

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

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 6min
What’s with the Twickenham Boos?
The Dream Team is back to unpack Round 3 of the Guinness Six Nations. England edge past Scotland, but are their tactics killing the excitement? Twickenham erupts in boos—what’s behind the frustration? Meanwhile, Wales show fight despite another defeat, and France and Ireland set up a blockbuster clash. After the home nations go head to head Hask, Tins, and Alex debate Lions selection & Tins picks a sensational bolter. Plus the guys give the inside story on their latest legal battle at GB&R towers.Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.WIN a Lions 2025 Tour Package to Australia Courtesy of Howden: https://bit.ly/412UzVNWOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form00:00 – Intro01:04 – England: A step forward or back?10:59 – Payno’s theory on fan frustration18:45 – What have Scotland actually won?22:06 – England’s No.9 dilemma25:30 – Did England fans get it wrong booing Finn Russell?28:10 – The Principality breathes life into Welsh rugby29:50 – Would Ireland have won if Gary Ringrose saw red?31:55 – Ellis Mee try: Yes or no?41:55 – Cliché alert: Which French side will turn up?45:50 – Ireland vs France: Le Final47:52 – Howden Lions Watch55:43 – Tins’ Lions bolt from the blue57:35 – Watches of Bath competition58:52 – GBR’s latest legal case Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 20min
Tunnel Bust-Ups & Braveheart Battles
Alex and Hask are joined by former Scotland and Glasgow Warriors tyro Ryan Wilson—who famously sparked the 2018 tunnel bust-up—to dive into the England v Scotland rivalry in Calcutta Cup week. They revisit that fiery clash, assess Scotland’s current form, and debate whether Finn Russell is hitting Lions-level performances. Plus we'll a look ahead to the rest of Round 3 and make our heycar predictions.Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form00:00 Intro 00:42 Getting to know Ryan Wilson19:27 The Calcutta Cup - A modern history25:00 The 2018 tunnel bust-up41:00 Where are Scotland right now?47:44 A big day for Finn Russell54:30 How much further can Townsend take Scotland?59:30 The Rest of Round 301:11:03 heycar Predictions01:15:51 Watches of Bath competition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
England BACK, Gats SACKED, Scotland CRACK!
The Good, The Bad & The Rugby team is back to dissect all the action from Round 2 of the Six Nations! Are England truly back? Alex, Hask, and Tins break down England’s nail-biting 26-25 victory over France, Marcus Smith’s performance at fullback, and the influence of Northampton’s dynamic backs. They also dive into Ireland’s unstoppable form, Gatland’s departure from Wales, and whether Finn Russell is losing ground in the Lions pecking order. Plus, don’t miss our latest game—Who The Ruck Is That?Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry FormDoddie'5 Grand Tour 202500:00:00 Intro 00:02:00 Shaun Edwards loses the plot00:03:50 England Are Back!00:12:29 Is the pressure off England?00:16:09 Did Marcus Smith at 15 work?00:19:40 Northampton Cohesion00:22:20 Hask on the England back-row 00:25:00 What are the team doing in the fallow week?00:27:42 “Time to get rid of that loser Galthie” 00:32:00 Hask’s trip to Murrayfield00:36:44 Scotland Crack!00:39:23 Is Gibson-Park the best no.9 in the world?00:41:24 Gats Sacked!00:44:45 Howden Lions Watch00:49:44 O’Gara for the Australia Job?00:52:26 WoB’s - Who The Ruck is That?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 25min
England v France with Ben Kayser
As the Six Nations heats up, Alex, Hask, and Tins are joined by French rugby expert Ben Kayser to dissect the key moments from Round 1 and preview the upcoming England vs. France showdown. Can Borthwick’s team bounce back? Is Antoine Dupont truly unstoppable? Ben shares the inside scoop on who’ll start at 10 for France. Plus, we dive into our first Howden Lions Watch.Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental TyresWOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form00:00 – Intro03:41 – The Lord’s Take on Ireland vs. England08:30 – England’s Defence NEEDS WORK10:00 – Ben Kayser; A view from France13:19 – England v France off-field differences21:51 – Is This England Team TOO Soft?38:21 – Continental Tyres’ Question of the Week – You Won’t Believe the Answer!40:18 – France vs. Wales catch-up43:18 – Antoine Dupont DOMINATES53:00 – Red Card Chaos: N’tamack’s OUT! Who Should Start at 10?!56:29 – Where Are France’s Weaknesses?59:00 – How to STOP Antoine Dupont?01:03:57 – Scotland’s Big Moment01:07:00 – Howden Lions Watch01:11:57 – Mystic Mike’s Predictions01:17:00 – Stuart Lancaster SACKED01:19:00 – Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win Big with the WoB Group! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 29, 2025 • 58min
The Six Nations... Don't Mess With It!
In this episode of GBR, the team dives into the highly anticipated Six Nations tournament. Is it the greatest rugby competition in the world? Former Ireland winger Shane Horgan joins the discussion, reminiscing about the tournament’s magic while the guys discuss whether moving it behind a paywall could be a costly mistake.On the field, the big questions loom: Can anyone stop France? How will Ireland’s aging squad get on? And just how much pressure is Steve Borthwick under?Plus, don’t miss Mystic Mike’s predictions—brought to you in partnership with heycar!Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres.—>WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 33min
Bill Sweeney Breaks His Silence
In this gripping episode of The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby, Alex, Hask, and Tins sit down with Bill Sweeney, the embattled CEO of the RFU, as he faces mounting scrutiny from every corner of England.
With an SGM looming, record financial losses, grassroots discontent, and criticism from players, fans, and referees alike, Sweeney breaks his silence. From the future of the Championship to the controversial bonus payments and the state of English rugby at all levels.
This is a critical conversation about leadership, and whether Sweeney and the RFU are fit for purpose in 2025 & beyond.
⌚️WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form
Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 11min
Luke Pearce on Ref Bashing, Diving, and Interfering TMO’s
In this episode of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, the team is joined by top referee Luke Pearce for an in-depth exploration of the challenges facing referees. Tackling topics like Mack Hansen's ban, the impact of TMOs on the game, and whether rugby as an emerging problem with simulation and diving.
Alex and Hask wrap things up with a lively discussion about the Investec Champions Cup, debating the greatest back row unit and previewing the upcoming Round 4 fixtures.
Season 5 is proudly sponsored by Continental Tyres.
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Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 18min
Cry God for England, Saints, and George!
George Furbank reunites with his fellow "Negatron" - Hask, to reminisce about their brief encounter together at Northampton.
Alongside Payno, they relive the weekend's thrilling Saints victory over Bath and explore the emerging young talents shaping the future of the team. Can Northampton defend their title this season?
They also dive into England's current form ahead of the Six Nations, discussing the potential for Fin Smith and Marcus Smith to coexist in the starting lineup.
Plus, get ready for a preview of the Investec Champions Cup, where they break down legendary player partnerships and highlight the most exciting matchups this weekend.
Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres.
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Dec 23, 2024 • 51min
When Jonny May’s Secret Santa Was a Live Chicken!
Join us at the Allianz (May) Stadium for a special recording on the day of Jonny May’s testimonial. Santa has visited the lads and Jonny recalls the time at Gloucester he was gifted a chicken in a Secret Santa.
The team gets into the festive spirit by opening 12 advent calendar doors, each of which contains a nugget of positivity, spreading cheer as we step into Christmas & 2025.
Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.
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Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 7min
Rugby's Top 10 Stars Right Now
In this exciting episode, we dive into the world of the brightest names in rugby—those whose talent, charisma, and marketability make them global icons. This isn’t about the best players in the game; it’s about the ones who own the spotlight. From thrilling performances on the field to trendsetting moves off it, these athletes command attention, dominate social media, and make brands and fans alike flock to their orbit.
Returning to the studio is Steve Martin, a sports marketing guru who has worked with legends like Tiger Woods, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Rory McIlroy. Steve shares insights from his impressive career and discusses his latest venture, MSQ Sport + Entertainment, where he helps connect brands, athletes, and audiences through groundbreaking strategies and experiences.
Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres.
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