14: Team talks and Lightning strikes

This week Philippa and Nick review Round 12 which included Loughborough Lightning's first ever win against Saracens, Quins staying on top, Tigers winning at home and the champions showing their class in the westcountry derby. There's time to reflect on the accidental team talk that PT gave Trailfinders before we look ahead to next weekend, which includes that big clash in Devon as Chiefs host the Bears. We hear from Rachel Malcolm (courtesy of the Lightning Insta), Claudia Peña, Ilona Maher, Kim Oliver and our One Question is answered by Bulou Mataitoga - who explains a little more about 'kava'. The Power Pod is the official podcast of Premiership Women's Rugby. Follow us on Instagram @powerpod_

In this Bonus Episode, enjoy in full the three interviews that we featured in our main Power Pod Ep 12 this week - Sara Cox, Lilli Ives Campion and Dave Ward. 1:34 - Referee Sara Cox 14:14 - Loughborough Lightning's Lilli Ives Campion 28:21 - Bristol Bears' head coach Dave Ward - recorded before we knew of Ilona Maher's selection into the matchday squad for Sunday.

In the first Power Pod of 2025, Philippa and Nick look back at the festive fixtures of Round 11 before previewing every PWR match of the first weekend of the New Year. Lilli Ives Campion stops off for a chat about Loughborough's fortunes and the positivity in power! Bristol Bears boss Dave Ward looks forward to assessing the state of his new arrival Ilona Maher ahead of Sunday's repeat of the 2024 PWR Final, plus we bring top superstar referee Sara Cox in to demystify the law interpretation around playing advantage. We've loads of your messages to get through too as we look ahead to a wonderful year in the women's game.

In this episode, Philippa Tuttiett and Nick Heath break down the highlights from Round 10, including Gloucester-Hartpury’s statement win against Saracens, Harlequins breaking the bye-week curse, and Hope Rogers' stunning four-try performance for Exeter Chiefs. Plus, we preview the much-anticipated Round 11 clashes, including Bristol Bears’ showdown with Saracens and Exeter Chiefs’ test against Gloucester-Hartpury at Sandy Park.  We'll hear from Quins boss Ross Chisholm plus Laura 'Bimba' Delgado offers a unique answer to this week's One Question. And don't forget to enter our Big Game 16 ticket competition on our Instagram! Rugby positions explained - https://youtu.be/R_SarnzzMfE?si=qMkzmxG3dpxBv8zW&t=203

With news of the new PWR and Canterbury boots partnership, Nick Heath spoke to ambassador and World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne.  This chat was just a little too long for our usual Power Pod episode so enjoy it here as a Power Up extra!

This week, get the full breakdown of round nine’s standout performances, including Saracens’ commanding win over Leicester Tigers, Trailfinders’ resurgence against Sale Sharks, and Gloucester-Hartpury’s dominant showing against Loughborough Lightning. Discover which players are making waves, from Mo Hunt’s tactical brilliance to Ellie Kildunne's game-changing plays.  We've three guests via the Power Line, we hear Hope Rogers' answer to One Question and we find out why Philippa Tuttiett shouldn't reheat rice on her birthday. Plus, hear about the groundbreaking Canterbury boots deal that’s levelling the playing field for athletes across the league. The Power Pod is hosted by former Wales international rugby player Philippa Tuttiett and lead commentator Nick Heath.

In a huge week for the PWR, Philippa Tuttiett and Nick Heath discuss the arrival of USA Eagle and Olympic 7s star Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears.  There's the usual look back on the action from last round as yet another team loses their post-bye-week match. We hear from Bristol head coach Dave Ward on his new acquisition as he also looks ahead to their big match against unbeaten Chiefs in Round 9.  Emily Scarratt assesses the opposition as Lightning get set to face the defending champions Gloucester, among a full preview of the weekend ahead. Plus Natasha 'Mo' Hunt answers Zoe Harrison's One Question. @pwr_ranger_brad on Insta - https://www.instagram.com/p/DDIv1rmIJJB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

After a stellar trip to Monaco, Philippa Tuttiett comes back to earth to rejoin Nick Heath and review a stormy Round 7 in the PWR with two home and two away wins on the board. We hear from Gloucester Hartpury boss Sean Lynn and ask about his interest in the Wales top job; there's a chat with Sale Sharks' Rachel Taylor ahead of Sharks hosting Tigers in Round 8 as each go in search of a first season win. We'll hear Ellie Kildunne chatting after her incredible World Player of the Year award win, plus we hear Zoe Harrison answering this week's One Question.

As the PWR returns from a week's break, Philippa Tuttiett and Nick Heath are back to look ahead to Round 7.  In this episode we'll hear from Quins' Sarah Bonar, Saracens boss Alex Austerberry and England captain Marlie Packer tells us who should win the World Rugby POTY gong. We hear from Sale Sharks' Bea Rigoni on this week's One Question and as usual, PT picks her Power Play from the last round. Plus those quick off the mark can enter our ticket giveaway to win four tickets to The Duel on Sunday at the StoneX Stadium.  Don't forget you can be part of the show by leaving us a voice note on The Power Line! Jump into Whatsapp and get in touch to let us know what you make of this weekend's matches - 07880 716219.

In this week's episode Philippa and Nick look back on that stunning win from Quins in Bristol, including hearing from Jade Konkel. A dominant Chiefs side draw the praises of Susie Appleby while Tigers' Fran McGhie offers her reaction to Tigers TV after scoring a brace of tries in their loss to Trailfinders. We seek out Maud Muir who offers us a tasty One Question, there's a full look ahead to our Round 6 PWR fixtures and the Pod Couple also discuss last week's news out of the WRU.