

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

Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 17min
Kurtley Beale from Rock Bottom to Lions Comeback
Join Hask and Payno in Melbourne as they sit down with Wallabies legend Kurtley Beale. Just days before captaining the First Nations and Pasifika XV against the Lions, Kurtley opens up about his extraordinary career, the deep cultural significance of Tuesday's match, and his personal journey of resilience. The lads look back on the 1st Test in Brisbane and Kurtley gives his thoughts on Finn Russell’s performance v Wallabies in the 1st Test.
Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres
00:00:00 🚗 Strap in with Continental Tyres
00:02:00 🐝 Wasps & the "Dream" of London
00:07:00 🦘 Culture & First Nations XV
00:18:15 🦁 The Lions' First Test Domination
00:24:53 🎯 Finn Russell's Evolved Game
00:30:00 💪 Tom Curry’s the Total Package
00:32:39 🇦🇺 Wallabies' Resilience
00:39:28 🦶 That Kick in 2013.
00:44:48 🏉 Kurtley’s cCareer
00:48:06 🌧️ Personal Struggles
00:52:17 🌟 Beale’s best days
🦘Melbourne Live Show https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=CLASAAM25
🇦🇺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 18, 2025 • 1h 2min
Lions v Australia - 1st Test Preview
Here. We. Go. Coming to you from Australia - Payno, Hask, The Lord and World Cup Winner Jeremy Paul preview Saturday’s opening test match between the Lions and Australia.
Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres
00:00:00 🛞 Strap in with Continental Tyres!
00:02:12 🇦🇺 Jeremy Paul on 2001
00:05:12 🦫 JP and Hask compare Beavers
00:08:12 🎙️The GBRANZ experience!
00:13:00 🐐 Sua'ali'i could become GOAT?!
00:19:24 🟡 JP dissects the Aussie team
00:26:43 🔴 Hask tries to dissect the Lions team
00:33:44 🦁 Lions Back Row 6 7 8 & Battle up front
00:54:00 ⁉️ Predictions
🇦🇺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 16, 2025 • 58min
GBR Land Down Under
Alex Payne, James Haskell, Mike Tindall and Greg Laidlaw gather poolside in Brisbane to unpack all the latest from the British & Irish Lions tour. With the first test against Australia fast approaching, the crew dive into warm-up match insights, test selection debates and a potential head to head between one of the world's best Finn Russell and rookie Tom Lynagh.
00:00:00 🛞 Strap in with Continental Tyres!
00:01:45 🏴 Greig Laidlaw joins GBR
00:16:59 🦁Geography Six Revisited
00:21:40 📝Who is the first name on the Lions team sheet?
00:29:14 👶Inexperienced Aussies
00:22:19 💥 Centres of Attention
00:41:12 👀 Surprise Lions picks
00:50:50 💦 Hask makes a splash
🇦🇺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

Jul 12, 2025 • 31min
Quick Tap: Lions DEMOLISH Invitational AUNZ
The sea of red has arrived. The British & Irish Lions rain down tries with a brutal 0-48 victory against the Invitational AUNZ. Join Graham Simmons and our very own 2017 Lion James Haskell on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the rugby.
"Simmo" and Hask dive into the details of this powerhouse performance, debating Jac Morgan’s muscle, Ben White’s showmanship, the team’s renewed cohesion and predictions of the Lions first Test XV. How’s your pulse Henry? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's last match before the big business: facing the Wallabies.
"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
🚀 02:00 - A Scintillating Statement Win
💥 02:50 - Jac Morgan: The DISRUPTER
🎯 04:23 - Collective Class
📦 09:31 - The Total Packed, Delivered By DHL
📝 17:31 - Hask and Simmo’s First Test XV
🛋️ 20:37 - Whose On The Bench?
📈 24:30 - Marginal Gains, Massive Games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10, 2025 • 32min
Quick Tap: Test Spots WIDE OPEN
Graham Simmons and our very own 2017 Lion James Haskell reunite to discuss the latest Lions lineup up against the mighty Invitational AUNZ in Adelaide.
The lads dive into Andy Farrell’s selections, shuffling of the pack and the Lions 24-36 victory over the Brumbies. What’s key to improving the Lions breakdown? Which centre combo will make the first Test? Do the Wallabies have an ambush planned for the Lions? With Fin Smith at 10 and Owen Farrell on the bench, 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
📏 02:51 - It’s Not About Size: A New Back Row
🪑 03:58 - Owen On The Bench
🎯 08:15 - Test Spots Wide Open?
🃏 06:56 - A Hand Full of 7s? Shuffling The Pack
🔁 11:04 - Lions V Brumbies: Are We Stuck On Repeat?
🤼 15:06 - Get A Grip: The Breakdown
📦 19:46 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL
♟️ 24:50 - 3D Chess Masters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 17min
Jon Fox Davies on 2013, O'Driscoll & All That...
We’re joined in studio by Jonathan "Fox" Davies, a Lions legend who knows what it takes to win a series. We dissect the "very Test match feel" of the line-up for the Brumbies game and what it tells us about Farrell’s mindset going into the opening test.
We delve into the crucial selection calls in the back row and centres, with Foxy offering fascinating insights from his own tours—including the infamous 2013 Brian O'Driscoll decision that placed him at the heart of one of the Lions' most controversial moments.
And with Test week fast approaching, we reveal the ultimate first test week prep – what the pros really do. Foxy pulls back the curtain on how elite players gear up for the biggest stage.
Plus, we recap England’s impressive win in Argentina—is the best English fly-half currently playing there?
Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres
00:00:00 🛞 Strap in with Continental Tyres!
00:04:10 🏴 England Shock Argentina
00:06:25 🧠 Is England’s Best Fly-Half Playing in ARGENTINA?!
00:12:59 🐉 "Foxy" Unleashes Truth on Wales
00:20:22 🦁 Is THIS the Lions Test Team We’ve Been Waiting For?
00:22:19 💥 The Back Row Debate
00:34:24 🎯 Simon Easterby’s Quiet Power
00:43:04 💪 The Ultimate First Test Week Prep – What the Pros REALLY Do
00:45:04 ⏰ What Top Players Do in the FINAL 24 Hours Before Kickoff
00:50:29 ❌ Brian O’Driscoll… DROPPED. Foxy’s side of the story.
00:56:18 🔵 Is Leinster Cohesion The Lions Winning Formula?
00:59:26 🏉 That Try Against the All Blacks
01:08:25 🇦🇺 Australia v Fiji re-cap
🦁Brisbane Live Show https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wdHizTsDKESEyggGBlygMllXlDCLktVDgSrU_ZMU0ttUNThFMUxGU0wzRUxBRk5NRVQyRUdEQklPNC4u&route=shorturl
🇦🇺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

Jul 5, 2025 • 30min
Quick Tap: 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

Jul 3, 2025 • 33min
Quick Tap: 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

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

Jun 28, 2025 • 32min
Quick Tap: 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


