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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 1d ago

    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

  3. 1d ago

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 31

    BTR Ep. 159| Aotearoa Rugby Pod Takes on Behind the Ruck | South Africa vs All Blacks Debate | Who is the best?

    This week on Behind the Ruck, we're joined by Ross and Bryn from the Aotearoa Rugby Pod for the ultimate South Africa vs New Zealand rugby debate. We dive into how New Zealand views the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour, whether the hype still matches the occasion, and reflect on the golden era of All Blacks rugby. Bryn also shares what it means to reach 100 caps and how the game has evolved from a New Zealand perspective. The conversation then shifts to the rugby itself as we unpack the Nations Championship, the evolution of the kicking game, the battle at scrum time, and the biggest selection dilemmas facing both teams. We debate how the All Blacks can unlock the South African defence, whether New Zealand's skill and footwork can overcome South Africa's physicality, the impact of Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' versatility, and where both teams have strengths and weaknesses heading into the tournament. To wrap things up, the panel discusses the importance of the opening Test at Ellis Park, Tony Brown's return to New Zealand, picks a combined South Africa and All Blacks XV, and makes bold predictions for the rest of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour. If you're a rugby fan, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:41 Ground rules for the Ultimate Podcast Debate 01:42 Meet Ross and Bryn from Aotearoa Rugby Pod, New Zealand 02:37 Bryn's 100 caps 05:29 How does New Zealand view the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour? 07:24 Rugby hype in New Zealand 11:35 The Golden Era of New Zealand Rugby 13:51 Nations Championship - the kicking game and scrum 22:38 How kicking has changed in South African Rugby 24:49 Selection dilemmas 31:57 The All Blacks: handling the Springbok defence 34:05 NZ footwork and skillset vs SA physicality 37:13 Juan talks about Rassie 42:40 High Risk - High Reward rugby 44:09 Versatility of the Springboks 48:00 All Black team selection over the tournament 50:09 Springbok weaknesses 52:18 Veteran players and the quality of players on the bench 01:00:10 Importance of the first game at Ellis Park 01:02:54 Tony Brown signing with New Zealand 01:05:23 Podcasters select the best SA-NZ combined team 01:20:41 Tournament predictions and goodbye 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. Jul 31

    BTR Ep. 158 | Rugby's Greatest Rivalry: Can the All Blacks beat the Springboks? 👀

    Join the Behind the Ruck team as we dive into Rugby's Greatest Rivalry ahead of the Rugby Championship clashes between the Springboks and All Blacks. We unpack the upcoming fixtures, explore what makes this iconic rivalry so special, and revisit the history that has made South Africa vs New Zealand one of the biggest contests in world sport. We also reveal an exciting Burger King competition before the team selects its Springbok XV for the opening Test at Ellis Park and compares it to the All Blacks squad, discussing the biggest selection calls and key match-ups. Who makes your starting XV, and who comes out on top? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Behind the Ruck. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:01 Lineup 02:52 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR) 03:07 RGR Fixtures - Unions 09:37 Burgerking Competition 10:09 What makes the RGR so unique 14:42 History of the rivalry between SA and NZ 16:46 RGR Fixtures - Springboks vs All Blacks 25:58 BTR team selection for 1st test at Ellis Park 32:58 All Black team selection 44:46 Sponsors and goodbye 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 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. Jul 31

    BTR Ep. 157 | Tristan Leyds Opens Up After Becoming HSBC Sevens Player of the Year | Springboks vs Wales

    Description: Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:31 Fixtures: Nations Championship 03:53 Springboks vs Wales 05:46 All Blacks vs Ireland 06:31 Interview with Tristan Leyds - HSBC Player of the Year 08:32 Sharing the news with family 17:12 The year leading up to this achievement 23:00 The realities of playing Sevens Rugby 28:22 Family sporting achievements - Dillyn Leyds 29:34 The path to playing Sevens Rugby 39:26 Personal growth and challenges 42:14 Special Forces Team and his best kick ever 46:11 The next chapter 49:54 SuperSportBET brings the birthday cake 51:45 3 years of Behind the Ruck Podcast 57:21 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

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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
    150
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Behind the Ruck

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