Rugby Legends with Arthur Dickins

Arthur Dickins

Welcome to Rugby Legends – the podcast that brings you insight and advice from international players and coaches for young rugby players who are keen to learn and get better. I’m Arthur Dickins, I’m 13 years old and a keen rugby player. In each episode I sit down with amazing current and former stars of rugby to hear about their journey from first picking up a rugby ball to playing and coaching at the highest level. I get to ask them the kinds of questions that my fellow age-grade rugby players (and their coaches!) want to ask, such as: What made you pick rugby over other sports? How did you arrive in your position? How did you know you were good enough to go professional? What’s the best advice you received from a coach? How do you deal with nerves before a big game? How do you bounce back from a bad game? And lots more! If you are a young player such as me, a coach of young players, or you simply love rugby, I think you’ll really enjoy hearing the wisdom, knowledge and experience shared by these inspiring legends of the game.

  1. 24 APR

    Scotland Icon Kenny Logan Tells All | From Adversity to Rugby's Biggest Era of Change

    Kenny Logan joins Rugby Legends for a brilliant, honest conversation that moves far beyond career highlights. From Scotland’s current Six Nations challenge to the reality of life before professionalism, this episode gives young players and long-time rugby fans a rare look at how the game has changed through the eyes of someone who lived both eras. Very early in the conversation, Kenny gives a sharp view on where Scottish rugby sits now, why Ireland has become the biggest problem, and what modern Scotland still needs if they want to take the next step. From there, the story moves right back to the beginning — leaving school at 16, life on the farm, struggling with severe dyslexia, and finding sport as the one place where confidence made sense. What makes this episode especially strong is how practical Kenny becomes when speaking directly to young players. He explains why pace still matters, why concentration on the wing can decide whether you stay in a team, how to read the spin of a high ball, and why understanding the people around you matters just as much as your own role. There is also real honesty here about hardship: being called thick at school, hiding dyslexia for years, missing parts of the amateur era, facing Jonah Lomu, and the one regret that still stays with him despite a huge international career. It becomes a conversation about rugby, but also about resilience, identity, and what lasts after the game finishes. Subscribe for more conversations with the players and coaches who shaped rugby across generations. Email: contact@rugby-legends.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbylegends_podcast/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rugby.legends.podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kZnO74lv26gUwcPqJrH99Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-legends-with-arthur-dickins/id1816056223Podcast Website: https://rugbylegends.buzzsprout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rugby-legends-podcast/

    34 min
  2. 3 APR

    The Rugby Trainer: Coaching Rugby's Next Generation

    Arthur sits down with Ben John, known to millions as The Rugby Trainer, for a conversation packed with practical advice for young players, parents, and coaches who want to understand what really improves rugby performance. From building the world’s biggest rugby coaching channel to working with elite names like Marcus Smith, Ben explains why simple habits repeated daily often matter more than flashy sessions once a week. The episode moves through Ben’s own playing story, from academy rugby and Welsh age-grade honours to professional rugby with Ospreys, including what it felt like running out in front of 60,000 people at the Millennium Stadium. He shares the nerves before kick-off, the sudden calm once the whistle goes, and why even great players like Sam Warburton still felt nervous before matches. There is also a brilliant deep dive into player development: why backs should obsess over footwork, passing and defence; why forwards now need handling skills just as much as power; why smaller players can still dominate despite size differences; and why players often miss out not because they lack talent, but because they stop too early. Ben uses examples from Antoine Dupont, Cheslin Kolbe, Aaron Smith and Roger Federer to explain how top performers stay present under pressure. For parents and junior coaches, this episode is full of practical gold: how to create habits at home, why games matter more than endless drills, why coaches should never kill creativity too early, and why ten extra minutes of deliberate practice every day changes everything over time. Arthur also gets Ben’s thoughts on what he would change about modern rugby, why cricket can make young rugby players better, what one piece of equipment matters most, and the biggest life lesson rugby still teaches long after the final whistle. If you’re a young rugby player trying to improve, a parent helping from the sidelines, or a coach shaping the next generation, this episode gives you simple ideas that can genuinely move your game forward. Email: contact@rugby-legends.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbylegends_podcast/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rugby.legends.podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kZnO74lv26gUwcPqJrH99Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-legends-with-arthur-dickins/id1816056223Podcast Website: https://rugbylegends.buzzsprout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rugby-legends-podcast/

    45 min
  3. 13 MAR

    James Haskell Unfiltered: From England Caps to Global Stages

    In this episode of Rugby Legends, Arthur Dickins is joined by James Haskell, one of the most recognisable personalities English rugby has produced. A former England and Wasps flanker with 77 caps, James is also now one of the voices behind The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, and a performer in a whole new world as a DJ. James takes Arthur right back to the beginning, including the hilarious moment his mum lied about his age and signed him up early at Maidenhead Rugby Club. From scoring his first “try” behind his own posts to learning what rugby actually was as a teenager, James shares how his journey was anything but a straight line. As the conversation goes deeper, James explains why size and physical development changed everything, how hard work and professionalism earn respect faster than personality ever can, and what really matters when you walk into a new changing room. He also breaks down the modern back row, why shirt numbers mean less than people think, and how elite teams are built around roles, not labels. This episode is packed with practical advice for young rugby players, from building confidence the right way, to handling feedback, to learning resilience when you do not feel like turning up. James is funny, honest, and brutally real, and the result is one of the most valuable mindset episodes Rugby Legends has done so far. Email: contact@rugby-legends.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbylegends_podcast/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rugby.legends.podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kZnO74lv26gUwcPqJrH99Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-legends-with-arthur-dickins/id1816056223Podcast Website: https://rugbylegends.buzzsprout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rugby-legends-podcast/

    34 min
  4. 20 FEB

    Fin Smith: England’s Next Great Fly-Half

    In this episode of Rugby Legends, Arthur Dickins is joined by Fin Smith, one of England’s most composed young fly-halves and a key leader at Northampton Saints. Still only 23, Fin already brings calm control, sharp communication, and a clear rugby brain to every game he plays. Fin talks openly about life in the number 10 shirt. He explains why fly-halves make more mistakes than anyone else on the pitch, how elite players learn to reset quickly, and why communication can matter more than size or strength. From handling nerves at Twickenham to enjoying the responsibility of running an attack, Fin breaks down what it really means to be the decision-maker. The conversation also dives into Fin’s British & Irish Lions tour experience, what surprised him most about world-class teammates, and the small habits that separate the very best players. He shares insights on injury recovery, training while sidelined, and why doing the basics just one or two percent better can change everything. Packed with honest advice, simple ideas, and real stories from the top level of the game, this episode is essential listening for young rugby players who want to improve, think clearer under pressure, and enjoy the journey as much as the results. Email: contact@rugby-legends.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbylegends_podcast/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rugby.legends.podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kZnO74lv26gUwcPqJrH99Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-legends-with-arthur-dickins/id1816056223Podcast Website: https://rugbylegends.buzzsprout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rugby-legends-podcast/

    24 min
  5. 30 JAN

    Will Greenwood: The Pursuit of Better

    In this episode of Rugby Legends, Arthur Dickins sits down with England World Cup winner and three-time British & Irish Lion, Will Greenwood, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, learning, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of getting better. Will reflects on life beyond the pitch, from his early days balancing amateur rugby with a career in banking, to his current role in the world of artificial intelligence. He explains how elite sport prepares you for the real world, why curiosity matters more than talent alone, and how the best players are always “learn-it-alls”, never “know-it-alls”. The conversation dives deep into what made the great England side of the early 2000s so successful, the influence of teammates and family, the tactical demands of playing in the centre, and what separates those who truly make it at the top from those who almost do. Will also opens up about serious injury, the mental side of recovery, and the mindset required to keep moving forward when the body and circumstances try to stop you. Packed with wisdom for young players, coaches, and anyone striving to improve, this episode is a masterclass in growth, humility, and high performance from one of English rugby’s most thoughtful voices. Email: contact@rugby-legends.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbylegends_podcast/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rugby.legends.podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kZnO74lv26gUwcPqJrH99Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-legends-with-arthur-dickins/id1816056223Podcast Website: https://rugbylegends.buzzsprout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rugby-legends-podcast/

    33 min
  6. 9 JAN

    Martin Johnson: Winning at Every Level

    In this episode of Rugby Legends, Arthur Dickins is joined by one of the most respected figures the game has ever produced — Martin Johnson. Former England captain, World Cup winner, Lions leader, and a player who defined what standards really mean at the highest level. Martin breaks down what it actually takes to beat the All Blacks, why England’s current squad depth is the strongest it’s been in years, and how small decisions — like when to take points — can change the psychology of a Test match. He also shares his honest thoughts on Six Nations contenders, leadership under pressure, and why champions are driven more by love of the work than love of the spotlight. The conversation moves beyond results and trophies into the unseen side of elite rugby. Martin reflects on the game that shaped him, the transition from number eight to second row, and the skills big players must work hardest to master. He explains why props are the true foundation of any great team, why coaching can be harder than playing, and how to shut out noise from media and fans. This episode is packed with lessons for young players, coaches, and parents alike — from mindset and resilience to teamwork, enjoyment, and long-term pride. It’s a reminder that rugby, at its best, builds people as much as it builds players. Email: contact@rugby-legends.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbylegends_podcast/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rugby.legends.podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kZnO74lv26gUwcPqJrH99Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-legends-with-arthur-dickins/id1816056223Podcast Website: https://rugbylegends.buzzsprout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rugby-legends-podcast/

    37 min
  7. 28/11/2025

    Charlie Hodgson: The Thinking Game of Playing Fly Half

    Charlie Hodgson joins Arthur to share the real thinking game behind playing fly half at the highest level. From being a nervous nine year old who would not get out of the car, to becoming the Premiership’s all time leading points scorer, Charlie talks through the lessons that shaped him. He explains how confidence grows, how to bounce back after bad games, and why watching full matches matters far more than highlight reels. He also breaks down goal kicking routines, defensive struggles, and what it felt like competing with Jonny Wilkinson for the England ten shirt. Young players will learn simple ideas they can use straight away in their own rugby. Charlie also talks honestly about injuries, pressure, expectation and how he learned to trust his own style instead of copying others. His stories give a real look into the mindset needed to enjoy rugby, improve week by week, and deal with mistakes with much less fear. If you want clear advice from one of the smartest tens in English rugby, this episode is full of gold. Email: contact@rugby-legends.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbylegends_podcast/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rugby.legends.podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kZnO74lv26gUwcPqJrH99Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-legends-with-arthur-dickins/id1816056223Podcast Website: https://rugbylegends.buzzsprout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rugby-legends-podcast/

    30 min

About

Welcome to Rugby Legends – the podcast that brings you insight and advice from international players and coaches for young rugby players who are keen to learn and get better. I’m Arthur Dickins, I’m 13 years old and a keen rugby player. In each episode I sit down with amazing current and former stars of rugby to hear about their journey from first picking up a rugby ball to playing and coaching at the highest level. I get to ask them the kinds of questions that my fellow age-grade rugby players (and their coaches!) want to ask, such as: What made you pick rugby over other sports? How did you arrive in your position? How did you know you were good enough to go professional? What’s the best advice you received from a coach? How do you deal with nerves before a big game? How do you bounce back from a bad game? And lots more! If you are a young player such as me, a coach of young players, or you simply love rugby, I think you’ll really enjoy hearing the wisdom, knowledge and experience shared by these inspiring legends of the game.

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