In the Sin Bin with... Esher Rugby's Podcast

There are actually some people in the world who really do ‘need no introduction.’    The Pope is probably one.   Hugh McHardy is another - certainly in the context of Esher Rugby Club.    The first series of ‘In the Sin Bin’ ends with 10 minutes in the company of possibly the club’s greatest ever Bon Viveur.    He also played, captained, coached,  and went to charity shops en route to away matches.Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Matt Moore  was and is Esher’s flying winger.  From Sale to Harlequins to England and then to Esher, sidestepping his way to the try line before taking to the skies as a pilot.  And now he’s a TV star.But it all began with a long lunch with guess who.....Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Peter Winterbottom is the latest inmate of the Sin Bin.  During his illustrious career, he was only ever in the bin once - find out when - and he also talks about his plans for Esher as our Director of Rugby , and also about the hardest opponent he ever faced.  You won’t be surprised!Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

This week’s guest on the Sin Bin has been an Esher stalwart for more than half a century.   A former club captain, he recalls unhygienic baths after matches,  games against Harlequins,  and the days when selection meetings ran for 4 hours.Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Very few players ever really deserve to be called ‘characters’ but Mark Bennett was undeniably one.  Ferocious on the field, combative off it, and with a personality that meant everyone loved him, even though as a hooker, he couldn’t throw the ball in straight.   So he went to see the England line out expert.... you just have to hear what happened next.Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Rob Henderson was a British and Irish Lion before his career peaked with a spell at Esher.  He recalls being dropped, and how he took his revenge, while also offering an insight into how having the right mental approach to the game is essential in every match you play. Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Dave Slemen was an inspirational leader for Esher after enjoying a successful professional career in England and Ireland. His father was a legendary winger for England.  He remembers our years in the championship, and his part in the greatest seasons this club had ever enjoyed.Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Chris Guinness was a regular at the bar at Esher during the 1980s....in between playing for the Cardinals and the Abbots.  He left for the Far East to be one of the most senior figures in Television sports rights negotiations.  He remembers the old days but also looks to the future - is China rugby’s next hotspot? Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Simon Halliday played in a World Cup final for England and 18 months later was coaching Esher.  He remembers the tragedy that brought the club together,  Pilkington Cup ties in the Forest of Dean,  and offers his thoughts on the semi-professional game in the post Covid era.Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

The 3rd guest in our Sin Bin is the most prolific goal kicker in Esher’s recent history.  The metronomic Jon Gregory was our Jonny Wilkinson and won innumerable matches for the club 20 years ago with his remarkable strike rate, averaging nearly 13 points a game across more than 100 matches.He discusses how to kick a rugby ball, and what happened the night Will Carling came down to training… and no-one turned up.Have a listen here..only 10 mins. https://esherrugby.buzzsprout.comAdvanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Ciaran Bird was a back row forward and Esher captain in the era when under Hugh McHardy’s coaching , the club surged up the leagues.   He talks about the hilarious end to his professional rugby career at London Irish, how Chris Evans lured him to Esher and how, as a leading figure now in the City, we should all be positive about the post-Covid era. Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.

Welcome to the Esher Sin Bin podcast, brought to you by Advanta Wealth, when John Inverdale talks to past and Esher players, past and present, about their lives then and now. First up, to coincide with the start of the Six Nations,  Jack Clifford reminisces about long bus journeys with Esher,  getting taught a few lessons by more seasoned opponents, and how it was as invaluable experience on the road to playing for England under Eddie Jones.   Every Monday at noon, each episode goes live ! Only 10 minutes, so listen in and share to all fellow Esher supporters!  Future inmates of  the bin will include Peter Winterbottom,  Simon Halliday and Ciaran Bird.  Advanta Wealth Advanta Wealth are award winning Chartered Financial Planners.