Episode 45 - Comeback of the Decade, Officiating Controversy & Lions Clean Sweep?

We’re back for Season 10 – a decade of rugby chat and we’re kicking it off with a bang. Jim and Goodey’s apology has been accepted… Red Bull have officially landed in rugby union! Newcastle Falcons are no more – the Red Bulls have arrived – and we’ve got Director of Rugby Steve Diamond on the pod to take us inside one of the biggest moves the Premiership has ever seen. We’ve also been busy saving grassroots rugby – Think Ryan Reynolds, Welcome to Wrexham but with worse hairlines... Join us at Rugby Lions RFC on 4th October with Camden Town Brewery (now the official sponsor of rugby, obviously) for a live pod, special guest and a free pint of Camden Hells. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://bit.ly/46FOH8I Elsewhere we’re debating Six Nations vs Rugby Championship, chatting England’s latest training squad, Lee Blackett’s move, WRU cutting regions and loads more so... Settle back, enjoy & make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That’s a wrap on Season 9 and what a way to go out! The lads dive into a wet and chaotic third Lions Test where the Aussies finally clicked to deny the whitewash. Goodey and Jim get stuck into the big calls - did Schmidt outsmart Farrell? Was that 40-minute delay a turning point? And who’s next to coach the Lions? There’s chat on Big Willy Skelton, surprise packages, Player of the Tour, and the shambles around media access down in Aus. Plus, some big news about live shows in the USA, transfer rumours, and the usual shoutouts to legends of the grassroots game. It's been a hell of a season, and this is your definitive wrap-up to finish it off. Rugby Spod out... for now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lions have done it! Jim and Goodey are back to break down a barnstorming Second Test as the Lions boys clinch the series with a 29-26 win over the Wallabies in Melbourne. From a brutal Aussie first half to a roaring Lions comeback, this one had it all – yellow cards, controversial tries, Skelton-sized collisions, and a nerve-jangling finish. We’re chatting law-book madness, Spicy Aussie takes, certified test match animals and whether Carlo Tizzano deserves an Oscar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim and Goodey are BACK for a special midweek episode, previewing the Lions second test on Saturday against the Wallabies in Melbourne and reacting to todays Squad announcement. The lads also dive into Tuesday's feisty clash with the First Nations & Pasifika XV - from Kinghorn’s costly interception to Darcy Graham’s heartbreaking injury. Jim relives Owen Farrell going full bodyguard mode for Darcy, Goodey wonders how Charlie Gamble and Salakaia-Loto aren't Wallabies, and both ask: are the Lions showing enough mongrel before the second Test? Will the Lions finally get that elusive clean sweep or will the Wallabies bounce back? Settle back, enjoy and make sure you're subscribed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Rugby Pod, the lads dive into a stormy weekend of rugby. They break down the Lions 27–19 bashing against a very average Wallabies team in Brisbane, questioning the Aussie preparation, selections, and desire. We also look at some big performances from Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry and whether Farrell might look to make some changes as they expect a big backlash in Melbourne. The lads react to the Lions' midweek team to face the First Nations & Pasifika XV, and speculate on squad rotation ahead of the second test. Elsewhere, England extend their win streak to seven after battering the USA 40–5 in a delayed, beer-fuelled and stormy Washington D.C. Wales finally appoint Steve Tandy as head coach, and the Springboks, All Blacks, and Gregor Brown all make headlines. Plus, your last chance to win a VIP watch along with Lawrence Dallaglio and details on an upcoming live show in Sydney with Alun Wyn Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's on! The teams are announced and we are pumped. In this special midweek episode of The Rugby Pod, Jim is joined by pundit of the year Bernard Jackman to react to Andy Farrell’s first British & Irish Lions Test squad, from big selection calls in the back row to bold calls on the bench, the lads dissect the team. They break down the leadership calls, the impact of key injuries, and whether Farrell has played it safe or gone bold for the opener and what to expect from a massive first Test. This should get you fired up for the highlight of the year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join the lads as they discuss the final Lions warm up match against an underwhelming AU NZ invitational side and prep for the big one - the first Test in Brisbane. After 644 LONG days, Wales finally got a win against Eddie Jones' Japan and England's young guns do an impressive double down in Argentina. We also look at Rassies latest bit of... innovation, a double Ravo's arm for Ireland and what went wrong for Scotland in Suva so settle back, enjoy and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We check in with Bigs from Canberra after another Lions Tour win against a tough Brumbies side. Goodey and Bigs give their take on the overall performance, some highlights and areas of concern, who stood out, an injury update, and how the match has potentially shaped the starting XV for the first test. Bigs also gives us the latest from his blossoming relationship on comms with Rog, and some behind-the-scenes chat from Lions camp, including who the coaches have been most impressed with and now looks like a potential test starter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A hell of a week of ruggers, with double Lions games, international games, and one headline-stealing call-up. The lads dive into Owen Farrell’s controversial selection, nepotism or necessity? The Lions’ campaign stumbles slightly after an impressive win over the Reds and a tougher outing against the Waratahs. We assess who’s rising - Maro, Jac Morgan, Huw Jones, and who’s wobbling - Duhan, Beirne, Smith. Plus, England impress in Argentina, Ireland’s kids hammer Georgia, Scotland beat the Maori All Blacks for the first time, Japan shock Wales (again), and the Wallabies scrape past Fiji. A belter of a week in the rugby world — get stuck in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s Lions interview, Dan Biggar sits down with Welsh rugby legend George North to look back on an iconic career that started with a bang, scoring twice on debut against the Springboks and at just 18. The lads relive his explosive arrival on the international stage, through to some iconic Lions moments, including that carry with Folau on his back and pointing at Will Genia while scoring one of the all time great Lions tries. George opens up on his evolution from winger to centre, and the demands of the modern back. From battling injury setbacks to delivering world-class performances under Gatland and Edwards, it’s an honest, funny, and powerful chat with one of Wales’ greatest ever. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices