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.
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Episodes
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
World Rugby has announced its refereeing roster for the 2023 World Cup, and it was no surprise to see the highest-capped test referee of all time Wayne Barnes included. Wayne joins host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to look ahead to his fifth World Cup as well as discussing the effects of social media on referees and his French language skills!
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
In a wonderfully chaotic episode of the Rugby Paper Podcast, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by former England and Sale Sharks winger Mark Cueto. An episode initially planning to preview the Premiership semi-finals goes way off piste, discussing Sale and England controversy, Chris Ashton and much much more!
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
In a blockbuster weekend of rugby, the Red Roses claimed the Grand Slam in a record-breaking decider at HQ, and La Rochelle and Leinster set up a repeat of last year's Champions Cup showdown with respective semi-final wins.
Following another emphatic Leinster display, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by former Ireland and Ulster star Stephen Ferris to reflect on the knockout stage action and discuss the Irish provincial system.
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
This weekend's Women's Six Nations decider is set to set a new record for attendance at a standalone women's rugby fixture. The Red Roses and France will go toe to toe in a winner-takes-all grand stand finale in front of more than 50,000. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to preview the tournament's climax is prop forward Maud Muir. The guys also look ahead to what promises to be a thrilling weekend of European rugby!
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Of all positional debates in English rugby at the moment, the one at fly-half is one of the most unanswered and without doubt the most problematic. Captain Owen Farrell underperformed in the Six Nations - with particular concerns about his goal-kicking - yet heir to the throne Marcus Smith failed to take the limited opportunities he got. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to weigh in on the debate is former England fly-half Olly Barkley.
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
This week's special guest has been on a journey that has been nothing short of remarkable. Billed as a future England captain by many, Wasps and England flanker Tom Rees's rugby career was tragically cut short by a ruptured ACL. Forced to retire at just 27 years old, he began his qualification in medicine, and is now a doctor for the NHS. Join host Ollie Little and the full house of columnists as Tom opens up to them about everything that he has been through. The guys also review a fantastic weekend of Champions Cup action!
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Champions Cup and Women's Six Nations action made for a fantastic weekend of rugby to say the least. To reflect on the Red Roses' opening two wins and preview the rest of the tournament, host Ollie Little, columnists Nick Cain and Chris Hewett and Digital Editor Nick Powell are joined by one of the faces of women's rugby, Maggie Alphonsi. The guys also look back at a vintage weekend of European rugby, and preview the all-important quarter-finals.
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Plans for a World Rugby tournament that will culminate every two years in a grand final between the top side in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere look to be solidifying.
Host Ollie Little is joined by columnists Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett to how the tournament could shape up, and impact the divide between top tier and second tier international rugby.
The guys also preview the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup.
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Congratulations to Ireland, who secured a deserved Grand Slam against England at on St Patrick's day weekend - we can only imagine how the party must have been! This week, the Rugby Paper Podcast reviews Saturday's fixtures and the tournament as a whole. To do so, the guys have the ideal special guest - Ollie Little and the full house of columnists in Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by a member of the Irish rugby hall of fame, Willie John McBride.
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
England's Six Nations trajectory took a downhill turn on Saturday following a record home defeat at the hands of the French. Less than six months out from the World Cup and Steve Borthwick's side have hit a new rock bottom, with many ruling them out as genuine contenders later this year. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to discuss England's turmoil is former England and Scotland head coach Andy Robinson.