Pirate Rugby Pod Episode 44 | How Bulls Capitalised on Timid Irish Provinces

In this episode we break down Anotine Duponts incredible performance against La Rochelle along with the rest of the TOP 14 action from round 14 including Bayonne vs Stade Francais and the relegation battle Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked! #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous What Antoine Dupont Just Did Was Terrifying. Antoine Dupont Just DESTROYED La Rochelle! (It Was Terrifying...). Chapters: 0:00 TOP 14 Results 7:25 Bayonne vs Stade Français 14:20 TOP 14 Table 20:10 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 22:55 Anotine Dupont Masterclass 30:50 Best Signing In France 33:40 Fijian of the Week 36:50 Round 14 Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reviewing rugby in 2025 with Harry Jones. In this podcast my  @megafoonrugby  colleague to talk scrums, Springboks and South America - the biggest storylines of rugby in 2025. Harry leads the debate on how rugby tried to kill drums, but the Springboks said no. I then bring up the contrasting conversations between rugby in North America and South America - how does the sport solve this conundrum? Harry then brings up the Lions tour and, perhaps more poignantly, what it means for Australia. Are they a team in limbo under Joe Schmidt and will Les Kiss be any better? Was their revival anything more than a flash in the pan? Next we chat about rugby journalism, where is it headed? Will the old-school written press continue to dominate the press conferences and the media rooms, or will YouTubers and podcasters take over? Who is better, for the fans, players and the sport? Finally, Harry and I debate (fiercely) whether or not the current day Springboks have overtaken the mighty 2015 All Blacks? Harry thinks yes... I think no! Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugbyFollow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580910041103Follow Harry on Twitter: https://x.com/haribaldijones Chapters 0:00 Swearing in Afrikaans 5:18 Scrums Fight Back 12:43 North vs South America 25:20 What Next For Australia? 34:09 Rugby Journalism Shift 46:25 Springboks Greatest Ever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down round 12 of the TOP 14 and talk about the older players who are still playing incredible rugby! From Levani Botia at La Rochelle to Benjamin Urdapilletta at Perpignan. Plus, we look at the Christmas offerings from Stade Francais... Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked! #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Chapters: 0:00 Paris Derby 7:35 Montpellier vs Castres 10:42 Xmas Shopping With Stade Francais 15:20 Perpignan vs Clermont 17:25 Fijian of the Week 18:35 Levani Botia 21:20 Top 14 R13 Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's mini documentary I headed to Bordeaux to watch my Union Bordeaux-Begles (UBB) take on my team the Scarlets with a question: who is the most exciting rugby team in the world? I combine my experience at the stadium with some deep underlying stats to argue why I think UBB are the most exciting team in rugby. I compare them to Toulouse and, most importantly, I explain why Matthieu Jalibert is the most exciting player in the most exciting team. This rugby trip to Bordeaux was made during December 2025 for a Champions Cup match between UBB and the Scarlets. Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580910041103 Chapters 0:00 Allez Le Team 1:28 Allez Le Rivalry 3:26 Allez Le Crowd 4:50 Allez Le Jalibert 6:23 HAT CHANGE 6:46 Allez Le Memories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down the French teams' struggles in the champions and challenge cups. We explain what went wrong for Toulouse over in Glasgow, what Toulon got right against Bath, what went on in Bordeaux's match against the Scarlets and who isn't even trying... Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked! --- Get 15% Ellis Rugby stash with my code “HG15” - #ad Doddie Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/doddie-weir-lions-shirt/ Jonah Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/jonah-lomu-1995-rugby-shirt/ --- #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Chapters: 0:00 Stormers vs La Rochelle 3:20 Toulon vs Bath 8:40 Glasgow vs Toulouse 14:25 ELLIS RUGBY 17:45 UBB vs Scarlets 26:25 Toulouse Points Deduction 30:30 Terrible French Results 35:10 Fijian of the Week 36:05 Top 14 R12 Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I was joined by content creator Chris Setu to deep dive Samoan rugby. One of the sport's most beloved nations, Samoa has given the game icons and iconic moments. What's more, they have the best record against Six Nations and Rugby Championship sides of any T2 nation. However, the last 12 months have been painful for the Samoans. They barely scraped through to World Cup 2027 with a draw against Belgium after embarrassing losses to USA and Chile. Despite the quality of player available to them, they are underperforming badly. Chris and I discuss their performance and the possible reasons for it from selection to the alleged corruption. We then go on to contrast Manu Samoa with the rise of the rugby league team and discuss the roll of social media in the modern game. --- Get 15% Ellis Rugby stash with my code “HG15” - #ad Doddie Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/doddie-weir-lions-shirt/ Jonah Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/jonah-lomu-1995-rugby-shirt/ --- Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580910041103 Samoan Rugby Is A Problem… Inside Samoa’s Rugby Survival… Inside Samoa’s Rugby Survival… The Pain And Pride Of Samoa... Why Samoa's Rugby Survival Is At Risk... The Pain Of Samoa Rugby. minus 47 seconds anything post 14 mins post edit Chapters 0:00 Samoan Rugby Culture 7:10 Fiji & Tonga Rivalry 9:20 Samoa Diaspora 15:42 World Cup Qualification 20:00 Building a Squad 24:30 Corruption Allegations 30:12 Bringing Big Names Back 33:20 World Cup Expectations 37:10 Painful Memories 38:40 Theo McFarland 40:45 Moana Pasifika Impact 43:50 Threat of Rugby League? 49:20 Being a Social Media Admin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down how UBB beat the Bulls away in South Africa and how Italian Winger Ange Capuozzo inspired Toulouse to a commanding victory at home to the Sharks. Don't worry, we also give credit to the Stormers for their impressive win at Bayonne! Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked!---Get 15% Ellis Rugby stash with my code “HG15” - #adDoddie Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/doddie-weir-lions-shirt/Jonah Jersey: https://ellisrugby.com/product/jonah-lomu-1995-rugby-shirt/--- #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Ange Capuozzo Proves He's Elite! Chapters: 0:00 Bayonne vs Stormers 8:45 Bulls vs UBB 14:55 Jalibert Magic 19:30 ELLIS RUGBY 22:30 Toulouse On Trial 27:25 Ange Capuozzo Hat-trick 30:50 Camera Madness 34:40 Fijian of the Week 37:55 UBB vs Scarlets Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last weekend, Wales took on the World Champion Springboks of South Africa in Cardiff for what was one of the most controversial games in the nation's history. Devoid of their best players and playing against a backdrop of infighting, upheaval and public apathy, Wales were lambs to the slaughter up against a phenomenal opponent who crushed them ruthlessly. It was not more than the Welsh public predicted; The WRU have presided over a period of turmoil and trauma in recent times as they announced one of the URC Regions is to be cut - but we don't know which. Combined with just 2 wins in 23 games since the last World Cup and fans are ready to walk away. In this video I tell the story of the game - the build up, the controversy, the fear and the trauma. #rugby #Wales #southafrica #springboks #cardiff #welshrugby #documentary #history #news Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580910041103 The Most Miserable Test Match In Rugby History? Watching South Africa Destroy Wales. Chapters 0:00 The Controversy 1:56 The Misery 3:19 The Decline 4:36 The Analysis 6:44 The Game 8:32 The Aftermath Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we break down how Ronan O'Gara has gotten himself in line for yet another ban in the TOP 14 following La Rochelle's defeat to Pau. We also chat about Antoine Dupont's long awaited return and the latest magic by Matthieu Jalibert! Welcome to the TOP 14 Digest! This weekly podcast captures all of the news and results in the world of rugby’s biggest club competition: the French Top 14 - Huw and Maz bring English language coverage of all of the biggest talking points in France: games, gossip, controversies and climaxes. From Paris to Perpignan, we’ve got it covered! What’s new with Toulouse? What did Dupont do this week? Is there trouble in Toulon? Has Ronan O’Gara gotten banned at La Rochelle again? Have UBB got what it takes? What did Jacky Lorenzetti at Racing 92 just say? Why are Stade Francais in the news this week? If you like the sound of that please consider giving the channel a subscribe and sharing a link with a mate. Those of you listening on audio formats can help out by giving us a 5 star review - that tells the money people we are liked! #top14 #france #rugby #toulouse #bordeaux #larochelle #stadefrancais #podcast #news #drama #highlights Follow Maz on twitter: https://x.com/mazmcm Follow Huw on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Follow the podcast on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous Louis Bielle-Biarrey PROVES He's The World's Best! Chapters: 0:00 TOP 14 Results 3:10 Clermont vs Stade Francais 8:35 Insane Head Butt 11:35 Antoine Dupont Return 15:10 ROG Drama 22:55 Jalibert Insanity 25:20 TICKET GIVEAWAY 28:10 Pita Ahki Tribute 31:40 Champions Cup Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ireland have been experiencing a golden age of rugby, but now their fans are starting to get angry - why? Is it just because results have started to turn, and if so what are the reasons for that? I was joined by my friend and colleague Caolan Scully to debate Andy Farrell's position as Ireland coach. We look at Ireland's tactics and ask if they have gotten stale before reviewing Andy Farrell's decisions not just regarding selection but also in his backroom staff. Have mistakes been made and if so, were they avoidable? We then get into the provinces - are Leinster being hurt by Ireland's over reliance on them? Are Munster back? What of Ulster and Connacht this season? Plus: reacting to the latest women's rugby contracts. #ireland #rugby #irish #debate #podcast #leinster #munster #connacht #ulster Why Ireland Can't Compete Anymore. Chapters 0:00 The Dissatisfaction 3:00 Schmidt Hangover 7:30 Stale Coaching Staff 12:20 The PR Struggle 16:40 Stubborn Farrell 20:45 The Leinster Problem 26:27 No New Talent? 30:48 Representation MATTERS 36:34 Provincial Performances 43:45 Constant Injuries 48:37 Rugby Journalism In Ireland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices