The Rugby Paper Podcast

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.
🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup.
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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!
 
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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! 

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!

Debutants Delight Down Under! TQL Rugby Podcast – Nations Championship Round Two Review
 
Man of the match Sean Jansen made his mark with a standout performance against Japan along with landing a vital try on his first international cap!
 
In a game I found myself having flashbacks to the 2019 World Cup Pool stages, in which Ireland lost to the host nation, I’ve thrown together my thoughts, analysis and opinions on a cracking game in which Japan showed their impressive talent and Ireland, with nine changes, bedded in the debutants and got the job done!
 
Feel free to like, share and subscribe and you can listen on Spotify/Amazon Music and wherever you stream your podcasts!
 
Just search for The Rugby Paper Podcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!

In this week's episode I break down Andy Farrell's Ireland selection, from individual player analysis and opinion to a throwback to when Japan got the better of Ireland during the 2019 World Cup! Four lucky debutants take to the field for this game: Connacht's Sam Illo, Billy Bohan and Sean Jansen who makes his test start at eight, alongside Ulster's Bryn Ward who will undoubtably make his debut of the bench! Squad rotation, fly-half debate and predictions covered, as well as a look at the other remaining fixtures in The Nations Championship 👍 Feel free to like, share and subscribe for more! You can find me at
 @TheRugbyPaperPodcast 
and TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts! #rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinsterrugby #munsterrugby #connachtrugby #ulsterrugby #international #australia #japan #japanrugby #eddiejones #worldrugby #podcast #podcasting