England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line

Life away from rugby is just as important to Amy Cokayne as matters on the field. As an RAF police officer, the Leicester Tigers and Red Roses she has found comfort outside the sport after missing out on the chance to become world champions in 2017. From growing up with a nomadic childhood including her early rugby years in New Zealand, to playing against her future partner in the Army v Navy game and why a football club inspired her initials, Cokayne opens up on her life as a Red Rose. In this pod you will also hear from her brother Tom, mum and dad Ian and Sharon, as well as her partner Bethan Dainton, and from England team mates Emily Scarratt and Maddie Feaunati. FOLLOW:▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrosesrugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedRosesRugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru... MORE:

Being open and vocal is all part of what Meg Jones who she is. From growing up in Wales but choosing to represent England, to wanting to share her relationship journey with partner Celia Quansah and how rugby's community helped her find comfort in her sexuality and individualism, Meg's story so far in rugby has been a fascinating one.In this pod you will also hear from her former coach and Red Rose Nolli Waterman and her partner Celia Quansah, as well as team mates Maud Muir and Zoe Aldcroft.FOLLOW:▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrosesrugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedRosesRugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru... MORE:

From meeting her fiancé to giving her confidence on and off the pitch, rugby has given Zoe Aldcroft so much in her life so far. The Gloucester-Hartpury lock discussed the lack of female sporting role models growing up, now being rivals with her partner at club level with him working for Leicester Tigers, the added pressure of playing after being named World Player of the Year brought and her Jonny Wilkinson doll she carries with her every match day,In this pod you will also hear from her older brother Jonny, fiancé Luke Stratford as well as team mates Maud Muir and Meg Jones.FOLLOW:▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrosesrugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedRosesRugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru... MORE:

From a desire to make people smile, to her photography and craft-making, Maud Muir puts as much into her time off the pitch as on it. The Red Roses and Gloucester-Hartpury prop opens up on her positive outlook on life, celebrating body confidence and size for strength and why she puts such an emphasis on rugby culture, and how that plays out in the West Country living near her club and international team mates.In this pod you will also hear from Maud's older brother Arthur, Red Roses and Gloucester-Hartpury team mate Mo Hunt on their friendship, as well as team mates Meg Jones and Zoe Aldcroft.FOLLOW:▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrosesrugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedRosesRugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru... MORE:

After being attacked and tied up during a robbery in South Africa, John Mitchell's perspective on life completely changed. The Red Roses head coach talks in-depth about the trauma and recovery from that experience, how he has changed as a person from coaching the All Blacks to his first job in women's rugby as well as the personal difficulties he has had being a well-travelled elite coach.In this pod you will also hear from his wife Jules, coach Wayne Taylor who was with him on the night of his attack, as well as Red Roses' Maud Muir and Zoe Aldcroft.FOLLOW:▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrosesrugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedRosesRugby/▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru... MORE:

From a special friendship with Joe Marler, to doubting if he would ever play for England again, Dan Cole continues to make memories in rugby. The Leicester Tigers prop opens up on returning to the England set up after being dropped in 2019, the addictive nature of playing at Twickenham and learning the ability to help compartmentalise with experience and family.In this pod you will also hear from one of his closest friends in Tom Collett and his wife Isabelle, as well as England players George Ford and Ben Earl.FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/ MORE:

From USA to the West Country, plus a stint in Wales, Sam Underhill's journey to international rugby is an intriguing one. The Bath flanker speaks about finding love of the game in the physicality of it, the importance of sports psychologists as part of his preparation and growing up with three older sisters.You will also hear from Sam's older sister Rachael, his former teacher Chris Carter, as well as England players Ben Earl and Dan Cole.FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/ MORE:

From a love of literature, to a talented young cricketer and a successful family environment, Ben Earl has had an intriguing upbringing. The Saracens and England back row forward opens up on relying too much on his natural talent as a youngster, seeing the funny side of how his celebrations are mocked on social media and thinking he might not get another chance at international level.You will also hear from Ben's brother James who is attempting to become a professional golfer, as well as England players Ben Earl and Sam Underhill.FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/ MORE:

Rugby is a driving force in George Ford's life. The Sale Sharks and England fly half opens up on growing up with a famous rugby league playing dad, on the high standards he sets himself in the game, as well as every day life, being Coffee shop and restaurant owner and the difficulty he has when it comes to relaxing. You will also hear from George's dad Mike, brother Joe and England players Dan Cole and Ben Earl.FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/ MORE:

Ellie Kildunne loves weird, embraces different and individuality. The Red Roses and Harlequins full back understands the importance of image and being able to express yourself, whether that is through her photography, fashion or how she plays. Kildunne also opens up on building up muscles to play rugby and wanting to represent those who feel like they don't fit in.In this pod you will also hear from her mum Alison, boyfriend Cameron Sommerville-Bailey and England players Sarah Beckett and Lark Atkin-Davies.FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/ MORE:

Whether it has been overcoming social anxiety or her adult acne, Holly Aitchison has overcome a number of personal challenges to become the person and player she is today. The Bristol Bears and Red Roses fly half opens up on growing up in Liverpool, sharing her personal struggles on social media and how she rebuilt her confidence. In this pod you will also hear from her dad Ian, her former teacher and Red Roses' captain Gill Burns as well England players Sarah Beckett and Ellie Kildunne.FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/ MORE:

From a premature birth with her twin sister to selection heartbreak, Sarah Beckett has had to show her fair share of resilience. The Gloucester-Hartpury forward opens up on missing out the squad to New Zealand in 2022, how she hopes to inspire others who were born earlier than planned, the impact of body confidence issues and her continued work on mental health. In this pod you will also hear from her dad Mark, her twin sister Kate as well as England players Holly Aitchison and Ellie Kildunne. FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/ MORE:

It was always about ‘we' growing up with an identical twin for Tom Curry. The England and Sale Sharks flanker discusses their unique childhood together and what is now means playing in the same position, how the loss of his grandma affected him and his career to date. In this pod you will also hear from his brother Ben, his sister Charlotte and his uncle former England hooker John Olver, as well as England players Danny Care, Freddie Steward and Ollie Lawrence. FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/ MORE:

Showing emotions was not something that sat easily with Ollie Lawrence. The Bath and England centre opens up on his emotional maturity journey, his growth in mindset as an only child and what it means to him to be a rugby international from a mixed background.In this pod you will also hear from his old teacher Simon Dawes, current Bath team mate Niall Annett as well as England players Tom Curry and Danny Care. FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/MORE:

From accepting a rugby player's body image, to combining a teaching career with rugby, Lark Atkin-Davies' journey to international rugby has been a fascinating one. Growing up in a sport-loving cottage in the countryside, Red Roses and Bristol Bears hooker opens up on setbacks, commitment and her determination to become a professional player.In this pod you will also hear from Lark's husband Jamie, her sister Fern as well as team mates Holly Aitchison and Sarah Beckett. FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/MORE:

Making mistakes were part of growing up for Danny Care. The Harlequins scrum reflects on his lapses when establishing his rugby career and how they took away the thing he loved - playing for his country. Care also opens up about the importance of family, growing up in Yorkshire and playing football with Jamie Vardy.In this pod you will also hear from ex-international and club team mate David Strettle, former secondary school coach Peter Latham as well as current England players Ollie Lawrence and Tom Curry. FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/MORE:

Family is at the heart of everything Courtney Lawes believes in. The back row forward opens up about how his comments on social media on family life caused a reaction, and how he now reflects. Lawes also talks about race in rugby, different ethnicities playing the sport and being a dad.In this pod you will also hear from Courtney's wife Jessica Lawes, former teacher Paul Bryant, ex-coach Chris Parr Northampton Old Scouts, as well as team mates Freddie Steward and Ollie Lawrence. FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/MORE:

Despite playing consistently for England since his debut, full back Freddie Steward still has his doubts. The Leicester Tigers back opens up on some of the mental hurdles he has overcome, explains the reasons why he quit some social media and what importance of family means to him.In this pod you will also hear from Freddie's mum, dad and brother, one of his closest friends from Loughborough University as well as England team mates Danny Care and Ollie Lawrence. FOLLOW:▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/MORE:

Despite being an upbeat, bubbly and sociable person, Detysha Harper's life has not always been easy. The Loughborough Lightning prop talks about her upbringing in Salford, how rugby saved her, her experience being mixed race in the sport and her last minute call-up for New Zealand 2022. In this pod you will also hear from her older brother Eze, as well as team mates Sarah Hunter and Tatyana Heard. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store **Please like, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen, it really helps spread the word of the podcast and the stories of our players and coaches** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As self-confessed introvert, Tatyana Heard is comfortable in her own company. The Gloucester-Hartpury center talks about her journey back to international rugby after injuries, her job working for Asda during the COVID-19 pandemic, being proud of her roots in Yorkshire and her new found joy of reading in her own company. In this pod you will also hear from Tatyana's brother Alexander, as well as team mates Sarah Hunter and Detysha Harper. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store **Please like, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen, it really helps spread the word of the podcast and the stories of our players and coaches** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As England's most capped ever player, Sarah Hunter has had her fair share of highs and lows. The Red Roses' captain reflects on some of her most painful moments on the pitch including losing major finals, and why the hurt of her team mates from those moments is something she has to live with every day. From starting out playing rugby league, to making her hobby her job, Hunter also opens up on the injury that she thought might end her career, what being a captain means and how she remains authentic to herself. In this pod you will also hear from Sarah's brother James, her first rugby coach Mick Hogan as well as team mates Detysha Harper and Tatyana Heard. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store **Please like, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen, it really helps spread the word of the podcast and the stories of our players and coaches** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As one of the most talked about players of his generation, there are many facets to Manu Tuilagi's life and career. However the Samoan-born centre has rarely told his story about some of the biggest moments. On this pod, Manu talks candidly about his arrest on a night out in Leicester, to thinking about retiring from the game when his injury problems were at there worst, as well as the close relationship with his family and brothers. From growing up in Samoa to then representing England, Manu has an intriguing story to tell. In this pod you will also hear from Manu's older brother Freddie, his former head coach at Leicester Tigers, Richard Cockerill, as well as England team mates Henry Slade and Maro Itoje. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store **Please like, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen, it really helps spread the word of the podcast and the stories of our players and coaches** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maro Itoje is more than just a rugby player. From discussing racism within modern society, how black history is viewed in the western world and his connection to Africa and African art, the England lock talks candidly about a number of wide ranging topics in this podcast. Although a native of north London, Itoje opens up on his connection to Nigeria and considering it home as well as his thoughts on the song ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.' In this pod you will also hear from Maro's former headmaster, and Saracen's first black captain, Floyd Steadman, his older brother Jeremy Itoje as well as team mate Henry Slade. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store **Please like, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen, it really helps spread the word of the podcast and the stories of our players and coaches** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being diagnosed with diabetes and developing an obsessive personality are two of the barriers that Henry Slade has overcome to play rugby for England. The Exeter Chiefs centre talks in depth about his diagnosis with diabetes and how it affects his life as a player and a person, as well as the steps he took to overcome his small daily obsessions that would be a part of his daily life. Slade opens up about how fatherhood as changed him as a person, what it means to be a 'Janner' and how much representing his country means to him.In this pod you will also hear from Henry's dad John Slade, his childhood best friend Ollie as well as England team mates Manu Tuilagi and Maro Itoje.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTokSUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store**Please like, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen, it really helps spread the word of the podcast and the stories of our players and coaches** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family and friendship are something incredibly important to Kevin Sinfield. Following the diagnosis of motor neurone disease in his friend and former Leeds Rhinos colleague Rob Burrow, Sinfield opens up on the effect that has had on him as a person, why he decided to run marathons to raise money and how the illness has changed his outlook on life. The England defence coach also speaks about his upbringing in Oldham, his incredibly rugby league career and his move into coaching in rugby union.In this pod you will also hear from former club and international team mate Jamie Peacock as well as England players Maro Itoje and Henry Slade.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTokSUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store**Please like, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen, it really helps spread the word of the podcast and the stories of our players and coaches** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby was a passion as well as a coping tool for Billy Vunipola. The Saracens number 8 reveals what it was like growing up in Tonga before moving to Wales, opening up about the culture differences between the two and how he used rugby as a buffer to communicate in a country different to his native tongue. The backrower dives into his on-off professional career and how he works on himself to become a better person.In this pod you will also hear from Castle School PE teacher Lloyd Spacey, Billy's brother Mako and fellow England players Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store**Please like and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on, it really helps spread the stories of England's players** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Owen Farrell and his dad Andy have a unique relationship. The Saracens back reveals what it was like growing watching him in an all-conquering Wigan Warriors team, to being coached by him and England and now facing him as opposition with his position as head coach of Ireland. Owen opens up about what it was like moving from Wigan to London when his dad switched to rugby union, how he spends his time away from the field and where his competitive streak comes from.In this pod you will also hear from Owen's uncle, former Great Britain and Wigan Warriors captain, Sean O'Loughlin as well as fellow England players Marcus Smith and Billy Vunipola.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store**Please like and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on, it really helps spread the stories of England's players** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being gay is not something that defines Hannah Botterman, she just want to be Hannah Botterman. The Red Roses and Saracens prop opens about about her relationship to club and international team mate Holly Aitchison, her unusual route to Test rugby via eating pasties while working as a painter and decorator and her family relationships. She also discusses why she never thought she had to 'come out', how she initially felt unprepared for international rugby and how she embraces being a role model.In this pod, you will also hear from Holly speaking about the long journey to took for them to end up as a couple, as well as from England head coach Simon Middleton, fellow Red Roses' Jess Breach and Sadia Kabeya, and Hannah's old boss when she worked as a painter and decorator.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store**Please like and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on, it really helps spread the stories of England's players** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family and close bonds mean everything to Marcus Smith. The England and Harlequins fly half opens up about his upbringing and childhood growing up in the Philippines and Singapore, the pride he takes in being half Filipino and how his parents have influenced in to become who he is today. Smith also discusses how his rejection for trials at Tottenham Hotspur helped his rugby career, the influence of working with Jonny Wilkinson has on him and his thoughts on the role of the spotlight and celebrity that comes with wearing the famous 10 shirt. You will also hear contributions from England team mates Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola, as well as Tim Lambert was founder of one of Marcus' first clubs Centaurs Rugby Club, and Chris Hartley who played with Marcus' dad Jeremy at club level and with Marcus during his first rugby steps playing touch.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store**Please like and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on, it really helps spread the stories of England's players** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having come back from two career-threatening injuries, Rosie Galligan knows more than most about the long road back. The Harlequins and Red Roses second row talks about her hospitalisation with meningitis that required her to be quarantined and how a delay could have threatened the use of her legs, as well as the time she shattered her ankle and had to do her recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rosie also opens up about her recovery living with England team mate Zoe Harrison, her stage school background and why it was important to her to invest in her career away from rugby. You will also hear contributions from fellow Red Roses Jess Breach and Sadia Kabeya, as well as head coach Simon Middleton, along with Zoe Harrison's mum Karen about what it was like to live with Rosie.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store**Please like and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on, as it really helps spread the stories of some of England's best players** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing up in south London, Sadia Kabeya did not come from a rugby background. The Red Roses and Loughborough Lightning flanker opens up about some of the challenges she has faced in her early career including growing up around gang culture, the lack of diversity she found as she progressed to higher levels and how the Black Lives Matter movement affected her view of the sport. Despite being relatively new to Test rugby, she explains how she already sees herself as a role model for the sport and how her special connection with Shaunagh Brown means so much to her with England.You will also hear contributions from Sadia's mum Lisa, her former PE teacher and now England team mate Bryony Cleall, as well as head coach Simon Middleton and players on what she is like as a person and a number seven.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The balance between marketing yourself and abuse on social media is not a choice that Jess Breach wants to make. The Red Roses winger opens up on the difficulties of social media and the changes she wants to see, as well as the negative effect it had on her questioning her own body image. Breach also talks about her close friendship with England fly half Zoe Harrison, the challenging time around her mum's cancer diagnosis and the growth of women's rugby since she first picked up a ball playing in mixed teams.You will also hear contributions from Jess' mum Tricia Breach, a childhood friend who played rugby with her as a youngster, as well as head coach Simon Middleton and some of the Red Roses on what she is like on and off the pitch.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From working in a glass factory to World Rugby coach of the year, Simon Middleton has an interesting story to tell. The Red Roses head coach opens up about life growing up in Yorkshire, his late arrival into professional rugby league and some of the times in his life that have been most challenging, from dealing with the death of his father to being jobless and having to care for his family.You will also hear contributions from his former head coach at Leeds Tykes, now Leinster and ex-England coach, Stuart Lancaster as well as Red Roses players on their thoughts on Simon as a person and coach.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best friend. Head coach. Husband. Red Roses lock Abbie Ward and Bristol Bears Women head coach Dave Ward have an unique sporting and personal relationship, having to combine their marriage with a working life at the Allianz Premier 15s side. On this England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, Abbie also talks about the difficult discussion she had with her dad about wanting to become a rugby player, her business plan to go to boarding school and life growing up in Cumbria.This pod will also hear contributions from her husband Dave, Abbie's father Richard Scott as well as team mates Marlie Packer and Shaunagh Brown, along with England forwards coach Louis Deacon.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As a former England men's international, Louis Deacon never envisaged himself getting involved in the women's game until he got offered the opportunity to become Red Roses' forwards coach in 2021. The ex-Leicester second row opens up on the differences between the men's and women's game, the dark times he faced while dealing with injuries as a player and how the players he is working with got his daughters interested in rugby.You will also hear contributions from his brother, fellow Leicester and Gloucester forward, Brett Deacon as well as England forwards Shaunagh Brown and Abbie Ward.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Making the choice to balance a life in professional sport and becoming a parent is different for men and women, but one Marlie Packer wanted to embrace. The Red Roses flanker opens up on England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line about how her perception on life has changed since becoming a mum, learning from her mistakes following her drink driving charge in 2018 and her desire to reach a century of caps.You will also hear contributions from World Cup winner and former England team mate Maggie Alphonsi, ex-England head coach Gary Street as well her team mates Shaunagh Brown, Abbie Ward and coach Louis Deacon.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Growing up in south east London, where opportunity was seldom and crime was rife, early life for Shaunagh Brown was difficult. From knowing people that either died or went to prison, hear how she helped channel a different energy into sport, her varied career, coming to accept herself as a rugby role model as well as wanting to improve diversity in the sport. You will also hear contributions from his Shaunagh's mum Lesley Rickards, her athletics coach John Hillier as well her team mates Marlie Packer, Abbie Ward and coach Louis Deacon.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Any time representing your country is special, but for Mark Atkinson coming on at Twickenham at the age of 31 felt even more memorable. The Gloucester centre goes in-depth about his change in mindset when playing semi-professional rugby and considering taking a stewarding job at the 2012 Olympics, to focusing on being professional and then representing England. From support from friends and family, to a realisation that he wasn't giving it his all, this is a story about perseverance, determination and not giving up.You will also hear contributions from teammates Raffi Quirke, Ben Youngs and Lewis Ludlam, as well as long term friend Ian Kench.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Raffi Quirke doesn't want rugby to define him as a person. The Sale Sharks scrum half opens up about his passions and interests outside of the game including his love of cooking which inspired his Instagram account Pitch to Plate, and why buying a pair of clippers not only allows him to cut the hair of team mates but bond with them off the field. Quirke also speaks about a junior career as a triathlete growing up in Manchester and talks about being part of a new generation of England players coming through.You will also hear contributions from teammates Ben Youngs, Lewis Ludlam and Mark Atkinson as well as Great Britain cycling coach Tom Hodgkinson, who oversaw Quirke's cycling coaching as a youngster, and his former rugby coach Owen Lucas.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Growing up in Suffolk, there were not many people that looked like Lewis Ludlam. The Northampton Saints captain opens up about growing up mixed race in an undiverse area of Ipswich with a Palestinian-Egyptian father and a Guyanese mother, and how despite feeling different to other children he found acceptance at his local rugby club. Ludlam also opens up about the politics of race, how England's squad is breaking down class barriers in the sport and where he gets his resilience from.You will also hear contributions from teammates Ben Youngs, Raffi Quirke and Mark Atkinson as well as Lewis' dad Aaron and his former rugby coach Mark Patterson. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Growing up with 28 first cousins family was always going to mean a lot to Ben Youngs. As season nine of England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line returns, England's most capped scrum half opens up about the importance of family in his life, in particular his brother Tom who he's played alongside from childhood, to Leicester Tigers and then representing their country together. Youngs also discusses what it was liked being diagnosed with dyslexia aged nine, growing up on a working farm in north Norfolk and how he sees his new role in Eddie Jones' squad.You will also hear from contributions from teammates Lewis Ludlam, Raffi Quirke and Mark Atkinson as well as one of Ben's best friends from his childhood, James Knight.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For Joe Marler, mental health is just as important as his physical health. After being diagnosed with depression and recommended medication and counselling, Joe tells England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line about what he has discovered about himself and how that allows him to enjoy life more.Joe goes into detail about why he wants to start more conversations around mental health and masculinity in rugby, and why he will continue to speak out to make it as normal as possible. This final episode of season eight, which has seen players telling their own stories, in their own words, includes contributions from Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler, as well as Joe's former academy coach at Harlequins, Collin Osborne.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is always difficult, but Red Roses' flanker Vicky Fleetwood had to deal with the passing of her mum while trying to prepare for the Olympics. On this England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, Vicky opens up on the emotions she had to deal with at the time, how that period has influenced her as a person and how she grieves now.As well as her loss, Vicky explains how she left a life as a personal trainer to become a professional rugby player, becoming a world champion in 2014 and her role in promoting body positivity. Season eight sees the players telling their own stories, in their own words, with this pod including contributions from England's Rachael Burford and Harlequins, and ex-Saracens, hooker Joe Gray, who is a patron at Bowel Cancer UK, as well as team mates Poppy Cleall and Claudia MacDonald.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From a chance rugby session in south London to playing for his country, Kyle Sinckler explains what life was really like for him growing up on this England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line. Sinckler opens up on his mum bringing him up along, to living around with people who still don't know what rugby is, the potential for sport in the state education system and now creating a foundation to give young athletes the platform to perform.Season eight sees the players telling their own stories, in their own words, with this pod including contributions from England's Ellis Genge and Joe Marler, as well as Kyle's first coach at Battersea Ironsides Graham Beech. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Claudia MacDonald opens up about living her life as sustainably as possible and how she combines that with being a professional rugby player on this week's England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line.From ditching the car to drive to training to tackling team mates usage of one-use products, Claudia explains why this cause means so much to her when it comes to the planet and climate change, and reveals the steps she is taking to change how she lives. With guest contributor Coreen Grant who works for the British Antartic Survey and is a freelance environmental journalist.READ:· Have a read of Claudia's blog 'Let's Talk 1%'FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ellis Genge talks candidly about his life growing up. He reveals how rugby potentially saved him from prison, his money struggles during his academy days and conflicts he had to fit into rugby's lifestyle on this England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line.Season eight sees the players telling their own stories, in their own words, with this pod including contributions from England's Joe Marler and Kyle Sinckler, as well as Ellis' former coach at Hartpury, and now Bristol Bears skills coach, Sean Marsden.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here. BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby StoreAUDIO CREDIT· With thanks to BT Sport for permission to use their Premiership commentary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Season eight of England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line returns with a new format with players telling their own stories, in their own words.The first episode is with Saracens and Red Roses' forward Poppy Cleall, along with contributions from Judy Murray and The Times rugby journalist Jessica Hayden.Poppy gives an intimate account of how she took to social media to fight inequality with sportswear manufacturers ignoring female athletes, talks about the bullying she suffered at school for being a girl playing rugby, and opens up on her hopes for future generations and aspiring female athletes.FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After the Red Roses are crowned 2021 Women's Six Nations champions, we speak to two players who featured in the win over France in the final in Lark Davies and Detysha Harper.Speaking to Dylan Hartley the day after the win against the French, Lark and Detsyha take us into the changing room after the final whistle and talk about the celebrations after securing their third straight title in the competition. The pair reflect on the shortened format of the tournament, as well as a new tournament window, and reveal the relief of winning after the work that has gone in behind the scenes.You will also hear some of their rugby stories including how Detysha bugged her mum to play rugby because her brothers were going to play, and how she would switch from playing union and league growing up in Manchester. Lark goes into detail about her commitment to the game from an early age, playing with World Cup winners when she broke into the team at Worcester and how she is the star baker in the squad, taking requests when it comes to going into camp. That is it for season seven of England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line! Thanks for following us across both the Guinness Six Nations and Women's Six Nations and we hope you've enjoyed listening as much as we've enjoyed making them - make sure you're subscribed for when we return for season eight. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ahead of the 2021 Women’s Six Nations final, England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, and Dylan Hartley, catch up with Wasps FC Ladies team mates Ellie Kildunne and Harriet Millar-Mills. The pair talk about growing up playing rugby in Leeds and Manchester respectively, about playing rugby league, being on the same team as boys and how they were seen as a rugby player over being a girl. Harriet explains the story about how she ended up playing for England but her sister played for Scotland, and reveals what team their parents were supporting on the day. Ellie goes into detail about some awkward situations after her debut including not realising people wanted a selfie with her, making up her autograph and being handed some Biology homework. You also hear about who is the introvert or extrovert, bean confusion while on tour and discover what pendulum defence is. With the end of the Women's Six Nations in sight, make sure you’re in with a chance of winning a signed England shirt from the men's squad simply by leaving a review on Apple podcasts! Make sure you’re subscribed for all the latest episodes. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After the Red Roses book their place in the 2021 Women’s Six Nations final, this week’s England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line catches up with scrum halves Claudia MacDonald and Leanne Riley right after their win in Italy. Dylan chats to the pair about their routes into rugby and how they had very different routes, with Leanne making a 10-year plan at the age of 15 to represent her country and win the sport's biggest competition, while Claudia took it up after chance session while at university. The two also discuss the challenges of playing scrum half having not started playing there, while also describing their competitiveness when it comes to starting in the number nine shirt. You will also learn about the challenges of training with your partner in lockdown, with Claudia doing one-on-ones with her Wasps team mate and partner, and the story of Leanne having to end a session with her fiancé! And Dylan also learns more about some of the other Red Roses in our getting to know you feature.With the end of the Women's Six Nations in sight, make sure you’re in with a chance of winning a signed England shirt from the men's squad simply by leaving a review on Apple podcasts! And while you're there make sure you subscribe to get the latest pods every Tuesday. FOLLOW:· England Rugby Facebook· England Rugby Instagram· England Rugby Twitter· England Rugby TikTok· O2 Sports Instagram· O2 Sports Twitter SUBSCRIBE:· Subscribe to the pod here BUY:· Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, Dylan is back with the Red Roses as he chats to Vicky Fleetwood and Sarah McKenna.Fresh from the win over Scotland in the 2021 Women's Six Nations, the pair talk about life in camp and some of the activities they have been doing in their down time including arts and crafts. Vicky explains about the importance of 'look good, feel good' in her preparation for a game including her fake tan regime, and Sarah explains the requirement of hair braiding on a matchday and why a woman in Doncaster came to help the squad in Exeter. The pair, who first played together and England Under 20 level, also talk about their first impressions of each other, their favourite tour memories including New Zealand and Dubai, while Vicky is incredibly open on the reason for choosing family over rugby when her mother became terminally ill ahead of the 2016 Olympics.As the Women's Six Nations continues throughout April, we'll be chatting to Red Roses and hearing more tales from camp and more about their personalities. Keep help spreading the word by leaving a review on Apple podcasts, which also puts you in with a chance of winning a signed England shirt from the men's squad.FOLLOW:England Rugby FacebookEngland Rugby InstagramEngland Rugby TwitterEngland Rugby TikTokO2 Sports InstagramO2 Sports TwitterSUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to the pod hereBUY:Get the latest kits, training and leisure wear from England Rugby Store See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.