The Rugby Paper Podcast

#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?
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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!
 

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.
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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 @irishexaminer and 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

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.
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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
 

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.

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!