French RUGBY CONNECTIONS with Veronique Landew & Bill Hooper Veronique Landew & Bill Hooper

This edition of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosted by Veronique  Landew  and Bill Hooper, delves into the latest happenings in French rugby. The episode kicks off with a recap of the game between Toulouse and Exeter, where Toulouse's impressive performance led them to score nine tries and secure a spot in the semi-finals. The conversation shifts to discuss another nail-biter between Bordeaux Begle and Harlequins, with Harlequins narrowly winning. We touch upon the performance and expectations of various teams in the European Cup and the Top 14, highlighting the tight scores and the fierce competition for the playoffs. The episode features a special mention of Kieran Bracken's motivational speech at Veronique's workplace , emphasizing the importance of mental preparedness in sports and how Sir Clive Woodward's investments in his team covering all aspects of the game and financial rewards paid off and  helped the England team win the RWC in 2003. It concludes with insights into the upcoming games, including a big match at the Vélodrome de Marseille between Toulon and Toulouse, and anticipates an exciting weekend of rugby.

00:00 Opening music
00:24 Welcome to the French Rugby Connections Podcast
00:51 Recap of Toulouse vs. Exeter Game
03:59 Analysis of Bordeaux Begle vs. Harlequin Game
09:26 Top 14 League Discussion and Predictions
19:50 Kyran Bracken's speech and Rugby Management Evolution
28:49 Au Revoir

Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper, focus on recent European Rugby matches, including the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarterfinals. We cover various games, highlighting La Rochelle's close win against Stormers, Bordeaux's victory over Saracens, and look ahead to upcoming quarter finals, including Bordeaux's first-ever quarter final against Harlequins.  We discuss team strategies, player injuries, and the performances of key players. Additionally, we pay tribute to French rugby legend Andre Boniface, we reflect on the implications of a proposed World Championship Cup for the rugby calendar, and briefly touches on the ongoing Six Nations tournament for women. The engaging conversation captures the excitement of European rugby while honouring the sport's heritage.

00:00 Introduction
00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Podcast
00:27 Recap of Last Weekend's Rugby Action
00:53 La Rochelle's Narrow Victory Discussion
03:30 Bordeaux's Upcoming Challenge and Team Updates
07:30 Toulouse's Dominance and Upcoming Matches
10:55 La Rochelle vs. Leinster: The Titanic Battle
16:24 Remembering Rugby Legend Andre Boniface
18:24 Women's Six Nations and Domestic Rugby Updates
20:45 Looking Ahead: European Cups and World Championship Cup Rumours
22:13 Closing Remarks and Goodbye

This week,  Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper on the French Rugby CONNECTIONS  podcast  discuss the upcoming big weekend of the Champions Cup, focusing on the last 16 matches involving eight French teams. Specific attention is given to the game between Toulouse and Racing 92, with Toulouse favoured due to their strong line up despite Racing 92's challenges with player availability. Other matches such as Bordeaux against Saracens, La Rochelle's travel to South Africa to face the Stormers, and Lyon's difficult task against the Blue Bulls are highlighted. The conversation includes analysis of player injuries, team strengths, and predictions for the matches. The discussion also touches on the impact of foreign players in the Top 14, the current standings and recent performances of various teams, and a brief mention of women's rugby, specifically the French Women's Six Nations team's performance. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist.
00:25 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection
00:36 Previewing the Champions Cup Weekend
01:02 Spotlight on Toulouse vs Racing 92
01:25 Injury Updates and Team Strategies
03:43 Other Key Matches to Watch
06:05 La Rochelle's South African Challenge
09:05 Predictions and Surprises
10:36 Recap of Last Week's Top 14 Action
16:26 Looking Ahead: Transfers and Talent
19:20 Closing Remarks and Women's Rugby Update

In this episode of the French Rugby Connection podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the latest developments in the Top 14 rugby tournament. The conversation highlights the tight competition for playoff places, with only seven weekends left in the season. Special attention is given to Stade Francais and Toulouse, with Toulouse's Romain Ntamack returning from injury to play against Pau alongside Antoine Dupont. The episode also covers the broader league standings, the looming relegation of Oyonnax, potential promotions from the Pro D2 league, and the impact of player movements between clubs. Additionally, it touches on the Six Nations Women's tournament, the retirement of referee Mathieu Raynal, and the imminent start of the European Championships. The inclusion of details on the performance and rankings of other teams in the league, as well as discussions on key players and upcoming matches, provides listeners with a comprehensive update on French rugby.
00:00 Introduction
00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection Podcast
00:32 Top 14 Rugby League Updates and Predictions
01:05 Discussion on Teams and Player Performances
03:31 The Battle for Promotion and Relegation
04:02 Looking Ahead: Next Season's Top 14 Start Date
09:51 Six Nations Women's Rugby Highlights
12:45 Referee Retirement and the Importance of Language in Rugby
18:45 The English-French Connection in Rugby
20:26 Closing Remarks and Au revoir

The episode discusses the last 6 Nations game played by Les Bleus, focusing on France's performance, highlighting the team's defensive issues and celebrating their ultimate victory. It also covers Sean Edwards' critique of the French team's defense, praises young players' contributions, and reflects on the overall tournament. Furthermore, the discussion includes France's strategic changes and the impact of discipline on the team's performance. This episode  also covers rugby-related news, such as Billy Vunipola's transfer to Montpellier, the anticipation around the women's Six Nations, and updates on the French Top 14 league, focusing on team rankings and upcoming matches.  Enjoy the French rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair!

In this edition of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, host Véronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper dive into the passion and anticipation surrounding the upcoming French and English rugby match, aka Le Crunch in Lyon.  With the French team unchanged and confidence high after a victory in Cardiff, a win for LES BLEUS should be on the cards, or will it?  Key player Nolan Le Garrec, stepping in for Antoine Dupont, is spotlighted for his extraordinary performance and potential. The conversation also taps into the broader landscape of the Six Nations Championship, discussing other teams' performances, player fitness, and strategies. Attention shifts briefly to the Top 14 league dynamics and upcoming player transfers, with a side note on the culinary delights of Lyon, setting the stage for a weekend of intense rugby action and national pride for his ultimate 6 Nations weekend! 
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!


00:00 Opening 
00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection
00:29 Recalling Last Year's Crunch Match
00:48 Anticipation for the Upcoming Game
01:31 Team Strategies and Player Highlights
01:44 Analyzing Past Matches and Team Dynamics
02:37 Spotlight on Nolan Le Garrec
04:35 The Essence of French Rugby and Upcoming Challenges
04:52 Strategic Shifts and Player Performances
07:42 Previewing the England vs. France Match
09:47 Discussion on Player Selections and Predictions
19:05 Top 14 League Updates and Player Moves
23:30 Six Nations Championship Predictions
25:50 Closing Remarks and Aurevoir