Broken Trophy podcast

This week, to close of the series, we're joined by coaching couple Georgie and Ben Gulliver. They talk us through their journey in rugby leading to coaching Ivybridge Ladies RFC and the challenges and the enjoyment of coaching together. They also talk about the similarities between women's rugby and the championship and what the championship needs to be more successful ! Finally, Tom has to talk about Poppy Cleall and Stefan has to talk about open water swimming!

This week we're joined by Jersey Cricket captain Chuggy Perchard and teammate Jonty Jenner to talk about their winning campaign at the recent ICC 2022 t20 World Cup Europe qualifiers. Jersey topped the group having beaten Italy, Germany and Denmark, and will progress to global qualifiers in Zimbabwe next year, where they could face Ireland, Netherlands, Oman and Zimbabwe. Chuggy and Jonty tell us how they've helped their team reach 22 in the global cricket rankings, compare cricket in jersey to other successful sporting teams on the island, and tell Tom and Stef that Stinky Bay is now the beer of choice on the island, usurping the once-loved Breda.

In this week's episode we catch up with Liam Cook, coach of the Cricket Brasil Women's team, following their ICC Women's T20 World Cup Americas Region campaign. Liam tells us about the team's performance in that tournament, what he was pleased about and what the team need to work on, how they continue to develop their players in the future and find out which Brazil Cricket player Liam is tipping to become the first Brazilian cricketer to play outside Brazil. Plus the usual silliness including Liam's two week holiday in Spain to get around COVID protocols, who is playing Liam in the Disney remake of the Brazil Cricket story, who is Danny DeVito cast as, and how many times can the guys say ‘amazing' and ‘brilliant' between them? Stef keeps count… Oh, and Afghan Hound racing at Crayford Dogs…trust us, just listen…

This week the boys welcome back cricketer, TMS commentator and paediatric physio tech, Emily Windsor. What a year Emily has had; hitting the winning runs to secure the Southern Vipers' second Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy in a row, appearing for the Trent Rockets in the inaugural Hundred tournament, and commentating on England women's matches for BBC's Test Match Special. Emily tells us all about her incredible year, how she almost failed her physiotherapy exam, what her car singalong song of choice is, and reveals a shocking revelation about her GCSE Art...

After a six month break (well, there's not been much sport on, has there) Tom and Stef are back to reveal the healing process they've embarked on to get back in the studio together, what their top three sporting moments have been since we last spoke, and look ahead to some brilliant new episodes in the weeks ahead!

The boys are joined by Rocky Clark, Georgina Gulliver and Kim Oliver to run through the Finals Day weekend in the 6 Nations. We go all 'match of the day' with each of our guests covering a specific game: England 10 v 6 France - Rocky Ireland 25 v 5 Italy - Georgie Scotland 25 v 5 Wales - Kim As well as discussing all the key moments from all three games, we chat England's scrum issues v France, how good is Poppy Cleall, how media coverage of the 6Nations has been good but could be better, and what Rugby boards of the 6 Nations countries need to do to help their teams improve. If you're interested in women's rugby, this is a must-listen.

With the Women's County t20 competition starting on Sunday 25 April, Tom and Stef meet Raf Nicholson and Syd Egan of women's cricket website, CricketHer, to find out about this year's tournament, the format and the teams to watch. We then get into the overall format of women's domestic cricket in the UK, discussing regional cricket, the Hundred, whether multi-day cricket should come back into the domestic calendar and how do young girls pick a team to support? We also get a history lesson on the women's game from Raf, a PHD-holding historian! It's a fascinating discussion with two people who are clearly extremely passionate and knowledgable about the women's game.

This week we talk to former footballer and current sports multi-media journalist, Emma Coolen. We talk about how she went from the eight tier in Dutch football to the top within five years, thanks to a chance meeting with American footballer, Christen Press. We talk about the Netherlands winning Euro 2017 and how it changed the coverage of women's football in that country as a result, and how it's still growing now. Emma tells us why she left football, and how she intends to work in sports journalism after her multi-media degree is completed. Finally we discuss women's sport in general, drawing parallels between England women's rugby and cricket, what can still be done to put men's and women's sport on an equal playing field, including potentially having separate twitter channels for country's men's and women's team. This is really good chat about women's sport in general, with someone who has been involved both as a participant, and as a media representative.

The boys discuss this week's Women's Six Nations action with former England rugby player, Kim Oliver. This week's results were: Italy 3 - 67 England Wales 0 - 45 Ireland. #WomensSixNations

The second part of our county cricket season 2021 preview is here, as we talk to Sussex quick bowler Stuart Meaker, and Hampshire captain James Vince, about their side's chances of success this year.

The mens county cricket season starts on Thursday 8th April, so we decided to speak to some of those featuring about how excited they are about it all! In the first of two preview episodes we speak to Somerset spinner Jack Leach and new Warwickshire head coach Mark Robinson. Some absolutely brilliant chat and fascinating insights ahead of the new season.

The boys are joined by England GOAT Rocky Clark to chat through the first week of the Women's Six Nations, where England beat Scotland 52-10, and France beat Wales 53-0. Up for honourable mentions: Poppy Cleall, and how she's one of the best players in the world. Bryony Cleall, and how hard she's worked to get back to full fitness Emma Wassell's dancing feet, and how Scotland were 'much improved' on last year Donna Rose on an impressive debut for Wales And how two of our 6N preview show guests, Gabrielle Vernier and Poppy, both won POTMs this week! Proud moment!!

Today we're previewing Pool B of the Women's 6 Nations, ahead of the start on Saturday 3 April. We're joined by: Anna Caplice - Ireland Gabrielle Vernier - France Donna Rose - Wales As well as the excitement around the rugby starting on Saturday we chat Irish greetings, haunted houses on the M4 and Stef shows off by speaking to Gabrielle in French. A lot... #BT6Nations

We look forward to the start of the Women's 6 Nations competition with two preview pods this week, this first one previewing Pool A, with England's Poppy Cleall, Scotland's Emma Wassell, and Italy's Valeria Fedrighi joining Tom and Stef. We discuss rugby, training camps and hopes for the tournament, as well as work-play-life balance, auditing, buying a present for Valeria's Mother, and was there a twin sister hiding behind Poppy's curtain? Brilliant insight from our three guests, and really good sports too. #BT6Nations

This week we're delighted to welcome Zee Alema to the pod. Zee is a Mum of three, a neonatal nurse, and an amateur rugby player with Barnes RFC - but she dreams of becoming England's first ever Black Muslim player. Zee tells us about her career in rugby, beginning at Ealing Trailfinders where her teammates were unsure how to react when her hijab came off as she ran through for a try. We discuss the cultural differences and difficulties she's had to overcome on her journey, and how she now has her eyes on playing in the Premier 15s - the pinnacle of women's domestic rugby in England. She explains how she draws confidence from her role-models, Serena Williams and Maggie Alphonsi, and how her friend Celia Quansah, designed a picture of Zee in an England kit - an image she now hopes to bring to reality in the future. Zee also tells us about Studs in the Mud, her charity which supports women's rugby at grassroots. Zee is an inspiring woman, we're so pleased she gave us the chance to share her story, and wish her well on her journey. We feel like we'll be hearing from Zee again in the future...!

After a short rain break, the boys are back with an episode looking forward to the nation's favourite summer sport, cricket, with former Hampshire bowler, James Tomlinson. James is now Player Development Officer at Hampshire, responsible for working with the talented young cricketers through the age group pathway, the academy and the under 18s. He tells us how he's been keeping the youngsters occupied through lockdown, the plans for the new season including a pre-season tournament they've been playing with the Hampshire first team. We discuss how hard it is to break through the academy programme these days, and the importance of cultural architects like James Vince to look up to. We also recall James' playing career including how he used to bowl to Robin Smith in the nets at Northlands Road, how he played for South Wilts because of the Sails-vegas nightlife, and how he was once bundled over by Shane Warne after completing a match-winning caught and bowled. It's a fascinating chat, one to really get the juices flowing ahead of the cricket season!

The boys are joined by Bristol Bears Women, Keira Bevan and Rownita Marston, two friends we made when we went to see the Bears v Saracens before Christmas.  We discuss Keira's injury (how she did it is truly eye-watering) and recovery, playing in the Premier 15s this season, Row playing for England, but not as a hooker contrary to Stefan's notes, how Keira would love to be a flanker, how Row used to be a shot-putter, and a goalkeeper, and is starting a new job as a prison guard - her dream job.  We also have serious moments talking about the World Cup postponement, Keira's Olympics hopes, Row's decision not to play for England and how she lives for going on holiday. We discuss drinking Strawberry Daquiris on tap, how Keira is a good cook, and how Gordon Ramsay isn't quite as good as Masterchef. Finally there's some thoughts on social media, trolls, and we accidentally may inadvertently troll golf. 

This week we embark on an ambitious assignment, to discuss cricket on the global stage with guests joining us from opposite sides of the world: Brazil Women's captain Roberta Moretti-Avery, and Emerging Cricket founder Tim Cutler, in Brisbane. Across timezones, continents and calendar days, we chat cricket in Brazil and how Roberta came to the game late, scoring a hundred for her country without even realising it. Tim tells us about his time as CEO of Hong Kong cricket, a job that whet his appetite to associate cricket and led to the formation of emergingcricket.com. We also discuss how Brazil cricket - and associate cricket more generally - has been impacted by COVID, what the immediate future holds, both for Tim, Roberta and their respective teams. If you have a thirst for knowing how the world of cricket works below the Test Playing nations, or you're just a cricket tragic like Tim, Roberta and Tom (and Stef a bit but we're working on him) this is the episode for you. Great fun, real insight into the game of cricket, and important work being done by Roberta and Tim on both women's and emerging cricket.

The boys are delighted to welcome England Rugby World Cup Winner, Kat Merchant. We spoke to Kat on Monday, the day she was announced as the joint head-coach of Ealing Trailfinders women's academies at Brunel University and Henley College. So we asked her all about the new role, in which she will work alongside friend of the show Kim Oliver, and delved into her coaching ethos. We also talk equality in sport, referencing the Sophie Devine story from New Zealand cricket, talk about her stint coaching Sri Lanka Women's rugby team, that World Cup win in 2014, and meet Honey Bear, the cockapoo. If that's not enough we discuss Kat's propensity for handstands, and how she inspired Ben Stokes to take up the art form, and discuss what is sure to be a massive year for women's rugby. There's so much more besides, but somethings have got to be left to the imagination, haven't they? Now, get listening - it's a cracker, we promise! #rugby #worldcup #england #2014 #katmerchant #ealingtrailfinders #kimoliver #paulageorge #handstands #benstokes #6nations #willgreenwood #srilanka #bbc #emilyscarratt #sophiedevine #davidflatman #rockyclark #jazjoyce

The Race to Summer is a brand new series by the Broken Trophy podcast, where we'll be talking to three elite athletes as they embark on their journey towards global sporting events in 2021 including World Cups and the Olympics. Our first guest is Bristol Bears, Wales and Team GB rugby player, Jasmine Joyce. As one of the Allianz Premier 15's top points and try scorers this season, Jas has already had an incredible season. And with the Six Nations and World Cup coming up for Wales, as well as the rugby sevens for Team GB at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, 2021 promises to be a massive year, both for Jas personally and for women's rugby more generally. We'll be speaking to Jas and our other athletes throughout the year, checking in of their preparation for the massive sporting events they're hoping to appear in, see how the training is going, and find out the key info such as what's the food's like at training camps, how much stash is there, and any other interesting gossip from behind the scenes. Race to Summer will give our listeners exclusive access into the lives of elite athletes, as we go behind the scenes and hear all about their race to summer, whatever that may look like for their particular sport. Everyone has a race to run. This one will be exclusively told on the Broken Trophy Podcast. #roadtosummer #brokentrophy #rugby #bristolbears #womensrugby #rugbyworldcup #olympics #6nations #sixnations 

They say everyone's journey through life is a unique one. Well that's true, but some are more than unique than others... This week we speak to Alex Gray, a man who grew up playing rugby alongside Owen Farrell, Mako Vunipola, George Ford, Elliot Daly and Jonathan Joseph in the England age groups. Well, he didn't just play alongside those current England internationals, he captained them. Breaking into seniors he favoured rugby sevens, and should have gone to the 2016 Olympics in Rio but for injury. Needing a new challenge, Alex headed Stateside, spending the next four years working through the Combines to earn himself a place in the Atlanta Falcons squad. Having recently left Atlanta in late 2020, we caught up with Alex just days before the 2021 Super Bowl, and discussed his journey through professional rugby and the NFL, his predictions for this year's Super Bowl and the Six Nations, how he never wore a jacket in Atlanta, how he went to Barnard Castle College ('thanks Dominic Cummings'), and he lifts the lid on the incredible physical and mental attributes required to make it to the top of the NFL. It's a fascinating story, and as a non-NFL man myself (Tom) I can tell you I learnt so much from listening to Alex and hearing his story. #superbowl #nfl #6nations #englandrugby #bathrugby #atlantafalcons #barnardcastle

On today's episode we're delighted to welcome TalkSPORT host, former Soccer AM presenter and life-long Cambridge United fan, Max Rushden. Having first explained to Max what exactly the Broken Trophy Podcast is all about - can you believe he didn't already know - we discuss a range of topics including; which is better a 147 or a 9 darter, the London Golf Show, Cambridge United Legends, social media and how to deal with trolls (and why it's called trolling in the first place). We also discuss Soccer AM, how Max got the job and how an anvil nearly sealed the deal in a Blue Peter audition. An incredible chat ends when Stefan mocks Tom for being a wannabe Max, Tom goes red before revealing how he (Tom) once nestled in the chest of New Zealand bowler, Daniel Vettori. 

With over 300 games and 10,000 runs to her name, Charlotte Edwards led England to a World Cup double and Ashes win, all in 2009. She truly is a legend of the game - what she's doing talking to us we don't know, but we absolutely loved talking to her! We chatted to current Southern Vipers Head Coach Charlotte just after training at the Ageas Bowl one night in early January. We'd tapped up #friendsoftheshow Charlotte Taylor and Emily Windsor for gossip, and we did get one cheeky nugget to ask, but the truth is there was precious little dirt - Charlotte is a keeper! We chat about training through COVID, starting her England career wearing culottes, playing in boys and mens teams growing up - and getting more abuse from their parents than the players themselves. We also discuss the future of women's cricket and how it looks bright given the introduction of professional contracts for domestic players in 2020. We even talk about the gut-wrenching moment Charlotte was axed from the England squad, 12 months before a home world cup in 2017, a competition her ex-team mates would go on to win. We've chatted to so many amazing sports people throughout the last year or so, but Charlotte truly is a giant of her profession and an inspiration to talk to. Enjoy this podcast, we know you will! #charlotteedwards #lottie #vipers #southernvipers #englandcricket #womenscricket #worldcupwinner #asheswinner #hampshire #culottes #countycricket #ageasbowl #brokentrophy

A brilliantly random and wide-ranging chat this week with ex-Crystal Palace and Coventry defender, Richard Shaw. We talk about the FA Cup Final in 1990 between Richard's Crystal Palace v Manchester United, and how the kit the team wore in the replay was abandoned on a post-Wembley tour of the Caribbean. We also chat modern football, drinking 12% label-less larger on the team bus with Paul Stewart, THAT match against Eric Cantona, and what he learnt from his idol, Gordon Strachan. Notable mentions for maverick footballers including Glenn Hoddle, Le Tiss, Scholes and Grealish, in short no one and nothing is off the table. A brilliant chat with a great player, and a man in love with the beautiful game. #football #crystalpalace #coventry #markhughes #manutd #FACup #magicofthecup #BPL #Hitech #CPFC #Millwall #cantona #paulstewart #alansmith 

The boys are joined by cyclist, triathlete, adventurer and coach Marc Molloy, on moving to France - during lockdown - meeting Eddie Jordan in a Flamingo Centre, his passion for teaching people to cycle, and the importance of having an understanding wife. #cycling #solecycling #triathlon #brokentrophy #friendoftheshow #provence #tourdefrance 

A great chat with Brasil Cricket women's coach, Liam Cook, on what took him from Devon to South America, working on the inspiring Brasil Cricket project and trying his luck at 5-a-side football in Pocos de Caldas. #robertamorettiavery #lauracardoso #liamcook #brasilcricket

Tom and Stef launch into the new year with a chat with former England batsman, Graham Thorpe. On his role as batting coach to the current England team, working with Jos Buttler and others, living in a bio-secure bubble during these COVID times, and of course his own playing career.

The pod ends 2020 with a drunkard quiz with three of our favourite guests; England rugby royalty Tamara Taylor, Jersey's finest sporting export Nikki Holmes, and the best number 9 in Southampton Simon Matthews.

This week the boys chat to former rugby player Ed Jackson, about his career in rugby, a swimming pool accident which left him quadriplegic, and his incredible recovery and subsequent mountain climbs for charity.

The boys are let out for the first time since March to watch some live sport! Bristol invite Tom and Stef to watch their home game with Saracens! The boys meet lots of our old guests, get free sweets from Tom Lindsay, and interview Rocky Clark next to a bin. It's all glamour, this media lark!

Ahead of the Broken Trophy derby on Saturday (Bristol Bears Women v Saracens Women), the boys chat to injured Bears captain, Amber Reed. On injuries, England games being shown on BBC Two, and singing Wurzels covers with Bears coach, Kim Oliver...

The boys are joined by former England rugby fly-half, and current Sussex Cricket CEO, Rob Andrew. A wide-ranging chat ensued, from how Rob learned to kick in a cow field, to how his drop-kick v Australia in 1995 was better than Jonny Wilkinson's in 2003 - kind of, to how he once bowled an ex-England cricket captain out for a duck. What a career, what a man, what a podcast...

This week the boys are joined by Saracens women's Donna Rose, and Hockey Ireland's new manager, Lisa Jacob. Donna tells us how she balances playing and training for Saracens with working as a carpenter, competing with Rocky Clark for the number 1 Jersey, and her work with charity Rugby Against Cancer. Lisa tells us about her brand new appointment as manager of Hockey Ireland, how she embarked on a career in rugby 7s due to burnout from a decade in hockey, and how partner Nikki managed to talk her into Cycling Around Ireland.

This week the boys are joined by endurance athlete Nikki Dorey, who teaches us - among other things - to stay in the present. She also: - Tells us about her race around Ireland, and being 'a tool' to her support team - Flying to San Fransisco each week (she's a pilot) and training whilst there - Begins planning her impending wedding to coincide with a big race in America. The boys also discuss why grassroots sport should stay ON through lockdown.

This week the boys speak to Kadeen Corbin just hours before England Netball's second match against New Zealand. Hear about the team's life in lockdown in NZ, and how they plan to step it up against the White Ferns on Friday. And Jamie Jackson joins us to discuss his brand new book, the Red Apprentice, about Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

This week the boys are joined by two amazing guests: England Netball attacker and Saracens Mavericks' Kadeen Corbin, ahead of England's 3-match series in New Zealand starting on 28 October. AND Hampshire and Southern Vipers cricketer Charlotte Taylor, on her player of the match-winning performance in the Vipers' recent Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final victory.

We're joined this week by ex-Crystal Palace Manager, Alan Smith, who told us about: - Life at Palace coaching Ian Wright, Nigel Martyn and Gareth Southgate - A boozy lunch at Arundel with Alec Stewart, and - His meeting with Kevin Keegan and Mohammed Al-Fayed at Harrods

We meet England rugby World Cup Winner and new Saracens player coach, Tamara Taylor. Talking: - Her sudden departure from Durham sharks, which left her 'raging' - Climbing Everest, and nearly dying - Winning a World Cup, and - Her desire to appear on Strictly

Great to chat to Bristol Bears Women Assistant Coach Tom Lindsay about: - Pubs in Finchley - Struggling with weight and mental health issues - Coaching ethos, and - His fantasy pack

The boys are joined by Southern Vipers batter Emily Windsor ahead of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final on Sunday, to talk about: - Getting back to cricket after lockdown, and the RHFT final against Northern Diamonds - Driving back from London with a torn hamstring - Co-commentating with Liam Dawson, who turns out to be quite good, and - the art of commentary, and how Bumble is her hero!

This week the boys are joined by ex-Man Utd, West Ham, Norwich and Stoke winger - and Cambridge United legend, Luke Chadwick. Talking: - Digs 'like Corrie' in Manchester - How training for United was harder than playing in the league - Coaching kids, and building a fun environment - Social media, the good and the bad - And how he loves Dion Dublin!

Series 3 kicks off with a brilliant chat with South Africa and Hampshire batsman, Neil McKenzie! We learn that: - Neil coached SA legend Graeme Smith...at rugby. - He names his bats, and burns the bad ones (sorry Gunn & Moore!) - Neil also recalls his successful spell at Hampshire, and - Describes batting with Smith, Kallis, Amla and AB de Villiers for South Africa.

The boys celebrate summer by Zooming their old pals and rugby legends, the so-called spice girls, Rocky Clark, Ceri Large, Georgie Gulliver and Kim Oliver. The chat, as you'd expect, is wide-ranging covering: - how many pants do you take on holiday - paddle board incidents, and: - We discover Daisy May Cooper's doppelgänger

In the middle of the Phoenix 24 hour run, an out of breath Stefan joins Tom and, more importantly, extreme endurance athlete Adam 'Tango' Holland, to discuss Adam's incredible achievements in his endurance running career.

#2.22 - Liam Plunkett by Tom Huelin & Stefan Hargrave

In which the lads are joined by former Hampshire and England opening batsman, Michael Carberry. On how: - Quick bowling can make you shotless or reckless - 'The way the ECB treated me was abysmal' - The art of opening the batting, including his marathon 523 partnership with Neil McKenzie, and - How he scooped Brett Lee for four in the Big Bash final, winning the game for Perth Scorchers.

This week the boys chat to England, Yorkshire and Notts bowler, Ryan Sidebottom, on: - Being part of England's World T20-winning team - How important the Barmy Army are to England - The 'Royal Toast', and other drinking games - Cleaning a whole ice rink with his backside during his Dancing on Ice stint. - And his brilliant charity work.

The boys are joined by England bowler Chris Jordan, and tells us how: - playing loads of sports as a kid helped him become a gun fielder - he doesn't quietly seeth when someone drops a catch off his bowling - Jofra Archer could be one of the best all-rounders in the world in time - Cricket should be in the Olympics, and - How he used to do stone skimming as a kid.

The boys are joined by former England, Hampshire and Surrey quick bowler, Chris Tremlett. On: - Winning the Ashes in Australia - Bowling against Lara, Lehmann, Tendulkar and Ponting - Dealing with injury hell, and - Lord's Lunches, and how Steve Harmison was an eating machine.