Flats and Shanks Season 9 - Episode 9
9 snips
Jan 20, 2026 The hosts share amusing stories about pronunciation blunders, making the cast from Castres a hot topic. They dive into the financial troubles facing Welsh rugby, discussing the potential for regional mergers and the sustainability of player pathways. Insights into the Champions Cup format raise questions about competition quality, while debates about South African teams stir up conversation about commercial impacts. The discussion wraps up with proposed solutions for a more elite tournament structure.
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Unexpected Six‑Hour Pub Crawl
- David Flatman recounts being invited to a Bath Rugby foundation pub-crawl that turned into an unexpected six-hour night out instead of a simple curry and pint.
- He worries about missing family bedtime and prefers pacing himself, highlighting how event expectations can clash with personal responsibilities.
Rugby Lunches With Ex‑Players
- David Flatman and Tom Shanklin promote paid lunches with ex‑players, sharing behind‑the‑scenes stories from previous events.
- They sell tickets for £95 including food and drink and urge listeners to book directly via Tom.
Battling Name‑Pronunciation Backlash
- David Flatman shares a recurring fan backlash about mispronouncing player names and explains broadcasters try to verify pronunciations with media managers.
- He recalls producers now often receive voice notes from players to ensure accurate live announcements.