Behind the Ruck

Behind the Ruck
  • 5.0 (2)
  • RUGBY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Rugby’s funniest duo — Rudy Paige & Juan De Jongh (Springboks, Stormers, Blue Bulls)Provides next-level access to life in rugby union as it unfolds. They will drop insights about past experiences, current games and share unique perspectives on trending rugby news and headlines. Off-field interests, and engaging conversations with special guests.    Watch and listen to new episodes during the rugby season & check out Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for all the best moments from the show. 

  1. 2D AGO

    BTR Ep. 148 | Felipe Contepomi on Coaching Barbarians vs the Springboks | The Truth About Rugby in Argentina

    This week on Behind the Ruck, we unpack the massive Barbarians vs Springboks clash taking place on 20 June before sitting down with Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi for an insightful conversation on rugby, leadership, and life beyond the game. Felipe opens up about Argentina’s current season, the growth of rugby in Argentina, and what it means to coach the Barbarians against the world champion Springboks. From handling emotions under pressure to the lessons rugby can learn from soccer, this episode dives deep into the mindset of one of the game’s sharpest rugby minds. We also look ahead to the Rugby World Cup 2027, speak about balancing family life with the demands of international rugby, and share another special BrightRock #LoveChange Studio Moment. To wrap things up, Rudy and Juan break down all the action from URC Round 17 and preview the massive fixtures coming up in Round 18. Subscribe and join the family. #RuckersUnite Description: Link to tickets for the Springbok vs Barbarian game: https://springboks.tmtickets.co.za/EDP/Event/Index/64 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:16 Sport roundup for the week 06:50 Barbarians vs Sprinbok game 20 June 07:41 Interview with Felipe Contepomi 09:22 Current season with Argentina team 12:47 On coaching for the Barbarians game 24:37 Rugby in Argentina 32:30 Handling emotions under pressure 34:06 Lessons learned from the game of soccer 42:04 Rugby World Cup 2027 44:35 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment 47:13 Family life 50:01 Results: URC Round 17 55:30 Fixtures: URC Round 18 58:34 Sponsors and goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

    59 min

  2. 4D AGO

    BTR Ep. 146 | Shilton van Wyk’s CRAZY Journey From Welding to Olympic Medalist 🥶🔥

    In this episode of Behind the Ruck, the boys take the show to the heart of the action as they visit the Soweto Derby, soaking in one of the biggest atmospheres in sport. From the energy in the stands to breaking down the matchday lineups, it sets the tone for an episode packed with culture, passion, and real rugby conversation. We’re then joined by Shilton van Wyk for a powerful sit down, diving into his journey through the Sevens circuit. He reflects on the unforgettable Hong Kong Sevens victory, the standout moments from his season, and what it meant to reach the pinnacle as an Olympic medalist. From the significance behind his Olympic rings tattoo to the sacrifices along the way, this is a story of resilience and belief. The conversation goes deeper as Shilton opens up about his upbringing in Saldanha and a path that was never straightforward. From welding college to chasing a rugby dream, his story is a reminder that your starting point does not define your ceiling. He also shares the inspiration behind the Shilton van Wyk Foundation and the impact he hopes to make beyond the game. We close out the episode with a special Brightrock Love Change Studio moment, before breaking down the latest URC results, looking ahead to the Investec Champions Cup semi finals, and wrapping things up with a Burger King competition you do not want to miss. Shilton van Wyk Foundation website: shiltonvanwykfoundation.co.za email: shiltonvanwykfoundation@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:43 BTR visits the Soweto Derby 02:30 Lineup 03:29 Interview with Shilton van Wyk 04:20 Hong Kong Sevens victory 09:52 Shilton's Sevens season highlights 19:18 Olympic medalist 23:16 Olympic rings tattoo 26:58 Growing up in Saldanha 28:37 Welding college 34:00 The path from welding to rugby 42:37 Shilton van Wyk Foundation 49:19 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment 54:06 URC Week 16 Results 58:30 Investec Champions Cup Semi-finals fixtures 59:57 Burger King competition A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range - check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

    1h 1m

  3. 4D AGO

    BTR Ep. 147 | Johan Ackermann Opens Up | The Truth About Coaching the Bulls | Bulls Selection Process | and more 🔥

    This week on Behind the Ruck, we sit down with Johan Ackermann for an honest conversation about his first season as Bulls coach and what it has been like stepping back into life in Pretoria. From adapting to a new chapter to leading one of the biggest franchises in rugby, Johan gives a real look into the pressure and passion that comes with the role. He also takes us back to where it all started, opening up about life as a policeman before rugby became his full time path. It is a story built on sacrifice, discipline, and hard work, shaping the values that still guide him today both on and off the field. The conversation goes deeper as Johan speaks about the challenges facing rugby in 2026, the importance of faith in his journey, and what he truly looks for when selecting a player. Beyond talent, he shares the qualities that define great rugby people and why relationships remain at the centre of coaching. We wrap things up with a special Brightrock Love Change Studio moment before diving into the latest Investec Champions Cup results and previewing all the action coming up in URC Week 17 🔥🏉 Full episode out now 🎥 #RuckersUnite Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:42 Lineup 03:36 Interview with Johan Ackermann 05:37 Year 1 as the Bulls coach 08:52 From policeman to rugby player 10:51 Moving back to Pretoria 13:28 Coaching the Bulls 21:41 Challenges of 2026 24:07 Importance of faith 27:59 What do you look for when chosing a player? 39:27 The best part of coaching 46:59 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio moment 51:20 Life as a policeman, rugby player and husband 55:12 Results: Investec Champions Cup 57:30 Fixtures: URC Week 17 01:02:02 Sponsors and goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

    1h 3m

  4. APR 22

    BTR Ep. 145 Sione Tuipulotu Opens Up on Captaincy Pressure and His Journey to Scotland

    Sione Tuipulotu joins us for a proper chat as we dive straight into his journey, unpacking his life in Scotland and what it has really been like settling into a new rugby culture. From the inside look at Glasgow Warriors to how he has grown within that environment, this episode sets the tone with honesty and perspective. We get into the realities of handling social media as a professional athlete and how he keeps his focus where it matters most. There is a strong emphasis on the joy of competing, what drives him week in and week out, and how that passion translates onto the field, especially when representing at the highest level. The conversation shifts into big stage rugby with insights into the Six Nations and what that competition means to him. He reflects on his childhood in Australia and the journey that shaped him, leading all the way to the honour and responsibility of becoming the Scottish national captain. We wrap things up with a powerful look at his Tonga connection and a special Brightrock Love Change studio moment that hits home. Then it is back to Behind the Ruck energy as we break down the latest URC results and look ahead to the upcoming fixtures. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:15 Lineup 04:27 Interview with Sione Tuipulotu 06:55 Life in Scotland 07:43 Glasgow Warriors 20:11 Handling social media 22:24 The joy of competing 29:10 The 6 Nations Cup 35:35 Childhood in Australia 41:21 On becoming the Scottish national rugby captain 46:12 The Tonga connection 50:42 Brightrock #Lovechange Studio Moment 53:36 URC results 58:37 URC Fixtures 01:01:29 Sponsors and goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

    1h 2m

  5. APR 22

    BTR Ep. 144 | RUHAN NEL SPEAKS OUT: Inside the Stormers Mindset, Toulon Battle, URC Strategy and Rugby’s New Era

    This episode of BTR kicks off with a look at the Burger King SA competition and what fans can get involved in, before diving into the full lineup for the show and setting the stage for a packed rugby conversation. We sit down with Ruhan Nel for an in depth interview covering his journey, mindset and experiences in the game. The conversation also explores the Toulon fixture and what it means in the wider context of his career and modern rugby demands. From there the focus shifts into the DHL Stormers URC standings and the strategy shaping their season, along with a wider discussion on Springboks potentially linking up with the Stormers. We also unpack modern rugby leadership, how captains and coaches are evolving, and the growing synergy between sevens and fifteen man rugby. Later in the episode we reflect on Ruhan Nel’s career journey in full, followed by a Brightrock Love Change Studio Moment centred around becoming a parent. We also pay tribute to Chippy Solomons before closing with fixtures and predictions brought to you by Burger King, rounding off a loaded rugby discussion from start to finish. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:57 Burger King SA competition 03:38 Lineup 04:19 Interview with Ruhan Nel 06:11 The Toulon game 13:17 URC Stormers standings and strategy 24:26 Springboks joining the Stormers 26:21 Modern rugby leadership, captains and coaches 30:27 Synergy between 7s and 15s rugby 34:43 Ruhan's rugby career 45:55 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment - having a baby 49:09 Tribute to Chippy Solomons 57:19 Fixtures and predictions - by Burger King 01:03:28 Goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

    1h 4m

  6. APR 22

    BTR Ep. 143 | Ezekiel Ngobeni Opens Up on Varsity Cup Pressure, New Rules & His Rise to the Top 👀🔥

    🔥 It all kicks off with a classic Behind the Ruck moment as the boys dive into a Burger King special before locking in the lineup for the episode. The energy is high, the banter is flowing, and it sets the tone for what’s to come as they welcome a rising name in South African rugby. 🏉 The spotlight then shifts to Ezekiel Ngobeni, who joins the show for a proper chat about his journey and everything happening around the Varsity Cup. From the impact of the new tap rule to how the competition is evolving, this segment gives real insight into the game at university level. He also opens up about the pressure of playing at scrumhalf and what it really takes to own the number 9 jersey. 💭 Things get deeper as Ezekiel shares his pathway to where he is today, giving Ruckers a look at the work behind the scenes. The Brightrock Love Change studio moment brings a powerful story about landing the job, adding a motivational layer to the episode that goes beyond rugby and into real life lessons. 📊 To wrap it up, the boys break down the latest results from the Challenge Cup and Investec Champions Cup, before looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures. They also give their takes on the Varsity Cup Shield and the big final, closing off the episode with predictions, energy, and appreciation for the sponsors that keep the show going. #RuckersUnite Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:57 Burger King special 05:44 Lineup 06:37 Interview with Ezekiel Ngobeni 07:24 Varsity Cup 13:54 New Tap Rule 21:30 Pressure of playing #9 23:49 Varsity Cup Final predictions 27:03 Ezekiel's path to today 44:49 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment : Landing the Job 50:00 Results: Challenge Cup and Investec Champions Cup 56:43 Fixtures: Investec Champions Cup 58:13 Fixtures: Varsity Cup Shield and Varsity Cup Final 58:41 Outro and Sponsors Behind the Ruck is supported by SuperSportBET, make sure you place your bets this weekend: https://www.supersportbet.com/ A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

    59 min

  7. APR 22

    BTR Ep. 142 | Pierre Schoeman: From SA to Scotland… The Untold Truth About Scottish Rugby and Lions Tour 👀🏴

    The boys are joined by Scotland powerhouse Pierre Schoeman for a proper catch up on Behind the Ruck! From the moment he steps in, it’s all energy as we dive into his rugby journey, how things have been going lately, and his thoughts on the current Six Nations Championship. You’ll hear his perspective on the Scottish setup, what makes their rugby culture unique, and reflections on World Cup experiences and traditions that shape the team. We also get into life beyond the pitch as Pierre opens up about adapting to life in Scotland. From cultural shifts to personal growth, it’s an honest look at what it takes to build a life and career far from home. The conversation then heats up as we chat about the upcoming British and Irish Lions Tour 2025 in Australia and what it would mean to be part of such a historic tour. Things get more personal as Pierre shares what truly drives him, the mindset behind his performances, and the key people who have backed him throughout his journey. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of support systems in elite sport. We also have a special BrightRock Love Change studio moment that brings some real emotion and a surprise you don’t want to miss. To wrap it up, the boys break down the latest action in the United Rugby Championship with a look at recent results, before shifting focus to the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures. Plus, we give our predictions for the big South African clashes, including the Stormers and Bulls. #RuckersUnite 🏉🔥 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:37 Lineup 03:40 Interview with Pierre Schoeman 05:29 Rugby career catchup 07:16 6 Nations 14:12 Scotland RWC and rugby traditions 22:00 Adapting to life in Scotland 29:47 British and Irish Lions tour 2025 - Australia 44:47 What drives Pierre Schoeman 52:05 People who have supported Pierre on his rugby journey 54:11 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment - popping the question 01:00:15 URC Week 14 results and discussion 01:02:33 Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures 01:03:03 Predictions for Stormers and Bulls games 01:06:09 Sponsors and goodbye Against the Grain: https://againstthegrainscotland.co.uk A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

    1h 7m

  8. MAR 25

    BTR Ep. 141 | Markus Muller: From Schoolboy Rugby Sensation to the DHL Stormers… and That Springbok Call Up 🚀🏉

    This episode kicks off with a look at LIV Golf before we sit down with rising star Markus Muller for an in depth conversation you do not want to miss. We unpack his recent call up to the Springbok alignment camp, dive into different coaching styles, and reflect on his journey through school and schoolboy rugby that shaped him into the player he is today. We get into the details of his preferred position between inside and outside centre, his early leadership experiences, and the role his friends and family have played along the way. Markus also takes us back to that unforgettable Interschools clash, shares his future ambitions, and opens up about joining the Stormers and his involvement with SAS Rugby. The conversation continues with an honest look at areas of improvement in his game, including his kicking, while also reflecting on the rugby heroes he looked up to growing up. We add some fun with our Center of Attention game and get to know Markus off the field as he shares more about his hobbies, plus a special Brightrock Love Change Studio moment. To wrap things up, we shift back into rugby talk as we break down the latest URC results and look ahead to the upcoming fixtures with our predictions. Another jam packed episode filled with insight, energy, and everything you love about Behind the Ruck. #RuckersUnite Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:42 LIV Golf 04:37 Lineup 07:02 Interview with Markus Muller 10:55 Springbok Alignment Camp 18:41 Different coaching styles 19:32 School and schoolboy rugby 26:02 Playing #12 or #13 27:53 Rugby leadership experience 29:38 Friends and family 31:43 THAT Interschools game 34:56 Future plans 35:44 Joining the Stormers 37:37 SAS Rugby involvement 38:34 Areas of Improvement 40:07 Kicking 42:36 Childhood rugby heroes 46:05 Center of Attention game 49:20 Hobbies 50:09 Brightrock #Lovechange Studio Moment 53:18 URC Week 13 Results - discussion 57:52 URC Week 14 Fixtures and predictions 59:20 Outro A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

    1 hr
See All (134)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Rugby’s funniest duo — Rudy Paige & Juan De Jongh (Springboks, Stormers, Blue Bulls)Provides next-level access to life in rugby union as it unfolds. They will drop insights about past experiences, current games and share unique perspectives on trending rugby news and headlines. Off-field interests, and engaging conversations with special guests.    Watch and listen to new episodes during the rugby season & check out Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for all the best moments from the show. 

Information

  • Creator
    Behind the Ruck
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Behind the Ruck

You Might Also Like