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The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

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Jul 5, 2025 • 30min

Lions WIN SCRAPPY in Sydney

The British & Irish Lions survive Sydney with a slippery win against NSW Waratahs 10-21. Join Graham Simmons and former 2013 & 2017 Lion Jonathan Davies on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the rugby. "Simmo" and "Foxy" reflect on a rough game, reacting to the Lions helter-skelter handling, striding set-piece, the Waratahs jackling prowess and what it’s like to be coached by Andy Farrell. Is this why Owen Farrell’s experience was called upon? Which combos will face the Brumbies next week? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's fourth match and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🤔 01:51 - Are The Lions Trying Too Hard? 💪 03:57 - Jackling GIANT Gamble ⚠️ 05:01 - Caution Wet Floor 🤯 07:50 - The Positives: Huw Jones is HUNGRY 📞 10:45 - Is This Why Owen Got The Call? 🛠️ 12:30 - How Foxy Would Fix It 🔥 17:30 - The Wallabies Want CHAOS 📦 22:00 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL 🧩 23:10 - Combos To Battle The Brumbies 🏉 26:00 - Life Under Andy Farrell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jul 3, 2025 • 33min

Owen Farrell IS BACK!

Graham Simmons and 2013 & 2017 Lion Jonathan Davies discuss Owen Farrell’s monumental return to the British and Irish Lions, making him the 5th player EVER to partake in 4 tours.  "Simmo" and "Foxy" sink their teeth into Andy Farrell's freshly picked Lions XV poised to face the NSW Waratahs, as well as the Lions crushing 12-52 victory over the Reds. Is Owen match ready? Is Andy Farrell playing games with Joe Schmidt with a 6-2 bench? Can we see a first Test team emerging? With Tadhg Beirne at the helm and Blair Kinghorn joining the fray, don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era heats up!   "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🫡 01:06 - Commiserations Elliot Daly 🦁 02:23 - Owen Farrell Is A Lion For THE 4TH TIME 🗞️ 07:17 - Managing The Press 🌳 09:06 - Lions XV Team Squad V NSW Waratahs... AKA The Shrubs 🤔 12:03 - Who Will Start The First Test? 🔍 19:50 - Reviewing The Reds Game: Is Farrell Toying With Schmidt? 📦 22:03 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL 💥 25:46 - Will The Bench Dictate All? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 37min

Conor Murray: Calm Through the Storm

Settle in, Dream Team! This is one of GBR’s longest and most in-depth episodes, featuring Irish and Lions legend Conor Murray. Known for his humble demeanour and cool head amidst the storms of professional rugby, Murray, offers a truly insightful look back. He shares candid reflections on three British & Irish Lions tours and four Rugby World Cups. Discover the fascinating dynamic of playing alongside, the likes of Johnny Sexton & Owen Farrell. Plus, the team dives deep into the latest Lions tour action, injury updates, and genius of Andy Farrell and Joe Schmidt. Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🛞 Meet Conor Murray 00:04:14 🔁 R360 Update 00:27:21 🦁 2013: First Time Lion 00:30:17🏉 2017: Lions No.9 00:35:24🤝 Playing with Sexton & Farrell 00:42:00 🔴 Captaining the Lions 00:51:00👋 Leaving Munster 01:03:16🌱 Peter O'Mahony: Lawn Perfectionist 01:06:05🕊 Axel Foley Tribute 01:10:00☘️ Greatest Days in Green 01:15:00🏆 Winning Down Under 01:18:45💔 World Cup Hurt 01:23:34🦁 Lions Team v Reds ⌚WOB Group Competition - https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jun 28, 2025 • 32min

Lions HALF CENTURY in Perth

The British & Irish Lions strike hot on Australian soil with a sizzling 7-54 victory against Western Force in Perth. Join Graham Simmons and former Lion Hamish Watson on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the rugby. "Simmo" and “Mish rip into the action, reacting to the Lions blitz defence, restarts, the power of Pollock and the flair of Fin Russell. With Tomos Williams sustaining a hamstring injury, will Farrell be calling up another 9? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's second match and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres ⚡️ 01:09 - An Electric Start For The Lions 📋 05:05 - Work Ons: Restarts, Discipline, Territory 🔮 09:21 - A Sign Of Things To Come? 😤 10:46 - FEAR The Bench 🧑‍⚖️ 12:05 - Ben O'Keeffe’s Referee Game 🚑 14:42 - Dial 999: Tomos Williams Injured? 🔟 16:24 - Fin Russell FLAIR 📦 18:42 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL ⚖️ 25:51 - How Does Farrell Weight Up This Win? 🧪28:04 - Picking The Perfect Combo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jun 26, 2025 • 32min

Pollock UNLEASHED at 8: Lions XV Reaction

Graham Simmons and 2021 Lion Hamish Watson dive into Andy Farrell's greatly anticipated second British & Irish Lions XV for the 2025 Tour. With Western Force poised to strike, the lads dissect the selections, the battle for test spots, and Farrell’s key selection changes made since Dublin. Has Farrell got the chemistry right? Massive moments await as Dan Sheehan debuts as captain and Pollock starts at 8. Don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era heats up! "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🦁 01:39 - Farrell’s Second Lions XV UNPICKED 🔍 06:44 - Broader Picture: Who Haven’t We Seen Yet? 🧪 10:23 - Blend Of The Back Row 🧠 13:05 - Memory Lane: Watson’s 2021 Lions Tour TRY 🤝 19:00 - Bonded By The Jersey 🤔 22:10 - Why Won’t Joe Schmidt Release Players? 🃏 27:00 - The Lions Top Trump Card 💪 28:26 - Power Of The Bench Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 7min

The Man. The Myth. The Lions Legend - Finlay Calder

This week we are honoured to host the inspirational Finlay Calder OBE, captain of the iconic 1989 British & Irish Lions! Prepare for a journey back to one of rugby's most legendary tours. Finlay, a man known for being "as hard as granite but famously humble," opens up about the raw truth behind the Lions' historic feat: coming from 1-0 down to win the series in Australia, a record that still stands. Hear the incredible inside story of the "Battle of Ballymore," the pivotal "if you step down, I step down" moment that cemented his leadership, and the crucial changes that transformed a defeated team into winners. Finlay shares candid insights into his "old school, fire and brimstone" captaincy, the unique camaraderie forged amidst fierce competition, and the mercurial talent of Jerry Guscott, whom he hails as the "most influential man in Lions rugby." Finlay's Lions account is packed with rugby folklore, leadership lessons, and emotional reflections on his greatest moment in the game. Plus, hear his advice for current Lions captain Maro Itoje and who is the greatest of the Lions leaders. Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🛞 Meet the Legend 00:04:11 🔴 Becoming Lions Captain 00:07:59 🔥 The First Test 00:13:30 🍩Donal’s Donuts 00:15:14 🥲Finlay’s attempted resignation 00:17:05 🧱Jerry Guscottt selected for 2nd test. 00:30:13 🩸The Battle of Ballymore 00:38:43 🦘The Decider 00:53:03 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Mighty Mouse Tribute ⌚WOB Group Competition - https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jun 21, 2025 • 23min

The Lions' Wake-Up Call

The British & Irish Lions' tour started with a jolt as Argentina pulled off a stunning 24-28 victory in Dublin. Join Graham Simmons and former Lion Shane Horgan on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the Rugby. "Simmo" and "Shaggy" pull no punches, reacting to Andy Farrell's "unacceptable" comments and the Lions' disjointed performance. Was just early tour rust? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's rocky start and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:02:00 😡 Andy Farrell's Unfiltered Reaction 00:08:39 🦁 What Went Right? 00:17:00 🤔 The Owen Farrell Question: Should He Join Squad? 00:18:00 🦘 Western Force Enters the Equation 00:20:00 🎣 Shane's Pollock Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jun 18, 2025 • 35min

Farrell's First Lions XV

Lions guru Graham Simmons and 2005 Lion Shane Horgan sink their teeth into Andy Farrell's hotly anticipated first British & Irish Lions XV for the 2025 Tour. With Argentina standing in their way in Dublin, the lads dissect the selections, the battle for test spots, and why the Pumas will be flying into this game like players possessed. From Tadhg Furlong's fitness to the emotional weight of pulling on that red jersey, we explore the immense pressure and unique alchemy of the Lions' opening act. Don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era officially begins! "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🚗 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 00:03:30 🦁 - Farrell's First Lions XV Unveiled 00:04:30 🩺 - Tadhg Furlong's Fitness Under Spotlight 00:10:06 🔥 - Argentina Bring "Players Possessed" Mentality 00:13:38 😨 - Lions Loss in Opening Game: A Potential "Disaster”? 00:15:42 🤝 - Aki and Tuipulotu Partnership 00:21:49 ❤️ - What pulling on the Red Lions Jersey Means 00:25:06 ⏱️ - Immense Pressure in Limited Game Time 00:32:03 📣 - Dublin Ready to Roar #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 26min

Alun Wyn Jones and The Ultimate Lions Preview

Join us for an exclusive, in-depth conversation with rugby royalty, Alun Wyn Jones, the most capped men's rugby player in history. From his first tour battling imposter syndrome to hoisting the Tom Richards Trophy in 2013 and captaining the 2021 tour, Alun Wyn relives all four of his iconic British & Irish Lions campaigns.  We'll delve into the physical battles, the shifting dynamics of the Lions over two decades, and the unique challenges of touring Australia. Get ready for candid reflections on teammates, controversies like the James Horwill incident, and the emotional weight of wearing the coveted red jersey. Plus, Alun Wyn offers his insights on Andy Farrell's leadership, the 2025 Lions squad, and whether the tour's increasing commercialisation threatens its mystique.  🛞 Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🐐 – Meet the Legend 00:01:44 😮 – The Truth About Life After Rugby 00:06:07 🔥 – Premiership Final Drama: The Dan Cole Controversy 00:19:25 ⚔️ – Evolution of the Lions: Accessibility vs Tradition 00:25:14 🧠 – From Self-Doubt to Captaincy: Alun Wyn’s Lions Journey  00:56:03 🔮 – Looking Ahead to the 2025 Tour 01:18:29 🍹 – Beyond Rugby: Alun Wyn Jones's Mimosa Rum 🔐 Nord VPN - https://nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby  ⌚WOB Group Competition - https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 1min

Bath v Leicester & England's Summer Showdown

This week, the lads dive deep into the Gallagher Premiership Final, an old-school clash between Bath and Leicester! Alex, Hask, and Jonny May preview the final, dissecting the semi-final victories, the contrasting coaching styles of Johann van Graan and Michael Cheika, and pick their combined XV. Plus, with the Lions away, England's summer fixtures against a France XV, USA, and Argentina are discussed – who will seize their chance to shine? All this plus the "Who the Ruck Is That?" quiz, and much more!  00:00:00 Strap in Continental Tyres  00:04:21 Recap of Bath vs. Bristol and the week of words  00:14:01 Johann van Graan's Impact  00:21:40 Rémy Martin VSOP Partnership Announcement  00:23:29 Leicester vs. Sale Semi-Final Review & Radwan’s try  00:30:39 NordVPN Partnership & Discount Code  00:32:11 The Final. Coaching Battle: Van Graan vs. Cheika  00:36:00 Combined Bath & Leicester XV  00:40:11 Charles Tyrwhitt Live Show Announcement  00:41:37 Lions Tour Injury Update  00:42:18 England Summer Fixtures  00:45:57 Producer Tom's England XV  00:50:27 “Who the Ruck Is That?" Quiz 00:55:00 Live Show Dates & Tour Announcement 🔐 https://nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby  ⌚WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form: https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁 Charles Tyrwhitt Live Show link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-charles-tyrwhitt-present-an-evening-with-lions-lege[…]=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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