Behind the Ruck

Behind the Ruck
  • 4.8 (19)
  • 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. 1 day ago

    BTR Ep. 155 | Gio Aplon REACTS to the Springboks Squad That Has Everyone Talking Ahead of England 🇿🇦🔥

    This week on Behind the Ruck, former Springbok speedster Gio Aplon joins us to break down one of the biggest international rugby windows of the year. We unpack the newly announced Nations Championship fixtures before diving into the highly anticipated Springboks versus England clash, discussing the squad selection, the return of experienced stars, exciting young talent, and the strategy that could shape the series. We also look at how the Springboks are preparing for one of rugby's greatest rivalries, before turning our attention to New Zealand's showdown with France and Australia's battle against Ireland. Gio shares his expert insight on the biggest talking points, key matchups, and the teams that could define the international season. To wrap things up, we look ahead to the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup and discuss which nations are building towards success, who has the momentum, and what fans should expect over the next few years. If you love rugby analysis, behind the scenes insight, and honest conversation, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 👍 Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:12 Interview with Gio Aplon 06:06 Nations Championship Fixtures 06:46 Springboks vs England - The squad, big names, young players and strategy 33:17 Preparation for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour 44:03 New Zealand vs France 01:00:34 Australia vs Ireland 01:05:24 Gearing up for the Rugby World Cup 2027 01:10:06 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

    1hr 11min

  2. 1 day ago

    BTR Ep. 154 | TJ Perenara | All Blacks Career | Japan Move | The Truth About the Haka 🔥 | Springboks and more!

    TJ Perenara joins us on Behind the Ruck for a proper conversation about life on and off the field. From travelling to South Africa to building a new chapter in Japan, TJ opens up about family life, embracing a different culture, learning the language, and the decision to make a major move after earning 89 caps for the All Blacks. It is an honest look at how family continues to shape his decisions, both as a rugby player and as a person. We also get into his career journey and everything that has made him one of the game’s biggest personalities. TJ reflects on the Hurricanes, becoming their most capped player of all time, the success he has enjoyed with the franchise, and the relationship he has with rising star Ruben Love. He also speaks about his competitive edge, the way he chirps referees, handling injuries, the teammates who shaped his journey, and what it means to have represented the All Blacks almost 90 times. To close, TJ dives into some of the most meaningful parts of his rugby story, including captaining the Barbarians and the significance of the Haka, both as a performance and as a cultural symbol. This is a proper deep dive into one of rugby’s biggest characters, packed with laughs, insight, and stories from a career that has spanned Super Rugby, international rugby, and now life in Japan. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:08 Welcome and sponsors 05:09 Interview with TJ Perenara 06:23 Traveling to SA 07:46 Brightrock #LoveChange Moment - Family life in Japan 11:09 Embracing Japanese culture and language 12:47 The decision to move to Japan with 89 caps for the All Blacks 14:59 The importance of family in New Zealand culture 17:45 Hurricanes successes 19:46 Hurricanes - relationship with Ruben Love 22:46 TJ's competitive nature and chirping the refs 32:22 All Blacks - 89 Caps, handling injury, teammates 40:28 Most capped Hurricane of all time 46:55 Barbarians Captain 53:34 The performance and significance of the Haka 1:02:02 Wrap up, 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 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

    1hr 4min

  3. 1 day ago

    BTR Ep. 153 | Jordan Buhrs Breaks Down the URC Final, Springboks & Life as a Content Creator 🎥

    The boys are back with another action packed episode of Behind the Ruck as they sit down with content creator Jordan Buhrs. Jordan shares how he first met Rudy, the difference between being an influencer and a content creator, and the journey that has helped him build his career in the digital space. The conversation then shifts to rugby as the team unpacks the URC Final, including a discussion around Handre Pollard, the Springboks' clash against the Barbarians, and why South Africa versus New Zealand remains the greatest rivalry in world rugby. They also chat about SA A taking on Zimbabwe and give their predictions for a massive weekend of rugby ahead. Plus, don't miss this week's Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment before Jordan opens up about the realities of working in content creation, building a personal brand, and turning passion into a career. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments below. #RuckersUnite 🔥🏉 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:32 Lineup 05:22 Interview with Jordan Buhrs 06:11 How Jordan met Rudy 08:45 Influencer vs content creator 11:08 URC Final - including some discussion about Polly 25:21 Springbok vs Barbarians 42:28 The Greatest Rivalry - strategies 49:22 SA A vs Zim 58:58 Predictions for this weekend's games 01:04:23 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment 01:10:15 Jordan's career as a content creator 01:15:21 Sponsors, competitions 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

    1hr 17min

  4. 1 day ago

    BTR Ep. 152 | Scarra Ntubeni Opens Up | Retirement, Stormers, Toughest Opponents and Locker Room Stories 🎙️👀

    The Bulls are heading to the URC Final and we break down everything you need to know as the big match approaches. We start by looking at the team lineup and what it could mean for the biggest game of the season. Joining us this week is Stormers legend Scarra Ntubeni for an honest and entertaining conversation about life after rugby, how the body is holding up, and his reflections on the Stormers' season. He also takes us through some of the defining moments of his career and the lessons he has learned along the way. We answer fan questions, discuss the importance of the hooker position, the relationships built throughout a rugby career, and put Scarra on the spot with questions about dream signings, toughest opponents and the best roommate he has shared a tour with. To close out the episode, Scarra shares his Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment about landing your next job, while we look ahead to the big fixtures, discuss the latest Springbok injury news and give you another chance to win in our Burger King competition. 🏉🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:20 The Bulls are in the URC final! 02:46 Lineup 04:13 Interview with Scarra Ntubeni 06:11 How's the body feeling? 07:30 Stormers season 15:00 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment - Landing the next job 20:48 Stormers career 32:39 Fan Questions 36:08 Importance of the hooker position 43:07 Connections with other players 50:21 If you could sign one player for the Stormers... 53:53 Toughest opposition 55:30 Best room mate 57:46 Fixtures 01:00:38 Sponsors and 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

    1hr 1min

  5. 9 Jun

    BTR Ep. 151 | Jimmy Stonehouse on The Pumas Blueprint | Currie Cup Dreams | Coaching in Russia and Japan 🚀🏉

    One of South African rugby's most respected coaches joins us on this week's episode as Jimmy Stonehouse sits down with Behind The Ruck. We unpack the recent success of the Pumas, their rise in South African rugby, and what it takes to consistently compete against some of the country's biggest unions. Jimmy also shares insight into the Pumas culture, the family environment they have built, and the philosophy that has become synonymous with the team. From discussing the Currie Cup to opportunities within South African rugby, this conversation provides a fascinating look into one of the game's most unique rugby minds. We dive into his experiences coaching abroad in Russia and Japan, his approach to identifying and recruiting talent, and answer a question submitted by one of the Ruckers. Jimmy also opens up about the misconceptions people have about him and reflects on his days as a bodybuilder. To close out the episode, we explore the Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment on landing your first job, chat about Jimmy's restaurant and accommodation venture, Die Vlakvark, and break down the latest rugby fixtures, Springbok injury news, and another exciting Burger King competition. 🏉🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:00 Stormers vs Cardiff Red Heart Rum Experience 04:08 Lineup 04:24 Interview with Coach Jimmy Stonehouse 05:57 Recent wins for the Pumas 08:58 Currie Cup 12:31 Jobs in SA Rugby 15:36 The Pumas Family and philosophy 33:29 Experience coaching in Russia and Japan 35:15 Scouting for new players 37:56 Viewer question 38:57 What do people get most wrong about you? 42:32 Bodybuilding days 47:52 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment - Landing your first job 49:57 Jimmy's restaurant and accommodation Die Vlakvark 51:14 Fixtures, Springbok injuries 58:29 Burgerking Competition 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

    59 min

  6. 9 Jun

    BTR Ep. 150 | BTR Celebrates Its 150th Episode with Marvin Orie | EPCR Finals, URC Battles and Life Beyond Rugby 🎯

    Celebrating a major milestone as Behind The Ruck hits 150 episodes 🏉🔥 In this special edition, we look back at how far the show has come, from the very first episode to where we are today, reflecting on the journey, the moments, and the growth of the community around it. We also bring the energy with exciting giveaways, including the Burger King competition and the Red Heart Rum Suite Experience, while sharing some unforgettable conversations throughout the episode. 🍔🍹 A big highlight is our interview with Marvin Orie, where he opens up about life in France, his rugby journey, and what it really means to play at the highest level. We also break down the EPCR Challenge Cup Final, Investec Champions Cup Final, and look ahead at the URC Quarter Finals fixtures. To wrap things up, Marvin reflects on life beyond rugby, from becoming a father in the Brightrock #LoveChange Moment to the challenges that have shaped him both on and off the field. A powerful, honest, and celebratory episode of Behind The Ruck 🎙️ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:19 Celebrating 150 episodes of Behind The Ruck 04:27 Burger King competition 05:20 Red Heart Rum Suite Experience 06:56 Interview with Marvin Orie 08:13 Remembering Episode 1 13:59 Playing in France 26:10 Results: EPCR Challenge Cup Final 33:20 Results: Investec Champions Cup Final 45:17 Fixtures: URC Quarter Finals 55:31 Who is Marvin Orie? 01:03:50 Brightrock #LoveChange Moment - starting a family 01:05:34 Life's challenges 01:06:22 Wrap up and sponsors Behind the Ruck is supported by SuperSportBET 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

    1hr 8min

  7. 9 Jun

    BTR Ep. 149 | Xavier Mitchell on Scoring 20 Tries in a Season | From Club Rugby to Currie Cup Ambitions 🏆

    Description: Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:50 Lineup 05:48 Interview with Xavier Mitchell 07:20 The successful season of 20 tries 11:52 Preparation for ths SA Cup 14:44 The day he scored 7 tries 20:21 What is the 'dream'? 22:58 Background story, childhood and Xavier's path to today 32:02 Club Rugby 34:34 Role models 39:55 Currie Cup 2026 42:14 Brightrock #LoveChange Moment - my dream house 46:00 Vodacom URC results 52:47 Upcoming fixtures 58:40 Sponsors, competition 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

    59 min

  8. 13 May

    BTR Ep. 148 | Felipe Contepomi on Coaching Barbarians vs the Springboks | The Truth About Rugby in Argentina

    This week on Behind the Ruck, we unpack the massive Barbarians vs Springboks clash taking place on 20 June before sitting down with Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi for an insightful conversation on rugby, leadership, and life beyond the game. Felipe opens up about Argentina’s current season, the growth of rugby in Argentina, and what it means to coach the Barbarians against the world champion Springboks. From handling emotions under pressure to the lessons rugby can learn from soccer, this episode dives deep into the mindset of one of the game’s sharpest rugby minds. We also look ahead to the Rugby World Cup 2027, speak about balancing family life with the demands of international rugby, and share another special BrightRock #LoveChange Studio Moment. To wrap things up, Rudy and Juan break down all the action from URC Round 17 and preview the massive fixtures coming up in Round 18. Subscribe and join the family. #RuckersUnite Description: Link to tickets for the Springbok vs Barbarian game: https://springboks.tmtickets.co.za/EDP/Event/Index/64 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:16 Sport roundup for the week 06:50 Barbarians vs Sprinbok game 20 June 07:41 Interview with Felipe Contepomi 09:22 Current season with Argentina team 12:47 On coaching for the Barbarians game 24:37 Rugby in Argentina 32:30 Handling emotions under pressure 34:06 Lessons learned from the game of soccer 42:04 Rugby World Cup 2027 44:35 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment 47:13 Family life 50:01 Results: URC Round 17 55:30 Fixtures: URC Round 18 58:34 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

    59 min
See All (141)

4.8
out of 5
19 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
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Behind the Ruck

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