Rugby Through The Leagues Podcast

Six Nations Review: Ireland 2nd, Wales Bounce Back, France Edge England & Why Rugby Must Market Itself Better

Rugby TTL review an exceptionally competitive, high-scoring Six Nations, praising the new format with only one mid-tournament break while debating the Thursday opener versus a preferred Friday night start. They recap Ireland’s win over Scotland, arguing the scoreline was flattering as Scotland started strongly but ran out of steam, and highlight Ireland’s improved cohesion, squad depth, and new faces such as Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien, and Stuart McCloskey amid injuries and selection changes. Wales’ victory over Italy is discu...

Greek Rugby’s Comeback: Eleni on National Teams, Rugby Europe Membership & Building Youth Pathways

In this Rugby through the Leagues podcast episode, Eleni from Greek Rugby discusses helping relaunch Greece on the rugby map, including coaching the first-ever Greek women’s fifteens match vs Bulgaria and leading a men’s match vs Albania with minimal preparation using a mostly domestic Greek league squad. She explains Greece’s new status as Rugby Europe’s 48th member and the next steps, including another match vs Albania and plans to keep selection focused on Greeks and Greeks abroad rather than importing...

Ireland Smash England, Wales Collapse vs Scotland & France Roll Italy | Six Nations Breakdown + Fantasy Rugby

The panel recaps a busy Six Nations weekend, starting with Ireland vs England, where Ireland rebound with a dominant win and England’s defensive and breakdown issues are heavily criticized, alongside debate over England’s hooker choices and selection (including Crowley vs Prendergast for Ireland and praise for players like McCloskey and James Ryan). They discuss whether Italy can threaten England after England’s two straight losses and preview upcoming fixtures, generally backing France over Scotland, England to edge Italy, and Ireland to bea...

Rugby Europe Championship Midway Review: Spain vs Georgia, Portugal Preview, Romania’s Struggles & Relegation Chaos (with Game Day Bites)

Rugby Through The Leagues Podcast hosts a collaborative mid-tournament Rugby Europe Championship review with Pasquale from Game Day Bites, reflecting on their trip to Amsterdam and the Netherlands’ promising but inconsistent start under new management. We analyse Georgia’s early dominance, Spain’s missed chance in Georgia (including a pivotal reversed penalty), selection debates at scrum-half, and concerns over Spain’s depth at 10 and fullback, while noting standout moments like Spain’s try on 53 minutes. The discussion covers Portugal’s e...

Exploring the Unseen Gem: Super Rugby Americas ft. Joe Santamaria

Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast

Welcome to a special episode of Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast! In this episode, host Carl sits down with Joe Santamaria, who joins us from Buenos Aires to provide an in-depth look at Super Rugby Americas. They delve into the exciting details of the league, the trials and tribulations of its players and coaches, and why it might be one of the best leagues you’ve never heard of. With discussions on standout teams like Penarol, Pampas, Dogos, and new fr...

Rugby TTL - Six Nations First Round Review and Fantasy Picks Analysis

Welcome back to Rugby TTL! In this episode, join us as we dive into the first round results of the Six Nations tournament. Featuring Kent and Polly, we discuss unchanged fantasy picks, team performances, and key moments from last week's games. From Italy's surprising victory over Scotland to England's dominant display against Wales, we cover all the action. We also preview the upcoming matches, focusing on England vs. Scotland, Ireland vs. Italy, and France vs. Wales. Tune in for all things rugby, strategy insights, and...

Exploring French Rugby Development & Rugby Europe Strategies | Rugby TTL Podcast

In this episode of the Rugby TTL Podcast, we dive deep into the development of French rugby and its impact on Rugby Europe nations. Our guest, Rob from the Rosbifs Rugby Podcast, talks about how nations like France and Spain use the French model to grow their professional leagues. We discuss the importance of accessibility, the role of academies, and how French clubs manage international player commitments. Additionally, we explore how policies and financial support can help balance the needs of clubs and national teams. This episode...

Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast | Six Nations Fantasy Special

In this special episode of Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, the hosts dive deep into their Six Nations Fantasy choices for the upcoming tournament. Join Kent, Polly, Buster, and Carl as they strategize and debate their picks for the ultimate fantasy rugby team. They predict which players will shine, discuss injury concerns, and analyze each nation's strengths and weaknesses heading into the competition. Stay tuned for updates throughout the Six Nations as they keep their fantasy teams up-to-date and reveal who emerges victorious in their league. Whether you're...

Building Hungarian Rugby: An Interview with Finley Harrison

In this engaging episode of Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, we sit down with Finley Harrison, the 21-year-old head coach and director of rugby for the Hungarian national team. Finley shares his fascinating journey from a young player who transitioned into coaching due to injury, to becoming one of the youngest head coaches in international rugby. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in Hungarian rugby, the growth of the sport in the country, and Finley's ambitious plans to take Hungarian rugby to new heights. Don't miss out on this...

Rugby TTL Podcast 2025 Year in Review & 2026 Preview

Welcome to the final recording of the Rugby TTL podcast in 2025! Join us as we reflect on an incredible year, review our journey, and share exciting plans for 2026. From growing our team and followers to unforgettable matches and remarkable guests, dive into our biggest milestones and future ambitions. Celebrate with us as we recall amazing moments, such as Spain's Rugby Europe championships, standout grassroots games, and memorable podcast episodes featuring top rugby personalities. Looking ahead, get ready for more exclusive content, live streams, and behind-the-scenes insights in the coming year...

From UK to Brazil via NZ & Ireland: Ben Donald's Unlikely Rugby Journey | Rugby TTL Podcast

In this episode of the Rugby TTL Podcast, we sit down with Ben Donald, a fully capped Brazilian international rugby player who shares his extraordinary journey from the UK to Brazil and New Zealand. Ben discusses his unique upbringing in Brazil, his late introduction to rugby at age 23, and how one Facebook message changed everything, leading him to represent Brazil on the international stage. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of Brazilian rugby, the impact of different rugby cultures, and Ben's plans...

Autumn Internationals Part 2: Autumn Recap and Analysis

In this episode of the Rugby TTL Podcast, join Polly, Keith, and Adam as they continue their deep dive into the autumn international rugby season. They cover a range of teams including Wales, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, and Argentina. From Wales' unexpected results to the All Blacks' struggles, and Argentina's potential as a World Cup dark horse, the discussion is wide-ranging and filled with detailed analysis. They also touch upon the impact of TV rights on rugby viewership and what countries like France and Italy...

Raw Reactions: Spain's Rugby World Cup Draw & Future Prospects | Rugby TTL Podcast

In this week's episode of Rugby TTL podcast, host Carl catches up with rugby enthusiast Edward Anderson, also known as Senior Huevo. They discuss Spain's rugby scene, Edwards journey with rugby in Spain, and their raw reactions to Spain’s draw for the Rugby World Cup. The conversation touches on Spain's remarkable progress, the quality of leagues, and the promising future of rugby in the country. From the intricacies of the Spanish divisions to the potential of upcoming young talents, this episode delves deep into th...

Rugby TTL Podcast: Analysing the Autumn Internationals - Triumphs, Downfalls, and Future Predictions

In this special Rugby TTL podcast episode, we dive deep into the Autumn Internationals, analyzing performances from various teams, including South Africa, Ireland, and England. Discover insights on key games, standout players, tactical shifts, and managerial impacts. Our hosts discuss South Africa's dominance, Ireland's defensive struggles, England's unexpected wins, and Scotland's stagnation. Join us for thoughtful rugby analysis and some lively discussion on what's next for these top teams. Stay tuned for part two!

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:29 South Africa's Dominance...

Rugby Insights: Mike Friday on Sevens, World Rugby Politics & More | Rugby Through the League Podcast

In this episode of Rugby Through the League's podcast, we welcome Mike Friday, an iconic figure in the world of rugby. Host and guest delve into Mike's extensive career, from his playing days with London Wasps and Harlequins to coaching England and USA teams in the Sevens and Fifteens formats. The conversation covers the evolution of rugby, the role of Sevens in player development, and controversial changes in the World Rugby Sevens Series. They also touch on the impact of private investment...

Inside Luxembourg Rugby: A Conversation with James Kent

In this episode of Rugby Through the Leagues, we are joined by James Kent, who shares his remarkable journey in the world of rugby. From his beginnings in Spain to his current role with Luxembourg Rugby, James provides deep insights into his coaching philosophy, the challenges of building a national team with limited resources, and the intricacies of managing an increasingly international squad. He discusses his experiences working with top-level coaches, the nuances of game preparation, and the importance of continual professional development. Tune in to hear about the...

Welcome to another episode of Rugby Through the Leagues podcast! Recorded alongside our recent grassroots episode, this installment dives into international rugby dynamics. We discuss the Portuguese game, the issues with Irish player media contracts, and the state of rugby in various European nations. We also touch on the amateur nature of hurling in Ireland, the challenges facing Welsh rugby, and the potential expansion of Tier 2 nations. The conversation includes a look at the American market, the struggles of Major League Rugby (MLR), and how grassroots rugby operates differently from football at the local level. Tune in for engaging...

Rugby TTL: Grassroots, Tough Grounds, and Memorable Matches

In this episode of the Rugby through the Leagues podcast, host Carl is joined by Keith from Ireland and Polly, a returning guest. Keith introduces himself and shares his experiences in grassroots rugby, while Polly and Carl discuss their passion for the game and the importance of bringing more people into rugby clubs. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they recount their worst weather conditions during matches, share stories of the best food they've had post-game, and debate the most hostile grounds they've played at. From reminiscing about...

Scott Steele: From Early Rugby Retirement to Transitioning Careers | Rugby TTL Podcast

Welcome to another episode of Rugby Through the League's podcast. This week, we feature Scott Steele, a phenomenal rugby player we reached out to after the Adam McBurney interview. Steele shares his remarkable journey, from pulling on the Scottish jersey to an early retirement at 30. Steele walks us through his rugby career, the highs and lows, and how he transitioned from professional rugby to a new career. This episode dives into the importance of transferable skills, the differences between rugby clubs, and the role of...

Exclusive Interview with Portugal's Rugby Captain Tomás Appleton | Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast

In this episode of Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, we chat with Tomás Appleton, the captain of Portugal's national rugby team. Thomas shares insights into his rugby career, from his beginnings at CDUL to his professional stint in England. We delve into his experience at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the state of rugby development in Portugal. Thomas discusses the challenges and opportunities in Portuguese rugby, including the need for better infrastructure and the importance of grassroots initiatives. He also reflects on hi...

From Rugby Fields to the Weight Room: John Clark's Incredible Journey | Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast

In this episode of Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast, we are joined by the inspiring John Clark, a rugby player and fitness enthusiast who has overcome significant physical challenges. John shares his journey from playing rugby at a young age to competing as Britain’s strongest natural man, and how a devastating neck injury led him to shift his focus to fitness. Despite his tough setbacks, including hearing loss, John made a remarkable return to rugby, representing the England Deaf Rugby te...

In-Depth Interview with Mario Pichardiei: Spanish Rugby's Rising Star

Welcome to another episode of Rugby through the League's podcast! In this special in-person episode, we sit down with Mario Pichardie, a prominent figure in Spanish rugby. We delve into Mario's experiences, including his new journey with a French club, the dynamics of Spanish players in France, and the development of rugby in Spain. From his initial days at Wasps, his influential role in the Spain national team, to his aspirations for the future, Mario shares it all. We also discuss the potential for Spain hosting the 2035 Rugby...

Lions Tour Squad Breakdown with Huw Griffin | Rugby Through the Leagues

In this episode of the Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, we delve into the 2025 Lions Tour squad with special guest Huw Griffin. This comprehensive discussion covers player selections, positional breakdowns, potential stars, and the crucial matchups against Australia. We also speculate on test scores and debate the nuanced strategies that could shape the outcome of the tour. Tune in for expert insights and engaging rugby analysis!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:21 Discussing the Lions Tour and Key Players
05:50 Tour Schedule and Logistics
10:41...

An Inside Look into Romanian Rugby with Adam McBurney | Rugby through the Leagues Podcast

In this episode of Rugby through the League podcast, host Carl welcomes special guest Adam McBurney. Adam shares his fascinating journey through various rugby teams, from his time at Ulster & Edinburgh to his current position playing rugby in Romania. McBurney discusses his experiences at clubs like Connacht and Gloucester, the challenges and cultural differences he has encountered in Romania, and his hopes for the future, including potentially playing international rugby for Romania. This episode offers a unique insider's view into the world of...

Rugby Legend Ben Herring Discusses Coaching, Culture, and Global Experiences | Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast

In this episode of Rugby Through the Leagues, we welcome the extraordinary Ben Herring, renowned for his Coaching Culture podcast. Ben shares his remarkable journey from professional rugby player to globe-trotting coach. He delves into his unique experiences coaching international teams in Japan and Canada, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability. Ben and host Carl discuss the impact of rugby values, the necessity of resilience, and the role of family support in a coaching career. Ben also provides insights into...

Inside Rugby Asia: Challenges & Triumphs with Steve Noble | Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast

Join us in this episode of Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast, where our host sits down with Steve Noble from Rugby Asia 24/7. The conversation spans the landscape of rugby in Asia, discussing the challenges of governance, the impact of expats, and the incredible grassroots initiatives despite political and financial hurdles. Steve shares his insights on the potential for growth in regions like UAE, China, and Cambodia, the opportunities and issues faced by teams like Hong Kong China, and what it would...

Revolutionizing Rugby Media with All Things Rugby & Saner Hasan | Through The Leagues Podcast

In this episode of 'Rugby Through The League's Podcast,' we sit down with Saner Hassan from All Things Rugby to delve deep into the evolution and current landscape of rugby media. From Saner's journey in rugby to founding All Things Rugby, we discuss the importance of authentic and unfiltered media coverage, the challenges faced by rugby governance, and the innovative ways All Things Rugby is changing the game with their comprehensive coverage and digital engagement platforms. Whether you are a...

From Johburg to Germany: Shawn's Rugby Journey
In this episode of Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, we dive deep into the unique rugby journey of Shawn Ingle, a player who has experienced the sport across three continents. Shawn shares his fascinating journey from playing school rugby in Johannesburg, South Africa, to studying in Australia, and finally moving to the UK where he plays for Maidenhead Rugby Club and represents Germany in the Rugby Europe Championships. We discuss the challenges of balancing a full-time job with international rugby, the emotional highs and lows of the tournament, and the importance...

Rugby Legends Featuring Simon Middleton: Insights on Coaching and the Future of Women's Rugby
In this episode of Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, we welcome Simon Middleton, former England Women's Rugby Manager. Simon shares his journey from playing junior rugby union to his coaching career, including his transition to rugby league and his impactful tenure as the head coach for the England Women's team. He provides invaluable insights into coaching at the grassroots and professional levels and discusses the challenges and evolution of women's rugby. Simon also answers audience questions, offering advice for aspiring young coaches and reflecting...

 Welcome to episode two of Rugby Through the League's Podcast Series Two. In this episode, host discusses the highs and lows of the Rugby Europe Championships, touching on standout teams and performances, such as Georgia's dominance and Spain's noteworthy second-place finish. Unfortunately, the scheduled guest commentator for Rugby Europe championships, Justin Middleton, had to cancel last minute. However, the episode delves deep into the potential future of Rugby Europe, the possible inclusion of teams like Spain and Georgia in the Six Nations, and the overall development of the sport across the continent. Additionally, upcoming episodes and interviews with notable f...

Rugby TTL Podcast Returns: Grassroots Rugby Insights, Women's Rugby, and World Cup Talk!

Welcome back to the Rugby TTL Podcast! In this exciting return episode, we dive deep into the world of grassroots rugby with host Carl and co-host Adam. They discuss their journeys to various rugby clubs, including memorable moments at Hook & Odiham and Guernsey. The duo also talks about the growing women's rugby scene, featuring a special mention of a World Cup winner. Other key topics include the challenges faced by Welsh rugby, the potential of Spain's 2035 World Cup bid, and insights into the future...

Six Nations Fantasy Rugby: Strategies, Insights, and Forfeit Fun!
In this episode, the hosts discuss their picks, strategies, and rules for the Six Nations Fantasy Rugby tournament. They introduce the participants, including prominent figures like Polly, Tim from Gosport, and Buster. They dive deep into their fantasy rugby team selections, highlight top players, and analyze the potential strategies for the tournament. With banter and camaraderie, the crew also discusses potential forfeits for the losers and rewards for the winners, ensuring a fun and competitive atmosphere. Tune in for rugby insights, fantasy tips, and entertaining discussions!

In the final episode of this series,we reflect on their 32-episode journey, sharing highlights and gratitude for the incredible guests and grassroots rugby clubs that made it possible. Featuring updates on recent grassroots events, exciting future plans, and an upcoming lineup of fascinating interviewees, the episode captures the essence of their passionate community. They also discuss the state of rugby in England and Wales, upcoming women's rugby events, and new initiatives like a website, logo redesign, and potential Patreon for audience engagement. Tune in for a heartfelt conclusion and a glimpse of what's next for Rugby Through the...

Join us for an exciting episode of Rugby Through The Leagues podcast, where we head to Madrid to watch Spain vs. Uruguay. This week, we feature Jack Colborne, a young rugby talent with an impressive CV. Jack shares his journey across the rugby world, from playing in New Zealand to currently representing Guernsey in National Two East. He talks about the challenges and experiences that shaped his career, including his aspirations for Guernsey's future. Hear about the highs and lows of his international rugby adventures, including his time in New Zealand under the guidance of rugby legends and his...

In this episode of Rugby Through The League's podcast, host Carl welcomes new co-hosts Buster and Adam, discussing their shared love for rugby, their friendships, and plans to explore grassroots rugby across the country. The team talks about the recent resurgence of the podcast, the introduction of new segments, and exciting grassroots matches in upcoming weeks, including South Sea Nomads and Hook and Odiham RFC. They also touch on personal updates, including Carl's training and rugby return, and share thoughts on significant rugby news and updates. Join them for insightful dialogues, heartfelt stories, and enthusiastic rugby discussions.

In this episode of Rugby Through The League's podcast, we  dive into an interview with Richmond Shire RUFC's key figures: head coach Cookie, captain Robbo, and vice-captain Jack. We explore the club's remarkable journey, from struggling in league competitions to mounting a comeback effort. The conversation highlights the club's resilience, grassroots recruitment, and efforts to rebuild and improve. We also discuss Richmond Shire's training practices, integration with the women's team, and potential improvements for the future. Tune in to hear about rugby, community spirit, and what makes Richmond Shire RUFC a unique family club.

Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Dan Richmond as he shares his extensive rugby expertise direct from São Paulo, Brazil. We delve into coaching techniques, the strategic development of emerging rugby nations like Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, and discuss impactful World Rugby initiatives. Learn about mastering line out throws, the importance of dynamic game-situation training, and the challenges of coaching remotely. This episode also highlights nurturing young talent, achieving elite performance, and overcoming career challenges in the world of rugby. Tune in for compelling discussions, actionable insights, and the passion of rugby!

Slight change to the schedule this week, but we go through the leagues from the Championship down the leagues and review how teams have started and what are potentially the leagues are to watch for action!
We review the women leagues and Rugby Europe too, so take a listen and see if your team is reviewed this week!

In this episode, Tom Martin shares his extensive journey in rugby, transitioning from a player to a performance analyst. He discusses his coaching experiences across various countries, the significant role of analytics in modern rugby, and the challenges posed by COVID-19. Tom reflects on the surreal experience of preparing for the Olympics and emphasizes the importance of mental health for athletes. He also explores the future of rugby analysis, highlighting the impact of automation and AI in the field. In this conversation, Tom discusses the integration of data analysis in rugby, emphasizing the importance of understanding player performance through...

In this Episode, Carl and Matt Merritt delve into the world of rugby, focusing on the growth of women's rugby, the challenges it faces, and the importance of community and accessibility in the sport. They discuss Matt's journey into rugby journalism, the economic implications of rugby viewership, and the need for better analysis and coverage. The conversation highlights the significance of innovation in rugby events and the impact of coaching changes on player development, particularly in women's rugby. They conclude with thoughts on the future of rugby broadcasting and the role of social media in engaging fans. In this...