HG Rugby
Telling rugby's untold stories by meeting people, analysing data and starting conversations
Are Samoa BACK!? | Mini-Documentary
What happened to Samoa? And are they back? In this video I look back on the off field issues that brought Samoan rugby union to the edge of missing the Rugby World Cup in Australia 2027, before looking at the clues which suggest the comeback is on.
I went to see their nations cup match against Zimbabwe and see first hand how their new star-studded squad, stacked with famous faces, is dragging them back to their best.
#rugby #samoa #samoan #rugby league #worldcup #zimbabwe #documentary #news #vlog
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Georgia Strike Back! - Nations Cup Round 4 Review ft Rugby TTL | Tier 2 Touch Point
Reviewing week 1 of the Nations Cup November series with Carl Dawson from Rugby TTL
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What’s The Real Story? - Explaining Welsh Rugby’s Accounts ft. Sarah Prescott
As promised I was joined by a qualified accountant to break down the annual financial report of the Welsh Rugby Union. The key question is this: what story are the union trying to tell with these numbers?
Check out Sarah’s show the Gwalia Gainline here: https://gwaliagainline.co.uk/podcast
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Is American Rugby Finally Working? ft. Martin Pengelly
When the Springboks of South Africa faced the All Blacks of New Zealand in Baltimore, USA, they did so in front of the largest ever crowd assembled for a rugby match in North America. In doing so, did they finally proved that there is a model for rugby in the US to finally work?
In this podcast, I was joined by USA based rugby writer Martin Pengelly to break down all aspects of America rugby life: from the men's and women's eagles to the MLR and college rugby.
Martin's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk...
Honest Thoughts On Women's Rugby In 2026 ft. YSC
I was joined by the brilliant Wendy Young of YSC rugby to look back on the test scene of the women's game this year.From the fall of the Red Roses to the latest on her beloved eagles, to the general management of women's rugby globally this year. Enjoy!
check out her website here: https://yscrugby.com
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Anglo-Welsh League: Done Deal Or Damned Delusion?
Over the past few days the Welsh Rugby fandom and the UK rugby media have been sent into overdrive by an article in WalesOnline that the much desired Anglo-Welsh league may finally be happening.
In this video, I break down the article line by line to understand what it is actually telling us and contrast it to other articles on the same topic.
If you enjoy the video, please consider sharing a link with a friend, and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button!
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Elephant In The Room? - Reacting To The WRU Financial Report
The WRU have release their annual financial report. I react to the headline numbers and what has been said un the latest round of interviews.
BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/ck98z64qydd2o
LinkedIn article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wru-has-published-its-evidence-answers-different-one-we-sion-o-connor-jikme/
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Don't Mention The 'C' Word!
New data has recently been published that appears to prove that a lack of competitive games is irrelevant to the popularity of women's rugby. In this article, we will examine the new data, contrast with old data and use case studies to understand what impact it has on this most ‘rugby’ of arguments.
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Why Leinster & Toulouse Will Always be Rugby's Top Clubs ft. Gainline Analytics
How To Build A Champion Rugby Team ft. Gainline Analytics. I was joined by Gainline Analytic's Simon Strachan to learn the lessons of champion sides such as Leinster & Toulouse. With the Champions Cup once again upon us, we investigate how the best teams in the world use their resources and build their own solutions.
We then look at how club structures around the world impact the performance of the national teams - is there an ideal number of clubs per country?
#rugby #toulouse #leinster #france #ireland #podcast #europe #talent #coaching #analysis
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The WRU Ruined My Friday - Keystone Report Breakdown
The keystone report is what the WRU are using to justifying killing a men's region in West Wales - does it really answer all our questions?
Stay tuned for outtakes as a members only video on my YouTube & Substack this Thursday!
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Welsh Rugby Finances... Am I Going Mad?!
Breaking down the interview given by the Welsh Rugby Union's Chief Financial & Operating Officer Gavin Marshall and contrasting it with CEO Abi Tierney's interview on the same topic. Where do they align, where do they differ and what questions are we left with at the end?
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Our Greatest Night! | Wales vs South Africa WXV Vlog
I headed to Cardiff to watch Wales Women take on the Springboks of South Africa in WXV Global Series 2026. What I thought could have been the latest painful episode of the Welsh rugby experience turned out to be our greatest ever performance. Listen to the sounds of the evening as the women of Wales paused the pain.
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Asian Rugby Is A PROBLEM ft. Steve Noble
Japan’s Comeback & the Rise of Hong Kong China: this week on the HG rugby podcast I am joined by Asia Rugby 247 journalist Steven Noble to get his insight on the state of Asian rugby, with reference to the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup.
Is Eddie Jones plotting another World Cup miracle with the Brave Blossoms? Can money solve Hong Kong China’s problems? What is going in with women’s rugby in the region? All this and more answered in this week’s podcast.
#japan #hongkong #china #asia #rugby #worldcup #podcast #japanese #women
Rugby Asia 247...
Can Australia Rejoin Rugby's Superpowers? ft. Brett McKay
Can the Wallabies of Australia shock the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks? This week I was joined by rugbypass columnist and podcaster Brett McKay to understand how Australia are trying to become a rugby union superpower once again
We look back on their 2026 campaign so far, ahead to their test against South Africa and Bledisloe Cup matches against New Zealand. Brett then explains what is happening below test rugby level with coaches, players and money.
#rugby #australia #wallabies #springboks #southafrica #newzealand #allblacks #podcast #australian
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Toulouse Exodus Accelerates... And It Was Totally Predictable | Rugby Transfer Review
I am aware of the intermittent clicking noises, this is due to me recording with a new software which has some teething issues. I twill be fixed for the next episode!
Stories explored in this month's dedicated rugby transfer podcast:
Toulouse exodusFrench budgets revealedROG & Borthwick extendSA women's rugby shocksPollock chatshare links with friends and drop 5 star reviews, it all really helps!
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Why Losing Hurts New Zealanders So Badly ft. Distracted Sports
I was joined by Tony O'Sullivan from the 'Two Cents Gets Distracted' podcast to get the Kiwi angle on the New Zealand All Black's defeat to the Springboks of South African in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour.
We dove into how the loss has affected the psyche of All Blacks fans back in New Zealand and what the ramifications might be. Tony doesn't hold back in sharing his pain!
#newzealand #allblacks #southafrica #springboks #rugby #podcast #review #loss #defeat
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When America Almost Joined The URC | Mini-Documentary
When America Almost Joined The URC - revisiting the attempts to get USA teams into the United Rugby Championship: Who wanted it, what were the pros, what were the cons, and why didn't it happen? In this documentary, I draw on historical evidence and contemporary sources to understand the nuance of these difficult questions and investigate the roles of South Africa, Ireland and Wales in the twists and turns of this controversial story.
#rugby #unitedrugbychampionship #URC #southafrica #USA #america #ireland #wales #documentary
Check out @NARugbyDB !
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Why Signing Lots Of Players Is Bad: Rugby Transfers Special
As club rugby fans, we are conditioned to believe that the more signings our team makes, the better. Take a quick glance at the replies to rugby clubs on social media during the off-season and you will see dozens of supporters asking for updates on recruitment. Is this right, though? Should rugby fans really be upset by their club making a low number of signings? Or, if we look deeper, is the reality completely different?
In this article we will draw on the practices of top class teams, insight from renowned data analysts, and case studies, to...
What's Going On With Argentina? ft. Frankie Deges
Why are Argentina so inconsistent in rugby union? capable of defeating the All Blacks, Springboks, or British and Irish lions, Los Pumas have won just one of their last seven test matches. Many people, however, think their coach Felipe Contepomi is working on a plan - a plan that could see them reach their first ever World Cup final.
I was joined by Argentinian rugby journalist Frankie Degas to understand exactly what is happening in South America and if Contepomi's plan is really working.
We also discuss the void left by the Jaguares Super Rugby franchise...
What French Rugby Is Getting So Right ft. Bernard Jackman
outtakes from by podcast with Bernard Jackman. Birch shares his insight on how France manages to create a commercially successful and appealing rugby product that no other nation appears capable of doing.
He then gives his thoughts on how Toulouse maintain their status as the world greatest rugby club and how Montpellier turned themselves from relegation candidates into title contenders in one year. subscribe to my substack: https://substack.com/@hgrugby
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What French Rugby Is Getting So Right ft. Bernard Jackman
outtakes from by podcast with Bernard Jackman. Birch shares his insight on how France manages to create a commercially successful and appealing rugby product that no other nation appears capable of doing.
He then gives his thoughts on how Toulouse maintain their status as the world greatest rugby club and how Montpellier turned themselves from relegation candidates into title contenders in one year.
subscribe to my substack: https://substack.com/@hgrugby
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Wales Has Turned on the WRU, This Can't Continue. ft. Nicks Johnston
Has the Welsh Rugby Union finally met its end? I was joined by one of my favourite people, rugby governance expert Nicks Johnston, to analyse the recent escalations against the WRU. Influential Welsh business people such as Rob Regan and Hayley Parsons have demanded the current leadership of Abi Tierney and Dave Reddin step down, but is that possible? If so, what happens next? Link to my substack: https://substack.com/@hgrugby #rugby #Wales #welsh #podcast #governance #interview #news follow Nicks on twitter: https://x.com/nicksjjFollow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugbyFollow me on instagram: https://www...
Wales Has Turned on the WRU, This Can't Continue. ft. Nicks Johnston
Has the Welsh Rugby Union finally met its end? I was joined by one of my favourite people, rugby governance expert Nicks Johnston, to analyse the recent escalations against the WRU. Influential Welsh business people such as Rob Regan and Hayley Parsons have demanded the current leadership of Abi Tierney and Dave Reddin step down, but is that possible? If so, what happens next?
Link to my substack: https://substack.com/@hgrugby
#rugby #Wales #welsh #podcast #governance #interview #news
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Rugby Coaching: Science or Art? ft. Ben Pegna
a second instalment of my chat with rugby coach Ben Pegna. We discuss what it takes to be an elite rugby coach - is it a science, or an art? Ben draws on his experiences around the world, what he has learned from top coaches and compares some renowned international head coaches to answer this fascinating question.
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Rugby Coaching: Science or Art? ft. Ben Pegna
a second instalment of my chat with rugby coach Ben Pegna. We discuss what it takes to be an elite rugby coach - is it a science, or an art? Ben draws on his experiences around the world, what he has learned from top coaches and compares some renowned international head coaches to answer this fascinating question.
Head to my substack: https://substack.com/@hgrugby Follow Ben on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benpegna/?hl=en
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Why Henry Pollock Must LEAVE Northampton Saints, Ramos Toulouse Exit Explained | Rugby Transfer Review
Link to my substack: https://substack.com/@hgrugby Link to my YouTube: https://youtu.be/DBzxxNsFnOc Welcome back to the Rugby Transfer Review! My monthly podcast series covering the rumours, regulations, confirmations and controversies in the world of Rugby Union. In this episode I cover: - Henry Pollock's million pound price tag - Scottish Rugby Union at it again - Why Thomas Ramos had to leave Toulouse #rugby #northampton #england #france #toulouse #transfers #rumours #explained #scotland #podcast
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Why Henry Pollock Must LEAVE Northampton Saints, Ramos Toulouse Exit Explained | Rugby Transfer Review
Link to my substack: https://substack.com/@hgrugby Link to my YouTube: https://youtu.be/DBzxxNsFnOc
Welcome back to the Rugby Transfer Review! My monthly podcast series covering the rumours, regulations, confirmations and controversies in the world of Rugby Union. In this episode I cover:
Henry Pollock's million pound price tag Scottish Rugby Union at it again Why Thomas Ramos had to leave Toulouse#rugby #northampton #england #france #toulouse #transfers #rumours #explained #scotland #podcast
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Inside the Incredible Rugby Cultures of South Africa & new Zealand ft. Ben Pegna
South Africa and New Zealand - the Springboks and the All Blacks - the Greatest Rivalry. Plenty is spoken of their rugby tactics, their strengths and Weakness on the pitch, but what about behind closed doors? What are South Africans and New Zealanders really like as cultures really like, both in training and away from the rugby's pitch? This week I was joined by rugby coach Ben Pegna who has lived and worked in both of these iconic countries. He lifts the lid on what the rugby cultures are really like in New Zealand and South Africa, drawing heavily...
Inside the Incredible Rugby Cultures of South Africa & new Zealand ft. Ben Pegna
South Africa and New Zealand - the Springboks and the All Blacks - the Greatest Rivalry. Plenty is spoken of their rugby tactics, their strengths and Weakness on the pitch, but what about behind closed doors? What are South Africans and New Zealanders really like as cultures really like, both in training and away from the rugby's pitch?
This week I was joined by rugby coach Ben Pegna who has lived and worked in both of these iconic countries. He lifts the lid on what the rugby cultures are really like in New Zealand and South Africa, drawing...
Hong Kong Heroes, USA Invincible! ft. Joe Santamaria | Tier 2 Touch Point
episode 3 of my mini-series bringing you all the latest from Tier 2 rugby as the Nations Cup played out its second weekend of fixtures! - this time I was joined by my friend Joe Santamaria. How did Hong Kong shock Uruguay and is this the moment to panic for Uruguayan rugby? How did USA see off Spain and go unbeaten? What of Tonga and Samoa? all that and more covered in this week's episode! #usa #zimbabwe #rugby #canada #spain #portugal #romania #georgia #hongkong #chile #uruguay #tonga #samoa These videos are now also available on Substack, click the link below to fin...
Hong Kong Heroes, USA Invincible! ft. Joe Santamaria | Tier 2 Touch Point
episode 3 of my mini-series bringing you all the latest from Tier 2 rugby as the Nations Cup played out its second weekend of fixtures! - this time I was joined by my friend Joe Santamaria.
How did Hong Kong shock Uruguay and is this the moment to panic for Uruguayan rugby? How did USA see off Spain and go unbeaten? What of Tonga and Samoa? all that and more covered in this week's episode!
#usa #zimbabwe #rugby #canada #spain #portugal #romania #georgia #hongkong #chile #uruguay #tonga #samoa These videos are now also available on Substack, click the li...
Chilean Rugby is a PROBLEM ft. Raimundo Martinez & Inaki Ayarza
Exclusive interview with Chile's Raimundo Martinez and Inaki Ayarza! In this episode of the HG Podcast I get a fascinating and unique insight into Chilean rugby courtesy of two of their biggest stars who tell me all about their sporting origins in South America and the latest events from the Nations Cup!
Number 8 Raimundo and winger Inaki share with me how they got started in rugby, how they chased their dreams in France and how they took their nation to the Rugby World Cup.
They then share secrets on Chile's progression over the last five...
Chilean Rugby is a PROBLEM ft. Raimundo Martinez & Inaki Ayarza
Exclusive interview with Chile's Raimundo Martinez and Inaki Ayarza! In this episode of the HG Podcast I get a fascinating and unique insight into Chilean rugby courtesy of two of their biggest stars who tell me all about their sporting origins in South America and the latest events from the Nations Cup!
Number 8 Raimundo and winger Inaki share with me how they got started in rugby, how they chased their dreams in France and how they took their nation to the Rugby World Cup.
They then share secrets on Chile's progression over the last five...
Portugal & Spain Inflict Nations Cup Pain! Ft. Rugby TTL | Tier 2 Touch Point
episode 2 of my mini-series bringing you all the latest from Tier 2 rugby as the Nations Cup played out its second weekend of fixtures! - this time I was joined by my fried Carl from @RugbyTTL How did Spain & Portugal inflict big wins over Tonga and Canada? Are Georgia finished as a T1 contender and what on earth is the deal with Romania?! we cover all this and even more on this week's bonus podcast. #usa #zimbabwe #rugby #canada #spain #portugal #romania #georgia #hongkong #chile #uruguay #tonga #samoa
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Portugal & Spain Inflict Nations Cup Pain! Ft. Rugby TTL | Tier 2 Touch Point
episode 2 of my mini-series bringing you all the latest from Tier 2 rugby as the Nations Cup played out its second weekend of fixtures! - this time I was joined by my fried Carl from @RugbyTTL
How did Spain & Portugal inflict big wins over Tonga and Canada? Are Georgia finished as a T1 contender and what on earth is the deal with Romania?! we cover all this and even more on this week's bonus podcast.
#usa #zimbabwe #rugby #canada #spain #portugal #romania #georgia #hongkong #chile #uruguay #tonga #samoa
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Watching Fiji's Darkest Moment | Matchday Vlog
What's gone wrong with the flying Fijians? I took a trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool to watch Fiji take on England in the Nations Championship 2026. After being humiliated 8-73 by the English, I wanted to know the reasons why. Was it the payers? The coaches? The off-field governance? I discuss all of it. In this mini-documentary I use highlights and analysis to pose some serious questions about Fiji rugby. Why are they playing away from home? Why have the performances gone backwards? Do the coach's excuses make sense? #rugby #fiji #vlog #liverpool #england #documentary #analysis #highlights...
Watching Fiji's Darkest Moment | Matchday Vlog
What's gone wrong with the flying Fijians? I took a trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool to watch Fiji take on England in the Nations Championship 2026. After being humiliated 8-73 by the English, I wanted to know the reasons why. Was it the payers? The coaches? The off-field governance? I discuss all of it.
In this mini-documentary I use highlights and analysis to pose some serious questions about Fiji rugby. Why are they playing away from home? Why have the performances gone backwards? Do the coach's excuses make sense?
#rugby #fiji #vlog #liverpool #england...
Chile's Rise Continues, Uruguay Rattle Georgia! | Tier 2 Touch Point
Welcome to a new min-series for the July tests! Covering the nations cup: the Tier 2 international rugby competition containing USA, Canada, Uruguay, Chile, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong China, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Georgia, Samoa and Tonga.
This week, I focus on the South American might of Chile and Uruguay - how is their rise up the rugby ranking progressing and how are they shaking up the powers in Europe?
#Chile #uruguay #usa #canada #zimbabwe #hongkong #tonga #samoa #spain #portugal #georgia #romania #rugby #podcast
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Chile's Rise Continues, Uruguay Rattle Georgia! | Tier 2 Touch Point
Welcome to a new min-series for the July tests! Covering the nations cup: the Tier 2 international rugby competition containing USA, Canada, Uruguay, Chile, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong China, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Georgia, Samoa and Tonga.
This week, I focus on the South American might of Chile and Uruguay - how is their rise up the rugby ranking progressing and how are they shaking up the powers in Europe?
#Chile #uruguay #usa #canada #zimbabwe #hongkong #tonga #samoa #spain #portugal #georgia #romania #rugby #podcast
Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby
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Are The Barbarians Still Relevant In 2026? | Mini-Documentary
Are the Barbarians RFC still relevant in 2026? For this mini-documentary I took a trip to Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) to watch the Barbarians vs Wales in June 2026 to see if the famous rugby team still mattered. I watch both the men's and women's teams take on the Welsh to see what the differences were between both sides. With star players like Faf de Klerk and George North, can the Baabaas still work their magic? Or has Ruby Tui shown that now is the time for the women to take over? Featuring @Sport-in-a-Minute and @8-9Rugby the 89 combo pod referenced: https://yout...
