HG Rugby

Good morning! happy Friday! on the agenda: RFU Civil war continues Joe Schmidt replaces himself PAC4 preview Super Rugby preview Transfers Listener's moments of the week if you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a mate. cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Italy have just fallen agonisingly short of their best ever Six Nations campaign by losing to Wales in Cardiff. The Azzurri had never won three games in a single tournament before and letting this chance slip is a cruel end to what has been one of the best seasons in Italian international rugby history. In this video we will take a deep dive into the numbers behind Italy’s Six Nations campaign. We will outline the reasons for their vastly improved performances, show where they still have room to improve, and ask the question: is the new Italy here to stay? Follow me on Twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Mike's Interview with Six Nations Rewind: https://youtu.be/tVxAV_tfhmQ?si=G7i41axzGmrSJ-UN Franco's Interview with  @megafoonrugby : https://youtu.be/s09M37ThOSQ?si=cstXkAfTqNU9nwHc #rugbyunion #rugby #sixnations #southafrica #springboks #italy #highlights #analysis #history Have Italy Actually Improved? The Truth About Italy's Six Nations https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCiV3FkwAYUV0Pr_yZ-ddORw/collaboration/UCSiP0ju6Wq9DXkFc-7XC12g Chapters 0:00 il Progress 2:06 il Defence 3:20 il Scrum 6:06 il Problem 8:25 il Debate 11:51 il Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TOP 14 Finances substack: https://thepiraterugby.substack.com/p/where-french-rugby-teams-get-their Salary cap video: https://youtu.be/SpP4-a-4gdg?si=HSAXHWNeYmlGTlia Jaminet Affair video: https://youtu.be/KHeLl0ktxXQ?si=yHifQklBgIR29TVY All eyes may be on Les Bleus’ thrilling Men’s Six Nations campaign, but behind the scenes in France, a storm is brewing over that most emotive of topics: the salary cap. Just as the TOP 14 have ushered in radical changes to the cap itself, that are set to have a huge impact on the rugby transfer market, a story has broken that prompted accusations of cheating, a lawsuit for defamation, and the integrity of rugby’s biggest star, Antoine Dupont, being called into question. In this article, we will break down how the French salary cap works, what has changed and why Dupont has been left furious at accusations made by one of France’s biggest newspapers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this podcast I was joined by Glasgow statistician and writer Kevin Millar to tackle the hottest topics in Scottish rugby. Kevin explains how South African Franco Smith has made such a positive impact at Glasgow Warriors and the traits that make them such a brilliant team. We then turn our attention to Gregor Townsend and his legacy as Scotland head coach. Is he unfairly criticised or has he wasted a golden generation? The South African Genius Who Can Save Scotland. Why Scottish Rugby Is In Purgatory. #scotland #rugby #podcast #sixnations #analysis #coaching #debate #wales #glasgow Follow Kevin on twitter: https://x.com/topofthemoonGW Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Chapters 0:00 A Glasgow Man 3:16 Stats Frustrations 8:13 Glasgow Success Secrets 16:51 Fantastic Franco Smith 21:55 The Forwards Issue 26:08 Scotland In Purgatory? 33:13 The Edinburgh Problem 35:20 David Nucifora Impact 41:15 Gregor Townsend Legacy 48:15 Would Franco Be Better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this months rugby transfer review we will cover: scrum halves headed to France the ripples of the NZ coaching conundrum who could replace a Welsh region in the URC Follow https://x.com/rugby_hub on twitter for all you rugby transfer updates! TOP 14 Digest Podcast Audio Links! Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-top-14-digest/id1870637279?i=1000747916101 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oFrVxOaAC5O7LlhoJnB4d?si=oeVSFfV4T266mUnJestezQ The latest French rugby gossip and a look ahead to the Six Nations opener! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I go behind the scenes at the Scarlets trip to play Northampton Saints at Cinch Franklins Gardens in the Investec Champions Cup. Includes interviews with Josh Macleod, Nigel Davies, Phil Dawson & Fraser Dingwall. #scarlets #Wales #northampton #saints #championscup #highlights #vlog #review #podcast Follow HG on Twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/ScarletPembs Chapters 0:00 Behind The Scenes 3:13 First Half 8:21 Second Half 13:04 Post Match Analysis 14:41 Nigel Davies Interview 17:17 Josh Macleod Interview 21:08 Saint Point Of View 23:55 What Next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this documentary I explore the rebuild at the Stormers that has seen them go from goof troop to title contenders. Along with insights from Damian Willemse and John Dobson, I will be using Opta's stats to break down the tactics and reveal the secrets of the Cape Town giants. I will also be deep diving their first defeat of the season against Harlequins and explaining what that performance tells us about their identity as a team and what they still need to fix to become a truly great side. Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Stats from: https://theanalyst.com/club-rugby-stats #stormers #southafrica #springboks #interview #analysis #highlights #rugby #vlog #URCgo Stormers Documentary: How Brains & Brutality Created A Monster. The Stormers Rebuild Is Genius... And Brutal. Why The Incredible Stormers Rebuild Should Scare You. How The Stormers Became Contenders Again. Goof Troop To Undefeated: Inside The Stormers Transformation. Why The Stormers Are Still On Track To Become Champions. Chapters 0:00 The Transformation 2:55 Brutal Defence 5:51 Stormers Rugby Identity 12:15 Attack Explained 14:41 World Class Pack 19:16 The SECRET Weapon 20:44 What Comes Next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LINK TO NEW AUDIO PLATFORM: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NGCYndQuXbXthxgmuPKQG Huw and Maz are back to discuss the rumours that Penaud is off to defend Greenland on his own, the rest of the French squad for the 6 Nations and how French teams faired in round 4 of the European Cups. #FrenchRugby #Top14 #EPCR #ChampionsCUp #ChallengeCup #france #rugby #podcast #sixnations Follow the pod on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Chapters 0:00 French Results 3:30 La Rochelle vs Harlequins 4:30 Munster vs Castres 12:35 Fanny of the Week 17:25 Penaud Dropped? 30:10 Champions Cup Favourites? 34:15 Fijian of the Week 36:05 Next Week Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are still working on our new audio platform, a few admin issues causing delays unfortunately! As soon as it's set up you will be the first to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the HG Rugby podcast I was joined by rugby governance expert Nicks Johnston to learn how sporting governance works and what challenges those governing rugby union are currently facing. Nicks explained to me what governance is and how different countries go about their rugby governance. She debates with me on the latest developments regarding the English PREM restructuring and why rugby clubs make such huge losses. We then turn our attention to the WRU and their 'amateurish' proposals for restructuring the game in Wales - what have they gotten so wrong and why are they wasting so much money? Finally, we discuss the R360 start-up and what allowed this chaos even to occur - leading us on to talk about the growth of women's rugby and how best to capitalise on a record breaking World Cup. #rugby #money #government #Wales #England #womensrugby #fail #investing #business Why Club Rugby Doesn't Work. Why Rugby Is Such A MESS. Why Rugby Faces Financial Disaster. Why English Rugby Is DESPERATE For Money. Why Welsh Rugby's Problems Run DEEPER Than You Think... The PROBLEM With Welsh Rugby's Plans... Is English Rugby Financially DOOMED? Headed For Disaster? - Inside Rugby's Chaotic Boardrooms Can Club Rugby Survive? The 'Amateurish' Plan Destroying Welsh Rugby. Chapters: 0:00 What Is Rugby Governance 5:55 Is Rugby Being Held Back? 8:32 English PREM Finances 12:20 Exeter Huge Losses 16:20 Not Enough Games? 19:45 Player Wages Issue 22:30 Welsh Reforms 'Amateurish' 31:00 WRU Leadership Issues 38:15 Government Intervention? 42:50 Terrible CVC Deal 49:35 Why Is R360 Happening? 55:00 Mocking R360 1:00:00 Women's Rugby Is Different Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are having a few delays with the new audio platform! Bare with! I will update here when it's up! In the mean time you can also find this week's episode here - on the page for the URC podcast I also host :) https://open.spotify.com/episode/1L8HOpVe2d21LjaYySQUpf?si=kB78Q8FDSeSzQYk0me6YNA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A month show rounding up the biggest rugby union transfer news & gossip. This month we are talking about: - Sale Sharks transfer struggles - The WRU driving players away - French rumour mill round-up For all your rugby transfer news follow this twitter account: https://x.com/rugby_hub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down Anotine Duponts incredible performance against La Rochelle along with the rest of the TOP 14 action from round 14 including Bayonne vs Stade Francais and the relegation battle Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked! #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous What Antoine Dupont Just Did Was Terrifying. Antoine Dupont Just DESTROYED La Rochelle! (It Was Terrifying...). Chapters: 0:00 TOP 14 Results 7:25 Bayonne vs Stade Français 14:20 TOP 14 Table 20:10 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 22:55 Anotine Dupont Masterclass 30:50 Best Signing In France 33:40 Fijian of the Week 36:50 Round 14 Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reviewing rugby in 2025 with Harry Jones. In this podcast my  @megafoonrugby  colleague to talk scrums, Springboks and South America - the biggest storylines of rugby in 2025. Harry leads the debate on how rugby tried to kill drums, but the Springboks said no. I then bring up the contrasting conversations between rugby in North America and South America - how does the sport solve this conundrum? Harry then brings up the Lions tour and, perhaps more poignantly, what it means for Australia. Are they a team in limbo under Joe Schmidt and will Les Kiss be any better? Was their revival anything more than a flash in the pan? Next we chat about rugby journalism, where is it headed? Will the old-school written press continue to dominate the press conferences and the media rooms, or will YouTubers and podcasters take over? Who is better, for the fans, players and the sport? Finally, Harry and I debate (fiercely) whether or not the current day Springboks have overtaken the mighty 2015 All Blacks? Harry thinks yes... I think no! Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugbyFollow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580910041103Follow Harry on Twitter: https://x.com/haribaldijones Chapters 0:00 Swearing in Afrikaans 5:18 Scrums Fight Back 12:43 North vs South America 25:20 What Next For Australia? 34:09 Rugby Journalism Shift 46:25 Springboks Greatest Ever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down round 12 of the TOP 14 and talk about the older players who are still playing incredible rugby! From Levani Botia at La Rochelle to Benjamin Urdapilletta at Perpignan. Plus, we look at the Christmas offerings from Stade Francais... Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked! #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Chapters: 0:00 Paris Derby 7:35 Montpellier vs Castres 10:42 Xmas Shopping With Stade Francais 15:20 Perpignan vs Clermont 17:25 Fijian of the Week 18:35 Levani Botia 21:20 Top 14 R13 Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's mini documentary I headed to Bordeaux to watch my Union Bordeaux-Begles (UBB) take on my team the Scarlets with a question: who is the most exciting rugby team in the world? I combine my experience at the stadium with some deep underlying stats to argue why I think UBB are the most exciting team in rugby. I compare them to Toulouse and, most importantly, I explain why Matthieu Jalibert is the most exciting player in the most exciting team. This rugby trip to Bordeaux was made during December 2025 for a Champions Cup match between UBB and the Scarlets. Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580910041103 Chapters 0:00 Allez Le Team 1:28 Allez Le Rivalry 3:26 Allez Le Crowd 4:50 Allez Le Jalibert 6:23 HAT CHANGE 6:46 Allez Le Memories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down the French teams' struggles in the champions and challenge cups. We explain what went wrong for Toulouse over in Glasgow, what Toulon got right against Bath, what went on in Bordeaux's match against the Scarlets and who isn't even trying... Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked! --- Get 15% Ellis Rugby stash with my code “HG15” - #ad Doddie Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/doddie-weir-lions-shirt/ Jonah Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/jonah-lomu-1995-rugby-shirt/ --- #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Chapters: 0:00 Stormers vs La Rochelle 3:20 Toulon vs Bath 8:40 Glasgow vs Toulouse 14:25 ELLIS RUGBY 17:45 UBB vs Scarlets 26:25 Toulouse Points Deduction 30:30 Terrible French Results 35:10 Fijian of the Week 36:05 Top 14 R12 Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down how UBB beat the Bulls away in South Africa and how Italian Winger Ange Capuozzo inspired Toulouse to a commanding victory at home to the Sharks. Don't worry, we also give credit to the Stormers for their impressive win at Bayonne! Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked!---Get 15% Ellis Rugby stash with my code “HG15” - #adDoddie Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/doddie-weir-lions-shirt/Jonah Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/jonah-lomu-1995-rugby-shirt/--- #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Ange Capuozzo Proves He's Elite! Chapters: 0:00 Bayonne vs Stormers 8:45 Bulls vs UBB 14:55 Jalibert Magic 19:30 ELLIS RUGBY 22:30 Toulouse On Trial 27:25 Ange Capuozzo Hat-trick 30:50 Camera Madness 34:40 Fijian of the Week 37:55 UBB vs Scarlets Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last weekend, Wales took on the World Champion Springboks of South Africa in Cardiff for what was one of the most controversial games in the nation's history. Devoid of their best players and playing against a backdrop of infighting, upheaval and public apathy, Wales were lambs to the slaughter up against a phenomenal opponent who crushed them ruthlessly. It was not more than the Welsh public predicted; The WRU have presided over a period of turmoil and trauma in recent times as they announced one of the URC Regions is to be cut - but we don't know which. Combined with just 2 wins in 23 games since the last World Cup and fans are ready to walk away. In this video I tell the story of the game - the build up, the controversy, the fear and the trauma. #rugby #Wales #southafrica #springboks #cardiff #welshrugby #documentary #history #news Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580910041103 The Most Miserable Test Match In Rugby History? Watching South Africa Destroy Wales. Chapters 0:00 The Controversy 1:56 The Misery 3:19 The Decline 4:36 The Analysis 6:44 The Game 8:32 The Aftermath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down how Ronan O'Gara has gotten himself in line for yet another ban in the TOP 14 following La Rochelle's defeat to Pau. We also chat about Antoine Dupont's long awaited return and the latest magic by Matthieu Jalibert! Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked! #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Louis Bielle-Biarrey PROVES He's The World's Best! Chapters: 0:00 TOP 14 Results 3:10 Clermont vs Stade Francais 8:35 Insane Head Butt 11:35 Antoine Dupont Return 15:10 ROG Drama 22:55 Jalibert Insanity 25:20 TICKET GIVEAWAY 28:10 Pita Ahki Tribute 31:40 Champions Cup Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices