The Rugby Paper Podcast

The Rugby Paper

The Rugby Paper Round Up is your weekly podcast bringing you the biggest stories, standout performances and key insight from across the rugby world. With insight from The Rugby Paper’s Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and a special guest from the sport each week, they cover everything from the Prem and URC to the Champ, National Leagues, BUCS and the women’s game. Your essential audio guide to the week in rugby.

  1. 6d ago

    RICHIE MO'UNGA RETURNS! NONU'S HAKA | All Blacks v Springboks Rivalry | Rugby Paper Roundup

    In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Rugby’s greatest rivalry is in full swing as New Zealand and South Africa continue their blockbuster series — and the All Blacks have started in style with two wins from two. Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Kiwi podcaster Gareth Williams from the Super Smack podcast to break down the latest chapter of the All Blacks-Springboks rivalry, starting with one of the most talked-about moments of the tour: Ma’a Nonu’s solo haka response against the All Blacks. Gareth explains the cultural significance of the moment in New Zealand, why it resonated so strongly, and how it was received back home. We also analyse the All Blacks’ dominant 54-0 victory over the Sharks, including a standout performance from Jordie Barrett.  We discuss: •⁠  ⁠Ma’a Nonu’s solo haka and its cultural significance •⁠  ⁠Jordie Barrett’s claim to being the best inside centre in world rugby •⁠  ⁠The Hurricanes influence running through the All Blacks backline •⁠  ⁠How much confidence New Zealand should take into the Bulls fixture 🔥 Does the All Blacks aura still exist? We also take a wider look at rugby’s place in New Zealand culture. Has rugby lost some of its grip on the country? Are the Warriors and rugby league now the trendier ticket? Is Super Rugby really struggling — or are rising TV audiences and sell-out crowds telling a very different story? Gareth gives us the view from New Zealand on: •⁠  ⁠How much this South Africa series has gripped the public •⁠  ⁠The historical importance of the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry •⁠  ⁠Whether the All Blacks remain New Zealand’s biggest sporting brand •⁠  ⁠The health of grassroots and Super Rugby •⁠  ⁠Frustration around constant law changes •⁠  ⁠Why the picture may be healthier than some headlines suggest 🏆 How will the Test series finish? With former All Blacks suggesting one Test victory should be the minimum expectation on such a brutal tour, we ask whether a 2-2 split would actually be considered a success — or whether New Zealand still expects to win the series outright. Plus, Gareth gives his series prediction, thoughts on England and his verdict on Henry Pollock. 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subscriptions OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

  2. Jul 30

    Shane Byrne: Inside The Life And Career Of An Irish Rugby Great | TQL Rugby Podcast

    Today’s guest on TQL Rugby Podcast is club and country legend of Irish Rugby, Shane Byrne!   With 41 international caps to his name, one British & Irish Lions Tour and a staggering 115 for Leinster and 49 for Saracens, Shane’s record is hard to match and speaks for itself.   In one of the most insightful interviews I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in, Shane dove deep into what training was like when he first laced up his boots to how well drilled and professional the coaching and training is now and that the whole process deserves more recognition praise.   With over a decade of experience in the front row from scrums to throw-ins, Shane has plied his trade across many countries and clubs and undoubtably set the benchmark for future generations of hookers to follow.   Since retiring in 2007, Shane is now the Director of Arklow Waste Disposal, however, he has also been welcomed with open arms in the world of television with regular appearances as a captain on “Know The Score” to his first film appearance in “Mrs Brown’s Boys D’movie”.   We discuss Shane’s standout moments, life after rugby, becoming a TV panellist and film star, wonderful praise and opinions on the current game, player development and ideas for Leinster’s next head coach!   Thank you so much Shane for your time today!   Remember to like, share and subscribe and you can also listen to this episode wherever you stream your podcasts!   Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!   #rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinster #leinsterrugby #ireland #blackrock #dublin #legend #sportsshow #sports #film

  3. Jul 8

    BORTHWICK ON THE BRINK? Fiji v England | Wales' Revival | Rugby Paper Round Up ft. Paul Williams

    In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby columnist Paul Williams to assess the mounting pressure on England head coach Steve Borthwick after a fifth consecutive Test defeat. Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and a heavy 45-21 defeat to South Africa in the opening round of the Nations Championship, England's discipline, tactics and direction are all under the microscope. With Fiji next up at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before a trip to Argentina, is this already a defining fortnight for Borthwick's tenure? We discuss: •⁠ ⁠Why England's form has collapsed since the Six Nations •⁠ ⁠The growing indiscipline problem and its impact on results •⁠ ⁠Whether England's kick-heavy game plan has become outdated •⁠ ⁠Why Steve Borthwick is coming under increasing pressure •⁠ ⁠Can England turn things around against Fiji? •⁠ ⁠Why Josua Tuisova and Fiji will fancy their chances •⁠ ⁠Should the RFU do everything possible to bring Shaun Edwards back to England? 🏉 Wales' Revival Attention also turns to Wales, who have rediscovered confidence under Steve Tandy. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠What's changed since Tandy's arrival? •⁠ ⁠Why Wales suddenly look like a different side We also chat: 🌍 Nations Championship 🏆 World Rugby U20 Championship You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

About

The Rugby Paper Round Up is your weekly podcast bringing you the biggest stories, standout performances and key insight from across the rugby world. With insight from The Rugby Paper’s Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and a special guest from the sport each week, they cover everything from the Prem and URC to the Champ, National Leagues, BUCS and the women’s game. Your essential audio guide to the week in rugby.

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