The Pirate Rugby Podcast

I was delighted to be joined by Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin! Having worked at academy, Franchise & Men's international level as well as being an analyst for SuperSports, there perhaps no one in South Africa more qualified as a rugby educator as Swys. In this podcast I was lucky enough to be able to pick his brains for nearly an hour, covering a wide variety of rugby topics. Swys is of course deep in his preparations with the Springbok women for the Rugby World Cup in England later in 2025. I ask him all about how he has adjusted to coaching in women's rugby and how the women's game is progressing in South Africa. He talked passionately about the diversity in South African rugby and how important it is to draw on the strength that gives the country. He then gave me a fascinating insight into his approach to coaching and how he views himself as a rugby teacher. He tells me how he communicates with his players and how he gets them playing rugby to his vision for the game. He also gave me some brilliant analysis on where rugby is headed and the trends he is seeing across the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British and Irish Lions are currently on their tour of Australia and have won the first test in Brisbane. The Lions is all about history and tradition, meaning each evokes the memories of tours gone by. In this case of this tour, the tales being told most often relate to the last time the Lions visited Australian shores, when they made history with their only victorious test series this century. Whilst a Lions tour is about coming together, so often the memories are about an individual. In the case of 2013, the individual of note was Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny. His record breaking performance won him player of the series back in 2013... but was it even more than that? Was Halfpenny's performance against Australia in 2013 the greatest we have ever seen from a Lion? In this video I will tell the story of Halfpenny's 2013. I'll break down what made him such an exceptional player and how he propelled himself to the Lions XV in Australia, setting records all along the way. If you enjoy it, please consider subscribing to the channel and sharing a link with a friend! Cheers! Follow me on Twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello! on the agenda for this special, Champions only show today: MLR English Prem URC WER Super Rugby Super Rugby Aupiki Super W PWR Japan League One TOP14 Super Rugby Americas Rugby Europe Super Cup Elite 1 If you enjoy the show please give it a 5 star rating and share a link with a mate! Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Argentina's win over the British & Irish Lions was just one more achievement in a 12 month period where they also defeated the All Blacks, the Springboks and the Wallabies for the first time ever. But this wasn't just a milestone for Argentinian rugby, but for South American Rugby as a whole. The Los Pumas side that beat the Lions contained players from Super Rugby Americas - the young league encompassing teams from Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay and Chile. Along with Argentina, those nations are now starting to emerge as challengers on the rugby circuit. In this podcast I speak to Joe Santamaria from the Rugby Paper and ESPN. He's on the ground in Buenos Aires and gives me the inside scoop on Argentina's acceleration on both the international and domestic front. He tells me all about Super Rugby Americas and how it is super charging the World Cup ambitions of Uruguay, Chile & Brazil. Last but not least, he educates me on the most exciting development of all: the advancement of the Brazilian national women's rugby team. The HG rugby podcast is all about telling the stories you don't get to hear anywhere else. By interviewing people from across the globe I hope to enhance people's enjoyment of rugby by informing of the hidden achievements of those outside the mainstream. If you like the sound of that, please subscribe to the channel and share a link with a mate - it really helps out! #argentina #chile #brazil #paraguay #uruguay #rugby #podcast #interview #journalism #worldcup #lospumas #superugbyamericas #secret #southamerica #highlights #results #womensrugby Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everything you need to know about the ACT Brumbies! Welcome to a new series of videos previewing the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia focusing on the pre-test series games against the Super Rugby Pacific franchises. These videos aim to introduce you to each side, tell you a little bit about their history, point out their best players, identify their strengths and pinpoint their weaknesses. If you like the sound of that, please feel free to drop the video a like and hit subscribe! This episode is for game 4: the ACT Brumbies. We'll deep dive the Canberra based outfit and what makes them the best club team in Australia and how the Lions should approach playing them, as well as the players to look out for! #lions #brumbies #lionstour #rugby #preview #australia #canberra #wallabies #england #ireland #scotland #wales #stats #analysis #british Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everything you need to know about the NSW Waratahs! Welcome to a new series of videos previewing the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia focusing on the pre-test series games against the Super Rugby Pacific franchises. These videos aim to introduce you to each side, tell you a little bit about their history, point out their best players, identify their strengths and pinpoint their weaknesses. If you like the sound of that, please feel free to drop the video a like and hit subscribe! This episode is for game 2: the NSW Waratahs. We'll deep dive the Sydney based outfit and explain why they are actually worse than they looked in Super Rugby this season and how the Lions should approach playing them, as well as the players to look out for! Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda for our final episode of the season: build up the perfect final star players why Toulouse deserved it season awards! thank you for listening to the show all season! if you enjoy it please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate. Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everything you need to know about the Queensland Reds! Welcome to a new series of videos previewing the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia focusing on the pre-test series games against the Super Rugby Pacific franchises. These videos aim to introduce you to each side, tell you a little bit about their history, point out their best players, identify their strengths and pinpoint their weaknesses. If you like the sound of that, please feel free to drop the video a like and hit subscribe! This episode is for game 1: the Queensland Reds. We'll deep dive the Brisbane based outfit and explain how they reached the play-offs in Super Rugby this season and how the Lions should approach playing them, as well as the players to look out for! Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everything you need to know about the Western Force! Welcome to a new series of videos previewing the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia focusing on the pre-test series games against the Super Rugby Pacific franchises. These videos aim to introduce you to each side, tell you a little bit about their history, point out their best players, identify their strengths and pinpoint their weaknesses. If you like the sound of that, please feel free to drop the video a like and hit subscribe! This episode is for game 1: the Western Force. We'll deep dive the Perth based outfit and explain why they finished bottom of all the Australian teams in Super Rugby this season and how the Lions should approach playing them, as well as the players to look out for! #lions #westernforce #lionstour #rugby #preview #australia #perth #wallabies #england #ireland #scotland #wales #stats #analysis #british Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda today: Toulouse vs Bayonne Review UBB vs Toulon Review Jaminet redemption shut down? England vs France ridiculousness shock hat-trick hero Previewing the grand final If you enjoy the show please give it a 5 star rating and share a link with a mate! merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda today: barrage review access match review fan trouble explained Espoirs title lifted France A previewed semi final predictions if you enjoy the show please give it a 5 star rating and share a link with a mate, merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! On the agenda today: reacting to the results Stade Francais collapse AGAIN Bordeaux Women do the triple triple fannies fresh twist in NZ tour saga predicting R26 if you enjoy the show please give it a 5 star rating! merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Morning everyone, something different from me - a transfer special! this is something I'm thinking of introducing as a regular feature for next season, so if you could let me know your thoughts I'd really appreciate it! Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda today: UBB are champions Lyon disappoint Castres vs Clermont review Elite 1 final preview R25 preview if you enjoy the show please give it a 5 star rating and share a link with a mate! merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Union Bordeaux-Begles have won the Champions Cup for the first time ever by beating Northampton Saints 28-20 in the final at Cardiff Principality Stadium. It's the first ever major trophy for the French team known as UBB as they backed up their star studded lineup and huge fanbase. But go back 20 years, some might be surprised to learn, this giant rugby club did not even exist. In this podcast I am joined by my good friend and UBB fan madame Maz Mac as she talks through her emotions watching this thrilling game. We then break down the tactics of each team and where the game was won and lost. We also name our two star players: Scrum half/captain Maxime Lucu and Fly Half Matthieu Jalibert - the most disrespected player in all of rugby. Maz then talks us through the history of UBB and what makes the club so special. With 32,000 fans attending every home game in the TOP14 and a European title under their belt, are they now the biggest rugby club in the world? And most importantly.. can they finally overthrow the might of Toulouse? #championscup #france #england #rugby #ubb #bordeaux #northampton #saints #top14 #premiershiprugby #rugbyanalysis #podcast Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! On the agenda today: how Racing beat Toulouse Biarritz drama episode one million the hottest stepper in the west? Toulon fanny tries galore Champions Cup final preview if you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a friend! merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! Happy Friday: On the agenda today: Ireland 7s shut down Redbull buying Newcastle? Hollie Davidson lands huge gig TRC U20s Checkin Listeners' moments of week URC & SR Predictions! If you enjoy the show, please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a friend! cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda today: vannes heartbreak racing still rubbish toulouse are terrifying bayonne deny drama Parisian pain continues if you enjoy the show, please give it a 5 star review and share a link with a mate, merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Japanese rugby has been one of the success stories in any sport over the last decade. The Japan Rugby League One has become a destination league for the sport's top starts with a higher concentration of Rugby World Cup winners playing in the Japanese league than in URC Super Rugby or any other league around the world... but is that good? In this podcast I am joined by Ben Haycock  ⁨@TheRugbyPaperPodcast⁩  & Steve Nobel of asiarugby247.com to debate the health of Japanese rugby and whether having the influx of Springboks and All Blacks - who undoubtedly love playing there - has been a good thing for the country's rugby fortunes. We also touch on the structures within Japanese rugby and explain why Eddie Jones is under growing pressure to deliver before examining news reports that Japan is considering controversial new rules to limit the number of foreign players coming to the country. #Japan #rugby #springboks #allblacks #podcast #worldcup #money #rugby #podcast #debate #news #southafrica #newzealand Follow me on Twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda today: UBB beat Toulouse AGAIN Lyon beat Racing Le Gossip Halfpenny to the ProD2 Previewing next week's TOP14 If you enjoy the show please give it a 5 star rating and share a link with a friend, cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good morning! happy Friday! on the agenda: RFU Civil war continues Joe Schmidt replaces himself PAC4 preview Super Rugby preview Transfers Listener's moments of the week if you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a mate. cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda today derby week Vannes still fighting Parisian rugby in strife Clermont v Lyon thriller W6N summary European cup previewed if you enjoy the show please consider giving a 5 star rating and sending a link to a mate, merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good morning! Happy Friday! On the agenda today: Japan looks to limit foreigners Lyon finals GOAT Is back Transfers Vancouver Highlanders Rugby moments of the week W6N URC/Super Rugby/Prem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! in the agenda today Results Lyon into top 6 Lubbock to Bayonne rumour Le Garrec's Dive ROG keeps it shot Menager Twins Predictions if you enjoy the show please give it a 5 star review and share a link with a mate. Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! Happy Friday! on the agenda this week: Ioane transfer Connacht Coach leaves See Steve Next Tuesday Shute Shield Check-in W6N/WREC Listeners moments of the week Super Rugby, URC & TOP14 Previewed If you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a mate. Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on this week's episode: Toiulon and Toulouse go to war TOP14 expenditure explained Star player W6N Predictions If you like the show please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate. Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! Happy Friday! on the agenda today: Cardiff administration WRU Strategy Welsh DoR Transfers Women's Rugby Argentina Rugby Super Rugby Preview If you enjoy the show, please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate. Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda today: A day out at UBB World Cup losses ROG clock ticking Parachute pain Why Toulon can beat Toulouse If you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a mate! Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The most attended game of club rugby ever was held not in England, Ireland, France or South Africa. It was held in Barcelona, Northern Spain. When people talk about growing the game of rugby union, they often mention USA or Georgia or further afield in Asia, but they never mention Spain. I was joined by Carl Dawson to get the inside story of the rise of Spanish Rugby and ask what is stopping the Spanish from becoming a rugby superpower. Carl talks me through the rugby scene in Spain from the club game, through women's and sevens to the men's team recent incredible success in Rugby Europe. He tells me the star players and the tactics the Spanish used to overcome their fierce rivals Portugal. We then discuss the next steps for Spanish rugby both in terms of the World Cup and a possible inclusion in the Six Nations. Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! on the agenda today: Worcester Warriors return Summer fixtures announced Transfers Parliament gets money warning WER Check-in Rugby Moments off the Week Super Rugby Preview If you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a friend. Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda this week: Castres vs Toulon Drama LNR President Doubles Down on Sanctions Answering Listener's Questions Scrum Stats W6N Check-in Boring Europe If you want your questions answered live on air, follow this twitter account: https://x.com/RugbyVous if you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a friend. Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! Happy Friday! on the agenda this week: Lions coaches announced New Springbok sponsor Transfers W6N Moments of the week URC & Super Rugby Preview Read my substack on the women's six nations here: https://thepiraterugby.substack.com/p/5-things-you-missed-womens-six-nations?r=2nk5sv If you enjoy the show, please consider giving it a 5-star review and sharing a link with a mate. Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! on the agenda today: Simmonds brothers collide ROG in trouble again Jaminet update UBB hang on against Toulouse Women's Six Nations update R20 preview if you want to be part of the live recoding for the show follow this account on twitter: https://x.com/RugbyVous If you enjoyed it please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate. Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I was joined by former Lions & South Africa number 10 Andre Pretorius to review the 2025 Six Nations. He gave his expert view on what went wrong for Ireland as they slipped from back to back champions and seeking a second grand slam in three years to third in the standings and looking like their golden years had come to an end. He also gives his honest opinion on the heated debate around the fly-half position. We then turned our attention to Six Nations champions France. Andre explained how their magical attack has a lot more structure to it that first meets the eye and gives his thoughts on if the likes of Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Thomas Ramos are the most exciting players in the world right now. Andre uses his insights from being a defence coach in Japan to break down the Shaun Edwards defence and tells tales of his time playing for Toulon in the TOP14. We finish the show with the former springbok giving us an insight into life in Japan and what learnings he has taken from coaching in a totally different culture. #springboks #ireland #france #sixnations #coaching #japan #southafrica #rugby #podcast Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good morning! On the Agenda: England to leave twickenham? Signing bonanza Newcastle in trouble WRU stand by 4 regions REC Results Club rugby is back W6N Your moments of the week! Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby if you enjoy the show, please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a mate! cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! in this week's show we discuss: France lifting the 6N title Pressure off Galthie? Star players Gatland to Stade Francais? Women's 6N is back Top14 R19 Preview If you want to be part of the live recording of this show, follow: https://x.com/RugbyVous If you enjoy the show give it a 5 star review! Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! Happy Friday! on the agenda: oh no neath RFU rebels Transfers Georgian domestic rugby Your moments of the week Finals weekend! if you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a mate! cheers! follow my twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! in this episode we are discuss: star performers in Ireland vs France the drama surrounding Dupont's injury who could replace Dupont for France and Toulouse? THAT mental U20s game the return of Gael fickou? If you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a friend, if you want to be a part of the live recording please follow https://x.com/RugbyVous on twitter. Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! on the agenda: Super Rugby Aupiki Rugby Europe Rugby's greatest rivalry x 4 Wallabies vs Fiji Championship clubs rebel You moments of the week If you enjoy the show please give it a 5 star rating and share a link with a mate! cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! In this episode we discuss: Stade Francais vs La Rochelle Cheika to Racing? Ireland vs France predictions Lyon balls Pena Baiona If you enjoy the pod please consider giving is a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate! merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! Happy Friday! On the agenda today: legends retire women's super rugby is back coaching appointments abound Toulouse relegation??? your rugby moments of the week! URC/TOP14/Super Rugby is back Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/home if you'd like to help the show grow, please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! in this episode we discuss: Who is France's best player Selection for Ireland Vannes win 3 in a row La Rochelle fanny Stade Francais in big trouble Maz teaches french Nonu is back! Predictions for R18 If you want to be part of the live recording you must follow the twitter account here: https://x.com/RugbyVous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! Happy Friday! On the agenda today: Autumn Nations fixtures announced Ross Byrne to Gloucester Rachel Malcolm to retire? Club Rugby Preview MLR Check-in Moments of the Week! If you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate, it really helps out! Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! This week we speak about: Atlantic Coast derby Pau's record breaker Lions in France Lyon on fire Predictions for next weekend France selection vs Italy If you enjoy the show, please give it a 5 star rating and share a link with a friend! Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Six Nations is in full flow and rugby fans in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are flocking to stadiums to watch the likes of Maro Itoje, Antoine Dupont and Fin Russell. But does it paint a false picture of the sport's popularity in the UK? There are those who would tell you that Rugby Union is dying in Britain. The WRU and the RFU are in crisis. There is no money in it, attendances are down and clubs are going out of business. We are constantly hearing that there is a desperate need for a shake up, ranging from law changes to new marketing strategies and everything in between. But is that really what's needed? I was joined by CityAM Deputy Sports Editor Matt Hardy to debate the health of Rugby in Britain, is there really a doomsday scenario right around the corner or is there yet hope for the game we love? We draw on examples from club rugby, test rugby and women's rugby to reach our conclusion and give our verdict on what should be the sport's next move. Follow me on Twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby If you enjoy the show, please consider giving it a 5 star rating and sharing a link with a mate! many thanks in advance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! Happy Friday! On the Agenda today: the All Blacks sue Ineos South Africa move to London New league in England London Irish back? MLR rule changes Rugby Europe latest Super Rugby Americas Super Rugby Pacific URC Thank you for listening! If you enjoy the show please consider giving it a 5 star review and share a link with a friend! Follow me on Twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! in this episode we discussed: What went wrong against England Who's getting the blame in France What's new with Racing Maz teaches French #2 Quatorze predictions This podcast is recorded as part pf a live twitter space, to be there for the recording follow: https://x.com/RugbyVous If you'd like to help this podcast grow, give it a 5 star review and share a link with a friend! Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! On the agenda today: coaching merry-go-round Fiji homophobia scandal Japan to return to super rugby? Rugby Europe latest URC mega-derby You can follow me on twitter here: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby If you'd like to help the show grow, please consider giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate! cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! In this episode we discuss: France vs Wales Dupont's aura Maz teaches French! Miserable Cymru Jalibert v Ntamack This podcast was recorded as part of a live twitter space, you can join the space live by following this account: https://x.com/RugbyVous If you'd like to help this show grow, please considering giving it a 5 star review and sharing a link with a friend! Merci! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good Morning! On the agenda today: what's really happening with the 6N and TNT Cheika leaves tigers French tickets sell like hotcakes Intro to Rugby Europe Predictions for the weekend Don't forget to watch my YouTube videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@HuwGriffinRugby/featured If you'd like to help this podcast grow, a 5 star review and sharing a link with a mate is the best way you can do that. cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonjour! in this episode we are discussing: Round 15 of the quatorze How Toulon thrasher La Rochelle Jaminet payment drama explained Toulouse fanny Racing are shite Lyon stun UBB France XV for Wales predicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices