What’s All The Ruckus?

Charlie Elliott and Josh Saunders
  • 5.0 (4)
  • RUGBY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast showcasing international rugby stories from outside the top nations (Also known as Tier 2/3) in depth that you won’t hear anywhere else 🌍 Episodes out weekly with guests ⭐️

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Rugby in the Pyrenees | Andorra's Daniel Wallis Downham

    In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Wallis Downham to explore one of the most unique stories in international rugby. Born and raised in Andorra, something incredibly rare given the nation’s tiny population, Wallis Downham shares what it was like growing up in a country few associate with rugby, and how that journey shaped both his career and identity. We dive into the rise of the Andorran national team, discussing how they’ve consistently punched above their weight against far larger rugby nations, the challenges of developing the sport in a small country, and the pride that comes with representing Andorra on the international stage. Wallis Downham also reflects on his own playing career, key moments along the way, and the ambitions he and the team still have for the future. A fascinating conversation about passion, perseverance, and a rugby nation that deserves far more attention. x:@AllTheRuckusPod

    27 min

  2. 23 APR

    The recent growth of Slovenian rugby | Peter Kavčič

    In this episode, we sit down with Peter Kavcic, former Slovenia international rugby player and now head coach, to dive into the realities of leading a developing rugby nation. Peter opens up about the key challenges facing the Slovenian team, from player depth to resources, and shares how they’re building solutions from the ground up. We also explore the team’s mindset shift, their long-term vision, and the culture they’re creating to stay competitive. Plus, we discuss Slovenia’s unique place in rugby history, including the remarkable world record they hold, and how that achievement continues to inspire the squad today. Currently competing in the Rugby Europe Conference, Slovenia isn’t just participating, they have serious ambitions to climb the ranks. X: @AllTheRuckusPod

    30 min

  3. 14 APR

    DEBATE: The pros and cons of Moana Pasifika's Super Rugby exit

    This week, Charlie and Josh dive into one of the biggest talking points in rugby right now, the news that Moana Pasifika look set to exit Super Rugby at the end of the season. It is a move that has sparked strong reactions across the rugby world, and unsurprisingly we do not exactly see eye to eye on it. Is this a necessary step for the competition’s future, or a huge loss for representation and growth in the game? We break down the pros, the cons, and everything in between as we go head to head in a proper debate, challenging each other’s views and trying to reach some kind of middle ground. As always, we want to hear from you. Do you think this is the right decision, or a major mistake? Let us know where you stand and join the conversation.

    35 min

  4. 9 APR

    From Canada to Top 14 Glory | Jamie Cudmore

    In this episode, we sit down with one of rugby’s most formidable figures, Jamie Cudmore. From a turbulent upbringing in Winnipeg to becoming a four-time Rugby World Cup veteran for Canada, Jamie’s story is anything but ordinary. He takes us through his journey from local club rugby in British Columbia to the elite stages of Europe, sharing what it was like to compete in Wales and France with top clubs like Clermont, where he helped secure a historic Top 14 title. Known for his uncompromising physicality on the field, Jamie opens up about the mindset that made him one of the game’s toughest enforcers—and the personal challenges that shaped him along the way. We also dive into the turning points in his life: how rugby helped him redirect a troubled youth, the lessons learned from decades in professional sport, and the realities of life after retirement. Jamie speaks candidly about controversy, accountability, and what it means to grow beyond the game. X:@AllTheRuckusPod

    31 min

  5. 2 APR

    Why Fabian Holland chose the All Blacks instead of The Netherlands

    From a small Dutch village to the biggest stage in world rugby, this episode dives into the remarkable rise of Fabian Holland. At just 23, he’s already made his mark with the All Blacks—but his journey is anything but conventional. We unpack the defining moments behind Holland’s bold decision to leave the Netherlands and fully commit to New Zealand, exploring the sacrifices, risks, and mindset that shaped his path. From emailing a school halfway across the world to switching positions and fast-tracking through elite rugby ranks, his story is one of ambition, adaptability, and belief. Holland also opens up about turning his back on his country of birth, the support he’s received from home, and how his success is inspiring a new generation of Dutch players to dream bigger. x:@AllTheRuckusPod

    40 min

  6. 25 MAR

    The world's youngest international head coach | Hungary's Finlay Harrison

    At just 21, Finlay Harrison is already rewriting the coaching playbook. In this episode, we sit down with the youngest international head coach in world rugby, now leading Hungary’s sevens programme and shaping the future of their XVs setup. After a promising playing career with Gloucester was cut short by injury, Harrison pivoted into coaching, rising rapidly through roles at Henley Rugby and Ultimate Rugby Sevens before taking on one of the sport’s most demanding jobs. Thrust into a senior international environment with players older and more experienced than himself, he’s had to win trust quickly and build a culture from the ground up. We dive into his bold vision for Hungarian rugby, from chasing a historic Rugby Europe Sevens Trophy medal in 2026 to laying the foundations for long-term success, and even dreaming of Olympic qualification. Harrison also reflects on the challenges of balancing sevens and fifteens, embracing mistakes at a young age, and why his mindset is simple: why not us? x:@AllTheRuckusPod

    35 min

  7. 18 MAR

    The adventurer changing rugby in Oman | Nabs Al Busaidi

    In this episode, we sit down with Nabs Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Oman Rugby Committee, for a conversation that moves from the edge of the world to the heart of a growing rugby community. Nabs made history as the first Arab to walk to the Magnetic North Pole and to row across the Atlantic Ocean, testing himself in some of the toughest conditions on earth. But this chat is less about records and more about purpose. Nabs opens up about what drives him, how those extreme experiences shaped his mindset, and why he has now turned his energy toward building rugby in Oman. Instead of following the traditional pathway, Oman has leaned into Touch Rugby as a way to make the sport more accessible, inclusive, and fun. We explore why Touch has become central to their strategy, how it is bringing new people into the game, and what other unions might learn from their approach. X: @AllTheRuckusPod

    37 min

  8. 10 MAR

    From Super Rugby Champion to Namibia Coach | Jaco Engels

    In this episode, we sit down with Jaco Engels — former Namibia international prop, Super Rugby winner, and current coach within the Namibian national setup. Jaco reflects on a rugged playing career that took him through South Africa’s Currie Cup with the Leopards, Boland Cavaliers and Blue Bulls, before becoming part of both Currie Cup and Super Rugby–winning squads with the Bulls in Pretoria. He shares stories from his time with the Eastern Province Kings and the Southern Kings during the 2013 Super Rugby season, as well as the journey that led to his international debut for Namibia at the age of 32 — culminating in a Rugby World Cup appearance in 2015 against the All Blacks. Now coaching, Jaco also opens up about his unique experience working in Russia during the pandemic and the early stages of the war in Ukraine, and what he is doing now in his return to Namibia. X: @AllTheRuckusPod

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A podcast showcasing international rugby stories from outside the top nations (Also known as Tier 2/3) in depth that you won’t hear anywhere else 🌍 Episodes out weekly with guests ⭐️

Information

  • Creator
    Charlie Elliott and Josh Saunders
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Charlie Elliott and Josh Saunders
  • Show Website
    What’s All The Ruckus?

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