Championship Clubs Podcast

In a week where the new brand and format for the league has been launched, Ross catches up with Worcester Warriors CEO, Stephen Vaughan and Bedford Blues COO, Gareth Alred to talk all the latest developments.  - Name rebrand to 'Champ Rugby' for 25/26 - Play-offs at both ends of the table next season  - Worcester's return to the league - Usual preview / review with just three rounds of action to go

As Richmond prepare to lift the National One Title this afternoon, their skipper Alex Schwarz talks to Ross Hancock about how the Londoners are preparing for a return to the second-tier of English rugby.  Plus there's the usual preview/review and chat about all the latest news coming from the game in this country including discussions of a franchise system moving forward and Worcester continuing their road back to rugby. 

An instant reaction piece to today's announcement which saw the Tier 2 Board confirm the clubs for next season, which sees a return to rugby for Worcester Warriors.  Ross and Charlie catch up with Bedford Blues Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred to discuss all the latest news including the recent SGM.  Plus there's still time for a little nausing with the familiar preview/review of recent Championship fixtures and results. 

As Championship Rugby prepares to make it's long awaited return after a six week hiatus, Ross and Charlie are back talking all the latest news from the second tier.  Discussion points this episode include results from the minimum standards audit for promotion to the Premiership, Newcastle's expected loan payments as well as the usual preview / review ahead of a jam packed weekend of high octane action.  In addition, fresh off announcing Crowd Angel as our new pod sponsor, we're delighted to have been joined by Andy Hunns, their brand and marketing executive... and a big Bedford Blues supporter!   

We're back for another episode as clubs like Ealing Trailfinders, Bedford Blues and Doncaster Knights secure big wins against Premiership opposition in the second phase of the Premiership Rugby Cup.  Six giant killings throughout the pool stage including an away victory at Leicester for Coventry, and extremely proud to see Ealing representing the Champ in the knockout phases.  Plus Charlie & Ross also discuss the recent international squad announcements with a Six Nations debut in store for former Nottingham speedster Ellie Mee, and a whole host of representation in the England 'A' team that faces Ireland at Ashton Gate.  

Ahead of his competitive debut at Premiership heavyweights, Bristol Bears, on loan from Hartpury University RFC, we're delighted to hear from Harry Bazalgette regards all the latest news in the second tier.  The Champ warrior has spent the last five seasons in the division firstly with Cornish Pirates and now with the Gloucestershire based side.  Plus there's the usual preview and review of the Premiership Rugby Cup with Ross & Charlie as more teams target scalps in the competition after Ealing put 50 points on Saracens last weekend.  

We're back for more in 2025 and it's another enthralling round of Championship Rugby to kickstart the New Year with four sides in contention to end the day in second place.  Lots to talk about for Ross & Charlie including the fantastic news that Ellis Mee, who starred for Nottingham last season, has been called up by Wales for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.  The usual preview / review also takes centre stage plus the latest from up high at the Rugby Football Union. 

Final episode of 2024! And it's a huge bumper edition to round off the year as Ross and Charlie hear from Coventry Head Coach, Alex Rae then Nottingham Chairman, Alistair Bow.  So much has happened in the game recently, including the RFU pay-row, potential votes of no confidence with intense calls for change at the top of the game.  But don't let that distract you too much from what is a massive week of Championship action, including first vs second as reigning Champions Ealing Trailfinders head to Butts Park Arena.  Strap yourselves in, this week's episode covers each and every detail of the last few weeks. 

A whole host of topics for Ross & Charlie to discuss following a hectic two weeks, including reflections on the final round of this initial phase of Prem Cup action which sees Ealing and Coventry in contention for the knockout stages.  Following the RFU's announcement of financial losses of close to £38 million in the latest set of accounts, the duo also reflect on how this could impact the second-tier and wider game across England.  And finally, Championship Rugby is back! And it returns with a bang, a full schedule and some tasty encounters on the way very soon. 

After two pulsating rounds of Premiership Rugby Cup action, Ross and Charlie are back to discuss all the latest from the Second Tier.  - Latest Cup Results  - Coventry's flying start to the season - Simon Gillham appointed chair of new Tier 2 Board - Wasps & Worcester apply for Tier 2 - Not The Premiership Cup begins this week (Cambridge v Chinnor)    

We're back with another bumper episode as Premiership Rugby Cup action gets underway tonight, lasting throughout the majority of November.  After some outstanding results for Championship clubs in this competition last year against top flight sides, we're hoping for more 'cupsets' this time around. 

This weekend's fixtures conclude the first block of Championship fixtures before attentions turn to cup competition throughout November. Feature games include Ladies Day at Goldington Road, the reigning champions at home and the current league leaders in the North West.  All those games are previewed in this week's episode where Ross is joined by one of the longest serving Media Managers in the second-tier, Ampthill's Kevin Miller.  Plus the usual review of the past two rounds of action in what is already turning into the most competitive second-tier campaign on record.  

Following a few pieces of breaking news concerning the second tier breaking in recent weeks, we are delighted to be joined by Bedford Blues Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred to discuss all the latest feeling from within the league.  Usual co-hosts Ross & Charlie also conduct their usual preview/review segments in this bumper episode. 

We're back for one final time in the 2023/24 Championship campaign as we look towards naming our Podcast Team of the Season this Friday!  We've amassed a huge list of contenders which Ross Hancock and Charlie Beckett dissect in this latest episode - it's been another cracking season of Championship rugby!  They also look back on the final round of fixtures as Cornish Pirates and Hartpury both secured their highest second-tier finishes, plus praise for the Champions who signed off in style on home soil.  

A bumper issue as Championship Rugby prepares to bring the curtain down on another fantastic season this weekend.  Delighted to welcome one of Ealing's integral members of their champions squad, Reuben Bird-Tulloch to talk to Charlie Beckett about the importance of English rugby's second-tier and excitement to lift the trophy for the second time in three seasons.  As usual, we also have the traditional preview/review from Charlie and host, Ross Hancock - including some strong opinion across the board.  We wish Charlie all the best as he prepares for his final Championship appearance tomorrow when bringing the curtain down on a fantastic career as Doncaster travel to Hartpury. 

We're back with a shorter episode this week as Ross & Charlie preview a huge weekend of Championship Rugby including a Top Four battle between Bedford and Doncaster, and Coventry trying to keep pace with Ealing at the top.  It's still all to play for with three rounds of action remaining and all sides are capable of moving up the table before the campaign draws to a close.  In addition, we also hear from players at four of this weekend's competing clubs with input from Bedford, Doncaster, Ampthill and Ealing ahead of their crucial encounters.

A few weeks since our last Pod and we're delighted to be joined by Chinnor back row forward, Max Clementson to discuss the Oxfordshire club's imminent arrival in Championship Rugby.  The former Hartpury man has helped Chinnor into the second-tier for the very first time, after they secured the National One title in victory over Birmingham Moseley two weeks ago.  He spoke to Charlie Beckett about the title winning campaign, excitement to be back in the Champ, and the challenges that await in 24/25.  Elsewhere, Charlie and host, Ross Hancock review the previous few rounds of action, as well as shout outs for two players making the journey to the top flight next season having signed for Bristol Bears. 

Delighted to be joined this week by Ampthill skipper, Morgan Strong after the Mob's historic victory over Ealing Trailfinders last weekend.  The Welshman talks need for consistency from Mark Lavery and Paul Turner's side as they try to climb higher up the table before the season's conclusion.  Elsewhere, Ross and Charlie preview this weekend's HUGE round of Championship action which includes four Friday Night Lights fixtures including the top-of-the-table clash between Cornish Pirates and Ealing. 

Delighted to be joined by rugby royalty this week as Doncaster Knights' Consultant Director of Rugby, Sir Ian McGeechan, joins us on the pod.  Following the news this week that Doncaster remain the only Championship club with eligibility to go up to the Premiership, Sir Ian talks minimum standards, eventual promotion ambitions and his opening few weeks at the Knights.  As usual, Ross Hancock and Charlie Beckett round off the show with a look back at the recent action in the second-tier while previewing a hugely exciting 'Super Saturday' of Championship action. 

Delighted to be joined for our International Women's Day podcast by broadcaster, Megan Seward who was the Communications Lead for Gloucester-Hartpury Women in their title winning campaign last season.  She joins Ross Hancock and Charlie Beckett to talk all things Championship Rugby ahead of her lead commentary debut on Sunday as Cornish Pirates take on Ampthill. 

The latest in the long conveyor belt of Championship to higher, Exeter Chiefs' new centre, Will Rigg join us to talk his first week at Sandy Park.  Elsewhere, Ross and Charlie Beckett give their mid-season review as well as previewing this weekend's fixtures and the upcoming involvement of Ealing Trailfinders in the Premiership Rugby Cup Semi-Finals. 

As we prepare for the first full round of Championship Rugby in 2024, regular favourites Ross Hancock and Charlie Beckett discuss all the latest from English Rugby's second tier - including recent state of the league updates and all five games this coming weekend. 

After another statement from all 11 Championship clubs dropped on Wednesday 10th January, we catch up with the Non Executive Director of the Championship Clubs Committee, Simon Cohen to discuss the current state of the game.  The former longstanding CEO of Leicester Tigers, Cohen shares his thoughts on the current second-tier structure as well as hopes for the future across the game at all levels. 

A bumper issue to kickstart the Festive period!  After some shock results in Round 6, and more intriguing battles to follow this weekend, Ross and Charlie conduct their usual preview / review as we begin to look towards 2024 and the business end of the season.  As a special Christmas treat, we've also got the return of pod original, Ben Gulliver to talk a little bit more about the second-tier and potential next steps for the game as a whole.  

Delighted to be joined this week by Nottingham's greatest try scorer throughout their illustrious history, David Williams. One of the Championship's most deadly finishers, the man affectionately known as 'Cheese' talks his time in the second-tier and hopes for a big campaign this time around.  Elsewhere, Ross and Charlie debrief on recent results and look ahead to the upcoming action which includes the solitary fixture of Bedford Blues v Hartpury University on Remembrance Weekend. 

No rest for the wicked because as soon as the Premiership Rugby Cup pool stages draws to a close, the Championship league season is upon us!  It's set to be another cracking second-tier campaign and we're back with a preview show, as well as further chat on the sad demise of Jersey Reds. In addition, head across to our Instagram account for chat from all 11 clubs!

After two stunning rounds of Premiership Rugby Cup action, which saw big wins against top-flight opposition for Jersey, Ealing and Coventry; Ross and Charlie are back to talk all the latest news from the Championship!  And..... spoiler alert! Charlie reveals his next destination having agreed a deal to remain in the second flight of English rugby for a little bit longer.... 

We're back for the 23/24 Championship league & cup campaign and we're kicking off with a bumper episode to get back into the swing of things!  As well as previewing an exciting first round of Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures, and creating our 'Summer Signings XV', we're delighted to be joined by former Bedford, Leicester, Gloucester now Ealing utility back, Billy Twelvetrees.  A huge champion of the second-tier following his successful stint at Goldington Road, Billy tells us his thoughts on the future of the game as well as determination to help the Trailfinders regain the league they can so close to winning again last season. 

It's been a fascinating second-tier campaign which concluded in appropriate and dramatic fashion last Saturday as Ealing retained their Championship Cup title with a 35-31 victory over Jersey Reds.   Ahead of that game, and just as Jersey were boarding the plane to the mainland for the last time in the 22/23 season, we were fortunate enough to speak with Jersey Director of Rugby, Harvey Biljon to talk a captivating campaign and first crown for the Islanders.   Congratulations again to Jersey Reds for securing the Championship title and to every other club who played their part in creating a momentous spectacle across the league. 

The penultimate round of Championship fixtures which comes this weekend is set to be HUGE with two live stream games and massive connotations at both ends of the table to resolve.  We've lined-up a bumper episode to suit the occasion with voices associated to all four of the teams most in the spotlight this weekend as Jersey Reds host Ealing Trailfinders in a title decider and London Scottish face Richmond in a potential relegation showdown.  As well as that, there's four other mouth-watering games which deserve equal attention including another highly anticipated #BattleofBedfordshire as Ampthill look for revenge from Boxing Day.  Joining us to talk through it all with Ross Hancock is Jersey's James Mitchell, Richmond's Stephen Kerins - formerly of London Scottish and Ealing Trailfinders - as well as regular contributor Charlie Beckett. It's set to be a cracker this weekend. Best of luck to all teams involved. 

After a short sabbatical, Ross Hancock and Ampthill skipper, Charlie Beckett are back to discuss all the latest from the second tier including the HUGE game at Goldington Road on Saturday as Bedford Blues attempt to halt Jersey Reds' title charge.  

Championship Clubs Committee Vice Chairman and now Ealing Trailfinders Strategic Advisor, Simon Halliday joins us to talk all things second-tier including the following:  - Ealing Ospreys merger - Trailfinders promotion case - Future of the elite game The former England international and ex chairman of European Professional Club Rugby joins host Mike Casey to give a fascinating insight about the state of the English game and Championship Rugby's potential role moving forwards.  

Fresh from an emphatic set of results throughout January, Ross Hancock is joined by Caldy skipper JJ Dickinson to talk all things Championship Rugby including the latest on Worcester/Wasps, promotion/relegation and this weekend's fixtures. 

Bumper episode this week!  With the National One title race hotting up with a spot in next season's Championship at stake, we've caught up with Cambridge Director of Rugby, Richie Williams to discuss all the current goings on in the third tier ahead of a pivotal round of fixtures with the promotion contenders all squaring off tomorrow.  We've also been joined by this season's Championship live stream commentator, Joe Byrnes who chats with Ross Hancock and Ben Gulliver about the need for more wider promotion of the league as well as the usual preview-review.  

Ampthill skipper Charlie Beckett joins Ross Hancock to discuss all the current talking points in Championship Rugby as we prepare for the first full weekend schedule of fixtures in 2023 - including 2nd v 3rd as Coventry host Jersey Reds.  There's also time for a reflection on the recent Festive fixtures, a look towards the future and a potential league restructure, as well as many more topics of discussion surrounding the second-tier. 

The final Championship Clubs Podcast of 2022! Michael Casey is joined by former Rotherham Titan and Doncaster Knight, Robin 'Bomber' Hislop who discusses his time in the second-tier as well as a tumultuous last few months having signed for Saracens after his time at Wasps came to a frustrating end.  Thank you for your continued support to the pod. A Happy New Year from all the team and we look forward to bringing you more exciting new content in 2023. 

Founder of online programme platform, Zeoon and Coventry hooker Will Biggs joins Ross Hancock and Ryan Robinson to preview an exciting round of festive action which includes table toppers Ealing v Jersey on a free live stream this Christmas Eve. 

After a sabbatical, Ben Gulliver is back to join Ross Hancock and discuss all the latest talking points in Championship Rugby as league action resumes this afternoon - including a free live stream of Pirates v Ealing. 

Ampthill skipper Charlie Beckett joins Ross Hancock to discuss everything that has happened in Championship Rugby and Championship Cup action so far this season in a special 'Mid Term Report' special.  A first victory of the campaign for London Scottish last time out, the exciting battle coming up between the two league pace setters and all this weekend's fixtures are on the agenda as the pair discuss the latest from the second-tier.

Following two Premiership clubs entering administration, Worcester Warriors and Wasps, we hear from some leading voices within the Championship about the current state of affairs in English rugby.  Michael Casey is back to host and is joined by Bedford Blues COO, Gareth Alred; Cornish Pirates CEO, Rebecca Thomas and Coventry CEO, Nick Johnston.  Every topic currently making the national rugby headlines helps compose an insightful discussion about the sport we all love, including offering some resolutions as to what the potential next steps for the game and second tier could be. 

Ahead of what we anticipate being another exciting round of Championship rugby action, now regular contributor and Ampthill captain Charlie Beckett joins Ross Hancock to discuss the latest from the second tier - including a review/preview of fixtures and results. 

Ahead of another pulsating round of Championship fixtures, Ampthill captain Charlie Beckett joins Ross and Gully to talk all things in the second tier. 

Freshly back from injury and returning to Championship action, current London Scottish and former Bedford fly-half, Harry Sheppard joins Ross and Gully to discuss all the latest from the second flight.  From still harbouring Premiership ambitions to loving life in the Championship, we've got it all covered as Sheppard takes us through his career and the personal battles that have seen him get to where he is today.  Ross and Gully also review the past two rounds of fixtures which saw Caldy register their first Championship victory while the defending champions have made another strong start as they look to retain their crown.  

Ahead of the new Championship campaign beginning this evening, Gully and Cornish Pirates' Ross Hancock give an overview on the 12 competing clubs. 

Mark Evans joins us on the latest episode of the Championship Clubs Podcast, as we countdown to the highly anticipated 2022/23 campaign, to give us his view on the future of the second tier. Former Director of Rugby and CEO at Saracens and Harlequins, Evans has over 30 years' experience at the top of the game with similar roles at Western Force, Global Rapid Rugby and Melbourne Storm.  On the eve of his announcement as CEO of the new Super Rugby franchise, Fijian Drua, we catch up with him for a full and frank analysis on what model he believes the Championship needs to take for the growth not only of the league, but the game.

As we close in on the 2022/23 Championship campaign, learn more about the newest members of the second-tier, Caldy RFC, with Head Coach Matt Cairns joining Mike and Gully to discuss all the latest updates from the club. 

A lot has been made in the past week of the number of Premiership rugby players left without a contract following the 2022/23 campaign, with over 100 looking for a new club ahead of the new season.  In the Championship, there isn't the level of support as seen in the top-tier with less resources and access to a support network looking at potential options and transition.  Former Leicester, Gloucester and England wing Leon Lloyd has created a company, Centrum Solutions, to try and bridge this gap and offer support to athletes interested in looking at options to coincide with or offer something different to sport.  He joins Mike & Gully to discuss the support out there for Championship players currently as well as how his company could help those in the second-tier in working out their next career steps. 

Our first feature length episode for a good few months sees big Jim Hamilton join Mike & Gully to talk all things #ChampRugby as everyone quickly turns their attentions to the upcoming 2022/23 Championship season. 

It's the last induction into the 2021/22 Team of the Season and it's a bumper episode to round off a fantastic two weeks of announcements!  Another challenging one with four really worthy candidates up for selection and a split decision from our panellists making it one of the hardest inclusions to decide upon.  In the end, it's a third inclusion for Doncaster Knights as their rising Welsh star gets in following two stellar performances against the champions amid a fantastic season on a personal level.  Thank you for all your interaction and comment throughout this mini-series of podcasts!

Into the penultimate position where four speedster right wingers battle it out to join Dean Adamson in the wing positions of the 2021/22 Championship Clubs Podcast and Championship Rugby Team of the Season.  Less debate, more admiration this time as the player with the most inclusions into the Team of the Week of the whole Championship (6) this season secured his rightful place following 15 tries from 18 appearances.