The Rugby Paper Podcast

S3 E41: Gallagher Premiership final debate and general rugby revelry with Craig Doyle

The big one is upon us! Northampton Saints and Bath are set to battle it out in one of the most eagerly anticipated Gallagher Premiership final in years. Today's episode goes completely off piste, as host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by TNT Premiership rugby and European Cup rugby anchor Craig Doyle. As well as previewing the final, Craig shares some incredible stories from his career including a fight with Ben Kay, an interview with Tiger Woods and more, and Ollie has a blunder of his own!

S3 E40 - Toulouse triumph and Premiership semis preview with Lee Dickson

What a Champions Cup final it was, and Antoine Dupont's Toulouse ultimately condemned Leinster to a third consecutive final defeat to claim their sixth European crown. 
Much to discuss in this week's episode as the Gallagher Premiership playoffs begin this weekend, with Northampton hosting Saracens on Friday night before Sale head to Bath on Saturday. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher for this one is former Northampton and England scrum half Lee Dickson/.

S3 E39 - Gordon D'Arcy previews Champions Cup Final

This weekend, the two most decorated European clubs go head to head in a titanic clash for Champions Cup glory. Toulouse and Leinster are both looking to add to their tally of five and four trophies respectively in as box office a matchup as you could ask for in club rugby.
Dupont or Gibson-Park? Meafou or McCarthy? Willis or van der Flier? So much to discuss, and joining host Ollie Little, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher to preview the game is former Ireland and Leinster legend Gordon D'Arcy.

S3 E38 - JP Doyle on laws of the game and Premiership final day

The Gallagher Premiership is headed towards a superb Super Saturday, with five teams still in the running for the final two play-off spots!
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher first to discuss the laws of the game, including TMO interventions, tackle laws and scrums, before the guys preview the all-important weekend, is former Premiership and international referee JP Doyle. 

S3 E37 - Champions Cup semis, Dupont and Olympics with Mike Friday

Plenty on the agenda for the Rugby Paper Podcast this week as Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain review English disappointment in the Champions Cup semi-finals before they are joined by USA 7s Head Coach Mike Friday to discuss the end of the season, Antoine Dupont and, of course, this summer's Olympic Games.

S3 E36 - Ruan Ackermann on Prem weekend, residency rules and EPCR semis

Following a pivotal weekend of Gallagher Premiership action - not without its controversies - Ollie Little, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain are joined by Gloucester back row Ruan Ackermann.
The guys discuss Karl Dickson's refereeing controversy at Twickenham last weekend, before Ruan previews Gloucester's EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final clash against Benetton, as well as the potential for him to represent South Africa and England, or maybe even Wales or Scotland!

S3 E35: Grand Slam decider preview with Marlie Packer

It all comes down to this! The Women's Six Nations is heading for an epic conclusion in Bordeaux on Saturday as England take on France, with both sides undefeated and in the hunt for a Grand Slam.
Joining the Rugby Paper Podcast to preview that game, and explain why she is called 'Daddy Packs', is none other than Red Roses captain and 100-cap club member, Marlie Packer.

S3 E34 - Champions Cup review and Premiership run-in with Jordan Crane

The quarter-final stage of the Champions Cup was an absolute try-fest, with 41 tries in four games underpinning headline wins for Harlequins and Leinster. 
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to analyse those games as well as those who put their hand up for England selection is former England, Leicester and Bristol Number 8 Jordan Crane.
As defence coach of Bristol Bears, Jordan also discusses the upcoming battle to make the Gallagher Premiership play-offs. 

S3 E33 - Matt Dawson on England, Northampton and the Champions Cup

This is a big one! Plenty on the menu for host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett as they are joined by England World Cup winner and rugby legend Matt Dawson.
The guys take trips down memory lane to RWC 2003 and the 1997 British Lions tour, and Matt gives his insight into England and Northampton's development this season. Finally, listen to the end for our Champions Cup quarter-final predictions!

S3 E32 - Simon Middleton discusses Red Roses

The Red Roses are two rounds into their Six Nations title defence and have come away with two convincing bonus point wins. 
New head coach John Mitchell has spoken about developing an attacking brand of rugby to match that of the Black Ferns with a home Rugby World Cup less than 18 months away.
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain to reflect on the opening rounds as well as women's rugby as a whole is record-breaking former England head coach Simon Middleton.