The Rugby Paper Podcast

S4 E2 - Juandré Kruger on unstoppable Springboks and woeful Wallabies

The Rugby Paper Podcast's microscope moves south of the equator for today's episode, as in the latest round of the Rugby Championship South Africa wrapped up their fourth consecutive win against the All Blacks before Argentina condemned Australia to their largest ever defeat. 
The Springboks continue to go from strength to strength under Rassie Erasmus, while question marks remain over whether Australia will be able to competitively host the British and Irish Lions next summer. Joining Ollie Little and Brendan Gallagher for this one is former South Africa lock, Juandré Kruger.  

Season 4 Episode 1 - Stuart Lancaster previews Top 14 and Owen Farrell Racing debut

Welcome to a new season of the Rugby Paper Podcast! As the 2024/25 season is about to get underway, what better way to start it than welcoming Racing 92 head coach and former England head coach Stuart Lancaster! 
Stuart discusses the impact Owen Farrell has had at Racing since he arrived six weeks ago and looks ahead to his debut as well as the Top 14 season as a whole. He also discusses Siya Kolisi's likely departure and how Racing can match Toulouse. 
The guys then discuss this week's announcement of the RFU's new 'enhanced contract' scheme for 25 England players, as well as the worrying implications behind the departures of England defence coach Felix Jones and strength and conditioning coach Aled Walters. 

S3 E49 - Rugby Championship review: Wallaby woes and can New Zealand stop South Africa?

In the fortnight that has passed since the last episode of the Rugby paper Podcast, we have had the first two rounds of this year's Rugby Championship. 
A win for Argentina over New Zealand on their turf was the eye-catcher of weekend one, whilst Australia's struggles have continued at the hands of the irresistible Springboks.
Ollie Little, Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain lay out the glaring issues in Australian rugby a year out from the British and Irish Lions tour, as well as previewing the upcoming repeat of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand. 

S3 E48 - Tom Foley on 20 minute reds, laws of the game and RWC Final 2023 fallout

While things are a bit quieter in the rugby world what better time to take a deep dive into the laws of rugby! Ollie Little and the full house of columnists in Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher are joined by RFU referee and Rugby World Cup Final 2023 TMO Tom Foley. 
On the menu today, the 20 minute red card, forward passes and Tom's decision to step away from international rugby following the controversy at Rugby World Cup Final 2023. 

S3 E47 - Olympics Special with Team GB's Ellie Boatman

Summer Olympics season is upon us! As the rugby season draws to a close, all eyes have turned towards the game's shorter format in Paris, as the best Sevens players in the world are targeting Olympic gold. 
Antoine Dupont leads hosts France as favourites in the men's draw, whilst in the women's draw Team GB are trying to go one better having finished fourth in both Tokyo and Rio. Joining the guys in this one is Team GB star Ellie Boatman, who talks about what it's like to be at her first Olympic Games, Team GB's prospects, as well as her inspirational journey to rugby in which she had to overcome an eating disorder. 

S3 E46 - Schalk Brits joins as Ireland strike back and England fall short again

The headline fixtures from last Saturday lived up to the hype, with Ciaran Frawley taking centre stage, dropping two goals to give Ireland a memorable win over South Africa. 
For England however, it was another near miss against the All Blacks, as Beauden Barrett inspired a New Zealand second half fightback. 
Joining the guys today to reflect on all of the weekend's drama, as well as peel back the curtain on what makes his native South African side tick, is former Springbok and Saracens hooker Schalk Brits. 

S3 E45 - George Kruis reacts to England and Ireland defeats

England ran New Zealand very close, but it sadly wasn't enough in Dunedin as they came up one point short in a game that was there for the taking. Meanwhile, Ireland were felled by South African power and some TMO misfortune as they also fell short against the Springboks on Saturday. 
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to react to Saturday and discuss whether the home nations can exact revenge this coming weekend, is former England and British and Irish Lions second row, George Kruis.
 
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S3 E44 - Previewing NZ v England and SA v Ireland with Mike McCarthy

A huge Saturday in store for all of us tomorrow as England take on the All Blacks on their turf for the first time in ten years and the Irish begin their bid for a first ever series win on South African soil. The mind games have already begun as things are heating up!
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain to preview the matchups is former Ireland, Connacht and Leinster lock Mike McCarthy.
The podcast also begins with a fantastic tribute to former England and Bath head coach Jack Rowell, who passed away this week aged 87.

S3 E43 - England beat Japan and the crazy life of Shaunagh Brown

In a congested weekend of rugby England put 50 points past Japan to carry some momentum into their two-test series against New Zealand. The Rugby Paper Podcast returns to reflect on the weekend with Ollie Little and Chris Hewett.
The guys are then joined by former England prop and women's rugby trailblazer Shaunagh Brown. Shaunagh reflects on her recent retirement, the announcement of a women's British and Irish Lions tour, as well as delving into her crazy life beyond rugby including firefighting, GB athletics, Highland games, Gladiators and much much more!
 

S3 E42 - Tom Pearson reflects on Gallagher Premiership win and England summer squad debate

Northampton have ended their 10-year drought, securing the Gallagher Premiership title against 14-man Bath in a thriller at Twickenham on Saturday. Tom Pearson was one of the key performers for Saints on Saturday, and he joins host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to reflect on what it means to be Premiership champions. 
Before so, the panel debates England's summer squad, following its announcement on Monday.