Bristol Bears...


Coaching 101 with Mike Penistone
05/23/2024

In this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by coaching guru Mike Penistone who talks us through what makes a great coach and what makes a great player. We review the upcoming the European Champions Cup and Mike reveals interesting stories of his time coaching at Leicester Tigers during the Golden Era of 2000-2006.


Gloucester Rugby in the Final with Chris Harris
05/19/2024

In this weeks episode we are joined by Scottish and British & Irish Lions legend Chris Harris.


We discuss the upcoming European Challenge Cup final between Gloucester and Sharks rugby, the departure of Louis Rees Zammit to NFL as well as the infamous British and Irish Lions Tour against South Africa.


What is happening with Rugby 7s in the UK?
05/12/2024

In this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we discuss the current situation of rugby 7s in the UK with Ellaine Gelman.


Ellaine is the founder of Find Rugby Now, a website focussed on building local rugby communities by bringing together amateur rugby clubs, players, coaches, referees and fans.


We also talk about the upcoming LIT 7s London 7s event and some of the challenges of organising an international rugby tournament.


London 7s is set to take place on Saturday 25 May and is...


Life of a Rugby Player in the Marines
05/02/2024

In today's episode, we have the honor of speaking with Major Jim Joseph, a US Marine stationed in Okinawa who plays a pivotal role in organizing military rugby in the region.


Join us as we dive into Jim's fascinating journey, from his military service to his passion for rugby and community building. Discover how Jim's leadership and dedication have shaped the rugby landscape in Okinawa, bringing together service members from diverse backgrounds to bond over the sport they love.


Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with tales of...


Sevens Royalty: A Champion's Journey with Lote Raikabula
04/26/2024

In this special episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with sevens rugby icon Lote Raikabula to uncover the extraordinary journey of his career.

From his early days on the field to his illustrious tenure with the All Blacks 7s, Lote shares captivating insights, anecdotes, and reflections on the highs and lows of his time in the game.

With over 60 tournaments and an impressive 20 victories, Lote's track record speaks volumes about his prowess and dedication to the sport.

But the conversation doesn't stop there; we also delve...


The Secrets of Rugby in South East Asia with Momo
04/14/2024

In this week's episode we are joined by American entrepreneur Steve Mommaerts aka Momo, who has over a decades experience playing rugby in South East Asia and now sits on the board of the Philippines Rugby Union. In this episode we dive into Steve's experience in both Thailand and the Philippines as well how he thinks rugby in Asia will develop over the next 5 years. Sit back, relax and enjoy this thrilling conversation about rugby.


Robbie McRobbie's Most Outrageous Stories From Hong Kong 7s
03/12/2024

This weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we talk with Hong Kong Rugby CEO Robbie McRobbie. This is Robbie's last year as CEO of Hong Kong Rugby Union and also the final year at the famous Hong Kong Football Stadium for the formidable and world famous Hong Kong 7s. In this interview, Robbie reveals some of his craziest stories from the last 30 years of Hong Kong 7s madness and what we have in store for this year. You DO NOT want to miss out.


Buy your tickets for Hong Kong 7s here: https...


The Future of 1 vs 1 Rugby
#1
01/22/2024

In this week's exhilarating episode, Champagne Rugby brings you an exclusive conversation with the dynamic South African professional rugby player and founder of Combat Rugby, Freddy Ngoza. Join us as we delve into the heart of rugby, covering a myriad of captivating topics.

Freddie shares his unique insights into the future of 1 vs. 1 rugby, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of this dynamic and skill-driven format. As the founder of Combat Rugby, he brings a wealth of experience and vision to the discussion, shedding light on the innovation and excitement brewing in the rugby world.

<...


David Campese Rugby World Cup Final Preview
10/26/2023

In this weeks episode we are joined by a man who needs no introduction, World Cup Winner, second highest try scorer of all time, having played for Australia 101 times and scoring 64 tries at international level, ladies and gentleman David Campese. 




Jonathan Davies MBE podcast Rugby World Cup Semi Final Review
#29
10/19/2023

In this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, we are joined by Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies MBE aka Jiffy. We cover everything from the World Cup so far as well as the predictions and review of the semi final this weekend.


#29 Elton Jantjies responds to media backlash
#29
09/06/2023

On this week's episode we are joined by former Springbok and Rugby World Cup winner Elton Jantjies. We dive deep into the origins of Elton's rise to rugby, winning the world cup and representing the Springboks. Join us on this journey as we uncover the true Elton Jantjies and understand who he is not only as a rugby player but also as a human being and person.


#28 European Champion Raymond Rhule on Ronan O'Gara, overcoming adversity and Springbok Rugby
#28
08/31/2023

On this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, 2 times European Champion and former Springbok Raymond Rhule joins us to share his life story from travelling from Ghana to South Africa, making it on the big stage with the Springboks before everything came crashing down. At a low point of his career where he was mocked and ridiculed online after the Springboks worst ever defeat against the All Blacks in 2017, to then fighting back overcoming the challenges and then winning the European Rugby Championship, not once but TWICE, with Ronan O'Gara and La Rochelle.


...


#27 Chris Robsahw on Owen Farrell, England world cup squad and Eddie Jones
#27
08/23/2023

In this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by rugby legend and former England captain Chris Robshaw. Robshaw played an impressive 66 caps for England and 43 as captain making him the second most capped England captain of all time!

In this episode Robshaw gives us his insights into what it was like beating the All Blacks in 2012, his first impression of Eddie Jones, his take on the Owen Farrell situation as well as who he thinks will become World Champions this autumn at the Rugby World Cup in France!!


...


#26 Ollie Lawrence with England Camp Insights
#26
08/20/2023

In this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by England Rugby player Ollie Lawrence who reveals what England camp is like ahead of the Rugby World Cup.


Follow @champagnerugby on Instagram and Tiktok




#25 Owen Farrell's ban appealed
#25
08/17/2023

On this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by South African rugby content creator Austin Mac who runs popular social media account Ball Carrier with over 300,000 followers. In this episode we discuss the Owen Farrell tackle and ban situation, the state of World Rugby currently as well as diving deep into our predictions for the upcoming World Cup in France.


Follow @champagnerugby on Instagram and Tiktok.


#24 Joe Gray on overcoming injury, playing with Harlequins and coaching England
#24
08/02/2023

This week we are joined by ex-England international and now coach turned entrepreneur Joe Gray. He is the only player in history to have won every trophy available to players in the top two tiers of English rugby, including both European trophies. Follow @champagnerugby on Instagram and Tiktok


#23 Tiktok Sensation and Rugby Influencer Max Brown
#1
07/18/2023

In this week's episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by Rugby Influencer Max Brown. Max is well known for his funny Youtube videos as well as his viral tiktoks with well over 250,000 followers across all platforms!


In this episode we dive deep into how Max got started, his passion for the sport and what the future looks like for him. Be sure to listen to the end of the episode as Max reveals his opinions on the current state of Rugby!


#22 Nick Evans
#22
05/23/2023

On this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, we are joined by former All Black and Harlequins legend Nick Evans. Nick Evans talks us through his experience coaching with England rugby, Harlequins and what it's like to play for the All Blacks. 


Listen to the end to hear the fan questions and what really happened in the famous Bloodgate scandal. 


Follow @champagnerugby on Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok. 


Leave us 5 star reviews on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 



#21 All Black Legend Colin Slade
#22
05/10/2023

On this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we're joined by 2 time World Cup winner and All Black legend Colin Slade. Colin talks us through the highs and lows of his career as well as what it's like to lift the rugby world cup, not once but two times!


Follow @champagnerugby on IG, Tiktok and Youtube


Listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!


#20 Italian Captain Michele Lamaro
#20
04/27/2023

For the first time in history Benneton Treviso are in the Semi final of the European Challenge Cup. On this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined for a historic special bonus episode with Italian Rugby Captain Michele Lamaro.

Michele is the not only the captain of Italy but also the captain of Benneton Treviso. Michele tells us what it's like to be captain of Italy at such a young age of 24 years old, getting invited to a private dinner with Siya Kolisi and his thoughts on Sergio Parisse.


...


#19 Italian Powerhouse Sebastian Negri
#19
04/19/2023

On this weeks compelling episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by Italian powerhouse Sebastian Negri who shares his rise to rugby having been forced away from his homeland in Zimbabwe to then representing Italy on the international stage, sharing the field with Sergio Parisse and giving the inside scoop on the Hartpury College initiations.


If you're a rugby fan, this is not an episode you want to miss and if you're not a rugby fan, you're about to become one.


Tune in to the fastest growing...


#18 Christ Tshiunza Rising Welsh Star
#18
04/12/2023

In this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by Exeter and Welsh international Christ Tshiunza. Christ talks us through his rise to rugby coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo not being able to speak English as a young boy to then rapidly rising to stardom to play professionally for Wales and Exeter Chiefs!


Be sure to follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to never miss an episode. Turn on post notifications.


Follow @champagnerugby on IG, Youtube and Tiktok


...


#17 Rising French Superstar Aaron Grandidier
#17
04/05/2023

In this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, we're joined by French rising star Aaron Grandidier, who is known for his blistering pace and already making a name for himself on the international 7s stage at only 22 years old! The speedster talks us through his rise to rugby, aspirations for the Olympics as well as giving us the inside scoop of playing for the French 7s team. Listen to the end as we go over fan questions and Grandidier gives us his predictions for the upcoming world cup in France!


Follow @champagnerugby on...


#16 Ugo Monye Part 2 Life as a Pundit
#16
03/29/2023

Join us for part 2 of the of the Champagne Rugby podcast with Ugo Monye, as we sit down with the legendary rugby player Ugo Monye to hear about his incredible rise to success in the sport and his life as a pundit.


Ugo gives us his key insights into the sport as a pundit: predictions for the world cup, players to watch as well as his thoughts on removing Eddie Jones from the England setup. If you're a rugby fan, you're not going to be disappointed with this episode. And if you're not a...


#15 Ugo Monye Part 1
#15
03/22/2023

Join us for an exciting episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, as we sit down with the legendary rugby player Ugo Monye to hear about his incredible rise to success in the sport.

You'll hear fascinating stories about Ugo's school days with none other than Jonny Wilkinson, and how he became training buddies with World Rugby Player of the Year Keith Wood. He shares his experiences playing for Harlequins and the English national team, and the immense honour of being picked for the prestigious British and Irish Lions.

But the highlight of the podcast has...


#14 Marcus Watson on Secrets of 2016 Olympic Games
#14
03/07/2023

On this week's episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, we are joined by 7s international and professional rugby player Marcus Watson. We talk about the 2016 Olympic games from meeting Andy Murray and seeing Usain Bolt getting surrounded by other athletes in the dining hall. 


Additionally, we cover the importance of family, watching brother Anthony Watson in the Japan World Cup Final and finally the secret sauce to making it as a professional rugby player. 


Follow @champagnerugby on Instagram, tiktok and Youtube. 


Join the Wolfpack @wol...


#13 Archie Curzon - CEO of Clapham and London Highflyer
#13
02/27/2023

On today's rollercoaster of an episode we are joined by the CEO of Clapham, entrepreneur and fly half of the Clapham Falcons Archie Curzon! The rugby comedian gives us an in depth analysis of his predictions for this years six nations and we cover everything from rugby to business and nights out in Clapham with rugby legends such as Nick Abendanon and Ryan Wilson. Listen in as Archie also gives a special message to Alex Payne for a boxing rematch. 


Give us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow @champagnerugby on Instagram, T...


#12 James O'Connor
#12
02/23/2023

On this weeks episode we have Australian international James O'Connor. One of the most talented players of his generation, he gives us an incredible insight into the highs and lows of his career so far and what his plans are for the up and coming World Cup in France. 


#11 Freddy Ngoza with revolutionary 1 vs 1 Rugby (the UFC of rugby)
#11
02/13/2023

In this weeks episode we are joined by Freddy Ngoza, who is an ex professional rugby player and now coach from South Africa and is currently revolutionising the sport of rugby as we know it with 1 vs 1 rugby. Listen through to hear how he plans to change the sport and take rugby to new heights with the UFC of rugby! 


#10 Rugby Trainer aka Ben John
#10
01/20/2023

In today's episode we are joined by former Ospreys and professional rugby player Ben John aka the Rugby Trainer who tells us all about the tips and tricks in the rugby world for aspiring young players! 


Follow Champagne Rugby on Instagram, Spotify and Youtube. 


#9 Michael Lipman on England career, concussions and facing the haka
#9
01/12/2023

In today's episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by former Bath captain and England international Michael Lipman. We cover Michael's rise to rugby, debut against the All Blacks, growing up and playing against George Smith. We also tackle the topic of concussions and what should be done to improve player welfare and safety. Listen to the end to hear Michael's quick fire questions. 


Follow @champagnerugby on Instagram and Youtube. 


#8 Daniel Okeke Rising Irish Star
#8
01/05/2023

On today's episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by Rising Irish Star Daniel Okeke, who currently plays for Munster and Ireland U20 International. Listen on to found out how the young Irish prodigy got into rugby, being mentored by Peter O'Mahony and what Simon Zebo had to say after THAT Munster vs South African match! 


Be sure to follow Champagne Rugby on Instagram for more. 


#7 South Africa Prodigy Jurenzo Julius
#7
12/08/2022

In this week's podcast we are joined by South African rugby prodigy Jurenzo Julius. The young star aka the Boogeyman tells us about rugby dreams, favourite players growing up and playing for the Sharks in 2023. 

Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!





#6 Ireland International Stuart McCloskey
#6
12/01/2022

On episode 6 of the Champagne Rugby podcast we had the pleasure of talking to Ireland international Stuart McCloskey. Today we speak about all things life and rugby, from playing for Ireland in the autumn internationals to dealing with criticism from pundits. 

Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!  


#5 McNulty Brothers Sean and Harry
#5
11/23/2022

In today's episode, the McNulty brothers, Sean and Harry, join us on the podcast to tell us about their life growing up having lived all over the world from Bahrain, London and all the way to Los Angeles where they partied with the likes of Nicole Scherzinger and Chris Rock. We also delve deep into why the LA Giltinis broke up and Olympic stories from Harry McNuts. 


Be sure to follow Champagne Rugby on Instagram 


#4 Logovi'i Mulipola on living with the Tuilagis and meeting the Queen
#4
11/08/2022

In the today's episode, we interview the Samoan international, Logovi'i Mulipola! Find out what it's like living with the Tuilagis, meeting the Queen at Buckingham palace and what it's like to play for Samoa.  


#3 Joe Tomane on playing for Australia, golf and Leinster craic!
#3
11/01/2022

In this weeks episode Australian international, Joe Tomane, talks us through his career with Australia, Brumbies, Montpellier and Leinster. He provides inspirational insight into his key life lessons as a player and father. We also discuss Johnny Sexton vs Owen Farrell, NRL and how rugby might adapt to promote the sport. Listen to the end for the fan questions. 


This is a long form interview filled with insightful stories and great craic!


#2 Jamal Ford-Robinson on Ellis Genge tour stories, initiations and rise to rugby stardom
#2
10/20/2022

Today, we are joined by tik-tok sensation and Gloucester rugby player Jamal Ford-Robinson, who reveals the Gloucester Rugby initiations as well as some tour stories in Argentina with Ellis Genge and the Curry brothers. Listen to the end to hear about Jamal's unusual rise to rugby stardom, Jonny May's training regime and the fan questions. 


This is a long form interview filled with insightful stories and great craic!