Podcast
The Rugby Paper Podcast
The Rugby Paper Round Up is your weekly podcast bringing you the biggest stories, standout performances and key insight from across the rugby world. With insight from The Rugby Paper’s Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and a special guest from the sport each week, they cover everything from the Prem and URC to the Champ, National Leagues, BUCS and the women’s game.
Your essential audio guide to the week in rugby.
- Rugby chart
- #105
- Episodes
- 209
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Typical length
- 24 min
- On air since
- 2022
- Latest episode
- 1 week ago
Episodes
209 episodes, newest first
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24 min
TQL Rugby – Andy Farrell names Ireland squad for Nations Championship & Leinster v Munster blockbuster preview!
Episode 209
Show notes
In this episode, I take a deep dive into Andy Farrell’s latest Ireland squad announcement and give my thoughts on the selections, what Andy may be planning for the upcoming Nations Championship Northern Hemisphere Series, and preview one of Ireland’s most epic Interpro rivalries: Leinster v Munster!
With Andy going mostly for brawn, selecting 19 forwards and 17 backs, I discuss what I think certain key players will add to the international side, shine a light on the two debutants, and look at how the ever-reliable expected call-ups have shown us time and again that they are worthy of pulling on the green shirt.
This Saturday, the epic clash between Leinster and Munster kicks off once more at 6pm at the Aviva Stadium. I give my thoughts on team pairings, the face-offs I’d like to see, and how I think Leinster will right last year’s wrongs!
🎙️ The TQL Rugby Podcast is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more! 🏉
#rugby #rugbyunion #leinster #munster #leinsterrugby #munsterrugby #sixnations #nationschampionship #podcast
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24 min
Red Roses' Unbeaten Run ENDS! Canada's Rise, WXV & PWR Season Preview | Rugby Paper Roundup
Episode 208
Show notes
After 41 matches without defeat, the Red Roses have finally been beaten, with Canada claiming a dramatic 24-21 victory in Toronto.
But is this a warning sign for England, or exactly what women's international rugby needs?
In this week's special edition of The Rugby Paper Roundup, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by The Guardian's Sarah Rendell to examine Canada's remarkable rise, what went wrong for John Mitchell's world champions and how England can respond in Friday's rematch in Ottawa.
🌹 England's unbeaten run ends We discuss: How Canada overturned England's advantage to claim a historic victory Whether England have become too reliant on forward dominance What John Mitchell needs to change Whether defeat could make the Red Roses stronger
🇨🇦 The rise of Canada After losing the 2025 World Cup final, Canada have now drawn and beaten England in successive meetings. How have they closed the gap so quickly, and can they establish themselves as the dominant force in women's rugby?
🌍 Why WXV matters We explore the importance of regular competitive internationals, growing women's rugby beyond its traditional strongholds and creating meaningful rivalries ahead of the 2029 World Cup.
🔥 England v Canada – Ottawa preview Can England bounce back on Friday, or will Canada make it two consecutive victories over the world champions?
🏆 PWR season preview With the Premiership Women's Rugby season approaching, we discuss: Saracens' title defence Trailfinders' impressive form Gloucester-Hartpury's ambitions The players and teams to watch this season Plus, the Black Ferns' emphatic victory over France and the wider future of women's international rugby.
💬 JOIN THE DEBATE Is England losing actually good for women's rugby? Can Canada win again in Ottawa? And who will win the PWR? Let us know in the comments! 📰 Read The Rugby Paper: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/ 👍 Like, subscribe and turn on notifications for weekly rugby analysis and debate. #RedRoses #CanadaRugby #WomensRugby #WXV #PWR #TheRugbyPaper
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12 min
TQL Rugby – Shaun Campbell on Arthur Wharton’s legacy, the foundation keeping it alive + ties to Darlington
Episode 207
Show notes
#rugby #rugbyunion #football
Today I was delighted to be joined by the founder of The Arthur Wharton Foundation, Shaun Campbell!
Arthur’s remarkable story began when he moved from Ghana to England, settling in Darlington in 1883. He went on to become the world’s first Black professional footballer, the first officially recognised fastest man and a professional cricketer and rugby player.
The foundation works to promote racial harmony for the public benefit by promoting knowledge and mutual understanding between different racial groups. It also advances education and raises awareness of equality and diversity by promoting activities that foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds.
On Saturday 17th October, Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club will be welcoming Shaun and the Arthur Wharton trust to celebrate Black History Month and Darlington will be presenting a ball signed by all of their players of colour from the minis to the seniors.
🎙️ The TQL Rugby Podcast is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more! 🏉
#rugby #rugbyunion #football #legend #ghana #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #nationalleague
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42 min
Prem's Attendance Problem? Champions Cup, Wales back rows + England v Canada | Rugby Paper Roundup
Episode 206
Show notes
Is the Prem facing an attendance problem despite producing some of the most entertaining rugby we've ever seen?
This week on The Rugby Paper Roundup, Ben Jaycock and Paul Williams look ahead to a huge weekend of rugby as the Champions Cup returns, while discussing worrying crowd numbers at Saracens and Exeter, the Welsh regions' start to the URC season and England's blockbuster women's international against Canada.
🏉 On this week's show:
🔥 Premiership attendances: Northampton and Bath combine for 119 points, but why are there empty seats at Saracens and Exeter?
🏆 Champions Cup preview: Can Northampton defend their European crown? We look ahead to Gloucester v Bordeaux, Toulouse v Exeter, Pau v Leicester, Clermont v Leinster and more.
🏴 Welsh rugby revival? Encouraging signs from the Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons, plus who's hot and who's not in the URC heading into Europe.
🌹 England v Canada: After their dramatic 26-26 draw, can Canada finally end the Red Roses' unbeaten run on home soil?
💪 Championship and National Leagues: Worcester's extraordinary start, plus Plymouth and Tonbridge's unbeaten records.
💬 Join the debate: Is Premiership rugby becoming too expensive for supporters? Which English club will go furthest in Europe? And can Canada shock England?
Let us know your thoughts and weekend predictions in the comments!
📰 Read the latest rugby news, interviews and analysis at https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/
👍 Like, subscribe and turn on notifications for more rugby discussion every week.
#RugbyUnion #ChampionsCup #GallagherPREM #TheRugbyPaper #URC #RedRoses #WomensRugby #Saracens #WelshRugby
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26 min
TQL Rugby – Caspar Gabriel: From Vienna to the Aviva, Leinster’s new No.10 party crasher
Episode 205
Show notes
Today I thoroughly enjoyed doing a deep dive on an outstanding new fly-half who made the first two URC matches in South Africa for Leinster that little bit more exiting!
Born in Austria and following in his father’s footsteps, Caspar Gabriel joined the club during COVID, and after making his first cap last season, has now since started twice against the Lions and Sharks this term.
In this video I go into his background, his motivations, the skills in him that caught my eye and where I think he sits in the Leinster fly-half pecking order!
Always love seeing a new player make a good account of himself!
Keep it up Casper 👍
🎙️ The TQL Rugby Podcast is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more! 🏉
#rugby #rugbyunion #leinster #leinsterrugby #ireland #onetowatch #podcast
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29 min
TQL Rugby & Bruce Houston – Champ level prowess, aweing in France, international duty with Zimbabwe
Episode 204
Show notes
This week I was overjoyed to reunite with a legend of Champ Rugby and phenomenal fly-half, Bruce Houston! Bruce’s rugby CV boasts a wide range of experience from club level to international duty as he toured South Africa, Canada and America whilst playing for Zimbabwe. I first spoke to Bruce in 2025 whilst he played with Champ side Cornish Pirates and we really hit it off.
Bruce’s enthusiasm and experience makes an interview feel more like a chat, and I expect the former Ulsterman’s return to the Champ to be more thrilling than ever!
Honing his skills with Ulster, Edinburgh, Ealing Trailfinders, Cornish Pirates and USBPA rugby, Bruce is certainly one to watch.
Having keenly followed his career with interest, I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for the 26-year-old!
And, for good measure, we have an impromptu and unexpected chat about golf!
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10 min
WHO SHOULD PLAY WING FOR ENGLAND? CAN QUINS COME GOOD? Ugo Monye Interview
Episode 203
Show notes
Ugo Monye was speaking on behalf of LiveScore Bet - the home of NFL betting. Visit https://www.livescorebet.com/uk/ for the latest NFL odds and offers.
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
The Premiership is back — and former England and British & Irish Lions winger Ugo Monye joins Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock to look ahead to the new domestic season and tackle some of the biggest questions facing English rugby.
After a disappointing campaign for Harlequins, can Ugo’s former club bounce back and re-establish themselves among the Premiership contenders? Do they need to evolve their trademark attacking style to challenge for silverware?
We also turn our attention to England’s increasingly competitive battle on the wings, including one of the most exciting young talents in the country.
🏉 Can Harlequins bounce back?
We discuss:
• What went wrong for Quins last season
• Whether they can return to Premiership title contention
• The importance of maintaining their attacking identity while finding different ways to win
• Who Ugo expects to set the standard as the Premiership returns
• The teams and players who could surprise us this season
🌹 England’s battle on the wing
As a former international winger himself, Ugo gives his verdict on the growing number of players pushing for England honours.
What does an elite Test winger need in the modern game? Who is closest to breaking into Steve Borthwick’s side? And with so much competition emerging, what combination should England ultimately be looking for?
🔥 Is Noah Caluori ready for Test rugby?
One of English rugby’s brightest young talents is already generating huge excitement.
We ask Ugo what makes Noah Caluori such a special prospect and whether he is ready to make the enormous leap into Test rugby.
Is it a case of protecting a young player and allowing him to develop — or, if you’re good enough, are you old enough?
🌍 How do England bridge the gap?
South Africa and New Zealand continue to set the benchmark at the top of the international game.
So where are England currently falling short?
We discuss whether the difference is talent, depth, cohesion or execution under pressure — and what needs to change for England to arrive at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia capable of consistently challenging the world’s leading sides.
Plus, Ugo gives us his predictions for the new Premiership campaign and the England players he expects to enhance their reputations this season.
🎧 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 -
35 min
TQL Rugby & Riaan Louw – Lions v Leinster preview, Springbok dominance & Riaan’s passion for rugby!
Episode 202
Show notes
TQL Rugby Podcast
This week I was delighted to be joined by one of my favourite rugby YouTubers, Riaan Louw!
Riaan is a serial Lions & Springbok supporter as well as a fair and fun observer of all teams and games. When it comes to South African rugby there are few people who can match his passion and knowledge.
Riaan’s love of the game speaks for itself. Dedicating six years to creating nearly 200 fun and informative YouTube videos; the Rugby Updates, Riaan is a regular guest over many podcasts and he works hard to share his devotion of rugby to all supporters worldwide!
I first came across the Rugby Updates when a video entitled “What is Rugby” popped up on my feed and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Riaan offers funny, fair and knowledgeable opinions on a wide array of games from club to international, women’s and men’s games alike!
We discuss what got Riaan into rugby, his beloved Lions and how they put the All Blacks to the test.
We also touched on how the Springboks maintain such dominance in the world of rugby as well as take a look at the upcoming URC season starting this Friday!
You can find Riaan on YouTube (@RiaanLouw), X (@Ringo26) and Instagram (ringo1926)!
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25 min
Henry Pollock and All That - Rugby Paper Roundup
Episode 201
Show notes
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
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12 min
TQL Rugby – My top five comical & bizarre moments meeting Leinster players
Episode 200
Show notes
#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
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48 min
How Does Rugby Crack America? Major League Rugby, Baltimore and World Cup 2031 | Rugby Paper Roundup
Episode 199
Show notes
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/subscriptionsOR 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 -
15 min
TQL Rugby: Felipe Contepomi new Leinster head coach???
Episode 198
Show notes
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
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18 min
Charlie Simmonds: Stoma Surgery, Siam Cup Glory & Facing Poland
Episode 197
Show notes
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! -
40 min
PREM + URC TRANSFER SPECIAL | Morgan, Lawes, Furbank, Kolbe, Kolisi | Rugby Paper Roundup
Episode 196
Show notes
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
It’s transfer special time! Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by renowned rugby columnist Paul Williams to pick their five best signings in both the Gallagher Prem and United Rugby Championship ahead of the new season.
We start in the Premiership, where some huge names are on the move and several clubs have made serious statements of intent.
🏉 Jac Morgan — Ospreys to Gloucester
Is this the best signing of the summer? Gloucester are getting the Wales captain and British & Irish Lions tourist at just 26, with Morgan joining fellow major recruits Dewi Lake and Jean Kleyn at Kingsholm.
We discuss what Morgan adds to Gloucester, whether he can transform their pack and what his departure says about the continued uncertainty surrounding Welsh rugby.
🦈 Courtney Lawes — Brive to Sale Sharks
One of English rugby’s modern greats is coming home.
At 37, Lawes brings 105 England caps, enormous experience and proven leadership to a Sale side desperate to turn years of contention into silverware.
But can he still dominate at Premiership level — and could an extraordinary push for the 2027 Rugby World Cup really be on?
🎭 George Furbank — Northampton Saints to Harlequins
One of the most intriguing tactical moves of the summer.
We look at how Furbank could combine with Marcus Smith in a potentially devastating Quins attack, where Tyrone Green fits into the equation, and whether the former Saints captain can provide the leadership Harlequins have sometimes lacked.
⚫ George Martin — Leicester Tigers to Saracens
Could this ultimately prove the best long-term signing of them all?
At just 25, Martin has the potential to anchor the Saracens pack for years — and the prospect of him partnering Maro Itoje should worry the rest of the Premiership.
But after a lengthy spell battling serious injuries, is this also one of the biggest gambles of the summer?
🔴 Hoskins Sotutu — Blues to Newcastle Red Bulls
Perhaps the biggest statement of Newcastle’s new era.
The former Super Rugby MVP arrives on a three-year deal after being pursued by some of the Premiership’s biggest clubs.
We discuss what the explosive No.8 can bring to Newcastle, whether his attacking game will translate to the Premiership and what landing a player of his calibre tells us about the ambition behind the Red Bull revolution.
🌍 Five Best URC Signings
We then turn our attention to the United Rugby Championship and rank the five transfers we believe could have the biggest impact across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa this season.
🇿🇦🇳🇿 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
Plus, we look ahead to the latest instalment of South Africa v New Zealand, with the Springboks and All Blacks preparing to collide in front of a potential 95,000 fans at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium.
You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link:
https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subscriptionsFollow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis:
X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper
Facebook: / therugbypaper
Instagram: / therugbypaper -
13 min
TQL Rugby Podcast – Simon Lewis with The Irish Examiner
Episode 195
Show notes
This morning I was delighted to speak to Senior Sports Reporter for the Irish Examiner, Simon Lewis!
Simon has a decade of experience in the field and as a Munster fan he is delighted to be able to write, report and on occasion follow his beloved team around, which increases the joy and satisfaction Simon gets from the game no end.
Simon was kind enough to make time for me on his travels, as from his location in La Rochelle he was getting ready for tomorrows pre-season friendly between Ronan O'Gara’s La Rochelle and his old club Munster!
Forgive the WIFI dropout around minute 11, however, we didn’t let it stop us 🤣
You can find Simon at @irishexaminerand across all other social media platforms
👍 Feel free to like, share and subscribe and I’ll see you out there 🍀🏉👍
#rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #münster #munsterrugby #larochelle #france #preseason #rivals #irishlegend #irfu #irishrugby #top14 #podcast #podcasting #journalism #reporting #reporter
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44 min
RICHIE MO'UNGA RETURNS! NONU'S HAKA | All Blacks v Springboks Rivalry | Rugby Paper Roundup
Episode 194
Show notes
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Rugby’s greatest rivalry is in full swing as New Zealand and South Africa continue their blockbuster series — and the All Blacks have started in style with two wins from two.
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Kiwi podcaster Gareth Williams from the Super Smack podcast to break down the latest chapter of the All Blacks-Springboks rivalry, starting with one of the most talked-about moments of the tour: Ma’a Nonu’s solo haka response against the All Blacks.
Gareth explains the cultural significance of the moment in New Zealand, why it resonated so strongly, and how it was received back home.
We also analyse the All Blacks’ dominant 54-0 victory over the Sharks, including a standout performance from Jordie Barrett.
We discuss:
• Ma’a Nonu’s solo haka and its cultural significance
• Jordie Barrett’s claim to being the best inside centre in world rugby
• The Hurricanes influence running through the All Blacks backline
• How much confidence New Zealand should take into the Bulls fixture🔥 Does the All Blacks aura still exist?
We also take a wider look at rugby’s place in New Zealand culture.
Has rugby lost some of its grip on the country? Are the Warriors and rugby league now the trendier ticket? Is Super Rugby really struggling — or are rising TV audiences and sell-out crowds telling a very different story?
Gareth gives us the view from New Zealand on:
• How much this South Africa series has gripped the public
• The historical importance of the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry
• Whether the All Blacks remain New Zealand’s biggest sporting brand
• The health of grassroots and Super Rugby
• Frustration around constant law changes
• Why the picture may be healthier than some headlines suggest🏆 How will the Test series finish?
With former All Blacks suggesting one Test victory should be the minimum expectation on such a brutal tour, we ask whether a 2-2 split would actually be considered a success — or whether New Zealand still expects to win the series outright.
Plus, Gareth gives his series prediction, thoughts on England and his verdict on Henry Pollock.
🎧 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/subscriptionsOR 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 -
37 min
Shane Byrne: Inside The Life And Career Of An Irish Rugby Great | TQL Rugby Podcast
Episode 193
Show notes
Today’s guest on TQL Rugby Podcast is club and country legend of Irish Rugby, Shane Byrne!
With 41 international caps to his name, one British & Irish Lions Tour and a staggering 115 for Leinster and 49 for Saracens, Shane’s record is hard to match and speaks for itself.
In one of the most insightful interviews I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in, Shane dove deep into what training was like when he first laced up his boots to how well drilled and professional the coaching and training is now and that the whole process deserves more recognition praise.
With over a decade of experience in the front row from scrums to throw-ins, Shane has plied his trade across many countries and clubs and undoubtably set the benchmark for future generations of hookers to follow.
Since retiring in 2007, Shane is now the Director of Arklow Waste Disposal, however, he has also been welcomed with open arms in the world of television with regular appearances as a captain on “Know The Score” to his first film appearance in “Mrs Brown’s Boys D’movie”.
We discuss Shane’s standout moments, life after rugby, becoming a TV panellist and film star, wonderful praise and opinions on the current game, player development and ideas for Leinster’s next head coach!
Thank you so much Shane for your time today!
Remember to like, share and subscribe and you can also listen to this episode wherever you stream your podcasts!
Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!
#rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinster #leinsterrugby #ireland #blackrock #dublin #legend #sportsshow #sports #film
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44 min
SPRINGBOKS ON TOP! | Are the All Blacks Back? + Nations Championship Review | Rugby Paper Roundup
Episode 192
Show notes
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by South African rugby journalist Avuyile Sawula to review a fascinating opening chapter, with the Springboks finishing top after a perfect three-from-three record, the All Blacks rediscovering their swagger, England ending the window on a high, and the road to November already taking shape.
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20 min
TQL Rugby – Nations Championship Summer Tour Overall Review!
Episode 190
Show notes
In my final video about the summer leg of the Nations Championship, I break down what has been an exceptionally action-packed tournament that, with thanks to the new format, has revolutionized the Summer and Autumn Internationals!
From edge-of-seat thrillers to one-sided bulldozing performances, the first three games for every team had it all.
I'll go over the scores, moments that caught my eye, analysis of the six home nations along with where I think they will go from here, what we can expect in the second leg of the competition along with final standings for the summer series!
Be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you stream your podcasts! Just search for The Rugby Paper Podcast or TQL rugby Podcast!
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20 min
TQL Rugby – Eden Park Ultimatum: Ireland Selection & Nations Championship Round Three Preview
Episode 189
Show notes
In the penultimate round of The Nations Championship summer tour, Ireland face off against their old nemesis New Zealand at the All Blacks’ “mecca” Eden Park!
Since 1994 when France shocked the world with a 22-8 victory over the All Blacks, in the following 31 years and 52 matches the All Blacks remain undefeated at Kingsland.
It’ll be a return for Ireland who last set foot at Eden Park in 2022 in which they suffered a 41-19 loss at the hands of the All Blacks before going on to win their first ever Summer Tour of New Zealand and climbed the World Rugby Rankings to No1.
In this video I break down the history between these two international heavyweights, discuss the key players who will be integral to a legendary win at Eden Park, and give my thoughts, analysis and predictions on Ireland’s huge challenge, plus every other game in the final round of the Nations Championship.
Feel free to like, share and subscribe and don’t forget to find me wherever you stream your podcasts!
Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!
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