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. Jun 9

    BTR Ep. 151 | Jimmy Stonehouse on The Pumas Blueprint | Currie Cup Dreams | Coaching in Russia and Japan 🚀🏉

    One of South African rugby's most respected coaches joins us on this week's episode as Jimmy Stonehouse sits down with Behind The Ruck. We unpack the recent success of the Pumas, their rise in South African rugby, and what it takes to consistently compete against some of the country's biggest unions. Jimmy also shares insight into the Pumas culture, the family environment they have built, and the philosophy that has become synonymous with the team. From discussing the Currie Cup to opportunities within South African rugby, this conversation provides a fascinating look into one of the game's most unique rugby minds. We dive into his experiences coaching abroad in Russia and Japan, his approach to identifying and recruiting talent, and answer a question submitted by one of the Ruckers. Jimmy also opens up about the misconceptions people have about him and reflects on his days as a bodybuilder. To close out the episode, we explore the Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment on landing your first job, chat about Jimmy's restaurant and accommodation venture, Die Vlakvark, and break down the latest rugby fixtures, Springbok injury news, and another exciting Burger King competition. 🏉🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:00 Stormers vs Cardiff Red Heart Rum Experience 04:08 Lineup 04:24 Interview with Coach Jimmy Stonehouse 05:57 Recent wins for the Pumas 08:58 Currie Cup 12:31 Jobs in SA Rugby 15:36 The Pumas Family and philosophy 33:29 Experience coaching in Russia and Japan 35:15 Scouting for new players 37:56 Viewer question 38:57 What do people get most wrong about you? 42:32 Bodybuilding days 47:52 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment - Landing your first job 49:57 Jimmy's restaurant and accommodation Die Vlakvark 51:14 Fixtures, Springbok injuries 58:29 Burgerking 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

    59 min

  2. Jun 9

    BTR Ep. 150 | BTR Celebrates Its 150th Episode with Marvin Orie | EPCR Finals, URC Battles and Life Beyond Rugby 🎯

    Celebrating a major milestone as Behind The Ruck hits 150 episodes 🏉🔥 In this special edition, we look back at how far the show has come, from the very first episode to where we are today, reflecting on the journey, the moments, and the growth of the community around it. We also bring the energy with exciting giveaways, including the Burger King competition and the Red Heart Rum Suite Experience, while sharing some unforgettable conversations throughout the episode. 🍔🍹 A big highlight is our interview with Marvin Orie, where he opens up about life in France, his rugby journey, and what it really means to play at the highest level. We also break down the EPCR Challenge Cup Final, Investec Champions Cup Final, and look ahead at the URC Quarter Finals fixtures. To wrap things up, Marvin reflects on life beyond rugby, from becoming a father in the Brightrock #LoveChange Moment to the challenges that have shaped him both on and off the field. A powerful, honest, and celebratory episode of Behind The Ruck 🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:19 Celebrating 150 episodes of Behind The Ruck 04:27 Burger King competition 05:20 Red Heart Rum Suite Experience 06:56 Interview with Marvin Orie 08:13 Remembering Episode 1 13:59 Playing in France 26:10 Results: EPCR Challenge Cup Final 33:20 Results: Investec Champions Cup Final 45:17 Fixtures: URC Quarter Finals 55:31 Who is Marvin Orie? 01:03:50 Brightrock #LoveChange Moment - starting a family 01:05:34 Life's challenges 01:06:22 Wrap up and sponsors Behind the Ruck is supported by SuperSportBET 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 8m

  3. Jun 9

    BTR Ep. 149 | Xavier Mitchell on Scoring 20 Tries in a Season | From Club Rugby to Currie Cup Ambitions 🏆

    Description: Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:50 Lineup 05:48 Interview with Xavier Mitchell 07:20 The successful season of 20 tries 11:52 Preparation for ths SA Cup 14:44 The day he scored 7 tries 20:21 What is the 'dream'? 22:58 Background story, childhood and Xavier's path to today 32:02 Club Rugby 34:34 Role models 39:55 Currie Cup 2026 42:14 Brightrock #LoveChange Moment - my dream house 46:00 Vodacom URC results 52:47 Upcoming fixtures 58:40 Sponsors, competition 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

  4. May 13

    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

  5. May 11

    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

  6. May 11

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (137)

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
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Behind the Ruck

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