The Rugby Pod

International rugby is BACK, and Jim, Goodey, Bigs are he preview a massive opening weekend of the Nations Championship! Can Scotland finally end 121 years of hurt against the All Blacks? Is England's clash with Australia already a must-win for Steve Borthwick? Where are Ireland in the world's best as they prepare to face an Argentina side now featuring Shaun Edwards? The lads also discuss Wales' showdown with Eddie Jones' Japan, the possibility of Welsh regions joining the Premiership, Eddie Hearn's potential involvement in English rugby and the controversy surrounding Tadhg Furlong's disciplinary case. Plus, all the latest from the...

We're on the road this week, recording in Glasgow and looking back at a proper derby weekend. Leicester end Northampton’s dominance with 25 unanswered second-half points after a fiery half-time tunnel bust-up. Marcus Smith marks his 200th Harlequins appearance with a man-of-the-match display as Quins thrash a badly ill-disciplined Saracens. Gloucester survive three yellow cards to shut out Bath and stay top. Leinster come from behind to edge Munster at the Aviva, in a game with plenty of off-field fallout. The lads also react to England's Sqaud and Jim sits down with Connacht’s Sean Jansen ahead of the Nati...

Jim and Goodey open this week paying tribute to Lions lock Hyron Andrews after his tragic passing ahead of the opening round of the Champions Cup. We wish his family, friends, club and everyone who knew him well. On the pitch, Leinster’s young guns ran riot at Clermont, Toulouse edged an 83-point thriller with Exeter, and Gloucester held reigning champions Bordeaux to a 36-36 draw. It was a weekend to forget for most of the other Prem teams apart from Saints, while the Irish sides went unbeaten, Glasgow mauled their way to victory at Sale, and the Stormers an...

We're back to break down a weekend of action, including Saints and Bath combining for a 119 points result and sparking a debate: are cricket scorelines good for rugby? We look at Leicester’s comeback thriller against Gloucester, Leinster’s return to the RDS, the All Blacks dismantling Australia and the Springboks making their presence felt in the URC, with the Stormers and Bulls laying down serious markers. Plus, Ulster and Munster serve up another draw, Marcus Smith returns in style and we preview the opening round of the Champions Cup on Premier Sports. We’re also joined by Glasgow Warrio...

Gloucester top the Prem, the Sharks lead the URC and The Dragons and Edinburgh are unbeaten, who predicted that pre season?! Jim, Goodey and Biggs break down Bath's 40-34 win over Exeter, Edinburgh continue their strong start to the season, Munster return to winning ways, Gloucester's 48-0 thrashing of Quins, Sale's revenge at Saracens and a wild 33-33 draw between Glasgow and Ulster. Bristol Director of Rugby Pat Lam also joins the pod to talk about the Bears' flying start, Louis Rees-Zammit's form, and why rugby needs to open its doors to the media. Plus news, the Good, Bad...

Domestic rugby is back with a bang, and the lads are across an absolutely chaotic opening weekend. Jim reflects on pulling the boots back on for the 745 Game and picking up a broken thumb, before we dive into Saracens’ 12-try thriller against Leicester, big opening wins for Glasgow and Edinburgh, Gloucester ending their 12-year wait at Sandy Park and Louis Rees-Zammit lighting it up for Bristol. Plus, we unpack one of the wildest Test finishes you’ll ever see as Australia somehow survive four yellow cards and finish with 11 men to beat the Springboks 42-38 in Perth, complete with brok...

The domestic season is almost here, so the lads are back with a massive preview of the Prem and URC. Jim and Goodey run through all the big summer moves, the teams to watch and make their predictions for the season ahead. TNT Sports’ Craig Doyle joins us to chat all things Prem and the powerful new Lewis Moody vs MND documentary, which he co-produced alongside Brian O’Driscoll. Plus, there’s plenty happening across the Irish provinces, Shaun Edwards’ future, Peter O’Mahony’s explosive new book and all the Other News, as well as some Goode, Bad & Ugly. Enjoy...

The Rugby Pod is BACK for Season 11! Jim, Goodey, Bigs and Producer Rob catch up on a massive summer of rugby, starting with South Africa sealing the Greatest Rivalry series 3–1 over the All Blacks. The lads debate whether the Springboks are now untouchable and what the rest of the World needs to do to close the gap. We also get stuck into Steve Borthwick’s new England deal and his revamped Elite Player Squad, Henry Pollock’s big-money Saints contract, the Six Nations potentially heading to the USA and the latest twists and turns in the club game. Plus, we loo...

The Nations Championship delivered a final weekend of chaos as England survived a seven-card thriller against Argentina, with controversial calls, post-match bust-ups and massive performance from Manny Feyi-Waboso dominating the fallout. The lads debate whether England’s successful tour has eased the pressure on Steve Borthwick, assess Ireland’s costly collapse against the All Blacks at Eden Park and ask whether a gap is emerging between rugby’s top three and the rest. There’s also Scotland’s impressive win in Fiji, another brutal afternoon for Wales against the Springboks, all the latest other news and the final Good, Bad & Ugly...

Scotland push the Springboks to the limit and may have revealed a blueprint for troubling the world champions, but a second-half surge by the Boks leaves them wondering what might have been. England stop the rot with an 11-try demolition of Fiji, although questions remain over how much the result really tells us ahead of Argentina. Bigs breaks down Wales’ reality check against Los Pumas and the daunting trip to Durban, while the lads look ahead to Ireland’s shot at ending the All Blacks’ 52-match unbeaten run at Eden Park. Plus, Australia collapse again, France unleash Jalibert and Ntamac...

We break down a blockbuster opening round of the Nations Championship, with Ireland edging a thriller against Australia, Scotland lighting it up in Argentina, Wales finally finding back-to-back wins, and South Africa overpowering England at Ellis Park. The lads dig into the big tactical talking points, from Ireland’s grit and Scotland’s attacking threat to England’s lack of direction and Borthwick's pressure, before being joined by Springbok legend and World Cup-winning captain John Smit to talk Boks dominance, Rassie’s machine and whether anyone can stop South Africa. Check for FREE if you are due a refund in 60 se...

We're celebrating our 500th episode as international rugby returns with the inaugural Nations Championship. We preview all the big North v South clashes, including England’s daunting trip to Ellis Park to face the Springboks, an injury-hit Ireland heading to Australia, Scotland’s shot at revenge against Argentina, Wales taking on a dangerous Fiji side in Cardiff, and France’s weakened squad facing the All Blacks. We look at all the main talking points like England captaincy, some potential weaknesses in the Springbok squad and some big decisions for Andy Farrell. Plus, there’s chat on Ellis Genge exit rumours...

The lads unpack a massive weekend of finals rugby as the Northampton Saints are crowned champions of England and Leinster go back to back! We get stuck into how Saints proved they’re more than just razzle dazzle, grinding out a proper final win over a very good Exeter side, with George Hendy coming up clutch yet again and Henry Pollock continuing his takeover as the main character. Hendy joins the pod from a beer garden fresh from the celebrations to talk through the win, the party, and George Furbank’s fairytale Saints send-off . We also head to Croke Park...

Prem Rugby delivered absolute chaos this weekend as Exeter Chiefs pulled off one of the great playoff comebacks, overturning a 16-point deficit to stun Bath at The Rec and book a place in the Premiership Final. We break down Rob Baxter's masterclass, Northampton Saints’ attack on fire against Leicester Tigers and preview a cracking final at Allianz Twickenham this weekend.

Joining us this week is Northampton back-rower Callum Chick, who reflects on Saints' semi-final triumph, his move from Newcastle and what was Goodey like to play with as a young lad…

The Prem season went down to the absolute wire but we have our semi finals locked in as Northampton Saints host Leicester Tigers and Bath face Exeter Chiefs at the Rec. One step ahead of the Prem, the URC has its finalists with Leinster edging the Stormers and Bulls completing a shocking comeback against Glasgow to earn a shot at silverware at Croke Park. Jim, Goodey & Producer Rob break down all the controversy, big plays and bigger players as well as chatting through all the OTHER NEWS from this week… Including a MEGA contract extension for Andy Farrell, changes to...

Plenty to get stuck into as the URC semi-finals are locked in, the Premiership top-four race goes down to the final day, and rugby delivers drama everywhere you look. Bigs, Goodey and Jim chat State of Origin lessons, Shaun Edwards’ shock France exit rumours, Newcastle Red Bulls’ All Blacks contract drama saga, creator rugby selling out stadiums in France, giant South African schoolboy signings, and Bordeaux choosing the pish over the president. Plus, the lads preview a huge final Premiership weekend and look ahead to the URC semi-final showdowns.

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French rugby takes centre stage this week after a dominant EPCR finals weekend, with Bordeaux-Begles battering Leinster 41-19 to claim the Champions Cup and Montpellier beating Ulster 59-26 in the Challenge Cup. The lads dig into how the Top 14 has opened up a serious gap on the URC and the Premiership teams, what went wrong at Leinster, whether Leo Cullen is under pressure, and how teams can bridge the gap. There’s also chat on Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s Player of the Year, Cheslin Kolbe's South African return, Steve Diamond’s brutal Newcastle exit, a Hollywood ending as Ealing are shocke...

It’s a massive week as the lads react to the URC quarter-finals being locked in, Glasgow’s statement win in Belfast, Cardiff’s huge result over the Stormers and Connacht emerging as dark horses. We look ahead to the Champions Cup final in Bilbao and whether Leinster can topple Bordeaux. We also ask whether rugby has a growing drug problem after major bans in Georgia and South Africa. We dive into South Africa’s club rugby future with rumours they may be dropping out of Champions Cup, the potential URC-Prem merger, Eddie Jones’ suspension, England’s new-look training squad and th...

This week on The Rugby Pod, the lads dive into the RFU backing Steve Borthwick despite England’s worst Six Nations in 50 years, as questions continue to be asked about direction. There’s plenty of beef across the Premiership and URC with Saracens finding form, Leicester battering Northampton, Leinster eyeing top spot and controversy everywhere from croc rolls to red cards and VAR. Plus club takeovers, Ealing to the URC rumours, Halfpenny retirements and a huge live show announcement at Everton’s new stadium.

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European rugby finally delivered the chaos it’s been promising. Bigs joins Jim and Goodey to break down a weekend of semi-final action, with two blockbuster finals now locked in. From Bordeaux’s ruthless efficiency dismantling Bath, to the growing controversy around French TV coverage and TMO decision-making, there’s plenty to get stuck into.

Leinster grind out a statement win over Toulon, showing a less flashy but more resilient edge that could see them finally get their fifth star. Ulster book their first European final in 14 years with a dominant win over Exeter, and Montpellier scrape past t...

The lads are back in studio covering all the latest from URC and Prem, as well as a proper grassroots story, joined by Harlequins and England legend Nick Easter and Chinnor stalwart Alun Walker. The lads get stuck into the Champ’s underdog rise, what life’s really like in the second tier, and the big debate around ring-fencing the Prem and whether promotion and relegation has a place in English rugby. There’s plenty to get into from the weekend too with the Stormers putting Glasgow to the sword, Leinster’s aura taking a hit after a loss to Benet...

The lads are back from Hong Kong, with plenty to unpack from the trip before getting into a big weekend of rugby. Off the pitch there’s fresh investment across the Premiership, Russell signs with Matchroom and questions around the future with Moana Pasifika and the NRL Super League talk. In the Prem, Saints edge Chiefs, Bristol put Gloucester away, Saracens hammer Sale and the race for the top four is wide open. URC wise, Leinster win in Belfast and Connacht get a big one in Cape Town. Leicester fly half Billy Searle joins us after that 62–3 win. We chat...

Champions Cup semi-finals are locked and loaded after a weekend of knock out rugby. Bath produce one of the all-time European comebacks, overturning a 21-point deficit in an 84-point thriller against Saints, with the Bomb Squad delivering yet again and Finn Russell pulling the strings. Leinster grind it out for an hour before blowing Sale away, with Hugo Keenan reminding everyone he’s world class, while questions remain around their scrum. Toulon then rip up the script, ending Glasgow’s 12-game unbeaten run at Scotstoun to set up a huge semi, and Bordeaux take down Toulouse in a proper heav...

Knockout rugby is back and it delivered, with niggle, tries, and drama across the Champions Cup. Northampton edged a 13-try thriller against Castres with Furbank pulling the strings, while Bath saw off Saracens to set up a huge all-English quarter-final. Sale got the job done against a flat Quins side, but injuries are stacking up ahead of Leinster, who look dangerous but not flawless after a messy win over Edinburgh. The big favourites though are set for a clash with Bordeaux and Toulouse blowing teams away and looking like the sides to beat. Meanwhile all the South African teams...

After a blockbuster Big Match weekend, the lads dive into all the Premiership action as Leicester blow Gloucester away, Northampton edge Saracens in a statement win, Quins finally snap their losing streak with a gritty performance at Bristol and Bath’s comeback win over Sale. We’re also joined by former England international Mark Wilson, who shares an unbelievable story from completing the brutal Bob Graham Round and life after rugby. Plus, a look at all the URC action and looking ahead to the Champions Cup and all the latest news from around the game.

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Domestic rugby is back and there’s plenty to get stuck into this week. Glasgow go top of the URC after a big win again Leinster, Leicester move into the Prem top three with a win over Bristol, and Gloucester add to a tough run for Quins. Plus we cover Bath’s huge win against Saracens and Exeter’s push into the top four. We’re also joined by Springbok centurion and World Cup winner Jean de Villiers, who gives his take on the Six Nations, England’s struggles, Irish rivalry, and how the northern hemisphere stacks up against the Boks...

Three teams in the hunt on Super Saturday and it all comes down to a Frenchman’s boot in a 48–46 classic in Paris. Bigs was in the stadium for one of the all-time atmospheres as England finally clicked… but still found a way to lose it. Is it progress or same old story? Ireland quietly rebuilt after early pressure, found depth, and may have solved their fly-half headache. And Scotland… was this their best shot at a title gone begging? The lads get into it all and lots more. Plus Wales finish strong, Italy crash back to earth, and we wrap...

Former England and Leicester player, and now one of the most coveted attack coaches in the game, Sam Vesty joins Bigs for a deep dive into the state of modern attacking rugby. The lads give their take on England’s misfiring attack and kicking strategy, why they’re struggling to convert chances in the 22, and whether confidence or system is the bigger issue. Vesty also talks about player connections in coaching, the impact of Premiership rugby on international readiness, and the growing trend of utility backs in the modern game. From Ireland’s layered attacking shape to Scotland’s impressi...

Absolute chaos in the Six Nations this week and we're here for it. Jim, Goodey and Producer Rob react to one of the wildest rounds the tournament has ever seen: Italy’s historic first-ever win over England in Rome, piling the pressure on Steve Borthwick, Scotland producing a sensational 50-point performance to blow France away at Murrayfield, and Ireland grinding out a tough win over Wales in Dublin. The lads dig into what’s gone wrong for England, how Scotland executed their gameplan to perfection, and look ahead to a massive final round with the title still in play. We g...

The lads take a look at where the championship stands after three rounds and ask the big questions. Are France operating on a different level, and how do Scotland stop their transition game at Murrayfield? Is England’s discipline and defence about to cost them in Rome, and could Italy finally make history? We get into the numbers around England’s 22 efficiency, missed tackles out wide, scrum battles and turnover issues, plus what tactical tweaks could change the picture. And we’re joined by Italy fly half Paolo Garbisi. He talks Quesada’s influence, the shift in mentality, Italy’s dominant...

This week on The Rugby Pod, Ireland sent out a statement with a ruthless 42-21 dismantling of England at Allianz, turning the Six Nations on its head and reminding everyone what they’re capable of. Jim and Goodey break down Ireland’s clinical edge, Caelan Doris’ captain’s performance, and why England’s balance, and identity are suddenly under massive scrutiny. What needs to change for the final two games and what's at stake for Borthwick. There’s also reaction to Scotland edging Wales in Cardiff thanks to some Finn Russell’s genius, France continuing to look like world beaters, and b...

British & Irish Lion and Munster legend Simon Zebo joins The Rugby Pod and Big Jim for a brutally honest look at Irish rugby right now. Zeebs opens up on Ireland’s current trajectory, Andy Farrell’s emotional connection with the squad, and the growing pressure and online abuse facing young players. He reflects on his own Ireland career, the highs and lows, the fierce Munster-Leinster rivalry, playing for Rassie, and the pride of representing Munster and Ireland. Plus, his take on life in France, Finn Ruseell, the England v Ireland clash, life after retirement It's an awesome interview. Enjoy.

Scotland lit up Murrayfield to snap England’s 12-game winning streak, with Finn Russell pulling the strings and exposing some questions around England’s defence and decision-making under pressure. All the lads were at the game and give us all the behind-the-scenes details in the build-up and post-game. Italy proved Rassie Erasmus might have been right, pushing Ireland to the brink and showing they’re no longer just participants but genuine contenders, while Ireland’s scrum issues come under the microscope ahead of a huge clash with England. And France continue to look like a runaway train, running in eight tr...

Jim and Goodey are joined by England, Leicester & British & Irish Lion Ollie Chessum this week for a deep dive into his career. From the turning points that shaped his journey, welding on his day off at Nottingham to becoming a Lion, Ollie opens up on setbacks, standards, Lions chat, England ambitions, career-defining moments, Six Nations rivalries, plus a look ahead to what dreams still drive him, including whether the England captaincy is on the horizon.

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Six Nations round one is done and there’s a lot to unpack. Jim, Goodey and Bigs dive into Italy’s superb win over Scotland, how Gonzalo Quesada has transformed the Azzurri, and whether this result puts real pressure on Gregor Townsend ahead of a huge Calcutta Cup clash. The lads then turn to England v Wales, looking beyond the scoreline at England’s attacking evolution, George Ford’s control, and whether discipline could become an issue against tougher opposition. Wales’ struggles, green shoots at U20 level, and what a response at the Principality might look like are all on the age...

Join Jim, Goodey, Ryan Wilson, Producer Rob and Slug Hands on the Rugby Pod sofa for some Live Alternate Commentary, bringing you reactions, opinions, nonsense, and proper fan chat as the Six Nations opener between Ireland and France lights up Paris. Questions, hot takes, and post-match reaction, as well as plenty of laughs as the lads share a few beers, as the greatest tournament in rugby kicks off! Brought to you in partnership with Premier Sports.

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It’s a full-noise Six Nations Special as Jim and Goodey tee up a massive opening weekend, with Ireland v France on Thursday night in Paris, England v Wales at Allianz, and Scotland’s trip to Rome. The lads dig into squads amid key absences, new faces and some bans, plus predictions for all three games, and a reminder to join the Pod’s live alternate commentary watch-along for France v Ireland on Thursday night on Youtube. We also have a brilliant sit-down with Scotland and Lions legend Andy Nicol, who reflects on Calcutta Cup glory and Gregor Townsend. We'll...

Ronan O’Gara and Dan Biggar break down Ireland’s biggest selection call ahead of the Six Nations: who starts at fly-half? From Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast's battle, to Harry Byrne’s late charge, the lads dig into what Andy Farrell really values at ten, in terms of game management, attacking ambition, and long-term best option to take Ireland forward. It’s a proper rugby-nause chat, shaped by two men who know a thing or two about pulling the strings at the very highest Test level.

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With the Six Nations around the corner, the lads are fired up as squads drop across the board, bringing big calls, big omissions, and some surprise bolters. We dig into every nation’s squad, from France leaving out some absolute superstars, to England’s depth options, Ireland’s late changes and injury worries, Wales’ omissions, a settled Scotland, and Italy’s hopes despite a mounting injury list. We’re also joined by England’s rugby chef Tom Kirby for a brilliant chat on elite nutrition, monster appetites, and what players at every level should actually be eating. Throw in some Prem and...

Massive news with Razor's shock sacking in New Zealand setting the tone for a wild week as Jim and Goodey break down the fallout, the rumours swirling around player power, and where Razor could land next. From there, it’s onto the final round of Champions Cup pool action, with knockout draws confirmed, major upsets delivered and Scottish rugby flying high. Harlequins stun La Rochelle, Castres shock Munster, Leinster find a way, and Glasgow dismantle Saracens. The lads also dive into Six Nations injury concerns, some huge transfer rumours and plenty of other news to round things off.

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