

The Good, The Bad & The Rugby
Folding Pocket
James Haskell, Mike Tindall and Alex Payne return for season six of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby. Expect more great guests, insight, laughter and tears.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 17min
The England Fly-Half Debate: Fin Smith vs George Ford vs Marcus Smith
The first major peak of the season is nearly here with the Autumn Nations Series, and the new England squad announcement has delivered two massive headlines: the departure of Tom Willis to France, and the inclusion of teenage try-scoring sensation Noah Caluorie.
But the real debate is at fly-half. From Andrew & Barnes, Wilkinson and his challengers, Farrell to Ford, the England number ten jersey has always been a national talking point. Now, with George Ford, Fin Smith, and Marcus Smith all vying for the starting spot, who will Steve Borthwick hand the keys to ahead of the next World Cup cycle?
Joining Payno this week are two men who know the pressure cooker of fly-half selection better than anyone: former England 10s and World Cup stars Charlie Hodgson (38 caps, Premiership's all-time top scorer) and Toby Flood (60 caps, 2011 Six Nations winner).
Season 6 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres
00:00 🎙️ Introduction
03:18 🏉 Charlie and Toby’s Rugby Careers
13:42 💪 Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge
15:40 🌹 Discussion on the new England Squad
16:50 🌟 Noah Caluori: Rising Star
22:07 🤔 Debate on England's Fly Half Selection
31:48 🎯 Owen Farrell's Future
49:25 🔄 Debating England's Centre Combinations
55:53 🌍 The Fly-Half Debate in Global Context
01:04:16 🇫🇷 Tom Willis' Move to Bordeaux
🎟️ Tour Tickets: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby
🥃 Rémy Martin x Barbarians Live Show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-with-barbarian-legends-x-remy-martin-vsop-tickets-1777685728869
🍀O’Neill’s Live Show : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-autumn-nations-show-england-v-all-blacks-preview-tickets-1691405211519?aff=erelexpmlt
📘 GBR Book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/reloaded-the-good-the-bad-and-the-rugby/james-haskell/mike-tindall/9780008786373
🏉 Rugby Buddy: https://www.rugby-buddy.com
#rugby #podcast #tindall #haskell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 14min
Andy Farrell: The Making of a World-Class Coach
Hask and Payno explore the making of Andy Farrell, a two-time Man of Steel forged in a tough Wigan environment. Sitting down to launch his new book, The Only Way I Know, he discusses how becoming a father to Owen at 16 cemented his focus, recalling the shock: "We were devastated, we felt we'd let our parents down." That early responsibility and drive became the blueprint for his world-class coaching success.
Season 6 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres.
00:00 🎥 Show Intro & Welcome: Andy Farrell
02:18 📘 The Farrell Book: From Wigan Debut at 16 to Lions Coach
07:53 🏉 Once A Wiganer Always A Wiganer
09:23 ⚔️ Rugby League: The Ashes, NRL & The War of Attrition
17:26 🎶 Richard Ashcroft & Oasis
29:33 👨👦 Becoming a Dad
38:23 🧠 “You Never Let Him Win": Andy on Competing with Owen Farrell
40:29 💪 Grip Strength Challenge: Two-Time Man of Steel on the Leaderboard
52:40 🧭 Coaching Evolution: From Ruthless Standards to Modern Man Management
01:06:53 🏆 Why Andy Moved to Union & What’s Next
🎟️ Tour Tickets: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby
🥃 Rémy Martin x Barbarians Live Show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-with-barbarian-legends-x-remy-martin-vsop-tickets-1777685728869
📘 GBR Book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/reloaded-the-good-the-bad-and-the-rugby/james-haskell/mike-tindall/9780008786373
🏉Rugby League Ashes: https://tinyurl.com/p322anfw
#rugby #podcast #tindall #haskell
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Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 25min
Brown & May: When England Teammates Clash
Former England teammates Mike Brown and Jonny May join the dream team for a revealing chat on the intense world of professional rugby. Brown, fresh from retirement and a corporate career change, offers candid insights into the psychological toll of the professional game, and the lads debate contrasting experiences under Eddie Jones. May and Brown also reveal the ups and downs of their volatile relationship on and off the field, including a training ground injury that ended in 11 stitches. Finally, the pair get stuck into an England selection debate ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
Lewis Moody gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lewis-moody-fundraising-appeal
Tour Tickets: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby
GBR Book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/reloaded-the-good-the-bad-and-the-rugby/james-haskell/mike-tindall/9780008786373
00:00 🎬 Introduction: Welcome to the Good, The Bad, and The Rugby
01:01 🗣️ Fan Feedback on the previous episode with Peter O'Mahony
03:42 🏉 Mike Brown joins: Life after rugby
05:00 💔 The devastating news of Lewis Moody's MND diagnosis
09:54 🎉 Celebrating Mike Brown's career
15:47 🎤 Brown's bizarre interview for Southampton FC Academy Director
15:09 🐅 Joining Leicester Tigers: the nervous week's trial
21:41 ⚡The Eddie Jones Experience
44:00 🚗 Continental Tyres Grip Strength Challenge
45:22🤝 The Brown-May Relationship
52:43 🔄 The England Selection Debate: Ford, The Smiths, or Farrell?
01:04:16 😡 The "Mr. Angry" Persona, clashes with Eddie and Ben Te'o
01:12:47 😬 Brown's "awful" start to international rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 31min
Peter O'Mahony: Retirement, Rassie & Regret
Irish legend Peter O’Mahony kicks off the Season 6 opener. Newly retired, the lifelong Munster fan reflects on Anthony Foley’s passing and the arrival of Rassie Erasmus, offering insight into the coach’s unique style. O’Mahony also relives his career high point, Ireland’s historic series win in New Zealand, including the fiery war of words with All Blacks captain Sam Cane. He goes on to share how Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell shaped both his game and the future of Irish rugby. Plus, Mike Tindall provides an update on the R360 proposal, confirming they are "80%" ready for launch.
Season 6 is sponsored by Continental Tyres
Tour Tickets: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby
GBR Book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/reloaded-the-good-the-bad-and-the-rugby/james-haskell/mike-tindall/9780008786373
00:00 - Show Intro
03:49 - R360 progress upgrade
12:18 - Peter O'Mahony on retirement
22:40 - The Munster Youngster
27:18 - Axel Foley's passing and its impact on Munster
29:44 - Working with Rassie Erasmus
38:40 - Leinster favouritism?
42:50 - Grip Strength Challenge
44:20 - Pride of wearing the Ireland jersey
48:01 - Rala The Kitman Havoc
54:15 - The Arrival of Joe Schmidt at Ireland
01:01:27 - The Same Cane reunion
01:08:05 - Andy Farrell the Alpha Male
01:15:05 - Losing the Lions Captaincy
01:19:36 - Relationship with the Media
#Rugby #Podcast
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Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Red Roses are Rugby World Cup CHAMPIONS 🏆
The morning after the night before… Elma heads into Red Roses camp to see what state the World Cup WINNERS are in. Scaz, Mo, Meg, Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir, Abbie Ward and captain Zoe Aldcroft join Elma with the trophy, to relive the greatest day at Allianz Stadium! John Mitchell pops by for a chat, too. Safe to say things get weird, quickly.
Warning: Adult themes & swearing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 20min
BREAKING NEWS - Before Season Six Kicks Off…
Before season six of The Good, The Bad and The Rugby kicks off, we’ve got something new for you.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new show: The Good, The Bad and The Football. Hosted by Paddy McGuinness and featuring Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, the podcast dives into nineties nostalgia, behind-the-scenes stories from two legendary careers, razor-sharp takes on today’s game, and big-name guests.
Expect the same GBR energy you know and love, just with a different ball. Episodes drop every Monday on all podcast platforms and YouTube. Season six of GBR lands this Wednesday, see you then! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 7min
Were The Aussie’s Robbed This Series?
The team debriefs on the thrilling conclusion of the Lions Test match in Sydney, touching on a dramatic weather delay. They share hilarious anecdotes from a chaotic night out, including an unexpected encounter with a former prime minister. Discussions dive into Australia's revitalized rugby performance and the psychological pressures faced during the series. Reflections on player camaraderie and memorable moments culminate in a celebration of the season's highlights and the promising future of women's rugby.

Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 8min
Lions 3rd Test Preview LIVE from Sydney
James O'Connor joins Alex Payne, Mike Tindall, and James Haskell at the Establishment in Sydney to break down the highly anticipated third and final test match. Expect some incredible, stories from tour past and present. From the scandalous antics of the British & Irish legends to a passionate defence of Owen Farrell, the crew covers all the talking points, with Haskell giving his trademark unfiltered takes, including a truly wild story involving a dragon and a boat.
Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres
00:00:00 🚗 Strap In with Continental Tyres
00:03:45 🐶 Lions legends' antics in a Sydney cafe
00:08:15 🧹 The controversy around the clearout of Carlo Tizzano
00:13:30 🎤 Introduction of special guest James O'Connor
00:24:00 🦁 A full breakdown of the Lions' team selection for the third test
00:31:00 🛡️ A passionate defense of Owen Farrell
00:38:00 🇦🇺 Analysing the Wallabies' team selection
00:45:00 👨🏫 James O'Connor on his role as a mentor to the young Wallabies
00:49:00 ✂️ The "Tailor-Made Lions" segment
00:55:00 🐯 James O'Connor's future with Leicester Tigers
00:58:30 🔮 Final predictions for the third test
📗Signed copies of our new book The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unlocked are now available to pre-order @Waterstones. Pre-order to secure your copy here: https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones
🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby
Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall.
#Rugby #Podcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 29, 2025 • 44min
The Lions' Quest for a Whitewash
Join Payno, Hask, and Tins from stunning Sydney. The "Dream Team" shares insights from corridor chats with Maro Itoje, as they discuss pushing for an immortal 3-0 whitewash and the emotional challenge of going again after securing victory. They’ll pick their Lions team for the final Test and look ahead to the future by asking will the Lions tour Australia Again?
Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres
00:00:00 🚗 Strap In: Powered by Continental Tyres
00:03:35 🩸 Lions Smell Blood: 3-0 Whitewash Incoming?
00:07:49 🔁 Final Test Shake-Up: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
00:23:00 🌏 Will there be another tour to Australia?
00:28:00 🐆 Payno’s Wild Idea: The SANZAAR Panthers
00:30:50 🔮 Way-Too-Early Predictions: Lions XV for 2029...
📗Signed copies of our new book The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unlocked are now available to pre-order @Waterstones. Pre-order to secure your copy here:https://lnk.to/GBRUnlocked/waterstones
🇦🇺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
Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall.
#Rugby #Podcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 27, 2025 • 52min
The Morning After The Night Before... Lions!
The Melbourne drizzle can't dampen the glow of morning glory for the Good, The Bad, and The Rugby! After a night celebrating the Lions' historic series triumph at the MCG, we're slowly piecing together the chaotic brilliance of a game that had it all. From the colossal impact of Skelton and Valetini, to the Lions' incredible 23-5 comeback, join us for a slightly fuzzy debrief of an unforgettable day in rugby history!
This Episode comes from the Voco Central, part of the IHG Hotels Group.
00:01:35 ✨ A Magical Day
00:07:18 🗣️ Match Talking Points
00:29:40 🤔 The Controversial Finish
00:35:02 🏉 Keenan’s Winning Try
00:42:11 🏆 Man Of The Series Shortlist
🇦🇺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
Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall.
#Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


