The Rugby Paper Podcast

In this episode of The Rugby Paper Round Up, TRP Assistant Editor,Ben Jaycock is joined by Rich from YouTube channel, RugbyAnalyst. We discuss Henry Pollock finally signing for Northampton under. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom now represent Pollock, is this a the future style for rugby player representation…or will it drag rugby down? We also discuss Northampton Saints’ and England’s prospects this season with Pollock involved. What is his best position and what the balance of the England backrow should be? 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

#leinster #leinsterrugby #ireland   With the new URC season starting next week on Friday, I took a moment to look back and reflect on my top five comical/unusual and downright embarrassing moments I’ve had when meeting Leinster players and their family over the years.   Each encounter has been at away games, as with living in the UK it’s much easier to see them when they come over, and as ever, the players always make time for us fans, mad ones and all.   Despite being six months out of being 40, so older than all players concerned, a rugby writer and technically a journalist to the players, I find that like any fan I find when meeting the players that my brain and voice decide to go on their own little adventure resulting in me asking the most bizarre questions or making the most ludicrous statements. Long may it remain.   Despite being six months away from turning 40, making me older than all the players concerned, I’m a rugby writer and, technically, a journalist to them, yet, like any fan, I find that when meeting the players, my brain and voice decide to go on their own little adventure, resulting in me asking the most bizarre questions or making the most ludicrous statements. Long may it remain.   So I compiled my top five moments meeting Leinster players and I hope you enjoy!   #leinster #leinsterrugby #ireland #irishrugby #irish #rugby #rugbyunion #heroes #embarassing #funny #goodhumor

This weekend, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry heads to America as South Africa and New Zealand meet at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for the fourth and final Test of their series. The Springboks lead 2–1, but this weekend is about considerably more than the series score. With the United States preparing to host its first men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby journalist and former Major League Rugby writer Joe Harvey to ask the big question: How does rugby actually crack America? 🇺🇸 Can Rugby Break Through in the USA? We discuss: • What taking Springboks v All Blacks to Baltimore can achieve • Whether a crowd dominated by South African and New Zealand supporters actually helps grow American rugby • How rugby converts a major one-off event into lasting interest • What American sports fans need from rugby • Whether the traditional rugby audience is enough to make the sport successful in the US • The importance of building momentum before the 2031 Rugby World Cup 🏉 The State of American Rugby Joe gives us his insight from years covering Major League Rugby and the North American game as we examine the opportunities — and challenges — facing rugby in the United States. Can the sport establish a genuine place alongside America’s established leagues? What lessons can be learned from Major League Rugby? And what needs to happen over the next five years to ensure 2031 leaves a meaningful legacy? 🇿🇦🇳🇿 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry There is also the small matter of the rugby itself. South Africa take a 2–1 series lead into the fourth and final Test against New Zealand, with Baltimore providing a fascinating setting for the conclusion of one of international rugby’s greatest rivalries. Can the All Blacks level the series, or will the Springboks finish the job on American soil? 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subscriptions OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

As Ronan O'Gara decides La Rochelle is home and that's where he's staying I took some time to think about another front runner in the Leinster head coach race, Felipe Contepomi. The Argentine already has great familiarity with Leinster both on and off the field, between 2003 and 2009 Felipe scored an astonishing 1225 points for Leinster before returning in 2018 to become the back's coach. During his time as Argentina head coach Felipe can hang his hat on an impressive number of international wins including a series win against Scotland as well as defeating Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa as well as their first win on Dublin soil as they defeated the British & Irish Lions. Can Felipe's experience and prowess help Leinster achieve that ever elusive fifth star? Here's hoping! #leinsterrugby #leinster #newcoach #headcoach #urc #rugby #rugbyunion #argentina #argentinarugby #pumas #podcast #podcasting #europe #europeanchampionship #new

Today I was delighted to be joined by Guernsey Raider’s dead-eye fly-half Charlie Simmonds! Charlie’s remarkable story stood out to me as his journey to the number ten shirt was quite different to many other players. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis whilst at university, Charlie spent years managing the condition before eventually undergoing surgery to have his colon removed. The operation left him with a stoma bag however it has not diminished his enthusiasm for rugby and with his impressive skillset Charlie helped Gurnsey Raiders this year to retain one of rugby’s oldest ever trophies; the Siam Cup. Charlie’s story doesn’t end there. The Guernsey Raiders this year teamed up with neighbouring rivals Jersey to form a collaboration known as The Channel Islands. This collaboration took on Poland’s international team in July and won an impressive 38 – 27 at Footes Lane in Guernsey. From overcoming medical issues to facing international teams, Charlie’s story is an inspiration to everyone and one to keep an eye on as his career develops!