Rugby Rodeo

Jess is be poorly this week (get well soon cowboy 🤧❤️), but fear not — because Ellie is joined by a VERY special stand-in host… the one and only Boda is back in the saddle! And it’s a HUGE week to return because… ELLIE KILDUNNE HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR!We break down everything: how she found out, why it felt different being in a room full of world-class athletes, whether she knows who’s won (👀) — and how this compares to last year’s World Rugby POTY honour. SPOTY is live on Thursday 18th December — so get it in your diary and make sure you VOTE FOR ELLIE & THE RED ROSES! 🙏🔥 We’ve also got plenty more this week: Ellie & Boda return to winning ways as Harlequins beat Leicester 56–28 — including that celebration… did she wind herself?! Inspired by Chris Ashton? Noah Caluori?? We get the full story.  Saracens’ 33–15 comeback win over Loughborough Lightning, their final home game of 2025. PWR: Played 6, won 5 — tidy. Ellie meets football superstar Alessia Russo 🤩 What was she like? What did they talk about? Did Ellie shoot her shot to get her on the pod? We answer your best questions including: What did the girls Spotify Wrapped look like this year? Most underrated PWR player? Should women’s rugby have a Champions Cup-style competition across England, France & NZ? Death row meals, Christmas food identities, tips for new centres, and our sporting role models growing up. Huge love to the grassroots this week: Dundee Girls – finalists at HIVE Stadium BIGGAR RFC U18s – heading to Murrayfield for the National Cup Final Wigtownshire Ladies – first ever league title! Marr Ladies – first win of the season after losing every game 🙌 Trojans U14s – unbeaten and flying high! See you next week… YEE-HAW! 🤠🌹 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Rugby Rodeo, Jess is joined by not one… but TWO Kildunnes! That’s right — Ellie’s little brother Sam Kildunne jumps in the saddle for a family edition of the pod. Sam’s just 22 but already has some CV: BUCS Super Rugby with Loughborough, a GB 7s jersey, and now a contract with Ampthill in the Championship. Jess goes straight for the sibling dirt — what Ellie was really like growing up, who caused the most chaos, the pettiest argument they’ve had this year, and whose fault it was (because it’s always someone’s). And yes, we get the definitive verdict on sibling rivalry in the Kildunne household. Ellie dives into Sam’s rugby journey — BUCS life, moving into the Championship, the physicality jump, how he balances sevens aspirations with 15s, and what advice he has for players at uni or school trying to go pro. Plus Sam reveals his proudest moment watching Ellie — grab tissues. We also cover: 🏉 Aby Dow’s retirement ⏱️ Ellie’s Lateness Chart — has Double Kildunne doubled the delays or fixed them? ✈️ Ellie hearing her own voice on the Heathrow tannoy 🎄 Jess vs Archie’s advent calendar controversy 🏟️ Ealing 5–57 Saracens — London fully belongs to Sarries, with Jess in the mix for a couple of tries YEE-HAW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach are back in the saddle for another week of Rugby Rodeo — and London is looking extremely festive. But have the girls even bought a single present yet? Jess has just landed back from Jersey with stories to tell, while Ellie’s been everywhere: hosting a lunches, dancing and still finding time to watch all the Quilter Autumn Nations games... We chat: Tom Curry's late shot on Juan Cruz Mallia and the fallout that came of it, England's new magician Max Ojomoh and the most one-sided scrum domination we've ever seen! 🎤 Listeners’ Questions:Skills swaps, underrated perks of being Red Roses, hardest hitters, talent shows, crisp flavours(?!), and Jess gives her Top 3 tips for becoming a world-class winger. 💌 SHOUTOUTS GALORE!We go global this week — from Broad Plain U8s to the WBRC Bobcats in the US, the Kyogale Cockies in Australia, Toronto City Amazons, Santa Monica Women’s Rugby in LA… and heaps of love for teams across the UK including Mansfield Ladies, the Lowestoft Dragons U14s, Bromsgrove Calts, Yate Women’s Rugby and a big get-well-soon to Beatrix recovering from concussion ❤️ And that’s us done for this week! Back next Thursday — AND we’ve got some exciting guests coming up. Until then… YEEEEE-HAW! 🤠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’re flying out of Heathrow anytime soon, don’t be shocked if you hear a familiar Yorkshire twang over the tannoy. Yep — Ellie is officially the Voice of Christmas at Heathrow. We get the full story of how she ended up bringing festive cheer to Terminal 5. Jess also had a pretty special week as Chichester Rugby Club officially named a stand after her. She tells us why the club means so much to her, how it all came about, and what went down on the SURPRISE opening day. The girls break down Ellie’s mystery announcement she teased on socials, before diving into England men’s massive win over the All Blacks at a packed Allianz. We chat England climbing to 3rd in the world, THAT oldest-to-youngest haka formation, Henry Pollock licking his lips, and which exciting young players the girls are backing right now. Then—HUGE news for the PWR: Ruahei Demant signs for Bristol Bears. The 2022 World Player of the Year and World Cup-winning Black Ferns captain heading to England?! Jess and Ellie discuss what it means for the league, the Bears, and the growing pull of English women’s rugby. Jess had her feet up this weekend but Sarries barely noticed—a 79–5 demolition of Leicester, a ridiculous Olivia Apps finish, and another big flex of their international-stacked depth even with Jess resting. Meanwhile, Ellie breaks down what went wrong for Quins in their disappointing defeat away down at Sandy Park. Then it’s LISTENERS QUESTIONS time with an elite batch this week:– One quote they live by– Favourite Lioness– What they miss most about home– How they unwind after big match adrenaline– Are they hyped for GTA 6?– What made them fall in love with rugby– And… which kitchen utensil they’d be 🤠 Finally, SHOUTOUTS galore this week: 💙 Dunbar RFC U16s heading to Orkney in the Scottish National Cup💛 Medway U12s smashing 3/3 in the waterfall league🌍 INTERNATIONAL SHOUTOUT: Ade and Piper spreading the women’s rugby gospel in Ethiopia and now Virginia – get down to NOVA Vipers Rugby and join the crew! See you next week, YEE-HAW! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Jess and Ellie are joined by one of rugby’s brightest young stars — Braxton Sorensen McGee, the Black Ferns sensation who lit up the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Still only 19, Braxton smashed records and headlines with back-to-back hat-tricks and 11 tries across the tournament. The team chat all things World Cup glory, the whirlwind of representing New Zealand on the biggest stage, and how she’s keeping her feet on the ground after such an explosive breakout. And as always, we round things off with your listener questions — from life as a female rugby player to fashion tips, I’m a Celeb hypotheticals, and whether the girls are more of a Traitor or a Faithful 👀 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s party hats and post-match stats this week as Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach saddle up for a very special episode — because it was Jess’ birthday! 🎂 Ellie puts Jess through a round of birthday interrogation — from her earliest cake memory to the Red Roses teammate most likely to forget the big day... Then it’s back to business as the girls ride through another HUGE weekend of PWR action: 🏉 Saracens 47–10 Harlequins – a record-breaking London Derby, explosive Sarries start, and a 50th Quins cap (and try!) for Ellie.🔥 Gloucester-Hartpury shine again in a 12-try thriller against Exeter.⚡️ Sale Sharks surprise everyone with another strong showing vs Loughborough.💥 Bristol Bears run riot with a 74-0 demolition of Leicester — including a four-try masterclass from Millie David. The girls also share some love for grassroots rugby with shoutouts to Lincoln Ladies, Darlington RFC, Littlehampton, Thorne Lionesses, Newquay Hornets, and Mandy from Macclesfield 💙 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hold onto your cowboy hats, because this week’s episode of Rugby Rodeo is packed tighter than Ellie’s calendar (which… might explain the new lateness chart 😅). Ellie Kildunne and her Saracens pal Jess Breach are back — and Jess has some massive news to share 👀. She’s re-signed with Saracens! The girls chat through the deal, why she’s staying put, and what makes the Sarries setup so special. That’s not all — there’s a new face at the club too. Kevin Rouet, the mastermind behind Canada’s attacking game at the World Cup, joins as Saracens’ new attack coach. Expect fireworks. Then it’s time to look ahead to the London Derby — Saracens vs Quins, this Sunday. No talk of “duels” here, just North vs South, as Ellie (North London) and Jess (South London) battle it out in the ultimate This or That: best football teams, landmarks, rappers, brunch spots, and stadiums — The Stoop or the StoneX? You decide. Away from the pitch, Ellie’s been living her best life — from rocking a custom NFL jersey to walking the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards. The girls share the most inspiring moment from the night and a few behind-the-scenes stories too 👀. Then it’s Listeners’ Questions — from shouting vs whispering, dream guests, chaotic memories, and what female players should get instead of ties plus shoutouts to the University of Chicago Women’s Rugby Team and the unstoppable Bracknell U14s Girls. The perfect warm-up for London’s biggest clash - Yeehaw!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Rugby Rodeo, Jess and Ellie are joined by one of the most respected officials in world rugby, Sara Cox MBE. From retiring as a young player to making history as the first female referee in Premiership Rugby, Sara’s journey is one of resilience, trailblazing and passion for the game. The trio chat through her early days finding her voice in a male-dominated field, the nerves and pride of that iconic Premiership debut, and the significance of reaching her 50th international Test. They also dive into the lighter side, the funniest moments, toughest calls, matchdays, and what fans don’t see behind the whistle. Sara opens up about being the first woman in many of her roles, collecting her MBE from Princess Anne, and what the next generation of referees can expect. It’s an inspiring, funny, and honest conversation with one of rugby’s true groundbreakers. Presented by Emirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ellie’s finally got her voice back (hallelujah 🙌) and both she and Jess are looking a little more bronzed, blissed-out, and maybe slightly too relaxed after their time in Dubai. From beach clubs and dune buggies to questionable tan lines and TikToks with a bored-looking Archie in the background — it’s fair to say the girls have had quite the two weeks off. They’re chatting all things post-World Cup recovery, how easy (or not) it is to “switch off,” what it’s like returning to club life after lifting the biggest trophy in women’s rugby, and what their goals are for the season ahead. PLUS — 2Truths and a Lie: Dubai Edition 🌴Who’s telling porkies? Who actually ate the weird chocolate? And who maybe got a bit too comfy at a beach club? And of course… it wouldn’t be Rugby Rodeo without LISTENERS’ QUESTIONS.This week the Rodeo faithful ask: How do you capitalise on the buzz of a Rugby World Cup win? 🏆 Ellie, what’s it like having your own Barbie doll?! What’s your toxic trait? Who would win in a fight? (We finally get an answer 👀) Finally, we’ve got SHOUTOUTS GALORE to the Sarries girls lifting the Prem Cup, Ruislip Rubies’ Zoe scoring her first ever try, and Kamloops junior girls getting their first ever W! 💪 It’s laughter, honesty, sunshine and chaos — all wrapped up in that Rodeo energy you know and love. So saddle up, press play, and as always… YEEEE-HAW! 🤠 This episode is brought to you by Emirates, the Official Partner of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Fly Better with Emirates ✈️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Rugby Rodeo, Ellie and Jess are back for a special Listeners’ Questions episode — and we’re diving deep. From emotional highs and tough moments, to what life’s been like since lifting that World Cup trophy, we are baring all. 💬🏆 They chat about… 🌹 Taking a step back from social media during the tournament — and why.💔 The hardest physical and emotional moments of the campaign.💫 The comedown after the World Cup high — is it real?👧 What their younger selves would say if they could see them now.💭 Quiet, off-camera moments that hit hardest.🤝 The bond between teammates, best mates, and world champions.👧🏼 Inspiring the next generation — what it really means to them. And of course, it wouldn’t be Rugby Rodeo without a bit of friendly debate as the girls crown their Emirates High Flyer of the Tournament — who soared highest on the biggest stage? 🛫 Plus, they answer YOUR questions about what’s next, how the game can keep growing, and how it feels to have captured the hearts of fans around the world. ❤️ This episode is brought to you by Emirates, the Official Partner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Emirates, an avid supporter of women’s rugby, is also a sponsor of the World Rugby Match Officials. Fly Better with Emirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rodeo studio is buzzing as World Cup winners Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach return fresh from Twickenham glory, still hoarse from the celebrations, and ready to spill all. Joined by Emma and Sarah, the team relive an unforgettable week: Canada’s ferocious start, Ellie’s game-changing try, and the pressure of 81,000 fans. The girls share what camp was like in the build-up, how they handled the weight of expectation, and the whirlwind celebrations that followed, from Battersea Power Station to tattoos for the coach. Plus, the panel pick their Emirates High Flyer of the Week, celebrate standout performances across the tournament, and reflect on how women’s rugby has changed forever after this record-breaking World Cup. Yeehaw! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ohhh my word… we’ve made it! After two SENSATIONAL semi-finals (and yes, Sara’s voice still hasn’t fully recovered 🙃), we’re here to preview the BIG one: the Rugby World Cup 2025 Final. England. Canada. Two unbeaten sides. Two very different styles. One trophy on the line. We’re breaking it all down – from Canada’s offloading, high-tempo chaos to the Roses’ set-piece dominance and Zoe Harrison’s metronome boot. Can anyone stop England’s rolling maul? Can Canada’s lightning ruck speed flip the script? And what about the nerves – Red Roses in their SEVENTH straight final vs Canada’s first since 2014. Pressure or freedom? We’ll also chat individual match-winners (Ellie K, Sophie de Goede, Megan Jones, Julia Schell 👀), pick our Emirates High Flyer of the Week, catch up on the PWR Cup, and shout out the legends at every level of the game – from Rocky Clark and the Golden Girls cycling 750 miles for MND, to grassroots sides smashing their first ever wins. So settle in, because next week we’ll know who are the new Queens of the rugby world. Will it be the Red Roses or the Maple Leafs? We can’t wait. YEEE-HAW 🤠🏉✨ Brought to you by Emirates – Official Partner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Fly Better with Emirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s SEMI FINALS WEEK and Sara and Emma are breaking down all the chaos from the quarter-finals — France’s wild comeback against Ireland (and the bite that’s had everyone talking), the Black Ferns’ second-half takeover against South Africa, and whether Ireland are now ready to crash the top tier of women’s rugby... PLUS we’ve got not one, but TWO special guests joining the rodeo ring: Red Roses fly-half and ice-cold kicker Zoe Harrison, and Canada’s point-scoring machine Julia Schell. Expect big insights, plenty of laughs, and even a cheeky This or That: Canada vs UK quiz to settle once and for all whether poutine beats fish & chips. We’re also handing out our Emirates High Flyer of the Week (some serious contenders this round 👀), diving into the best rugby TikToks shaking up the women’s game, AND giving our shoutouts to the legends of the grassroots. Strap in, folks. Semi finals are here, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and we are BUZZING. 🏉✨ Brought to you by Emirates – Official Partner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Fly Better with Emirates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the final rodeo of the Rugby World Cup 2025 pool stages, and Sara Svoboda and Emma Swords are saddled up to break it all down. The duo dive into the drama of the last round, pick their standout players, and size up the quarter-final matchups that are set to light up the knockout stages. They’re then also joined by 50% of the original cowboy crew Jess Breach from inside England camp to reflect on her milestone 50th cap, give the gossip from inside the team and what it means heading into the business end of the tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby World Cup group stages are nearly done and Round 2 did NOT disappoint – so we’re back in the saddle to bring you all the drama, all the tries, and all the slides... Emma & Sara break down a blockbuster weekend: 🏉 Scotland’s Quarter-Final Sealing Win – Francesca McGhie starring with two tries and a crucial charge-down, Rhona Lloyd unstoppable on the wing.🍁 Canada’s Shut-Out Statement – Sophie de Goede flawless off the tee and everywhere else.🇫🇷 France in Cruise Control – 84–5 vs Brazil, with Bianca Silva making history.🏴 Red Roses Roll On – Helena Rowland breaks the RWC points record (27!), Jess Breach bags a hat-trick and hits the 50-try milestone. We also get into the pool permutations – what Australia and USA need to sneak into the final QF spot (spoiler: the maths is not pretty for the Eagles 🦅). Plus, we hand out the Rugby Rodeo Performance of the Round award – Evie Gallagher’s 35 tackles? Sophie de Goede’s dominance? Portia Woodman-Wickliffe breaking records? Jess Breach rewriting history? You’ll have to tune in to find out… 👀 And as always, we finish with listener shoutouts – from Haywards Heath’s brand-new women’s team, to Dunfermline U18s, to Sheffield Hallamshire RUFC playing their first ever match. It’s stacked, it’s spicy, and it’s full of rodeo energy – hit play, subscribe on Spotify, and YEEE-HAW your way into the quarter-finals with us 🤠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby World Cup 2025 is officially underway and Emma Swords and Sara Svoboda are REELING from a blockbuster opening round. Record crowds, record TV numbers and record breaking moments on the pitch. The Red Roses running in 69 points against the USA – we break down Ellie Kildunne’s team try, who impressed most, and what needs sharpening before Samoa. Scotland’s revenge win over Wales – Francesca McGhie’s hat-trick heroics, Ireland’s best-ever RWC points haul, and Canada, Australia & New Zealand flexing early. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sara Svoboda and Emma Swords are back on Rugby Rodeo to preview the Rugby World Cup’s opening weekend! They break down some of the Red Roses’ biggest challengers, from Canada’s depth to the Black Ferns’ Sevens-powered flair, and touch on USA, France, Fiji, Ireland, SA and Australia as potential dark horses. Alongside the rugby chat, the pair open up about dealing with setbacks around selection, sharing how to stay better, not bitter, and the rollercoaster of being international players. Lots more as the biggest tournament gets underway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rugby Rodeo is back for Season 2 and Emma Swords and Sara Svoboda are taking the reins while Ellie and Jess are off chasing World Cup glory in England camp! The girls break down two huge Red Roses warm-up wins over Spain and France, pick out the standout performers, and discuss how favourites England look heading into the tournament. There’s chat on some key players to watch, and how things are shaping up for the biggest tournament in the game's history. Plus, RugbyPass' Top 50 players, flashing mouthguards and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the season finale of Rugby Rodeo and we’re closing things out in style from sunny Italy! Jess and Ellie reflect on how it all started, share some hilarious behind-the-scenes moments from camp, and answer some brilliant listener questions – from World Cup predictions to dream cocktails. Plenty of laughs, stories, a few emotional moments, and some well-earned shoutouts to incredible fundraisers, teammates, and rising stars. Thanks for riding with us this season – we’ll be back before you know it in a few weeks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the penultimate episode of this season, the girls spill the tea on the Red Roses’ brand new kit (spoiler: we’re obsessed), relive the chaos of a Red Roses Freshers’ Fayre — think freebies and one too many protein bar samples — and dive into the buzz as the countdown to the Rugby World Cup hits just 50 days to go! 😱 Join us for your weekly fix of try-line talk, locker room laughs and behind-the-scenes prep as the Red Roses get ready to take on the world. Don't forget to make sure you're subscribed and give us a 5 star rating if you enjoy the pod YEE-HAW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices