The Rugby Pod

It was Finals weekend with Bath ending a 29-year wait to lift the Premiership title and complete the treble, while Leinster blow the Bulls away to finally get their hands on the URC trophy. Jim, Goodey and Biggs break it all down, from electric guitars, Finn v Pollard, to yellow card drama and Leinster getting the monkey off their back we're chatting through it all. With Lions camp kicking off, the lads also look at what key combos Farrell might test. Plus, Farrell returns to Sarries, the Prem gets a rebrand, and Rob gets some money from Red Bull to fix Newcastle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Pod, Jim and Goodey unpack a blockbuster weekend of semi-final action across the Prem and URC. Leicester edge Sale in a tense encounter, sealed by a wonder try, while Bath blow past Bristol with a second-half blitz led by the Bath Bomb Squad. Leinster break their knockout curse to book a URC final spot against the Bulls and their monster front row. Plus, we break down a proposed new global franchise league: is it the future of rugby or just another failed experiment waiting to happen? Plenty other news, chat and opinions as usual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A chaotic weekend in the URC quarter-finals has everyone talking. The controversial penalty shootout sees Sharks knock out Munster, stirring up debates about gamesmanship in rugby. Tensions rise as Glasgow dominates the Stormers, while fans speculate if Leinster might be vulnerable. In the Premiership, Bristol shines, Sale holds steady, and Gloucester bids farewell. Anticipation builds for thrilling upcoming derbies, with expert insights and lively banter on player performances and potential team dynamics.

The hosts dive into the thrilling European finals, spotlighting Bordeaux's first-ever title and the impact of early injuries on Saints. They unpack key player performances, including Lucu and Jalibert's magic. Post-match tensions arise as Bath ruthlessly claim silverware, amidst some drama. The anticipation for the URC quarterfinals builds with focus on major matchups and player absences. Exciting talks on investing in rugby and community support add depth, blending serious analysis with lighthearted banter.

As the season heats up, anticipation builds for the Champions Cup Final and the heated race for URC playoffs. They humorously dissect a Saracens collapse and explore the implications of Red Bull’s potential takeover of Newcastle. The conversation dives into the financial struggles of men’s Sevens rugby and the ripple effects of scrapping the team in Ireland. Welsh rugby faces turmoil with financial woes and team restructuring, while upcoming matches spark excitement and emotional tributes throughout the rugby community.

Fin Smith, a promising fly-half for Northampton Saints and a newly selected British & Irish Lion, joins the discussion. He shares insights about his incredible journey, including the Saints’ impressive run to the Champions Cup Final. The hosts dissect the emotional highs and lows of the Lions squad selection, reflecting on surprises and strategic implications. With plenty of humor, they also touch on underdog triumphs in rugby and the excitement brewing for an upcoming live show. It’s a lively blend of analysis and camaraderie in the rugby world!

This week’s episode is packed after a seismic weekend in the Champions Cup. Jim’s got some apologies to make as Northampton Saints pulled off the unthinkable in Dublin, knocking out Leinster in their own backyard. We have Bigs on to break down exactly how his former club did it, where Leinster got it wrong, and what it means for the upcoming Lions squad announcement. Plus, we’ve got all the fallout from Jordie Barrett’s bench role, Caelan Doris injury whispers, Fin Smith and Polock’s meteoric rise, and some listener questions, including who from Lions history we’d bring back for 2025 and whether 100 Jim Hamilton could actually take down a gorilla. We also dive into Bath’s win over Edinburgh to reach their first European final in over a decade, Bordeaux’s breakout moment as they dismantled Toulouse and how the final might play out against Saints. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The business end of the season is heating up with Leicester peaking at the right time, Sale’s masterclass over Jim’s Sarries, and Gloucester hammering Exeter. The lads cover all this plus a bit of giant-killing down in Wales with Cardiff and Scarlets getting one over their Irish brethren. We’re also joined by Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt to get his thoughts. Plus, new Prem TV deals, academy dramas, new idea from Rassie Erasmus, and plenty more other news. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re into the business end of the season, but is rugby itself on the verge of its biggest transformation yet? Jim and Goodey dig into the new Premiership franchise model being floated! We chat fan culture, flares, and whether rugby needs a football-style edge in the stands. We also chat about the runs for both the Prem and URC as tams are chasing the final knock out spots. Plus, we’re joined by Indian rugby president, Bollywood star and former international Rahul Bose to talk about the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) in India, what it means for the sport there, and why the Bollywood blueprint could be rugby’s best play.Plus, listener questions, Lions selection debates and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a global edition of The Rugby Pod as Jim dials in from Texas, Goodey from the UAE, and Biggar from France, fresh off announcing his retirement. We reflect on Bigs’ epic career while diving into the Champions Cup quarter-finals: Leinster and Northampton steamrolled their way to the semis, Bordeaux dazzled in attack to beat Munster, and Toulouse edged Toulon in a French classic. We celebrate standout players like Jordie Barrett and Henry Pollock, talk bizarre ref calls, and ask - can anyone stop Leinster at the Aviva? Plus, Cardiff’s collapse, Faz-watch continues, Bath’s trophy hunt, and lots more In Otttthhhheerrr Neeewwws! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices