Episode 38 - Semi-Final Showstoppers Deliver but can a Global Franchise League?

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

The Lions are officially rolling in Australia, and this week we’re breaking down the 54-7 demolition of the Western Force. Composed, clinical finishing, and Andy Farrell’s emerging game plan are all on show now. The lads chat about the Lions identity. We also take a look at the Lions Stock Market, who’s on the up, who’s wobbling, and who’s got everything to prove. Plus, Scotland head coach – and Lions legend – Gregor Townsend dials in from New Zealand for a chat on the 2025 tour, Scotland’s summer, the 1997 doc, and why this might just be the tour where Scots may take the limelight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Lions Tour now in full swing, Dan Biggar sits down with Irish legend Conor Murray to reflect on a remarkable career spanning 125 Ireland caps, 8 Lions Test appearances, and over 200 games for Munster. From his iconic Lions moments, to rooming with Mike Phillips, to Ireland’s golden era, and Munster triumphs, Conor opens up on it all, including insights on playing with some of the very best like Sexton, Russell and O'Gara. A must-listen with one of the greats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dublin was a sea of red and the lads are back dissecting the start to the 2025 Lions Tour as Argentina shock the tourists in Dublin, the Lions’ first tour-opening loss since 1971. Jim, Goodey and special guest Bernard Jackman break down where it went wrong despite dominant stats, from lineout woes and tippy-tappy rugby to Farrell’s punchy post-match comments. There’s chat on subs, back-row balance issues, and whether we’ll see Old Testament Faz emerge this week. Plus, big praise for Argentina, chaos in the England v France B-team clash, and the debut of “Keyboard Captains” as we read out some of the week’s fan comments. Settle in and make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strap in for a very special extra episode as we dish out the silverware in our 24/25 Rugby Pod Awards Show. Jim, Goodey and Producer Rob enter into a mass debate as we hand out honours for: Breakthrough Player of the Year  Coach of the Year  Alpha of the Year (testosterone levels were checked) Top Lad  (the good bloke award, basically) North vs South: who ruled world rugby this year? 🌍 and loads more, so settle back. Enjoy and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was Finals weekend with Bath ending a 29-year wait to lift the Premiership title and complete the treble, while Leinster blow the Bulls away to finally get their hands on the URC trophy. Jim, Goodey and Biggs break it all down, from electric guitars, Finn v Pollard, to yellow card drama and Leinster getting the monkey off their back we're chatting through it all. With Lions camp kicking off, the lads also look at what key combos Farrell might test. Plus, Farrell returns to Sarries, the Prem gets a rebrand, and Rob gets some money from Red Bull to fix Newcastle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Pod, Jim and Goodey unpack a blockbuster weekend of semi-final action across the Prem and URC. Leicester edge Sale in a tense encounter, sealed by a wonder try, while Bath blow past Bristol with a second-half blitz led by the Bath Bomb Squad. Leinster break their knockout curse to book a URC final spot against the Bulls and their monster front row. Plus, we break down a proposed new global franchise league: is it the future of rugby or just another failed experiment waiting to happen? Plenty other news, chat and opinions as usual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices