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

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

Ireland have been experiencing a golden age of rugby, but now their fans are starting to get angry - why? Is it just because results have started to turn, and if so what are the reasons for that? I was joined by my friend and colleague Caolan Scully to debate Andy Farrell's position as Ireland coach. We look at Ireland's tactics and ask if they have gotten stale before reviewing Andy Farrell's decisions not just regarding selection but also in his backroom staff. Have mistakes been made and if so, were they avoidable? We then get into the provinces - are Leinster being hurt by Ireland's over reliance on them? Are Munster back? What of Ulster and Connacht this season? Plus: reacting to the latest women's rugby contracts. #ireland #rugby #irish #debate #podcast #leinster #munster #connacht #ulster Why Ireland Can't Compete Anymore. Chapters 0:00 The Dissatisfaction 3:00 Schmidt Hangover 7:30 Stale Coaching Staff 12:20 The PR Struggle 16:40 Stubborn Farrell 20:45 The Leinster Problem 26:27 No New Talent? 30:48 Representation MATTERS 36:34 Provincial Performances 43:45 Constant Injuries 48:37 Rugby Journalism In Ireland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we review France's thrilling win over Australia and talk about yet another majestic performance from French star winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey! We also look at how they solved their problem position and review the latest round of the TOP 14! 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 UBB vs Pau 5:30 Stade Français vs Toulon 7:30 France vs Australia 13:50 LBB Sensation 18:40 Problem Solved 22:05 Ronan O'Gara Gossip 27:00 Perpignan Fanny 29:00 Elite 1 Update 31:00 TICKET GIVEAWAY 32:55 Fijian of the Week 34:50 TOP 14 Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 24 teams for the Rugby World Cup in 2027 are locked in. In this podcast we deep dive the T2 nations who will play at the World Cup, how they got there and what comes next. We Also react to the news of the nations championship being created by world rugby and rebate the pros and cons of the 24 team World Cup. I was joined by journalist Joe Santamaria to discuss the state of T2 rugby. We looked at Samoa's FQT win that secured their spot at the World Cup, felt sorry for Belgium, went off on tangents about South American rugby and debated Georgia's continued exclusion from the T1 table. #rugby #podcast #worldcup #debate #samoa #georgia #springboks #podcast #FQT #qualification #worldrugby #belgium Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow me on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580910041103 Rugby's T2 Nations Are Struggling. Rugby's Big Debate: Have They Ruined The World Cup? Why World Rugby's New Plans Are Unfair. Chapters 0:00 Brazil Controversy 11:22 Rise of Belgium 13:20 Thrilling Chile 19:00 Thoughts on FQT 24:00 Samoa Survive 30:30 World Cup Draw Preview 34:45 The PROBLEM 43:55 World Rugby Got This RIGHT 49:25 Rugby Climate Crisis 54:00 USA Resentment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we review France's hard fought victory over Fiji and analyse why they found it such a difficult game. Have France gone backwards? or are Fiji good enough to trouble any team? We also get all the latest from the Top14 and catch up on the latest gossip! 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 Thoughts on the game 8:40 Stats Analysis 11:27 Selection Debates 16:40 Fiji Are GOOD 20:15 TICKET GIVEAWAY 22:45 Huge ProD2 Game 24:40 Top 14 Predictions 28:50 Calendar CONTROVERSY 32:45 Australia Prediction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices