Between The Sticks

This week the boys welcomed ex-player and rugby coach Ian Mckinley into the studio to discuss his rugby life and the release of his newly anticipated book - Second Sight. Ian talks all things Irish rugby and details the injury that forced him to initially retire at the age of 21, derailing his career rugby career and what most believed was the last we'd see him in the 10 jersey. Ian's amazing story allows us insight into the hardship he faced during his fight to back onto the pitch and the fortunate chance he was given to play rugby in Italy and then making his debut with the Italian national side.

The boys welcomed highland RFC co-captain and friend of the podcast Scott Fraser to give a round-up of the previous week's games in Inverness. We discussed games previous and how Scott sees things going forward as they make the journey south to the borders where Highland will meet a strong Kelso side. In this episode, we introduce a new segment where we invite listeners to challenge Rory in a 5 question shoot-out. If you believe you've got what it takes to beat Rory, feel to get in touch via our Instagram @btspod

Episode 3. Ben O'Keeffe With officiating being a massive part of our game, the boys chatted with the world-renowned man in the middle, Ben O'Keeffe. Ben gives the boys insight into how difficult refereeing can be, on and off the field. We delve into the preparation and analysis referees must undertake to ensure they are at the top of their game. We also cover some of the brutality of rugby, from the media headlines and articles to the online abuse and messages when decisions don't go their way. Abuse can go a long way to affect someone's game, and referees are often at the target for a lot of it. Ben opens up to us on how he deals with the negative comments and messages from after games. Throughout this episode, you'll hear Ben's passion for rugby and just wishes to do his best for the sport. This episode opened up a perspective of the game that we were very much in the dark about. It's given us an excellent opportunity to understand a referee's difficulties when trying to officiate a game we all love.

Episode 2. Benn Morris In our second episode of season 3, the boys welcome old rugby teammate and friend Benn Morris. Benn is with us to take a look back on his rugby journey that started in the Highlands and has allowed him to travel and enjoy it far beyond. We also glance ahead as Benn prepares for an international tour with the Gibraltar national side. Benn opens the doors into his reasons behind creating the much loved (by most anyway) Spearheads 7's teams and why it's so important to keep the connection strong even during the off-season.

Episode 1 - Return of the Mac. The boys are back for a brand new, heavily anticipated season. A new addition joins Dan and Rory at the hosting table. Previous guest Calum MacPherson flips to the other side to avoid answering questions and begins asking them. The trio talk about all things rugby and sport as each team begins to embark on their new season kicking off very soon, and they look ahead to a new year of Between The Sticks.

In Series 2 Episode 5 of “Between the Sticks” - the podcast absolutely nobody asked for, Dan and Rory are joined by friends of the podcast, and current Highland RFC co-captains, Scott Fraser and Callum Carson to discuss the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa. The lads enter the mind of head coach Warren Gatland and pick the squad that they think can beat the Springboks this summer. Please note, the horrifying rugby opinions of these two guests do not reflect the views of “Between the Sticks”.

In Series 2 Episode 4 of “Between the Sticks”, Dan and Rory are joined by another North of Scotland native - ex Glasgow Warriors, Exeter Chiefs and Scotland international, Moray Low. Recently retired from professional propping, Moray chats about his life in and out of rugby and, in particular, divulges the real secret behind Exeter Chiefs' rise to the top of European rugby. You are in for a treat with this one!

In Series 2 Episode 3 of “Between the Sticks”, Dan and Rory are joined by the infamous Beauly-ish man and current China Women's 7s Head Coach, Euan Mackintosh. Euan's rugby journey is uniquely fascinating - learning the game at Highland RFC, Euan has dabbled in rugby cultures of almost every corner of the globe. From Edinburgh to Australia to France to New Zealand via Kenya and now to Tokyo 2021, he shares his coaching philosophy with the lads and provides great perspective on the different directions a career in rugby coaching can lead.

In Series 2 Episode 2 of “Between the Sticks”, Dan and Rory are joined by Jamie Dobie directly from his position in the Scotland team hotel. One of Scottish Rugby's hottest prospects and a native of Inverness, Jamie provides a fascinating insight to the current Glasgow Warriors and Scotland setups and discusses the electric start he's had to his career in professional rugby.

Series 2 - Lewis Sinclair We are baaaaaaaaaaack! The lads return with special guest and Alness native, Lewis Sinclair. From the football pitch to the front row, Lew shares tales from his time at Ross Sutherland, his move to Highland and his swift rise to becoming a more than dependable National 1 prop forward.

7. Catch up. In Episode 7 of “Between the Sticks” the gang are brought back together to discuss all things north rugby. Dan, Rory and Cheggy chat about the recent return to training at Highland RFC and the difficulties posed by the ongoing COVID pandemic. The boys also attempt to get inside the head of Warren Gatland ahead of next summer's British and Irish Lions tour of world champions, South Africa.

6. Ryan Christie In Episode 6 of “Between the Sticks” Dan and Rory were lucky enough to be chat to Highland superstar, former Inverness Caley Thistle and current Celtic and Scotland midfielder, Ryan Christie. One of Scottish football's hottest bits of property, Ryan grew up in Inverness and became a legend with his hometown team by lifting the Scottish Cup in 2015 before making the switch to Glasgow the following summer. He is now a mainstay in the Celtic and Scotland starting 11s and shared with the boys some fascinating insights into the life of a professional footballer.

5. Calum MacPherson In Episode 5 of “Between the Sticks” Dan and Rory are joined by Stirling Wolves second row forward, Calum MacPherson. Ever present in the wolf pack during the 2019/20 season, Calum has gone from strength to strength since making the switch from Highlands last summer. The lads cover a range of topics including a review of last seasons' Tennent's National League Division 1, the prospect of regionalised competitions for the upcoming season and the controversy of supermarket meal deals. The episode also included the pilot of the new “Best XV” segment where the boys each assemble a dream team comprising of their present and former teammates.

4. Patrick Kelly In Episode 4 of “Between the Sticks” the lads are finally joined by some proper rugby pedigree as they chat to Glasgow Warriors centre and Scotland 7s international, Patrick Kelly. Paddy, a Highlander by birth, grew up playing for the youth sides at Canal Park before relocating to Merchiston Castle School where he was part of multiple Scottish Schools Cup winning teams. Paddy also talks about the different experiences he has had playing in France, New Zealand, The Championship and most recently, being part of Ciaran Beattie's Scotland 7s squad on the World Series circuit.

3. Callum Carson In Episode 3 of “Between the Sticks” Dan, Juanjo and Cheggy talk to the ever controversial and the second half of Highland RFC's new co-captaincy duo, Callum Carson. Fumbles delves into the reasons for his unrivalled love for Highland and reveals how he thinks the new leadership group can have a positive impact throughout the club.

2. Scott Fraser In Episode 2 of "Between The Sticks" the boys are joined by newly appointed 1st XV co-captain and Highland RFC's resident farmer, fly half and funny man, Scott Fraser. Scotty chats about his hopes for the upcoming season as well as disclosing some hilarious stories about his time on and off the field.

1 . Iain “Cheggy” Chisholm Episode 1 of “Between the Sticks” is a catch up with current Highland RFC Director of Rugby and podcast co-founder, Iain Chisholm. Cheggy chats about how his rugby path has taken him from a Borders upbringing to finding a new home in the Highlands, via New Zealand, Edinburgh Accies, Cartha QP and everywhere in between. Cheggy also reveals his favourite memories from the Kings of the 7s circuit and why he thinks the small sided variant of the game can be hugely beneficial in player development.