The Rugby Pod

After round one, we hear from Steve Borthwick and Courtney Lawes after England's huge win against Argentina and George Ford's kicking masterclass. We also hear from Gregor Townsend and Jamie Ritchie after their disappointing first outing against the Springboks and where to next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the fourth episode of The Rugby Pod Beyond Expected Series, presented by Asahi Super Dry, the official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023.This week, we’re delighted to be joined by a man who was involved in the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history when Japan shocked the rugby World and beat South Africa. We'll hear how he came to be in Japan, captaining his team to a home quarter-final, and how he thinks Japan will do in France this year and beyond. In this series we’ll be talking to legends of the game, as they tell stories from their career: the unexpected moments on the pitch, friendships and post-match beers shared off the pitch.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hosts discuss the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France and their predictions. They analyze the challenges each home nation will face. They highlight the match between Scotland and South Africa, emphasizing the physicality of the South African team and the need for Scotland to play unconventionally. They also discuss the good, bad, and ugly moments in rugby and share a sponsorship story.

We’re joined today by Argentina’s All-Time Leading Point Scorer. A World Rugby Hall of Famer who played a key role in securing the Puma’s 3rd Place finish at the Rugby World Cup in 07 and who will be hoping to play a key part in helping steer Michael Cheika’s Argentina to Rugby World Cup Glory in France this year, including their first game against England. We hear about what makes Argentina such a special team to play for, why they perform so well at World Cups, what it was like having Maradona in the dressing room, as well as his time at Leinster and relationship with Johnny Sexton and O'Driscoll.The Rugby Pod Beyond Expected Series, presented by Asahi Super Dry, official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023. Throughout this series, we’ll be talking to legends of the game, as they recount stories from their career: the unexpected moments that happened on the pitch, and the surprising connections, friendships and post-match beers shared off the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Legendary All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith joins the hosts to discuss their preparations for Rugby World Cup 2023. They also discuss Fiji's impressive victory over England, the strengths and threats of the Samoa rugby team, and South Africa's dominant performance in the Summer Nations Series.

We’re delighted to be joined by a man who famously dismantled a Wallaby scrum in 2007 to help England reach the unlikeliest of World Cup finals, former England front row Andrew Sheridan. Sheri is a man mountain and one of the toughest front rowers to ever play the game. He's also one of the nicest. We hear about his journey from back row to front row and how he changed the game for props. We also chat about what happened behind the scenes during England's infamous 2007 Rugby World Cup, what he's been up to since retirement and lots more.The Rugby Pod Beyond Expected Series, presented by Asahi Super Dry, official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023. Throughout this series, we’ll be talking to legends of the game, as they recount stories from their career: the unexpected moments that happened on the pitch, and the surprising connections, friendships and post-match beers shared off the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another week, and another red. We’ll be taking a look at all the implications of Ireland's win over England in Dublin for both teams. We'll also run the rule over a scary Springbok performance in Cardiff as they put an inexperienced Welsh side to the sword. Plus, we’ll be chatting to Italy’s Paolo Odogwu about his journey to the World Cup with Italy and what's been happening in their World Cup camp.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beaver is a New Zealand legend, but that wasn't always the case. We hear his incredible story firsthand, from the low of being blamed for a loss to the Wallabies pre-World Cup, to the high of getting a late call-up to the All Blacks and kicking the winning points at a home Rugby World Cup final and earning cult status. His story is the stuff of dreams and we hear it from the man himself.The Rugby Pod Beyond Expected Series, presented by Asahi Super Dry, official beer of Rugby World Cup 2023. Throughout this series, we’ll be talking to legends of the game, as they recount stories from their career: the unexpected moments that happened on the pitch, and the surprising connections, friendships and post-match beers shared off the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another warm-up week down as we get closer to the RWC, and we’ll be running the rule over an impressive Scotland performance in France and one that got away for Wales at Twickenham. We'll discuss England's win at a hefty cost, and what next for England and Farrell. Plus, we’ll be chatting to Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze about their World Cup prospects and some insight into Graham Wigsvili and his party piece.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another week closer to the Rugby World Cup and the lads are joined by Will Stuart straight from England camp to get the inside track Borthwick's World Cup prep and how the team are feeling. We take a look at the game in Cardiff and discuss whether Wales have turned a corner under Gatland with things looking more positive. The lads will be discussing how Ireland fared as they got their World Cup warm-up games underway against Italy, as well as the big comeback for Scotland against France and their World Cup squad announcement. We’ll also be analysing the 33-man England squad that Steve Borthwick has picked for the tournament.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices