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The Rugby Pod

The Rugby Pod
Author: The Ringer
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The Rugby Pod with Big Jim Hamilton, Andy Goode, Dan Biggar, Producer Rob and weekly guests is the most listened to Rugby podcast in the world. We cover all the latest news, rumours insight and stories, but with plenty of humour, opinions and the best interviews from the game, including current and former internationals. Follow us on social media and send us in your questions to chat through each week.
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This week on The Rugby Pod, Goodey returns to the studio fresh off Champions Cup knockouts, while Big Jim dials in from Austin, Texas. The lads dive into Munster’s gritty win in La Rochelle, Saints turning the tables on Clermont with a Tommy Freeman masterclass, and Warriors lighting up Glasgow with some flair. We also celebrate the dramatic revival of Worcester Warriors, chatting to new CEO Stephen Vaughan about rebuilding the club, how they managed to get straight back into the Championship, and rugby’s sustainability crisis. Plus, there's a scorefest in Toulon, Leinster embarrass Quins, Toulouse pull away from Sale. Plus, we preview next week’s Champions Cup quarters
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England have finally got their hands back on the Calcutta Cup, but was it Scotland throwing it away or England winning it? We get Jim’s take on a gut-wrenching defeat for the Scots and whether Finn’s Lions hopes have taken a hit, and Goodey and Bigs give their take on the England perfroemance. Wales put in a much-improved performance against Ireland—are they turning a corner? Ireland reclaims the triple crown with another strong performance from Prendergast. And France absolutely battered Italy to set up a massive game in Dublin. Plus, refereeing controversies, Lions chat, and tales from our live show with Super Gav. Enjoy and make sure you’re subscribed!
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The Six Nations is back this weekend, but there’s been plenty to talk about off it too. Warren Gatland has walked just days after Wales’ 14th straight defeat—Bigs gives us the inside track on what really went down. We break down what his departure means for Wales, the impact of interim boss Matt Sherratt, and whether it gives them any hope against Ireland. Then, it’s all about the Calcutta Cup. England are riding high after their win over France, but could another loss to Scotland derail their progress at Allianz Stadium? We discuss Finn Russell’s Lions credentials, England’s selections, and our predictions for the weekend. Plus, is Fabien Galthié really under pressure after France’s slow start? We look at Italy v France and call our winners for all the key Six Nations clashes. Settle in, enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe!
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The lads are on great form after a cracking weekend of Six Nations ruggers. They were at Allianz stadium for England v France, so they chat about the electric atmosphere and break down an England win in the context of the tournament, but also in terms of the Borthwick and Itoje eras — we also look at whether Finn Smith has cemented himself as the 10 over Marcus. We cover Ireland's impressive performance in Scotland as Prendergast continues his march as Sexton's successor. Jim gives his take on what it means for Scotland going into a huge game against England. Meanwhile, Italy’s well-managed win over Wales shows a new maturity, but also surely spells the end for Gatland. Plus, Joe Schmidt’s exit from Australia leads to speculation and some big names putting their names forward for the Wallabies gig. Don’t miss our legends lunch at Brigadiers in London this Saturday, tickets for this and our next live shows in Cardiff and Plymouth are on our website!
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Round one is done and dusted and how good is it to have the Six Nations back on our screens?! England showed some promise in the first half against Ireland, but a second-half fight back saw the hosts turn things around in Dublin—what went wrong for Borthwick’s men, and how did Ireland’s bench make the difference? Scotland made hard work of it against Italy but eventually pulled away, with Huw Jones stepping up in Tuipulotu’s absence. Meanwhile, France absolutely dismantled Wales in Paris—are they the team to beat this year, and are we seeing any real signs of improvement from Gatland’s side? We’ll be breaking it all down, looking ahead to round two, and answering your listener questions—including which past England player could turn things around and which players put their hands up for each team in the first round of action. Enjoy and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify.
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It’s Six Nations Eve, and the lads are buzzing for Round 1! The lads will be previewing round one, including a massive showdown in Dublin between Ireland and England, Scotland's Italian test and France v Wales. We'll also be asking if the Premiership is the right prep for test rugby, if rugby has dropped the ball with Netflix? And what happens if the Six Nations goes behind a paywall? Plus, we’ve got opening weekend predictions, Gatland’s coaching shake-up, and picks for Grand Slam contenders, Player of the Tournament, and Top Try Scorer. We’re also kicking off our biggest-ever live tour this week, so grab tickets while you can and download the MixR app for your free pint at our Walkabout shows!
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Jim, Goodey, Bigs, and Rob are back in the studio to dissect the Six Nations squads and preview the tournament in this massive Lions year. The lads chat England captaincy, a massive injury for Scotland, Ireland's 10 question, and Welsh woes. We also review all the drama from the final round of Champions Cup group games and chat with Saints’ rising star Henry Pollock about his standout season and his England ambitions, plus we look ahead to some blockbuster Round of 16 clashes. Sit back, enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify!
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Jim’s dialling in from Spotify HQ in the USA, and Goodey’s fresh off a busy Champions Cup weekend. We’re diving into all the action, including Leinster’s brutal bust-up against La Rochelle, Glasgow's big win against Racing, and Freddie Steward’s Six Nations stock is rising after Leicester's win against Ulster. Plus, Junior Kpoku—England U20 star and Racing 92 powerhouse—joins us to chat about life in the TOP14, who's England jersey he's coming for, and what’s next for the 6ft 8 phenom. Also on the pod, the lads give their take on the Mack Hansen’s ban, and why South African fans don't rate Dupont as the GOAT. Subscribe on Spotify, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
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The lads are back from their festive break and after some holiday chat, we dive straight into some rogue rugby predictions for 2025 including whether the Boks might join the Six Nations, Lions Tour predictions and which team the Saudis are buying. We’ll also take a look at the Prem, URC, TOP14 over the Xmas period. We also catch up with Andre Esterhuizen to talk Sharks, life in South Africa, and preparing for Toulouse in the Champions Cup. Don’t forget to get your tickets for our live shows on Ticketpass.org and also to vote for us as the best rugby podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards—head to sportspodcastgroup.com and give us a nod!
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The lads dissect a big weekend of Champions Cup rugby. Jim shares some tales from his trip to Paree for the Saracens game, while Goodey has been on the road too. We break down Saracens’ win over Stade Français, Sale’s performance against Racing 92, and England's overall dominance over South African opposition, including Northampton grinding out a win over the Bulls, and Leicester running riot against the Sharks. We give our take on the South African struggles in European competitions and Plumtree’s calls for change. Elsewhere, Leinster hold firm against Clermont, plus, the lads share thoughts on England 03: Unbreakables, and we give you the lowdown on their upcoming live show. Settle in and enjoy.
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It’s blowing a gale both on and off the pitch. Goodey’s been on the wet and windy road between London, Bath and Glasgow for the opening round of the Champions Cup, while Jim's tweeting up his own storm over rugby platforms and where fans can watch all the action. We cover all the action, including Saracens win and Tom Willis' England shout, Bordeaux overpowering Leicester, Leinster's Guinness bomb squad doing the business, and some WWE action in Thomand Park. Plus, Toulouse and Scotland All-Star Blair Kinghorn joins us to chat life in France, Dupont’s greatness, and Scotland's Six Nations ambitions. Throw in a big update on our upcoming live show tour, some listener questions and the rumour mill, and you’ve got a belter of an episode. Settle back, hit subscribe on Spotify, and enjoy!
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We’re back with a packed episode! Jim and Goodey dissect Ireland’s final Autumn Nations match against the Wallabies, Caelan Doris’ Lions captaincy credentials, and Schmidt’s revivied Wallabies. Stephen Ferris joins to rate Ireland’s performances, chat about rising star Sam Prendergast, and debate the Lions back row for 2025. Plus, Champions Cup dark horses, RFU bonuses, and your listeners' questions—Yorkshire puddings, best tours, and pre-Lions selection matches.Enjoy
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This week, we recap all the winners from the World Rugby Awards from Monaco including player of the year, Coach of the year and the XV Dream Team. On the pitch, England snapped their losing streak with a commanding win over Japan and some bright shoots, but defensive woes remain under scrutiny. Scotland set a record nine wins this year with a lot of players setting down a marker for Lions selection against Australia. South Africa’s stock keeps rising after their perfect tour with a hammering of Wales in Cardiff. Plus, TJ Perenara’s farewell, Ireland’s dominant win over Fiji, and Predergast's performance at fly-half. Lots more in a packed episode!
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The lads are feeling inspired after an epic cross-code weekend for the MND charity game in Leeds, before crashing back down to earth with another England loss. We break down all the weekend’s matches including Ireland’s patchy win over Argentina, England’s defensive frailties against South Africa, and Wales’ drubbing by Australia. The lads discuss who England and Wales might be approaching as their potential saviour. Plus, we look at the hype and the off-field drama from France’s thriller against the All Blacks. We also cover the latest rumour around a potential global franchise competition set to shake up rugby by 2026 and what it potentially means for the sport.
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Jim and Goodey dissect a tough weekend for Northern Hemisphere rugby. England’s defeat to Australia raises big questions, including their defensive woes, midfield struggles and coaching frailties. The lads give their take on what's going wrong behind the scenes and some potential fixes. Scotland fell to the Boks despite some standout moments, while Ireland’s unbeaten home run ended against the All Blacks on a damp night in Dublin, who look to be rebuilding a terrifying squad. Plus, listener questions: Should England poach NRL stars? Is the 20-minute red card working? And does Owen Farrell change England’s fortunes? All this and lots more—subscribe now on Spotify to get notified as soon as it's released.
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Bigs joins the lads in studio this week as we break down England’s narrow 22-24 loss to New Zealand, marking their third straight defeat to the All Blacks despite leading into the final quarter each time. We chat about England's struggles to close out games, Steve Borthwick’s massive decision to sub out Marcus Smith and Ben Spencer early, and standout performances from Marcus Smith, and Feyi-Waboso and Wallace Sititi. We also cover Scotland’s impressive 57-17 win over Fiji, where Darcy Graham returned in style with four tries, and look forward to massive Friday night lights in Dublin as Ireland take on the All Blacks in rugby's newest grudge match. Plus we look Wales vs Fiji, while also tackling listener questions.
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Lots to cover this week across the Prem and URC. Jim gives some insight into Michael Cheika's culture-building at Leicester, while Goodey is frothing over Argentine star Marcos Kremer Isgro and his moustache. We chat EPS and how England is trying to avoid more situations like Jack Willis. The lads reminisce on their best team talks from legends like Lawrence Dallaglio and Greig Laidlaw. Plus, we're joined by Rugby League Hall of Famer Jamie Peacock, who gives his take on Andy Farrell and Kevin Sinfield, his retribution list, and what he has planned for Rob during the Lions Tour in Australia. You don't want to miss this one.
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It was an inspiring and emotional weekend with the Slater Cup, where Leicester pulled off a thrilling comeback, beating Gloucester 29-26, thanks to a halftime spray from Cheika. The big news of the week, though, is Newcastle breaking their 25-match losing streak with a 24-18 win over Exeter, can Steve Diamond keep the momentum? We’re joined by Bath’s rising star, Guy Pepper, to talk about his comparison to Richie McCaw, what it’s like training with the stacked Bath back row, and how he's adjusting to life at the club after moving from Newcastle. Elsewhere, Siya Kolisi marked his second debut for the Sharks with a try, and Saracens pulled off a hell of comeback to beat Bristol 37-35 in an action-packed game at Ashton Gate. And we dive into the latest on 20-minute red cards, as they're set to be trialled during the Autumn Nations Series. Ireland and France are opposed, but Southern Hemisphere teams are all in. What impact will it have on the biggest stage?
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It’s been a weekend of massive rivalries, with Leinster taking on Munster in front of a sell-out crowd in Croke Park, Quins taking on Sarries, Saints playing Leicester and few other big grudge matches. We'll cover all the action, but we're also taking a deep dive into the Irish rugby system this week, chatting with one of the masterminds behind their successful schools program and how it supports the professional game. Oh, and we're coming to Dublin! So, settle back and enjoy another packed episode!
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Bigs is back with Jim & Goodey this week lifting the lid on some of the major goings on in Welsh rugby over the last decade. The lads also discuss the bubbling beef between Ireland and the All Blacks and reminisce over the best sledging they’ve ever dished out on a rugby pitch.
We’re also joined by the Welsh half back pairing that’s been tearing up the prem for Gloucester, Tomos Williams & Gareth Anscombe chat with the lads about the new Cherry & Whites all out attack and take a trip down memory lane with their old mate Bigs. Combine that with your usual dose of Prem & URC analysis & review and you’ve got one hell of a show so sit back, enjoy and make sure you’ve subscribed on Spotify.
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Jim Hamilton on RTE commentary for Scotland v Italy!! Fantastic!! Keep coming, Jim...we love it in Ireland !!!!
No sarries in the top 6??
still my fav rugby pod cast, and I listen to all of them
love the pod, but hate the coach bashing..do you listen to your pods back? repetitive comments without fact all on assumptions. not being an EJ fab, but for Jim to say he is a short term fixer I don't feel is far punditry, with regular 3 year stints with England running longer. let's give factual comments and leave your emotions at the door Goody!
brilliant interviews, keep going
wales 1st or 2nd this year guys?
Youre doing great this season with your predictions! ☺
"Scotland by 8" , " Scotland by 9" . Noice.
"England by 9", "England by 18".....props.
When I started listening I didn't ever think I would miss Jim!!
me me me, us us us. rugby? nobs
my dudes do a comedy pod
Best riddle me this yet!
great pod my dudes. maybe mention the state of rugby here in burgerland in The Good The Bad and The Ugly......
Bravo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
decent that the end is cut off
hfccluddddsw x
I love this. I really miss it over the summer...which shows how pathetic I am!!
Love the pod guys but the number of ads in it is just getting silly now