Claim OwnershipThe Lekker Rugby Pod!
Subscribed: 18Played: 804
Subscribe
© MW Welman and Harry Jones
Description
Blending North with South, Pretoria with Cape Town, data-driven MW Welman spars each week with globetrotting Harry Jones on Saffa-related themes to understand the whole world of rugby as it is and will become: making a plan but being ready to throw it all out the window.
165 Episodes
Reverse
NZRU are calling it “mutual consent”… but the speed of this decision feels like something else entirely. MW Welman and Harry Jones are joined by New Zealand’s Martin Devlin (DSPN) to ask the question everyone’s thinking: why move this fast unless the next coach is already lined up?We break down the review, the PR spin, the whispers, and what it tells us about power inside New Zealand Rugby. Razor Robertson, David Kirk, player influence, and the Tony Brown and Jamie Joseph rumours, it’s all on the table.
Seven losses in a row. Record points conceded at Loftus. A squad packed with Springboks looking confused and disconnected. MW Welman and Harry Jones go forensic on what’s really gone wrong at the Bulls, from the “butterfingers” narrative to the brutal reality of short-field defence every week.But the biggest warning sign isn’t the scoreboard. It’s the feeling. The want. The body language. We talk coaching, player responsibility, Springbok influence, and why “acceptance rugby” is the fastest way to lose a dressing room and a fanbase. The Bulls didn’t become a URC powerhouse by being delicate, so what changed… and what does “winning ugly” look like now?
Throughout history, every empire, dynasty, and dominant team has eventually faced the same question: can this last?In Episode 137 of the Lekker Rugby Pod, and the first of 2026, MW Welman and Harry Jones use history as a lens, asking what figures like Napoleon and other fallen powers can teach us about the Springboks today. Through power, paranoia, leadership, and the Rassie Erasmus effect, this conversation goes beyond tactics and results. It is not about predicting a fall. It is about understanding why this Springbok era may be structurally different from everything that came before.
The Stormers made it ten unbeaten, but this derby was about more than extending a streak. The Bulls finally looked like a team again, defending with intent, committing emotionally, and staying alive until the final maul.We break down what shifted under pressure, how the Stormers found a way to win again, and why this match could still mark a turning point in the Bulls’ season.
No notes, no structure, no plan. Just a proper end-of-year Festive Special for Episode 136 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, the way these conversations usually happen off-air. From Harry Index debates and coaching philosophies to life after rugby, why contentment is underrated, and MW's very real pain of being a Bulls fan right now.This is the Lekker Rugby Pod at its loosest and most honest. Equal parts frustration, humour and perspective. A long conversation, a few laughs, a few deep turns, and that familiar feeling that you don’t get anywhere else. If you know, you know.
Are the Bulls really in crisis? They’ve won 3 out 6 URC games after all, but after some lacklustre performances, it feels like the walls might be closing in. MW Welman and Harry Jones look at what’s really going on in Pretoria - the rumours, the gossip and the uncomfortable truths hidden in stats, culture and body language. From on-the-fields lapses to questions of trust, leadership and discipline, it’s no longer about one bad game. It’s about a system creaking under pressure.We discuss why ripping off the bandage might be the best option, and why a run-of-the-mill Sharks derby suddenly feels like a high stakes poker game. There’s banter, soap opera intrigue, a Stephen Covey detour and the stark question at the heart of it all: Can the Bulls fix this in the boardroom, or will it come down to people – some more unexpected than others…Grab a coffee – this one is different.
For Harry Jones, this week inside the Stormers environment carried a quiet emotional weight. Invited to embed with the team, he travelled from Dallas not entirely sure the invitation was real, joking at one point that it might be an elaborate practical joke. A lifelong Stormers supporter, the opportunity also allowed him to quietly mend a few important bridges. What he found was a rugby team defined by humility, shared responsibility, and quiet leadership. The culture feels lived in rather than performed, with leadership dynamics and player development happening subtly, far from the public eye.Alongside that energy sits MW Welman’s reflective tone. As Harry describes a team drawing closer together, MW can’t help but notice his beloved Bulls slipping into real trouble, though that story deserves its own space. This episode explores the Stormers’ team culture, trust and respect, cohesion, and the environment that allows winning rugby teams to thrive. It is a rare insight into professional rugby, team building, and the storytelling that surrounds one of South Africa’s most respected rugby organisations.
Episode 133 takes a deep dive into the Springboks’ ongoing rise. Harry Jones sits with special guests Bernard Jackman and Jon Cardinelli to explore how this team keeps improving two years out from the World Cup. From tactical innovation and clever squad rotation to long-term player development, the panel analyses mental toughness, explosive play, and bench strategy. This is one of our most detailed tactical discussions yet and gives fans a clear picture of just how strong South Africa looks on the global stage.
Harry Jones and Tim Cocker link up in person at the Stormers Captains Run in Gqeberha, where a honest chat about clearing the air with defence coach Norman Laker leads into a close look at the squad’s energy before La Rochelle. From the rhythm and confidence in training to bigger questions about the URC race, European commitment and South Africa’s place in the Champions Cup, this episode blends on the ground access with sharp rugby insight and a few sideline laughs.
Episode 131 of the Lekker Rugby Pod digs into South African rugby’s biggest rivalry and asks the question fans are feeling: what’s changed? Harry Jones and MW Welman break down why the Bulls remain stuck under Johan Ackermann while the Stormers are thriving under John Dobson. They explore player-led dynamics, defensive chaos, and why the Bulls’ legacy demands more than just rebuilding.The hosts unpack the second-half collapse against Bordeaux, Handré Pollard’s puzzling performance gap, and why the Bulls can’t simply rebuild when their legacy demands consistency.Meanwhile, the Stormers’ clear systems, planning, and momentum show what a team can achieve when structures and leadership align. Emerging talent like Paul de Villiers and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu hint at the future, while Harry talks about leaving the 8-9 Combo pod to focus fully on South African rugby. Episode 131 is sharp, honest, and packed with insight into why some teams move forward while others stall.
Episode 130 throws open the most heated debate in rugby. Harry and MW go headfirst into the question of who truly deserves the title of the greatest rugby team of all time. The Springboks of today are compared to the All Blacks of their golden era, not only on results but on evolution, coaching, cohesion and how the sport itself has transformed. The discussion ranges from Jake White hypotheticals to the significance of analytics, to why some teams adapt and others stay stuck in past glory. Nothing about this debate is simple, and that is exactly why it is so gripping. Join us for a conversation that will challenge your rugby instincts and maybe even your loyalties.
Little birdies, whispers, and rumours swirl around Eben Etzebeth’s suspension. In Episode 129 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones unpack the drama, hint at what might be happening behind the scenes, and explore the provocation and 73-0 incident, all without crossing the official line. Insightful, humorous, and full of off-the-record intrigue, this episode gives you the inside perspective on rugby’s hidden stories. Only on Megafoon Rugby, where rugby conversations go deeper than anywhere else.
The Springboks were unstoppable. Scrum after scrum. Relentless pressure. A defence that refused to bend - they brought sheer brutality to every meter of the field. Ireland fought, they clawed, they refused to quit, but it wasn’t enough. In this episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones and MW Welman dissect a game where the Springboks’ dominance was absolute, yet respect is earned for an Irish team that never surrendered. From bone-crunching tackles to the ferocity of the scrums, this was a match where power, precision, and persistence collided. Brutal. Relentless. Uncompromising.
In this bonus episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry steps into full devil’s advocate mode and takes MW down the rabbit hole of how Ireland could realistically beat the Springboks. What starts as a cheeky challenge turns into one of the sharpest tactical explorations the pod has ever done. Harry unpacks the Irish blueprint in detail, digging into line out disruption, double top lifts, forcing loopy throws in wet conditions, and using set piece pressure to turn South Africa’s strength into hesitation. The conversation moves into clever ruck manipulation, James Lowe’s punch style kicking motion, spiral bombs, 50 22 traps, scrum psychology, and how Ireland might turn Porter’s pressure points into scoreboard opportunities. Harry argues that Ireland’s best path is to embrace risk, stay unpredictable, and chase errors, while MW questions whether Andy Farrell would ever dare to gamble that big. They dive into Ireland’s box defence cracks, how weather can be weaponised, and why a well timed barge or hurried exit could tilt momentum. Things take a spicy turn when Harry explores the psychological battle, including verbal needling and forcing South Africa into penalty trouble. By the end it becomes a fascinating look at how rugby intellect, timing and bravery could collide in one match. A cheeky, clever, fiery conversation between MW Welman and Harry Jones that shows what the Lekker Rugby Pod does at its absolute best.
This episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod with special guest Jordan Buhrs is a full preview and reaction experience in one! We started by laying out what the Springboks needed for the upcoming clash with Ireland. Harry Jones and Jordan Buhrs unpacked the tactical requirements, set piece intensity, backline balance, and the type of physicality and pace the Boks would need if they wanted to disrupt Ireland’s structured, analytics driven approach. From the value of Moodie’s unpredictability to the role of defence, to the need for cleaner lineouts and stronger scrum control, the conversation focused on the ideal tools the Springboks required for this matchup.Right in the middle of that discussion the real Springbok team dropped and the episode shifted into Instant Reaction mode. We broke down how the chosen lineup matched the needs we identified, where it aligned perfectly, and where the coaches went in a completely different direction. The reaction covered the bench composition, the backline reshuffle, the handling of young talent, the tactical intention behind the selection, and what the confirmed side tells us about the Springbok plan for a high pressure test against Ireland. This episode captures the full picture of what the Boks needed and what Rassie ultimately selected.
Harry Jones and MW Welman dig into the rivalry that keeps gnawing at South African rugby. Ireland keep finding a way and the boys want to know why. They look at the last five tests, the odd patterns in the results, and the tactical habits that let Andy Farrell’s team flip Bok strengths into weaknesses. Harry breaks down turnovers, physicality traps, and the jiu jitsu style Ireland use to unsettle heavy teams while MW tries to stop the episode from spiralling into full chaos. They revisit the 35 point Dublin disaster, the failed redemption test, and the tension in the camp this week as the Boks prepare for another brutal showdown at the Aviva. There is Rassie talk, Farrell talk, referee talk, and World Rugby’s refereeing circus. Harry reflects on last week’s swearing spree while MW jokes that the apology is still outstanding. They tease Thursday’s big content drop with Jordan Buhrs and return again and again to the same question. Why do Farrell’s men keep blocking Rassie’s path?
The Springboks face Italy, and the Lekker Rugby Pod is here to break it down. MW Welman and Harry Jones dive into the odd selection, the tactical chess moves, and the real test behind this so-called "easier" fixture.Harry calls this a "heat check" game, a chance for South Africa to flex their depth but also a dangerous test against an Italian side brimming with belief after toppling Australia. The guys unpack why Willemse must start at fullback before Ireland, how Pollard's experience stabilizes the backline, and why the midfield might just be the Springboks' biggest question mark.They also debate whether the Boks' habit of playing wide could hand Italy early momentum, and how young players like Porthen and Kleyn handle their first big stage moment.Plus, sneak peek: the new Megafoon Rugby documentary series Long Way to the Game drops this Sunday, featuring a Megafoon Rugby supporter in a story that hits home for every rugby fan.Watch, subscribe, and join the conversation, because this is where rugby meets story.
The episode fans of the Lekker Rugby Pod have been waiting for is finally here!Harry Jones and MW Welman break down South Africa’s thrilling victory over France, from tactical control to standout individual performances. They unpack the Springboks’ disciplined dominance, highlight big moments from Sacha and Andre, and recognize flashes of brilliance from French players like Thomas Ramos.They also dive into a tactical concern for the Boks: their vulnerability to counter-rucking, first exposed by the All Blacks and tested again by France. Beyond the match itself, Harry and MW explore rugby’s cultural power in France, the demanding fitness culture of the Top 14, and the mental dynamics that separate good teams from great ones.This is not just a recap. It is rugby, seen differently. The long-awaited Lekker Rugby Pod episode delivers the emotion, intelligence, and insight fans have been asking for.
Two years of waiting. Two years of plotting. France are ready, and the Springboks are finally in their sights.In Episode 124 of The Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry Jones, MW Welman and special guest Huw Griffin go inside France’s hidden playbook, revealing exactly how Fabien Galthié and his team plan to crush South Africa. Huw brings remarkable, unrivalled insight and stats that give South African fans a deeper understanding of the game, insights and expertise you won’t find on any other podcast or channel.The discussion covers lineup changes, the psychology behind secrecy, scrum battles, maul dynamics, and the tactical maneuvers that could give France the edge. Harry and Huw also explore the long-standing rivalry and the strategic mind games that make this match so explosive.This isn’t just another podcast. It’s unrivalled analysis, expert context, and storytelling that puts you right at the heart of the Springbok-French showdown, and the revenge two years in the making.Tune in to The Lekker Rugby Pod for expert analysis, fascinating insight, and world-class rugby storytelling that puts you right at the heart of the Springbok-French showdown.
People have been asking, “Where’s Harry?” Well, here he is — back from Chicago and straight into the chaos. The All Blacks vs Ireland clash may have looked like a spectacle on paper, but Soldier Field turned out to be a true anti-climax with a flat crowd, awkward production, and a game that felt more like a rehearsal than a test. MW and Harry break it all down, exploring what went wrong, what worked, and what this means for rugby’s future in the U.S. ahead of the 2031 World Cup.Meanwhile, the Springboks are shaking things up with new patterns on the field. Ox’s injury leaves big questions over the front row, and MW takes a no-holds-barred swipe at online rugby chatter, calling out the worst of fan behaviour. Between tactical insight, hilarious back-and-forths, and unfiltered observations, Episode 123 is classic Lekker Rugby — smart, sharp, and impossible to ignore.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States