The Rugby Pod

After a blockbuster Big Match weekend, the lads dive into all the Premiership action as Leicester blow Gloucester away, Northampton edge Saracens in a statement win, Quins finally snap their losing streak with a gritty performance at Bristol and Bath’s comeback win over Sale. We’re also joined by former England international Mark Wilson, who shares an unbelievable story from completing the brutal Bob Graham Round and life after rugby. Plus, a look at all the URC action and looking ahead to the Champions Cup and all the latest news from around the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Domestic rugby is back and there’s plenty to get stuck into this week. Glasgow go top of the URC after a big win again Leinster, Leicester move into the Prem top three with a win over Bristol, and Gloucester add to a tough run for Quins. Plus we cover Bath’s huge win against Saracens and Exeter’s push into the top four. We’re also joined by Springbok centurion and World Cup winner Jean de Villiers, who gives his take on the Six Nations, England’s struggles, Irish rivalry, and how the northern hemisphere stacks up against the Boks. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you’re subscribed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three teams in the hunt on Super Saturday and it all comes down to a Frenchman’s boot in a 48–46 classic in Paris. Bigs was in the stadium for one of the all-time atmospheres as England finally clicked… but still found a way to lose it. Is it progress or same old story? Ireland quietly rebuilt after early pressure, found depth, and may have solved their fly-half headache. And Scotland… was this their best shot at a title gone begging? The lads get into it all and lots more. Plus Wales finish strong, Italy crash back to earth, and we wrap what has probably been one of the greatest Six Nations Championships of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former England and Leicester player, and now one of the most coveted attack coaches in the game, Sam Vesty joins Bigs for a deep dive into the state of modern attacking rugby. The lads give their take on England’s misfiring attack and kicking strategy, why they’re struggling to convert chances in the 22, and whether confidence or system is the bigger issue. Vesty also talks about player connections in coaching, the impact of Premiership rugby on international readiness, and the growing trend of utility backs in the modern game. From Ireland’s layered attacking shape to Scotland’s impressive Six Nations form and France’s apparent chaos that somehow produces magic, the conversation breaks down what makes the best attacks tick. Bigs and Rob also take a look at the final round of Six Nations and preview what promises to be a nervous day with the Championship and Wooden Spoon up for grabs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Absolute chaos in the Six Nations this week and we're here for it. Jim, Goodey and Producer Rob react to one of the wildest rounds the tournament has ever seen: Italy’s historic first-ever win over England in Rome, piling the pressure on Steve Borthwick, Scotland producing a sensational 50-point performance to blow France away at Murrayfield, and Ireland grinding out a tough win over Wales in Dublin. The lads dig into what’s gone wrong for England, how Scotland executed their gameplan to perfection, and look ahead to a massive final round with the title still in play. We get all the inside chat and reaction from pitchside at Murrayfield . Sign up to NordVPN by going to nordvpn.com/rugbypod to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 additional months free. It’s completely risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paolo Garbisi, Italy international fly-half and playmaker, discusses Quesada's impact on Italy and a shift in mentality. He talks Italy’s strong scrum and tactical targets for the England game. The conversation also covers Italy’s structured attack, Menoncello partnership, and how preparation could make Rome a real test.

This week on The Rugby Pod, Ireland sent out a statement with a ruthless 42-21 dismantling of England at Allianz, turning the Six Nations on its head and reminding everyone what they’re capable of. Jim and Goodey break down Ireland’s clinical edge, Caelan Doris’ captain’s performance, and why England’s balance, and identity are suddenly under massive scrutiny. What needs to change for the final two games and what's at stake for Borthwick. There’s also reaction to Scotland edging Wales in Cardiff thanks to some Finn Russell’s genius, France continuing to look like world beaters, and big news off the field including upcoming live shows and a massive Dublin event with Conor Murray. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you’re subscribed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

British & Irish Lion and Munster legend Simon Zebo joins The Rugby Pod and Big Jim for a brutally honest look at Irish rugby right now. Zeebs opens up on Ireland’s current trajectory, Andy Farrell’s emotional connection with the squad, and the growing pressure and online abuse facing young players. He reflects on his own Ireland career, the highs and lows, the fierce Munster-Leinster rivalry, playing for Rassie, and the pride of representing Munster and Ireland. Plus, his take on life in France, Finn Ruseell, the England v Ireland clash, life after retirement It's an awesome interview. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scotland lit up Murrayfield to snap England’s 12-game winning streak, with Finn Russell pulling the strings and exposing some questions around England’s defence and decision-making under pressure. All the lads were at the game and give us all the behind-the-scenes details in the build-up and post-game. Italy proved Rassie Erasmus might have been right, pushing Ireland to the brink and showing they’re no longer just participants but genuine contenders, while Ireland’s scrum issues come under the microscope ahead of a huge clash with England. And France continue to look like a runaway train, running in eight tries to dismantle Wales. The lads break down all the big moments, the controversies, and what it means for the rest of the Six Nations, so settle back, enjoy, and make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim and Goodey are joined by England, Leicester & British & Irish Lion Ollie Chessum this week for a deep dive into his career. From the turning points that shaped his journey, welding on his day off at Nottingham to becoming a Lion, Ollie opens up on setbacks, standards, Lions chat, England ambitions, career-defining moments, Six Nations rivalries, plus a look ahead to what dreams still drive him, including whether the England captaincy is on the horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices