The RugbyHub Podcast Luke Edwards

This week I was joined by Brendon Bale, founder of Green Gazelles RFC, the worlds first vegan rugby side. We discussed all things green, how they intend to grow as a side and what big names are involved on their journey. We also talk to Brendon about his current role of Director of Rugby in Germany, where he is based. We talk about Germany as a rugby nation and what we could expect to see from them in the future. Lastly, Brendon and I talked about his new venture called Ready for Rugby - a sports promotion venture which he is hoping will promote clubs, business and everything else within the world of rugby.

This week I was joined by Sean from Fill Your Boots, who, after first setting the site up 5 years ago, has developed some very interesting viewpoints, insights and statistics about player participation at the grassroots level of rugby. We discuss all about FYB and what their aim is moving forward, what can be done to stop rugby games falling foul due to a lack of numbers, forward thinking ideas to improve these numbers and we also touch on what other issues could be combated at the same time. With some very interesting statistics provided by Sean, as well as information around dialogue he's had with the RFU over this exact problem within the game, it becomes a very thought provoking discussion that needs to be heard.

This week I was joined by Guy Hamer from Locker Stash Rugby. Guy introduces Locker Stash, who they are as a company, what they do and how they input into the grassroots level of the game. Guy talks about the process behind gaining second hand stash, small projects they are working on in the community and also gives us his opinions on certain types of rugby fraternity that you may find across each club in the country. Alongside general stash chat and opinions on Englands new kit supplier, It becomes a podcast dedicated to the stash connoisseurs of the rugby world.

For Episode 5 I was joined by Tom Edmunds and Daisy Casemore from Stockwood Park RFC in Luton. Tom is the senior head coach who also works with Northampton Saints on their DPP program. He gave us a very good insight into a club who have had big success on and off the field this season. We touch on topics around player participation, training ideas, growing for the future and we also discuss the notion of paying players through the amateur leagues. I also spoke with Dasiy, the women's captain. She explained where they started from, how they have grown and what their ambitions are moving forward. A great insight into a very inclusive club who just want every member young and old to enjoy and love their rugby!

For Episode 4 I was joined by my younger brother Liam Edwards. Liam is a former Yorkshire Carnegie, Ealing Trailfinders and Esher player who represented both England Counties and England Students. During this podcast we discussed Liam's rugby journey, focusing on where it first started, all the way through to his current side in Hong Kong. Liam gives some advice for young players looking to progress further with their rugby, discusses the sacrifices he made trying to reach his goal and we talk about key people who have helped guide him through this journey. There is a little segment about payment of players throughout the leagues and as always, finish the podcast discussing Liam's rugby idol growing up.

For Episode 3 I was joined by Lee Paine and Mark Henthorne of Lightwater Rugby Club. We started off discussing where Lightwater, as a club, are at the moment, along with a little history about the club. We delved into what makes them such a social club and why many of their players, once joined, fail to leave and see it as a club for the rest of their playing days. Alongside some general rugby chit chat about touring and training nights, we also discussed some aspects towards playing rules within Surrey and the London leagues, specifically towards the number of substitutes you can take to a game. The game of rugby is ever changing so why are the rules throughout the amateur game not changing quickly enough with it?