HG Rugby

Huw Griffin
  • 5.0 (1)
  • RUGBY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Telling rugby's untold stories by meeting people, analysing data and starting conversations

  1. 21H AGO ·  BONUS

    The Rugby Stat Pundits Love But Coaches Hate... | Mini-Documentary

    In this mini-documentary I name the misleading rugby stat that pundits and fans love but defence coaches hate. With the help of writers, analysts and coaches, I explain the nuance of defending in rugby, what people are getting wrong and the tactics teams use to mask defensive weaknesses. The video discusses some excellent defenders like the Springboks' Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and names some poor defenders too... References: 1. The Stats Do Lie by Wayne Smith https://www.therugbysite.com/blog/news-opinions/the-stats-do-lie-by-wayne-smith 2. Jacques Nienaber Interview (Irish Times) https://x.com/RugbyKino/status/1746465474123121104?s=20 3. Missed Tackles: What are they good for? By Sam Larner https://samlarner.substack.com/p/missed-tackles-what-are-they-good 4. Will Rowlands Interview (BBC) https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66791500 5. URC official website https://stats.unitedrugby.com/statistics/2025-26 6. Gareth Jenkins Interview https://x.com/jpstafford/status/1690955381155954688?s=20 7. Shaun Edwards Interview (WalesOnline) https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/shaun-edwards-explains-wales-missed-17074287 8. Outflanked: How Ireland Exposed England's Defensive Issues Out Wide by Jonathan McCormick https://t.co/vHIInFED4A 9. Complete nonsense: What are the NRL'S most overrated stats? By Mike Meehall Wood https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/07/26/complete-nonsense-what-are-the-nrls-most-overrrated-stats/ 10. Jacques Nienaber and his defence playbook at Leinster by Ultimate Rugby https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/jacques-nienaber-and-his-defence-playbook-at-leinster/660790 11. Wales vs France Preview by Jonny McCormick https://t.co/v05tPZ9xTu 12. Opta Club Rugby Stats Hub https://theanalyst.com/club-rugby-stats 13. Inside Channel: Who is the best defensive Fly-half by Angus Usher https://analystgus.substack.com/p/inside-channel-who-is-the-best-defensive 14. Andre Pretorius Interview on HG Rugby https://youtu.be/9JjVBxg6bbs?si=tJ41JszyO0B6gBm4 15. Angus Usher Interview on HG Rugby https://youtu.be/s7HsVMg1a7k?si=cpnk8pV6AsB0tWZt 16. Analysis by Brett Igoe https://x.com/brettruganalyst #rugby #defence #tactics #coaching #analysis #documentary #springboks #southafrica #ireland Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Chapters 0:00 Problematic Numbers 1:17 A Broken Narrative 3:22 Not All Missed Tackles Are Equal 6:52 Making A Tackles vs Being Ran At 9:15 Hiding Weak Defenders (The South African View) 14:37 Which Stats Are Useful? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    19 min

  2. APR 28 ·  BONUS

    How Much Do French Rugby Clubs REALLY Spend? - LNR Financial Report Explained

    Link to the substack here Link to the report here In this special episode I break down the French CCCP financial report for the 2024/25 season: how much money was earned how much money was spent who made the biggest profit who made the biggest loss the mysterious special products... Follow my French rugby twitter account here: https://x.com/RugbyVous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    20 min

  3. APR 25

    Inside Rugby's Online Content Creation Machine ft. Natasha Coyle

    How Social Media is Changing Rugby Union Forever! + Women's Six Nations 2026 Debate From viral try celebrations to player controversies, social media has completely transformed the world of rugby union. In this video, we dive deep into the impact of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn on the sport we love. How top players such as Henry Pollock, Finn Russel, the women's games and clubs are building massive personal brands. I was joined by professional rugby social media manager Natasha Coyle to get the insights into social media management in rugby union. - The rise of rugby content creators and fan engagement - Social media disasters that cost players contracts and reputations - How unions and governing bodies are adapting to the digital age - Future trends: Will social media make or break rugby union? Whether you're a rugby fan, player, coach, or just love the business side of sport, this video breaks down everything you need to know about social media’s powerful (and sometimes dangerous) influence on the game.Drop a LIKE if you enjoy rugby content! Comment below: Has social media improved or damaged rugby union the most? #rugby #socialmediastrategy #fans #women #sixnations #journalism #podcast #interview #glasgow Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huw.griffin/ Follow Tasha on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tash.coyle/ Chapters 0:00 Becoming A Social Media Manager 4:50 Where Are Rugby Fans? 8:40 Understand The Rugby Audience 12:45 Coping With Trolls 15:15 Social Media Fails 19:55 Attracting New Fans 23:25 Men's Rugby vs Women's Rugby Content 27:30 The Red Roses Debate 33:05 Women's Rugby Marketing 44:10 Impact Of Eddie Hearn 46:05 Leicester Tigers Thoughts 48:00 Working For Glasgow Warriors 52:30 The Truth About Ealing And The PREM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 1m

  4. APR 21 ·  BONUS

    Where Will Ardie Savea Go? & Why I'm Sick Of Welsh Rugby Rumours | Rugby Transfer Review - March 2026

    My Moana Pasifika Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/thepiraterugby/p/the-unpublished-vol2-the-worry-with?r=2nk5sv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web This month's Rugby Transfer Review investigating the potential impact of Moana Pacifica's demise on the rugby transfer market and what next for Super Rugby - are New Zealand holding themselves back? Also discussing: Australian agents playing the media like a fiddle All change in Fiji Scotland trying to do rugby on the cheap? Welsh rugby vibes latest Rugby Transfer Hub on twitter: https://x.com/rugby_hub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    34 min

  5. APR 18

    Super Rugby: Fading Power Or Glimpse Of Union's Future? ft. Rugbycology

    Unlock the real story behind Super Rugby’s struggles despite its massive influence on the sport of rugby union. From Super Rugby Pacific 2026 to its ripple effects on Test rugby, club competitions, and the future of the sport in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere — deep insights every rugby fan needs. I was joined by professional analyst Brendon Shield from Rugbycology to asses the Super Rugby Pacific Season so far and debate the law tweaks that have impacted the global game. We also talked about the evolution of Women's rugby and if the try scoring fever that has gripped rugby is set to continue... #rugby #newzealand #superrugbypacific #australia #fiji #podcast #analysis #debate #rugbyleague #nrl Does The Southern Hemisphere Still Control Rugby Union? Why Super Ruby Is Union's Most Important Tournament. How The Fear Of NRL Is Changing Rugby Union. Super Rugby: Fading Power Or Glimpse Of The Future? Super Rugby is a PROBLEM. Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Chapters 0:00 Moana Pasifika Collapse 8:50 Super Rugby Season So Far 15:00 Aussie Struggles 19:50 Fear Of League 23:30 New Laws Impact 30:10 The Game Changer 36:25 Does Super Rugby Control The Sport? 43:35 Evolution Of Women's Rugby 48:10 What Is Rugbycology? 52:10 Too Many Tries? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 4m

  6. APR 11

    How Irish Rugby Saved Itself ft. TheRugbyGirl

    Irish Rugby 2025/26 Season – The Ultimate Breakdown! The 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season is heating up, and Ireland’s four provinces are delivering thrilling rugby once again. In this video, we dive deep into how Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connacht are performing this season – from title challenges and European ambitions to struggles and behind the scenes turmoil. ✅ Leinster’s quest for dominance ✅ Munster’s resurgence under new leadership ✅ Ulster’s rebuild and young talent ✅ Connacht’s turnaround under Lancaster We analyse the current URC table, recent results, player form, injury news, and what it all means for the Irish provinces heading into the business end of the season. Will Leinster achieve the elusive domestic + European double? Can Munster turn it around? Is it Ulster's year? If you love Irish rugby, this is the perfect roundup for fans of Leinster, Munster, Ulster & Connacht.Drop a LIKE if you’re supporting your province this season #leinster #munster #ulster #connacht #ireland #rugby #womensrugby #sixnations #podcast Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Chapters 0:00 Who Is The Rugby Girl? 3:00 Andy Farrell Media Persona 7:00 Best Players To Interview 10:15 Leinster Frustrations 15:05 Munster's Collapse 24:45 Ulster's Resurgence 33:35 Connacht's Lancaster Revival 41:10 Is Women's Media Different? 46:10 Irish Women's Rugby Growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    59 min

  7. APR 7 ·  BONUS

    What Is Wrong With Leinster This Season? | Mini-Documentary

    Do Leinster Suck Now? In this video I took a trip to Dublin to find out for myself. spoke to Leo Cullen, Tommy O'Brien and Leinster journalists to get an insider view on the team's struggles this season. After winning the 2024/25 URC title in style, Leinster have had a mixed campaign. From the heavy opening defeats on South African soil (Stormers 35-0 and Bulls 39-31) to strong home wins and recent form, we break down their results, key performances, attacking stats, and where they stand in the table. Currently sitting 4th in the URC standings with 9 wins from 14 games (46 points, +62 points difference), Leo Cullen's side have shown flashes of brilliance but also vulnerability. We analyse the big moments, standout players, bonus point hauls, and what needs to improve as they push for a top-four finish and playoff spot. #rugby #leinster #ireland #championscup #highlights #analysis #dublin #vlog #documentary Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Chapters 0:00 Strange Season 4:21 Attacking Issues 8:24 Discipline Disaster 9:27 Defensive Decline 13:34 Lions Hangover? 18:05 Underperforming Individuals 21:57 Still Contenders? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    26 min

  8. APR 5

    Why Is Rugby Union So Posh? ft. The Rugby History Project

    Why Is Rugby Posh? This week I was going by Hattie from The Rugby History Project to answer that very question. We dive into the origins of the sport, its roots in the English private school system, and the role colonialism played in the game's growth across the globe. We then ask the question if women's rugby is any different, before taking a look ahead to the Women's Six Nations. Will it be the Red Roses show again? Furthermore, what has the PWR done that has made both of us so mad? #rugby #history #england #class #socialhistory #podcast #sixnations #money #british Hattie's excellent article: https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/2025/11/03/why-is-rugby-union-posh/ follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Chapters 0:00 A Rugby Historian 2:55 Rugby Banned Books? 5:40 Its Own Worst Enemy 9:30 William Webb Ellis Never Happened 14:55 Why Is Rugby Posh? 26:25 The North South Divide Explained 32:00 Colonialism And Rugby 36:10 Is Women's Rugby Different? 43:00 Red Roses Thoughts 45:10 PWR Controversy 53:30 Wales Six Nations Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 8m
See All (227)

Ratings & Reviews

About

Telling rugby's untold stories by meeting people, analysing data and starting conversations

Information

  • Creator
    Huw Griffin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Huw Griffin
  • Show Website
    HG Rugby

You Might Also Like