Scrum V Rugby BBC Radio Wales

Great insight and interviews. Are you going round all the regions for similar. Welcome back from the World Cup. Your coverage there was very good and really enjoyed the pod to camera on iPlayer as well. Cheers.

Have to listen to this as my only Welsh rugby fix, but Gareth Rhys Owen doesn’t half talk some garbage and ask some stupid questions. “So, Will Rowlands, can you just elaborate on what it means to ‘plant your feet in the tackle’.

I must say I was very impressed by Rhys Patchell in this episode. He’s a personable, articulate and intelligent man. Leigh’s personality and articulation manifests itself exclusively on the rugby field, where he is peerless. On a radio podcast, however, he is the antithesis of articulation- frankly, it’s like pulling teeth. Rhys, however, was able to nudge and prompt him throughout the interview. I can see Leigh in my mind’s eye, fidgeting throughout, just wanting this ordeal to be over. Rhys knew this would happen and laid the ground beforehand by stating that truly great players don’t like talking about themselves. His respect, affection and admiration for Leigh was evident and he guided him through with wit and thoughtfulness- he has a future in broadcasting when his playing days are done, hopefully a long time from now.

Lauren took a back seat during all this, which was the right decision and I respect that. Very few broadcasters recognise when to keep quiet , and the fact she did reflects very well on her abilities. She spoke when necessary and no more- a rare skill in this ‘me me me’ culture in which we all reside.

Leigh Halfpenny will be a kicking coach.