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. MAR 25

    BTR Ep. 141 | Markus Muller: From Schoolboy Rugby Sensation to the DHL Stormers… and That Springbok Call Up 🚀🏉

    This episode kicks off with a look at LIV Golf before we sit down with rising star Markus Muller for an in depth conversation you do not want to miss. We unpack his recent call up to the Springbok alignment camp, dive into different coaching styles, and reflect on his journey through school and schoolboy rugby that shaped him into the player he is today. We get into the details of his preferred position between inside and outside centre, his early leadership experiences, and the role his friends and family have played along the way. Markus also takes us back to that unforgettable Interschools clash, shares his future ambitions, and opens up about joining the Stormers and his involvement with SAS Rugby. The conversation continues with an honest look at areas of improvement in his game, including his kicking, while also reflecting on the rugby heroes he looked up to growing up. We add some fun with our Center of Attention game and get to know Markus off the field as he shares more about his hobbies, plus a special Brightrock Love Change Studio moment. To wrap things up, we shift back into rugby talk as we break down the latest URC results and look ahead to the upcoming fixtures with our predictions. Another jam packed episode filled with insight, energy, and everything you love about Behind the Ruck. #RuckersUnite Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:42 LIV Golf 04:37 Lineup 07:02 Interview with Markus Muller 10:55 Springbok Alignment Camp 18:41 Different coaching styles 19:32 School and schoolboy rugby 26:02 Playing #12 or #13 27:53 Rugby leadership experience 29:38 Friends and family 31:43 THAT Interschools game 34:56 Future plans 35:44 Joining the Stormers 37:37 SAS Rugby involvement 38:34 Areas of Improvement 40:07 Kicking 42:36 Childhood rugby heroes 46:05 Center of Attention game 49:20 Hobbies 50:09 Brightrock #Lovechange Studio Moment 53:18 URC Week 13 Results - discussion 57:52 URC Week 14 Fixtures and predictions 59:20 Outro 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

    1 hr

  2. MAR 25

    BTR Ep. 140 | Springboks in Trouble? The Age Debate + All Blacks Comparison Gets HEATED 🔥

    The episode kicks off with the friend of the show Gio Aplon, bringing energy, insight and plenty of laughs. The boys dive straight into the iconic North South Derby, unpacking the intensity, key moments and what it means for South African rugby right now. From there, the conversation shifts to the Springboks and the ever present age factor. Is experience still king or is it time for a new generation to rise? The debate gets real as they break down the balance between youth and legacy in the national setup. A major talking point follows with Rassie Erasmus extending his contract until 2031. The guys weigh up the pros and cons of long term leadership, what it means for continuity, and whether this is the move that secures sustained dominance or limits fresh evolution. To wrap things up, they touch on the excitement around Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour and the latest from the Six Nations before delivering a memorable Brightrock Love Change Studio moment where Gio takes things to another level and pops the question. A proper mix of rugby, banter and real life moments that you do not want to miss. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:53 Lineup with friend of the show, Gio Aplon 04:06 North South Derby 27:14 Springboks - the age factor 42:25 Rassie signed until 2031 - pros and cons 50:47 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour 54:40 Six Nations 01:07:41 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio moment - Gio pops the question 01:10:31 Outro 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

    1h 11m

  3. MAR 25

    BTR Ep. 139 | Stormers vs Bulls Drama, Six Nations Chaos & Is This the End for Western Province?

    In this episode of Behind the Ruck, the boys unpack the North South Derby between the Blue Bulls and the Stormers. They break down the intensity of the rivalry, the key moments from the match, and what the result means for both teams moving forward. The conversation then shifts to the latest action from the Six Nations Championship, as Rudy and Juan analyse the results from the fourth round. They highlight the standout performances, big talking points, and which teams have built momentum heading into the final week. Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the upcoming fixtures in the final round of the Six Nations Championship, sharing their thoughts on the matchups and what could unfold as the tournament reaches its conclusion. The episode also features a special Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment before ending with a discussion about the future of Western Province in the Currie Cup, and what it could mean for one of South Africa’s most historic rugby unions. 🏉 #RuckersUnite Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:26 Show Lineup 04:49 North South Derby 24:13 Six Nations Week 4 Results and analysis 38:08 Six Nations Week 5 Fixtures and discussion 41:42 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment 43:36 The end of Western Province in the Curry Cup 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

    47 min

  4. MAR 25

    BTR Ep. 138 | Eddie Jones Opens Up about the Springbok's early peak, Modern Rugby and the Misconceptions About Him

    Eddie Jones joins Behind the Ruck for a powerful and honest conversation that starts with his current view on the global game and the evolution of the Six Nations. We unpack how rugby is changing, the tactical shifts at the top level, and dive into Japan versus South Africa as a fascinating clash of styles and philosophies. The conversation then turns to the big question many fans are asking: are the Springboks peaking too soon? Eddie takes us inside the team selection process, explaining what really goes into picking a squad at the highest level and the pressures coaches face behind closed doors. We also explore the personal side of his journey. From career challenges and resilience to his time with the Stormers and what it meant for his growth as a coach, before reflecting on the responsibility and intensity that came with leading England on the world stage. To close, we tackle the misconceptions surrounding Eddie Jones and share a special Brightrock Love Change studio moment. Juan and the team then break down the URC Week 12 results and look ahead to a massive Six Nations Week 4. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:29 Lineup 03:55 Eddie Jones interview 04:45 6 Nations and the changing game of rugby 07:02 Japan vs. South Africa 16:37 Are the Springboks peaking too soon? 22:28 We look inside the team selection process 26:36 Career challenges 29:36 The Stormers chapter 32:49 Coaching England 43:29 Misconceptions about Eddie Jones 45:32 Brightrock #Lovechange Studio moment 49:15 Results: URC Week 12 54:09 Fixtures: 6 Nations Week 4 56:59 Sponsors 57:15 Outro 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

    58 min

  5. MAR 25

    BTR Ep. 137 | The Tana Umaga story | First Pasifika All Blacks Captain | Signing Ardie Savea 😱

    Juan is officially named in the Stormers Ultimate 15, voted by the fans. A proper BTR moment and a proud recognition of what he has meant to the Stormers jersey. The Ruckers showed up and made their voices heard. We then sit down with legendary former All Black captain Tana Umaga for a conversation that goes far beyond the field. A leader who helped shape one of rugby’s most dominant eras, Tana shares honest insights on identity, responsibility and what it truly means to represent your people. Now coaching Moana Pasifika, he speaks about building culture, the power of Samoan DNA in rugby, and guiding the next generation in a modern game shaped by social media. We also unpack what it took to get Ardie Savea to sign, the meaning behind the Haka, and becoming the first Pasifika captain of the New Zealand national rugby union team. From growing up in Samoa to insights into Viktual and the family business, this episode blends legacy, leadership and the greatest rivalry in rugby, before we wrap up with a special Brightrock LoveChange Studio moment and our URC fixtures and predictions. Culture. Leadership. Legacy. #RuckersUnite Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:04 Juan makes the Stormers Ultimate 15 03:22 Lineup 04:41 Interview with Tana Umaga 07:14 Rugby today as a coach of Moana Pasifika 12:30 Samoan culture and DNA 19:49 Role of social media in rugby today 21:17 Getting Ardie to sign 26:52 Culture and the Haka 33:48 First Pasifika captain of the All Blacks 41:34 The Greatest Rivalry 52:02 Brightrock LoveChange Studio moment 54:03 Growing up in Samoa 56:53 Viktual - the family business 01:07:07 URC fixtures and predictions 01:09:37 Sponsors 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

    1h 10m

  6. FEB 18

    BTR Ep. 136 | Vernon Matongo: From Varsity Cup Dreams to Stormers Star 🔥 | The Journey No One Saw Coming

    We kick this episode off with a powerful chat as Vernon Matongo joins us on Behind The Ruck. Vernon opens up about life at the Stormers, what the environment is really like, and how his journey from childhood dreams to professional rugby unfolded. He shares the story of his early road in the game, the role his family played in shaping his career, and why putting studies first, including playing in the Varsity Cup, was a crucial step before going pro. We also dive into his rugby ambitions, the heroes he looked up to growing up, and what continues to drive him at the highest level. To wrap things up, we break down the Six Nations Week 2 results and look ahead to the big fixtures coming up in Week 3. Another honest, inspiring rugby conversation you don’t want to miss. #RuckersUnite Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:06 Lineup 04:07 Interview with Vernon Matongo 05:50 Life at the Stormers 16:00 Childhood road to rugby 22:48 Family support 26:46 The importance of studying first and playing Varsity Cup 34:22 Pro rugby 37:58 Childhood rugby heros 40:10 Rugby ambitions 51:11 Six Nations Week 2 Results 59:31 Six Nations Week 3 Fixtures 01:02:48 Sponsors and closing 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

    1h 4m

  7. FEB 18

    BTR Ep. 135 | Francois Hougaard Opens Up About Surgery, Mental Health & Life After Rugby

    New episode of Behind The Ruck is live and it’s a big one 🔥 We kick things off with Juan reliving his Cape Town 10s victory before sitting down with Francois Hougaard for an honest and wide-ranging conversation. He opens up about his current routine, an upcoming surgery, the launch of his wellness brand, and the importance of mental health. We also dive into his interest in boxing, his passion for cars, Valentine’s Day, and reflect on his rugby career — including Rio Olympics memories. There’s even a special appearance from his dog 🐶 To wrap it up, we talk life after rugby, tattoos, our Brightrock LoveChange Studio Moment, and break down the 6 Nations Week 1 results while looking ahead to Week 2 fixtures. This one’s real, raw, and full of laughs. #RuckersUnite Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:19 Juan relives his Cape Town 10s victory 04:04 Interview: Francois Hougaard 04:50 Current routine 05:57 Upcoming surgery 07:16 Launch of wellness brand 14:06 Mental health 17:47 Interest in boxing 19:09 Passion for cars 22:29 Valentine's Day 24:25 Rugby career 34:20 We say hello to his dog 39:30 Life after rugby 42:02 Tattoos 44:44 Rio Olympics 46:29 Brightrock LoveChange Studio Moment 51:47 6 Nations Week 1 Results 57:55 6 Nations Week 2 Fixtures 01:00:45 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

    1h 1m

  8. FEB 18

    BTR 134 | Imad Khan Opens Up on His Stormers Debut and What Comes Next

    In this episode, we sit down with Imad Khan for an honest and insightful conversation about his rugby journey so far. Imad reflects on what has been an incredible season, his transition from SA Schools rugby into the professional game, and the challenges that come with making that step up. We dive into his first Stormers appearance away in Bayonne, how he’s approached bulking up through gym work and diet, and how he sees and controls the game as a scrumhalf, including managing the balance between flair and structure. Imad also shares his rugby role models, thoughts on Under 21 rugby, and what truly makes a great scrumhalf at the highest level. The episode features a special BrightRock LoveChange moment before shifting into lighter Valentine’s Day chat and a look ahead at his future plans. To wrap things up, we break down the latest URC results and preview the upcoming Six Nations fixtures. 🎙️ Rugby insight, player stories, and real conversations. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments. #RuckersUnite 🏉 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:21 Lineup 03:33 Interview with Imad Khan 05:53 An incredible season 08:10 Move from SA Schools to pro rugby 12:36 First Stormers game at Bayonne 15:29 Bulking up with gym and diet 19:43 How do you see the game 22:19 Control the "Razzle Dazzle" 23:29 What makes a great Scrumhalf 25:45 Rugby role models 31:34 Under 21 Rugby 36:50 Brightrock LoveChange moment 40:30 Valentine's Day etc. 43:07 Future plans 47:20 URC results 58:56 6 Nations Fixtures 01:03:50 Closing 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

    1h 5m
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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
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Behind the Ruck

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