Episode 34 - Lions Squad Debrief and Fin Smith Joins the Pod
The dust has settled after Andy Farrell's Lions squad announcement, so Big Jim and Goodey are back to pick it apart - surprises, snubs, captaincy chat and a look at what it says about how the tour will be played. England, Northampton Saint, and now British & Irish Lion Fin Smith joins us fresh from his Lions call-up to chat about a whirlwind year, the Saints' run to the Champions Cup Final, and who he’s most buzzing to link up with this summer. Plus, all the usual Rugby Pod craic, so make sure you're subscribed on Spotify and Saints fans, get your tickets to next week's live show!
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This week’s episode is packed after a seismic weekend in the Champions Cup. Jim’s got some apologies to make as Northampton Saints pulled off the unthinkable in Dublin, knocking out Leinster in their own backyard. We have Bigs on to break down exactly how his former club did it, where Leinster got it wrong, and what it means for the upcoming Lions squad announcement. Plus, we’ve got all the fallout from Jordie Barrett’s bench role, Caelan Doris injury whispers, Fin Smith and Polock’s meteoric rise, and some listener questions, including who from Lions history we’d bring back for 2025 and whether 100 Jim Hamilton could actually take down a gorilla. We also dive into Bath’s win over Edinburgh to reach their first European final in over a decade, Bordeaux’s breakout moment as they dismantled Toulouse and how the final might play out against Saints.
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Episode 32 - Welsh Giant-Killings, Prem Shake-Up, Champions Cup Semis & Matt Sherratt Joins the Pod
The business end of the season is heating up with Leicester peaking at the right time, Sale’s masterclass over Jim’s Sarries, and Gloucester hammering Exeter. The lads cover all this plus a bit of giant-killing down in Wales with Cardiff and Scarlets getting one over their Irish brethren. We’re also joined by Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt to get his thoughts. Plus, new Prem TV deals, academy dramas, new idea from Rassie Erasmus, and plenty more other news. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify!
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Episode 31 - Rugby’s Big Shake-Up - From Bollywood to French Revolutions & Franchise Models
We’re into the business end of the season, but is rugby itself on the verge of its biggest transformation yet? Jim and Goodey dig into the new Premiership franchise model being floated! We chat fan culture, flares, and whether rugby needs a football-style edge in the stands. We also chat about the runs for both the Prem and URC as tams are chasing the final knock out spots. Plus, we’re joined by Indian rugby president, Bollywood star and former international Rahul Bose to talk about the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) in India, what it means for the sport there, and why the Bollywood blueprint could be rugby’s best play.
Plus, listener questions, Lions selection debates and lots more!
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Episode 30 - Biggar's Last Dance and Champions Cup Carnage
It’s a global edition of The Rugby Pod as Jim dials in from Texas, Goodey from the UAE, and Biggar from France, fresh off announcing his retirement. We reflect on Bigs’ epic career while diving into the Champions Cup quarter-finals: Leinster and Northampton steamrolled their way to the semis, Bordeaux dazzled in attack to beat Munster, and Toulouse edged Toulon in a French classic. We celebrate standout players like Jordie Barrett and Henry Pollock, talk bizarre ref calls, and ask - can anyone stop Leinster at the Aviva? Plus, Cardiff’s collapse, Faz-watch continues, Bath’s trophy hunt, and lots more In Otttthhhheerrr Neeewwws!
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The Rugby Pod with Big Jim Hamilton, Andy Goode, Dan Biggar, Producer Rob and weekly guests is the most listened to Rugby podcast in the world. We cover all the latest news, rumours insight and stories, but with plenty of humour, opinions and the best interviews from the game, including current and former internationals. Follow us on social media and send us in your questions to chat through each week.
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