Behind the Ruck

Behind the Ruck
  • 4.7 (3)
  • 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. Oct 7

    Ep 169 | Lleyton Davids | FROM BONNIEVALE TO THE STORMERS… His Incredible Sporting Journey to Rugby 🤯🏉

    In this episode, we sit down with Lleyton Davids to unpack his journey from Bonnievale to earning a move to the Stormers. He opens up about the year that led to his breakthrough, getting an agent, his work life back home, and the role athletics played in shaping his sporting journey. Lleyton also reflects on his early days, the role models who inspired him, and the importance of his family throughout his career. We dive deeper into Lleyton’s impressive athletics background, including his achievements in the triple jump and 100m, before exploring his transition from athletics to rugby. He discusses the media attention that followed his rise and shares a message for young players looking to make their own way in sport. We also look ahead to the latest rugby action, discussing URC Week 3 before turning our attention to the All Blacks vs Wallabies rivalry and what we can expect from the upcoming clash. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:24 Lineup 05:34 Interview with Lleyton Davids 07:03 Stormers signing 14:30 The year leading up to this, getting an agent 19:49 Work life in Bonnievale 21:04 Athletics and earlier days 22:35 Role models 24:17 Family 30:02 The Triple Jump, 100m and other athletics achievements 40:09 The move from athletics to rugby 41:20 Media attention 47:06 Message for young players 52:00 URC Week 3 01:03:44 All Blacks vs Wallabies 01:06:21 Closing 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

  2. Oct 7

    Ep. 168 | Digby Ioane on the Wallabies | Iconic Celebrations | Life After Rugby 🔥

    Digby Ioane joins Behind the Ruck for a proper trip down memory lane! From Australia’s win over the Springboks in Perth to some of the biggest moments of his international career, Digby opens up about the highs, the challenges and the stories that shaped his rugby journey. We get into everything from his famous try celebrations, including the legendary turtle move, to life away from rugby, family and what Digby Ioane is up to today. It’s honest, funny and full of stories from one of Australia’s most entertaining players. Then the Ruckers get stuck into URC Week 2, breaking down Edinburgh vs Stormers, Lions vs Ospreys, Sharks vs Leinster and Munster vs Bulls. Another big episode with plenty of rugby chat, stories and laughs. 🏉🔥 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:37 Lineup 05:10 Interview with Digby Ioane 07:41 Wallabies win over the Springboks in Perth 20:52 Reflecting on past rugby achievements 23:06 Significant life moments 26:05 International career 27:04 Keeping the ladies away 28:03 Try celebrations - including the turtle move 29:53 Digby Ioane today 30:40 Family 31:25 Life after rugby 34:42 URC Week 2 Fixtures 35:46 URC Edinburgh vs Stormers 41:48 URC Lions vs Ospreys 43:34 URC Sharks vs Leinster 44:24 URC Munster vs Bulls 48:53 Sponsors and wrap-up 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

  3. Sep 24

    BTR Ep. 167 | LIMA SOPOAGA IS BACK! 🔥 RGR Memories, All Blacks, Wallabies & What’s Next

    The boys are back on Behind the Ruck as they look ahead to the Wallabies clash, the latest squad news and Week 1 of the URC, including Connacht vs Stormers and Lions vs Leinster. Plus, a chat with former All Black Lima Sopoaga and the final bet gets settled. 🏉 The RGR memories continue as Rudy and Juan look at the All Blacks’ social media numbers from the series before heading back to New Zealand. The boys also get into RWC preparations, injuries and the challenge of competing with other sports for players. Rudy’s NFL FOMO, the Switch competition, our sponsors and plenty of banter round things off. Hit play, subscribe and join the Ruckers! 🔥 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:47 Lineup 04:00 Wallabies game: Fixtures 09:39 Wallabies game: Expectations and predictions 11:01 Springbok squad 12:46 URC Week 1: Fixtures 13:21 URC Week 1: Connacht vs Stormers 15:05 URC Week 1: Lions vs Leinster 16:25 Interview with Lima Sopoaga 16:59 Settling the final bet 18:24 RGR memories 27:12 All Blacks Social media metrics for the RGR series 37:38 Back to New Zealand 40:04 Rudy NFL FOMO 43:32 All Blacks prepping for the RWC 50:31 All Blacks injuries 53:42 All Blacks competing with other sports for players 57:48 Switch competition, 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

  4. Sep 2

    BTR Ep. 164 | Israel Dagg REVEALS Who He Thinks Will Win the Rivalry

    Israel Dagg joins BTR! 🇳🇿🏉 Former All Black Israel Dagg sits down with BTR to look back on some of the biggest moments of his career, his transition into broadcasting, and his thoughts ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test at FNB Stadium. From his finest rugby memories to playing at Soccer City, Izzy also weighs in on the Springboks vs All Blacks rivalry, the series prediction, and whether rugby is becoming more about physicality or finesse. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:39 Lineup 04:03 Interview with Israel Dagg 05:03 His finest rugby moment 06:34 Checkin with Izzy 09:26 Broadcasting career 13:33 RGR Test 3 at the FNB Stadium, Soweto 21:56 Series prediction 24:10 Playing at Soccer City 35:33 Physicality vs finesse 39:37 Fixtures 51:17 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

  5. Sep 2

    BTR Ep. 163 | LIMA SOPOAGA TELLS HIS STORY🔥 From All Blacks Glory to Life After Rugby | RGR Test 2

    In this episode, we sit down with former All Blacks and Highlanders star Lima Sopoaga to reflect on his rugby journey, his experiences in South Africa, and life after professional rugby. Lima looks back at the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between the All Blacks and Springboks, comparing his visit to South Africa in 2015 with the 2026 tour. He also opens up about his new role as a content creator for the All Blacks, transitioning into life after rugby, and what it’s like seeing the game from a different perspective. We also get Lima’s thoughts ahead of Test 2 in Cape Town, his predictions, training with Ardie Savea, and his experiences touring around South Africa. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:39 Guest - Lima Sopoaga 05:08 RGR: All Blacks vs. Lions 05:57 South Africa visit in 2015 vs. 2026 09:29 Lima - Content Creator for the All blacks 24:42 Life after rugby 30:52 RGR - Test 2 in Cape Town 46:00 Predictions 55:00 Training with Ardie Savea 58:06 Touring around South Africa 01:00:46 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

  6. Sep 2

    BTR Ep. 162 | JEANDRE RUDOLPH OPENS UP: All Blacks, Pressure, Self-Doubt & Life at the Vodacom Bulls

    In this episode of the RGR Podcast, we sit down with Vodacom Bulls rugby player Jeandre Rudolph for an honest and entertaining conversation about his career, playing at the highest level, the Bulls, international rugby, pressure, self-doubt and what lies ahead. We kick things off with the latest RGR fixtures and predictions before getting into Jeandre's experiences on the field — including what it was like playing against the All Blacks, facing international players and setting up the Stravino Jacobs try. Jeandre also gives us an inside look at the new 2026/27 Bulls jersey, shares what it was like socialising with the All Blacks after the game, and gives his prediction for RGR Game 1. The conversation then goes deeper into his journey to where he is today, the challenges of self-doubt, dealing with pressure and whether he feels he's currently in his prime. We also talk about the incredible rugby talent that has come through Oakdale High School, the legendary question of what's actually in the cow's milk, life beyond rugby and what the future could look like once his playing career eventually comes to an end. Plus, we wrap things up with the Burger King competition and plenty more. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:48 RGR Fixtures 04:56 RGR Game 1 10:24 RGR predictions 11:55 Jeandre Rudolph Guest introduction 14:31 What was it like playing against the All Blacks? 20:06 Facing international players 22:23 Setting up the Stravino Jacobs try 28:29 The new 26/27 Bulls jersey design 30:32 RGR socializing with the All Blacks after the game 31:21 Guests prediction for RGR game 1 33:06 The path to where you are today 36:38 Self doubt and giving up 43:15 Handling pressure 44:39 Are you in your prime now? 48:21 One of many quality players who attended Oakdale High School 51:20 What's in the cow's milk? 52:39 Life after rugby 56:26 Burger King competition, sponsors and goodbye 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

  7. Aug 12

    BTR Ep. 161 | Heyneke Meyer Gets REAL About Coaching for SA Rugby, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry & His Critics

    From the Garden Route to SA Rugby 🇿🇦🏉 Heyneke Meyer sits down with us to reflect on his journey through rugby, from coaching the SWD Eagles to reaching the highest level of the game. He opens up about developing as a coach, the challenges of 2008, his time with SA Rugby, handling pressure, his favourite rugby memories and why making a difference remains at the heart of it all. We also dive into Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and some of the public perceptions that have followed Meyer throughout his career. 🎙️ Full conversation with Heyneke Meyer now available. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:00 Intro 02:43 Lineup 03:48 Interview Heyneke Meyer 05:27 Eagles win First Division 08:04 Why choose the SWD Eagles to coach? 13:11 Springboks from the Garden Route bring hope 18:39 What it takes to become a Springbok 22:56 Development from teaching to coaching at the highest level 28:24 Overcoming the obstacles of 2008 30:52 Reflection on time as a Springbok coach 37:21 Handling pressure in the game 43:22 Heyneke Meyer's favourite rugby games 46:22 Making a difference 54:45 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry analysis 01:04:44 Public misperceptions of HM 01:10:04 Sponsors, Burger King competition and goodbyes. 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

  8. Aug 12

    BTR Ep. 160 | "I Almost Lost Everything..." Sbu Nkosi on World Cup Glory, Mental Health and Finding Purpose

    Sbu Nkosi joins us for one of the most open and honest conversations we've had on Behind the Ruck. From growing up in Barberton and earning a scholarship to Jeppe Boys High School, to being spotted by the Sharks and living out his dream in the Green and Gold, Sbu reflects on the moments that shaped his rugby journey. He shares stories about family, the people who inspired him to chase the game, his incredible speed, and what it was like representing the Springboks on some of rugby's biggest stages, including the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup. Away from the field, Sbu opens up about life beyond rugby. He talks about returning to the game after time away, launching his Cityslowish mobile valet business, his move from the Sharks to the Bulls, and the challenges that came with navigating the pressures of professional sport. In one of the episode's most powerful moments, he speaks candidly about his mental health journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation closes with a deeply personal reflection on faith, purpose and what lies ahead. Sbu shares how his relationship with God has helped shape his outlook on life and why he's excited for the future, both on and off the field. This is an episode filled with honesty, resilience and perspective that every rugby fan should hear. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:02 Introduction to Sbu Nkosi 06:17 Coming back from the break 10:03 Cityslowish - Sbu's mobile valet business 11:22 Family 15:08 Childhood rugby inspiration 20:02 From Barberton to Jeppe Boys High School 24:38 Scouted to The Sharks 34:50 100m best time 35:09 The Springbok experience - Argentina at Loftus, semi-final in Japan against Wales 50:41 Move from the Sharks to the Bulls 53:24 Mental health challenges 01:00:41 Sbu's path of faith 01:04:29 Plans and hopes for the future 01:09:23 Sponsors, competitions, and the new BTR Club Rugby Show, Preview show and Sunday Live. Subscribe for more exclusive rugby conversations every week. #BehindTheRuck #Springboks #SbuNkosi #Rugby #SouthAfricanRugby For mental health support contact sadag.org or call the 24-hour helpline 0800 567 567 Burger King Competition: https://bkmarketing.co.za/compete/rugby-comp 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 Cityslowish Mobile Valet 011 618 4955 or 082 877 1858 Social Media: Book via direct message or WhatsApp through their Instagram Page @cityslowish. 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

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 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
    155
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Behind the Ruck

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