The Rugby Pod

European rugby finally delivered the chaos it’s been promising. Bigs joins Jim and Goodey to break down a weekend of semi-final action, with two blockbuster finals now locked in. From Bordeaux’s ruthless efficiency dismantling Bath, to the growing controversy around French TV coverage and TMO decision-making, there’s plenty to get stuck into.

Leinster grind out a statement win over Toulon, showing a less flashy but more resilient edge that could see them finally get their fifth star. Ulster book their first European final in 14 years with a dominant win over Exeter, and Montpellier scrape past the Dragons to reach a final.

Away from the pitch, the boys react to winning Best Sports Podcast at the Oscars of sport, Eddie Jones’ latest rant, Bristol’s “marketing agency” comments, and George North’s retirement. We cover all the big calls as we gear up for Bilbao.



Sign up to NordVPN by going to https://nordvpn.com/rugbypod to get a Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 additional months free. It’s completely risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads are back in studio covering all the latest from URC and Prem, as well as a proper grassroots story, joined by Harlequins and England legend Nick Easter and Chinnor stalwart Alun Walker. The lads get stuck into the Champ’s underdog rise, what life’s really like in the second tier, and the big debate around ring-fencing the Prem and whether promotion and relegation has a place in English rugby. There’s plenty to get into from the weekend too with the Stormers putting Glasgow to the sword, Leinster’s aura taking a hit after a loss to Benetton, and lots going on at the top of the Premiership with the top four race blown wide open. Add in Lions tour rumours to France, some big injuries, and lots more. Get stuck in.


Sign up to NordVPN by going to https://nordvpn.com/rugbypod to get a Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 additional months free. It’s completely risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads are back from Hong Kong, with plenty to unpack from the trip before getting into a big weekend of rugby. Off the pitch there’s fresh investment across the Premiership, Russell signs with Matchroom and questions around the future with Moana Pasifika and the NRL Super League talk. In the Prem, Saints edge Chiefs, Bristol put Gloucester away, Saracens hammer Sale and the race for the top four is wide open. URC wise, Leinster win in Belfast and Connacht get a big one in Cape Town. Leicester fly half Billy Searle joins us after that 62–3 win. We chat form, confidence, life at Tigers and whether England is now in sight.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Champions Cup semi-finals are locked and loaded after a weekend of knock out rugby. Bath produce one of the all-time European comebacks, overturning a 21-point deficit in an 84-point thriller against Saints, with the Bomb Squad delivering yet again and Finn Russell pulling the strings. Leinster grind it out for an hour before blowing Sale away, with Hugo Keenan reminding everyone he’s world class, while questions remain around their scrum. Toulon then rip up the script, ending Glasgow’s 12-game unbeaten run at Scotstoun to set up a huge semi, and Bordeaux take down Toulouse in a proper heavyweight clash to keep their double hopes alive. On top of that, we get into biting bans, Lions selection noise, big transfers, injuries, and plenty of chaos off the pitch. It’s a stacked episode… settle in.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Knockout rugby is back and it delivered, with niggle, tries, and drama across the Champions Cup. Northampton edged a 13-try thriller against Castres with Furbank pulling the strings, while Bath saw off Saracens to set up a huge all-English quarter-final. Sale got the job done against a flat Quins side, but injuries are stacking up ahead of Leinster, who look dangerous but not flawless after a messy win over Edinburgh. The big favourites though are set for a clash with Bordeaux and Toulouse blowing teams away and looking like the sides to beat. Meanwhile all the South African teams crash out early, plus, Storm Dave chaos in Glasgow, Toulon heartbreak for the Stormers, and plenty of chat on England selection, transfer rumours and what’s next as the competition really heats up.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices