The Rugby Pod

Bigs joins the lads in studio this week as we break down England’s narrow 22-24 loss to New Zealand, marking their third straight defeat to the All Blacks despite leading into the final quarter each time. We chat about England's struggles to close out games, Steve Borthwick’s massive decision to sub out Marcus Smith and Ben Spencer early, and standout performances from Marcus Smith, and Feyi-Waboso and Wallace Sititi. We also cover Scotland’s impressive 57-17 win over Fiji, where Darcy Graham returned in style with four tries, and look forward to massive Friday night lights in Dublin as Ireland take on the All Blacks in rugby's newest grudge match. Plus we look Wales vs Fiji, while also tackling listener questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Borthwick, head coach of the England national rugby team, joins rugby star Jamie George and New Zealand's innovative coach Scott Robertson for a gripping analysis of the recent England vs. All Blacks match. They delve into critical moments that swayed the game, including the pivotal decision to substitute Marcus Smith. The guests reflect on the strong yet bittersweet performance from England, showcasing emerging talents and tactical strategies while sharing lessons for future matchups. Expect insights that tackle both resilience and ambition in rugby.

You asked for it, so we're back for a bonus episode during the November internationals. We preview the two opening fixtures of the November series, with the Al Blacks coming to Twickenham, and Fiji visiting Scotland. The lads give their thoughts on Borthwick's early team announcement, the 6-2 bench, Marler's comments around the Haka, and where the game will be won. Meanwhile, Scotland has a tough test against a flying Fijian squad coming off the back of some big wins. The lads give their thoughts on Gregor's tactics, Scotland's new captain Sione Tuipulotu, and predict the outcome of both big games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lots to cover this week across the Prem and URC. Jim gives some insight into Michael Cheika's culture-building at Leicester, while Goodey is frothing over Argentine star Marcos Kremer Isgro and his moustache. We chat EPS and how England is trying to avoid more situations like Jack Willis. The lads reminisce on their best team talks from legends like Lawrence Dallaglio and Greig Laidlaw. Plus, we're joined by Rugby League Hall of Famer Jamie Peacock, who gives his take on Andy Farrell and Kevin Sinfield, his retribution list, and what he has planned for Rob during the Lions Tour in Australia. You don't want to miss this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was an inspiring and emotional weekend with the Slater Cup, where Leicester pulled off a thrilling comeback, beating Gloucester 29-26, thanks to a halftime spray from Cheika. The big news of the week, though, is Newcastle breaking their 25-match losing streak with a 24-18 win over Exeter, can Steve Diamond keep the momentum? We’re joined by Bath’s rising star, Guy Pepper, to talk about his comparison to Richie McCaw, what it’s like training with the stacked Bath back row, and how he's adjusting to life at the club after moving from Newcastle. Elsewhere, Siya Kolisi marked his second debut for the Sharks with a try, and Saracens pulled off a hell of comeback to beat Bristol 37-35 in an action-packed game at Ashton Gate. And we dive into the latest on 20-minute red cards, as they're set to be trialled during the Autumn Nations Series. Ireland and France are opposed, but Southern Hemisphere teams are all in. What impact will it have on the biggest stage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a weekend of massive rivalries, with Leinster taking on Munster in front of a sell-out crowd in Croke Park, Quins taking on Sarries, Saints playing Leicester and few other big grudge matches. We'll cover all the action, but we're also taking a deep dive into the Irish rugby system this week, chatting with one of the masterminds behind their successful schools program and how it supports the professional game. Oh, and we're coming to Dublin! So, settle back and enjoy another packed episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bigs is back with Jim & Goodey this week lifting the lid on some of the major goings on in Welsh rugby over the last decade. The lads also discuss the bubbling beef between Ireland and the All Blacks and reminisce over the best sledging they’ve ever dished out on a rugby pitch.We’re also joined by the Welsh half back pairing that’s been tearing up the prem for Gloucester, Tomos Williams & Gareth Anscombe chat with the lads about the new Cherry & Whites all out attack and take a trip down memory lane with their old mate Bigs. Combine that with your usual dose of Prem & URC analysis & review and you’ve got one hell of a show so sit back, enjoy and make sure you’ve subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was another big weekend in the rugby world and the lads are back to cover every minute of it. We chat all things Prem, including that legendary interaction between props at Gloucester, some shocking results in the URC, the Springboks seal their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 AND the lads select their GOAT of all GOAT XV's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a hell of an opening weekend of domestic ruggers, some absolute crackers which we’re going to cover, including all the Prem, URC and Rugby Championship Action, BUT ALSO we’ve got a deep dive into the Blitz style defence you’re seeing teams like England and the Springboks play with one of the best coaches int he game, Exeter Chiefs Defence Coach Omar Mouneimne!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads look ahead to a massive new season of ruggers in the Prem and URC. We look at some of the best signings across both competitions and give our predictions for the season ahead. We also chat about the rumours of a merger between the competitions, and whether there's any merit in a British & Irish league. We're joined by Ospreys Head Coach Toby Booth to hear how he's turned things around at Ospreys last season, and the surprise announcement that he'll be leaving at the end of this season. Lots more as usual, so make sure you're subscribed on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices