special episode-Six Nations Fantasy Rugby
Strategies, Insights, and Forfeit Fun!
In this episode, the hosts discuss their picks, strategies, and rules for the Six Nations Fantasy Rugby tournament. They introduce the participants, including prominent figures like Polly, Tim from Gosport, and Buster. They dive deep into their fantasy rugby team selections, highlight top players, and analyze the potential strategies for the tournament. With banter and camaraderie, the crew also discusses potential forfeits for the losers and rewards for the winners, ensuring a fun and competitive atmosphere. Tune in for rugby insights, fantasy tips, and entertaining discussions!
episode 32 -Season Finale
In the final episode of this series,we reflect on their 32-episode journey, sharing highlights and gratitude for the incredible guests and grassroots rugby clubs that made it possible. Featuring updates on recent grassroots events, exciting future plans, and an upcoming lineup of fascinating interviewees, the episode captures the essence of their passionate community. They also discuss the state of rugby in England and Wales, upcoming women's rugby events, and new initiatives like a website, logo redesign, and potential Patreon for audience engagement. Tune in for a heartfelt conclusion and a glimpse of what's next for Rugby Through the League.
episode 31 -The Jack colbourne interview
Join us for an exciting episode of Rugby Through The Leagues podcast, where we head to Madrid to watch Spain vs. Uruguay. This week, we feature Jack Colborne, a young rugby talent with an impressive CV. Jack shares his journey across the rugby world, from playing in New Zealand to currently representing Guernsey in National Two East. He talks about the challenges and experiences that shaped his career, including his aspirations for Guernsey's future. Hear about the highs and lows of his international rugby adventures, including his time in New Zealand under the guidance of rugby legends and his return to the UK amidst the pandemic. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation packed with valuable insights for aspiring rugby players. Plus, get a sneak peek at our upcoming trip to Guernsey for a doubleheader in January!
episode 30 -the new beginning
In this episode of Rugby Through The League's podcast, host Carl welcomes new co-hosts Buster and Adam, discussing their shared love for rugby, their friendships, and plans to explore grassroots rugby across the country. The team talks about the recent resurgence of the podcast, the introduction of new segments, and exciting grassroots matches in upcoming weeks, including South Sea Nomads and Hook and Odiham RFC. They also touch on personal updates, including Carl's training and rugby return, and share thoughts on significant rugby news and updates. Join them for insightful dialogues, heartfelt stories, and enthusiastic rugby discussions.
episode 29 -richmondshire rufc interview
In this episode of Rugby Through The League's podcast, we dive into an interview with Richmond Shire RUFC's key figures: head coach Cookie, captain Robbo, and vice-captain Jack. We explore the club's remarkable journey, from struggling in league competitions to mounting a comeback effort. The conversation highlights the club's resilience, grassroots recruitment, and efforts to rebuild and improve. We also discuss Richmond Shire's training practices, integration with the women's team, and potential improvements for the future. Tune in to hear about rugby, community spirit, and what makes Richmond Shire RUFC a unique family club.
episode 28 -dan richmond interview
Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Dan Richmond as he shares his extensive rugby expertise direct from São Paulo, Brazil. We delve into coaching techniques, the strategic development of emerging rugby nations like Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, and discuss impactful World Rugby initiatives. Learn about mastering line out throws, the importance of dynamic game-situation training, and the challenges of coaching remotely. This episode also highlights nurturing young talent, achieving elite performance, and overcoming career challenges in the world of rugby. Tune in for compelling discussions, actionable insights, and the passion of rugby!
episode 27 -The Grassroots Rugby Early Season Review
Slight change to the schedule this week, but we go through the leagues from the Championship down the leagues and review how teams have started and what are potentially the leagues are to watch for action! We review the women leagues and Rugby Europe too, so take a listen and see if your team is reviewed this week!
episode 26 -tom martin interview
In this episode, Tom Martin shares his extensive journey in rugby, transitioning from a player to a performance analyst. He discusses his coaching experiences across various countries, the significant role of analytics in modern rugby, and the challenges posed by COVID-19. Tom reflects on the surreal experience of preparing for the Olympics and emphasizes the importance of mental health for athletes. He also explores the future of rugby analysis, highlighting the impact of automation and AI in the field. In this conversation, Tom discusses the integration of data analysis in rugby, emphasizing the importance of understanding player performance through contextual analysis. He highlights the significance of mental resilience in high-pressure situations and the role of coaching in building confidence and leadership among players. Tom also reflects on the pathways available in rugby development, the importance of decision-making, and the transition from sevens to future opportunities in his career.
episode 25 -matt merritt interview
In this Episode, Carl and Matt Merritt delve into the world of rugby, focusing on the growth of women's rugby, the challenges it faces, and the importance of community and accessibility in the sport. They discuss Matt's journey into rugby journalism, the economic implications of rugby viewership, and the need for better analysis and coverage. The conversation highlights the significance of innovation in rugby events and the impact of coaching changes on player development, particularly in women's rugby. They conclude with thoughts on the future of rugby broadcasting and the role of social media in engaging fans. In this conversation, Carl and Matt Merritt delve into various aspects of rugby, focusing on commentary engagement, broadcasting rights, and the growth of women's rugby. They discuss the need for more engaging commentary, the future of rugby broadcasting, and the importance of global TV rights for women's rugby. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Welsh rugby, the state of women's rugby in Ireland and Scotland, and predictions for the upcoming Premier Women's Rugby (PWR) season.
episode 24 -darragh coyle interview
In this episode, Darragh Coyle shares his journey in rugby coaching, discussing his experiences in both Ireland and Australia. He highlights the differences between the Irish and English rugby systems, the importance of funding and collaboration, and the challenges faced in the All-Ireland League. Darragh emphasizes the need for player accountability, leadership, and the significance of investing in relationships within the sport. He also reflects on the growth of women's rugby and the potential for further development in the All-Ireland League.
episode 23 -grassroots rugby season is back
In this episode of Rugby Through The Leagues, the hosts discuss the kickoff of the new rugby season, analyzing the performance of the Petersfield team in their first match. They reflect on the challenges faced during the game, including fitness and decision-making issues, while also looking ahead to upcoming matches and the overall expectations for the season. The conversation highlights the importance of teamwork, coaching strategies, and player development in grassroots rugby.
episode 22 -Another week of Grassroots Rugby
This weeks conversation revolves around a rugby match between Newbury and Swindon. The hosts discuss the physicality of the game and the challenges they faced. They also talk about the upcoming season, their goals, and the importance of player adaptability. The conversation touches on the club's history, the rebuild process, and the need for social memberships and new players. The hosts also mention their plans to visit other clubs and share their experiences on the podcast.
episode 21 - A week of Grassroots Rugby
The conversation covers various topics related to grassroots rugby, including charity games, pre-season friendlies, team structure, sponsorship, mental health, and youth development. The hosts discuss their experiences at Millbrook and Gosport rugby clubs, as well as their interactions with the Flaming Unicorns, a team focused on promoting men's mental health. They also mention upcoming games and events in the rugby community. Millbrook Rugby Club is focused on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for players of all levels. They prioritize community engagement and have seen significant growth in their women's section. The club aims to provide equal opportunities for all players and offers free games and discounted memberships to encourage participation. They have a strong social aspect, with regular events and a welcoming clubhouse. The club is financially stable and has plans to tap into the youth system in the future. Their main goal for the season is to see their first team promoted.
episode 20 - lexi chambers interview
Lexi Chambers, a wheelchair-dependent athlete, is embarking on a challenge to wheel from John O'Groats to Land's End in a rugby relay. She aims to raise awareness for women's rugby and inspire others to get involved in sports. Lexi shares her journey of becoming wheelchair-dependent and her passion for rugby. She has set multiple world records in wheelchair racing and has trained extensively for her current challenge. Lexi's support crew includes her coach and fellow rugby players.
episode 19 - oli curry interview
In this episode, Oli Curry shares his rugby journey and the challenges he faced as a player. He discusses the importance of weight in the game and how it affected his career. Oli talks about the pressure to meet certain weight requirements and the impact it had on his performance. He also highlights the opinionated nature of rugby and the reliance on coaches' opinions. Despite the challenges, Oli persevered and found success in his career. In this part of the conversation, Oli Curry discusses his experiences with different rugby clubs and the control and lack of enjoyment he felt in the professional rugby environment.
episode 18 - tom blackburn interview
Tom Blackburn, Director of Rugby at Rugby Navy, discusses his rugby journey and the development of Navy rugby. He highlights the importance of performance-based selection and the need for a larger player pool. Tom also mentions the improvements made in the Navy rugby system, including professional training camps and a focus on strength and nutrition. He discusses the challenges faced by the women's team and the efforts to close the gap with the army.
episode 17 - warren abrahams interview
In this episode of the Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, host Carl interviews Warren Abrahams, a rugby coach with extensive experience in both sevens and 15s rugby. They discuss Abrahams' rugby journey, his preference for coaching sevens, and the potential benefits of players and coaches participating in the sevens circuit. They also touch on the growth of rugby in Brazil and Abrahams' role in developing the sport in the country.
episode 16 - havant rfc interview
Will Knight and Lewis Osborne discuss their rugby journeys and the resurgence of Havant Rugby Club. They talk about the challenges they faced and the steps they took to rebuild the club and improve on the field. They highlight the importance of building a strong team culture and values, as well as the impact of having a high-quality artificial pitch. They also discuss the club's recruitment strategy and their ambitions for the future, both on and off the pitch.
episode 15 - charlie beech interview
Charlie Beech shares his 20-year rugby journey, highlighting the challenges and financial struggles faced by professional rugby players. He discusses the mismanagement of the sport, the lack of support for transitioning athletes, and the impact of financial instability on players' careers. Charlie also introduces Front Row Support, an organization aimed at providing holistic support and networking opportunities for athletes transitioning out of professional sports.
episode 14 - sean shepherd interview
Sean Shepherd shares his rugby journey, from playing at Gosport to captaining Hampshire and the challenges of moving up the leagues with Havant. He discusses the club's progress, the impact of the pitch, and the upcoming season in the regional league. Sean Shepherd discusses his experiences in rugby, including playing with and against top players, the impact of influential coaches, and his personal fitness goals for the upcoming season. He also shares insights into the club's approach to player development and the challenges of managing injuries. The conversation provides a deep dive into the world of grassroots rugby and the dedication required to excel in the sport.
episode 13 - james shanahan interview
James Shanahan, Director of Rugby at Blackheath Rugby Club, shares his rugby journey and the challenges faced by the club. The club has ambitions to reach the Championship but is currently focused on being a top-four National One club. The landscape of rugby in England, particularly in the Championship, is uncertain due to financial constraints and the RFU's proposed funding. Blackheath has a diverse player pool and relies on recruitment and loan players to strengthen the squad.
episode 12 - joe batley interview
Joe Batley, a pro rugby player, shares his inspiring journey from battling cancer to returning to the game. He discusses the support he received, his approach to training, and the impact of fatherhood on his perspective. The conversation covers the challenges of returning to professional rugby after a cancer diagnosis, the impact of injuries on a player's career, the structure and sustainability of the English rugby divisions, and the future of the Premiership and Championship leagues.
episode 11 - kiano fourie interview
Kiano Fourie, a high performance coach for Rugby India, shares his journey from South Africa to India and discusses the development of rugby in India, the challenges, and the future goals for the sport. The conversation covers the growth and development of rugby in India, including the challenges and opportunities faced by the sport. It also explores the potential for professionalization and the regional structure of the game. The conversation delves into the geographical and logistical aspects of rugby in India, as well as the potential for a franchise-based model similar to the IPL in cricket.
episode 10 - russell earnshaw interview
In this conversation, Russell Earnshaw discusses his rugby journey and experiences as a player and coach. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game and appreciating amateur rugby. He also talks about his time playing sevens and the benefits it brings to players and coaches. The conversation touches on the limitations of coaches in rugby, including their attitude towards learning, access to expertise, and the politics within the game. The lack of innovation in the sport is also discussed, with the need for coaches to push boundaries and think outside the box. The conversation revolves around the importance of coaching in sports, particularly rugby.
episode 9 - mark witcher interview
Mark Witcher, assistant coach at Portsmouth Rugby Club, shares his rugby journey and experiences coaching at Portsmouth and Hampshire. He played for Portsmouth Rugby Club throughout his career and had the opportunity to captain the twos and the vets.
episode 8 - matt mclean interview
Matt McLean, the all-time highest point scorer in the National leagues of rugby, joins the podcast. He shares his rugby journey, starting from playing in Wales at a young age and progressing through school and university rugby. Matt highlights the importance of school rugby in Wales and the opportunities it provided, including touring Australia and playing in the World Schools Festival in Dubai.
episode 7 - michelle holdsworth interview
Michelle Holdsworth, captain of the England Deaf Rugby Union (EDIU), discusses the challenges faced by deaf rugby players and the need for financial support. She highlights the efforts of the team manager, Gloria, in securing sponsorship and funding for tours. Michelle also talks about the upcoming tour to South Africa and the fundraising efforts required to make it happen. She shares her personal rugby journey, including how she became deaf due to an injury on the field.
episode 6 - nags charity barbarians interview
Ed Birch, a rugby player from the Nags Charity Barbarians, shares his journey and the charity's fundraising events. The Nags Charity Barbarians is a grassroots level club that raises money for cancer research UK. They organize biannual fixtures against other clubs and also participate in crazy challenges to raise funds.
episode 5 - liam perkins interview
Liam Perkins shares his rugby journey, starting from a young age at Gosport and Fareham Rugby Club and progressing through the ranks. He talks about his time at Newbury, Ealing Trailfinders, and Worthing, where he served as club captain. Liam then discusses his current role as a player-coach at Petersfield Rugby Club and the club's aspirations to become one of the best clubs in Hampshire. He also mentions the challenges of sustaining a club at higher levels and the importance of building a strong foundation.
episode 4 - si pickett interview
Si Pickett, creator of the Purple Cobra 7s team, discusses his rugby journey and the development of sevens rugby. He shares his experience playing with talented players who went on to make it in professional rugby, as well as those who didn't but should have. Si also talks about the growth of Havant RFC and the success of the Purple Cobras as a charity sevens team.
episode 3 - english & rugby europe review
The conversation provides a compelling case for the future of English rugby, highlighting the potential for teams to develop, the accessibility and financial backing of the sport, and the investment in rugby, Six Nations and Women's rugby. It also addresses the challenges of player development, the reliance on foreign players in some countries, and the urgent need for changes to ensure the development of local talent.
episode 2 - mark pollard interview
Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast this week interviews Mark Pollard, who shares his rugby journey. Mark talks about his early days playing rugby, his experiences at different clubs, and the enjoyment he found at the highest level. He also discusses playing rugby while serving in the Navy and the opportunities it provided to play in different countries.
episode 1 - intro
This episode of the Rugby Through the Leagues podcast introduces the purpose of the podcast, which is to shine a light on grassroots rugby and rugby below tier one. The host discusses the lack of coverage and support for rugby in non-tier one countries, such as Spain. He emphasizes the potential for rugby to grow and become bigger than it currently is. The host also highlights the Rugby Europe Championship and the players who stood out in the tournament.