Under The Sticks Rugby

The URC is here and Under The Sticks is back - Andy McGeady resumes as host alongside Paul Williams, Sean Holley and Gcobani Bobo What's New? Under the Sticks will now run monthly Less highlights but more big topics Get us on video through URC Official Facebook and YouTube Listen on all good podcast platforms We're not live but we still want comments, get them in via @underthesticks on Twitter or use #UTSrugby What's are we talking about? Reaction to R1 to R4 Reaction to SA games going ahead in SA for R6/R7 Panel's biggest surprises The 50:22 Forwards funting for position Scarlets start to the season How are the SA teams adapting and what will northern teams face down south Aimee Barrett-Theron debut as referee Explain about URC's new stats Xp for rugby Paul's got a book See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're going full Benetton tonight with Sean Holley, Paul Williams and Gcobani Bobo welcoming big names to break it down. Premier Sports Stephen Ferris and Bob Skinstad will join in and Seb Negri of Benetton will also give us a shout See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In case you didn't hear, the PRO14 is history and the United Rugby Championship is on the way. Andy McGeady, Paul Williams, Gcobani Bobo and Sean Holley break it all down and talk to CEO Martin Anayi about the news and future plans. Andy puts some viewer comments to him as well. Oh, and old friend Dean Budd drops by to give Benetton a thumbs up ahead of the Rainbow Cup final against the Vodacom Bulls See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Springbok Gconbani Bobo makes his Under The Sticks debut and provides some great insight on the South African sides alongside Sean Holley, Andy McGeady and Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Paul Williams are joined by Benetton coach Kieran Crowley as they chat about his Loch Lomond Whiskies Coach of the Month award, Benetton's good form, the Treviso Rainbow Cup Final, his move to the Italian job and the law trials. There's also a review of the weekend's action and look towards the return of Rainbow Cup SA fixtures this weekend See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some great talking points around the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers after four rounds of Rainbow Cup SA, has Sean Holley found some weakenesses? Plus you tell us what you look forward to most on match-day after it was announced that 16,000 fans are expected for the Lions v Japan at BT Murrayfield. Andy McGeady, Paul Williams and Sean Holley tackle viewer comments and cast their eyes over a very, very competitve Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup North where anyone could qualify for the final. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who will feature in the North v South Rainbow Cup Final on June 19? Sean Holley, Paul Williams and Andy McGeady cast their eyes over the contenders, pull out the law book and even exchange some controversial opinions.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy McGeady guides Paul Williams and Sean Holley through Round 2 of the Rainbow Cup where there were red cards, captain's challenges galore and Siya Kolisi's Sharks are starting to lay down a marker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Paul Williams break down the hottest topic in rugby today - Warren Gatland's 2021 British & Irish Lions squad to tour South Africa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some wild and wacky results in Rainbow Cup puts Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Paul Williams in a spin Benetton scorch Warriors Dragons show their fire against Scarlets with some young talent to keep an eye on How did the captain's challenge work? Referee manager Greg Garner talks the crew through it all And who gets fact checked live on air? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back from their rest period Andy McGeady steers the unbridalled energy of Sean Holley and Paul Williams ahead of the opening rounds of the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup with so much to talk about Quick recap of Leinster v Munster PRO14 Final Europe's mixed bag for PRO14 sides Law Trials, the good, the bad and the intriguing Dwayne Peel named Scarlets head coach Paul Williams on what makes a good rugby ball See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back from injury and clocking up Player of the Match awards, Cardiff Blues' flanker Ellis Jenkins joins Under The Sticks, who add three Grand Slams to this pod with former Wales captain Ryan Jones lining up with Andy McGeady and Sean Holley. Ellis Jenkins on injury return, Cardiff's ambition and Dai Young's early impact at the team Guinness PRO14 review of Round 15 where Carbery shone, Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors showed some grit, Leinster did Leinster things, Blues beat Benetton and the camera men in Italy did some lovely, lovely work Six Nations recap with Ryan Jones with Wales on course for a Grand Slam but can they do it? Are referees getting too much grief, good performances singled out from Round 4 England win a thriller against France, but are they really talking about the 2023 World Cup already? Ireland played Scotland and there's some chat about that Ryan takes listener questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big POD with two guest from #GuinnessPRO14 with Billy Holland (Munster) & Glenn Delaney (Scarlets) joining Andy McGeady and Sean Holley Billy Holland talks about retiring at the top Loch Lomond Coach of the Month Announced Leinster and Munster book first final meeting since 2011 Scarlets head coach Glenn Delaney on aiming high Wrap up of R14 of Guinness PRO14 – H'lighs & Talking points Holley's Heroes We need orange cards and goal-line drop-outs #BeKind Spotlight on social media abuse of players   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could there be more Welsh news on St David's Day? We've got Andy McGeady and Sean Holley welcome Paul Eddison and Simon Thomas of the WalesOnline to discuss the Guinness Six Nations, Cardiff's name change and a packed weekend of action from the Guinness PRO14 and much, much further away in Super Rugby land. Name changer: Cardiff Blues will be no more from August, with Cardiff Rugby the new name for the Welsh region going forward. Sean and Simon talk us through what is a major move by the team Slam surprise? Wales are now triple crown winners and needs wins against Italy and France to capture a Grand Slam in the Six Nations that nobody would have thought possible back in November. But…how did the officiating impact Saturday's win over England and what about World Rugby referee chief Joel Jutge's admission of the errors? Will France be ready to face Wales in Round 5? Les Bleus have been downed by Covid, but they must prove their bubble won't burst again. Paul Eddison explains what's happened so far Ireland cruise in Italy, but will this young Azzurri team be better in the long-term despite their results so far? Leinster's BP win over Glasgow (we'll touch on the Adam Hastings' red card) means they could make it impossible for Ulster to beat them to top spot in Conference A if they win this weekend Zebre are up to the heady position of 4th but Benetton are denied a first win of the season after a resilient Connacht strike late Edinburgh and Scarlets play out a cracker, but Sean can't fathom how Richard Cockerill's team didn't win! Staying in Conference B, Munster can seal their place in the Guinness PRO14 final with a win over Connacht this weekend Oh, and Ospreys have a new CEO. Over to you Sean! Super Rugby is in full swing in Australia and New Zealand Loch Lomond Coach of the Month contenders See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A busy, busy weekend in PRO14 land so let Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Paul Williams guide you through. Edinburgh and Scotland hooker Stuart McInally pops on to talk about the club, the new stadium in the Scottish capital and what its like playing for Richard Cockerill - and just how big a challenge the South Africans will pose. Full recap of R12 including Leinster's lethal 22 efficiency Scarlets' Jac Morgan is a man on the rise Ulster benefit from some silky skills in the front row Rhys Webb: Holley told you so! Alex Wootton puts on the gas for Connacht, but refereeing calls hurt Cardiff Munster grab vital points in Edinburgh Cardiff Blues put together a terrific video detailing Ellis Jenkins road to recover, catch a snippet here There's Six Nations chat and viewer questions too   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a weekend of Guinness Six Nations, here with you all is Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Paul Williams to break it all down: Wales coming out on the right side of Six Nations' red card stats Where do they rank in the history of 2-0 starts Rough diamonds in Italy's opening losses, is this their most promising crop of young players? Ireland struggling to make line breakthroughs? Would all four of the ‘home' captains from this weekend make the Lions Test team? Holley's Heroes: Sean picks his best XV of the Guinness PRO14 nations who played in the Six Nations Hamish Watson delivering heavy duty carries Kolisi leaves Stormers for the Sharks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Visser of Scotland and Edinburgh joins Sean Holley, Paul Williams and Andy McGeady to break down a dramatic opening round of Guinness Six Nations Scots sink england, chaos in Cardiff & Les Bleus just sublime in Roman raid Hibbs hits a hat-trick on 50th for Dragons Loch Lomond Whiskey #cotm​ Big Question: Does rugby lack appeal when it comes to video games? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy McGeady, Paul Williams and Sean Holley chat to Connacht coach Andy Friend about his recent contract extension, discuss their nominees of Loch Lomond Whiskies Coach of the Month, dissect wins for Munster in Treviso and Leinster's triumph in Llanelli.  Friend's vision for Connacht in a new stadium, a fast pitch and how he plans to take on the South Africans Bonus Rugby Recap: Benetton so unlucky against Munster; Haley's blockbuster defence Bonus Rugby Recap: Leinster frighteningly good in Llanelli as they unveil another handful of Next-Gen talent Loch Lomond Whiskies Coach of the Month: new award launched in PRO14 and Paul and Sean go through their list of nominees - Leo Cullen (Leinster), Toby Booth (Ospreys), Michael Bradley (Zebre), Andy Friend (Connacht) Plus listener questions answered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big games, controversy, Welsh revivals and new fixtures: Andy McGeady is joined by Sean Holley and Paul Williams to make sense of it all on Under The Sticks: Bonus rugby: Blues do the double, Leinster sink Munster, Edinburgh pinch one in Parma and Os are the best in the West Fixtures: Race to the final, fight for Europe, Can Benetton win one? Bortolami to take over in Treviso Inked: Myler, Van der Walt, Jamie Dobie, Rhyno Smith Six Nations: Squads are out See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the weekend of rugby you didn't expect! Let Paul Williams, Sean Holley and Andy McGeady guide you through the weekend that was and the tasty one that's still to come Scottish derby: Ross Thomson debut; hooter hoax, steely Warriors, Hamish the hare! Hooter: what is home advantage and any other unusual venues where teams have a great advantage, artificial pitches, crowds close to the pitches and ones in cages! Derby days: more fixtures in Guinness PRO14 this weekend Scarlets v Blues: massive game for Blues, win puts them into third and in good position for Europe Zebre v Edinburgh: Can the Italians live up to the Paul Williams hype? Connacht v Ospreys: Can the Os travel with their stars? Munster v Leinster: this will be full metal jacket for a game Leinster NEED to win, but will this be an old-school trials game for Ireland coach Andy Farrell? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big results and notable displays from the Guinness PRO14 R11 across Ireland, Wales and Italy. Andy McGeady delivers the news to Sean Holley and Paul Williams  about EPCR's suspension to competitions while we might have some more derby action to fill the gap in a week or two. Plus there's listener questions and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sean Holley, Andy McGeady and Paul Williams for Under The Sticks as the crew breaks down: Leinster's unbeaten run ended by Connacht What's the one wierd trend appearing during Covid times? Are Ulster dead certs for the Guinness PRO14 Final? Holley's Heroes What's Toby Booth building at Ospreys? Subscribe here: https://podfollow.com/under-the-sticks-rugby/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pod that does what is says on the tin. Sean, Paul and Andy gather up for a little bit of rugby and a little bit of Christmas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a BIG one, Dean Budd's last show before he heads back home to a world where Covid-19 doesn't exist - and the show gets bombed by his Azzurri team-mates! Meanwhile, in grown-up world, Andy McGeady, Paul Williams and Sean Holley have plenty to share after a weekend of European rugby and the draw for the 2023 World Cup in France Europe Trumps Test Affairs Kolbe weaves his magic against Ulster Clermont Auvergne put 50 big ones on the Bears Steff Evans and Leigh Halfpenny shine in Scarlets Bath win Andy gets to the bottom of some underhand tactics in Paris Sean has some win ratios he'd like to point out The Rugby World Cup pool draw for 2023 brought together some fascinating and never before seen match ups...   Subscribe here: https://podfollow.com/under-the-sticks-rugby/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the crew, Dean Budd, Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Paul Williams as they breakdown   UTS is BIG in Japan Autumn Nations Cup Review – What we learned about: Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Italy Guinness PRO14 Matches Connacht beat Benetton Paul Boyle POTM and first Connacht BP in a first half since 4 years and 1 day ago (v Benetton) Benetton's awesome yellow jersey Glasgow lose to Dragons Dragons win two away games in a row for the first time since… Jared Rosser try exemplifies Dragons set-piece attack THAT conversion Celebrations/consolations Dwayne Peel to leave Ulster for Cardiff next season Andy's referee chat Baa-Baa Bans World Rugby team of the decade Concussion story See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Dean Budd, Sean Holley, Paul Williams and host Andy McGeady on Under the Sticks... Ban the caterpillar ruck, what's the solution, new laws or reinforce existing laws? Referees: PRO14 referee chief Greg Garner talks about learnings from Kieran Treadwell incident Dragons looking sharp in attack, Sean dissects what we learned in Treviso - Glasgow pick up a big win but who were the stars of the show? - Edinburgh may have a star in the making in Jack Blain - Benetton need the cavalry to turn up fast - The crew pick their top youngsters, senior pros, coaches and style of play from the first 8 rounds of the Guinness PRO14 Subscribe now:https://podfollow.com/under-the-sticks-rugby/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LIVE | Andy McGeady, Sean Holley, Dean Budd and special guest Paul Eddison get together for Under The Sticks Cardiff Blues better than the score but 10 players 22 or under Are Scarlets the best hope for Welsh success Sean breaks down their attacking play against Ulster Lions Test team (and ex pros in new kits) Ben Healy the next Munster prospect Too many replacements at Test level French focus with Paul Eddison Too many stats? Sorting the wheat from the chaffe SUBSCRIBE: https://podfollow.com/under-the-sticks-rugby/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Andy McGeady, Sean Holley, Dean Budd and Mark Palmer on Under The Sticks Autumn Nations Cup Ireland v Wales: first evidence of no crowd having an impact?  Italy v Scotland: Should both teams feel good about this game? Handling skills in 22 of Italy front 5 - Ireland v England: James Ryan captain  Wales v Georgia: breathing room at last?  Scotland v France: Chance for Scotland to step forward TRI NATIONS - Argentina's historic win over the All Blacks Guinness PRO14 Holley's Heroes Protheroe & Morgan - Coombes - Ciaran Frawley Highlights: Bruno, McNicholl, Owen Lane Wales: Scarlets win away / Cardiff looking good? Scotland: Mark Palmer run down on where Glasgow / Edinburgh are at SUBSCRIBE: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sean Holley, Paul Williams, Dean Budd and host Andy McGeady and ask your questions live as they try to discuss... Wilson's Warrior Challenge Hayward gets Welsh hook Ireland's call for Lowe Cardiff name change debate Holley's heroes round 5 Marcell Coetzee the destroyer Can Eddie Jones be serious about a true hybrid player? SUBSCRIBE: https://podfollow.com/under-the-stick...SHOW LESS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy McGeady leads his merry gang of Paul Williams, Dean Budd and Sean Holley to look back on Super Saturday, R4 of the Guinness PRO14 and maybe some presidential talk too... Harry Byrne and Craig Casey Rising Upcoming Refs for Holley's Heroes Red Card review (Helps) Benetton postponements Mounga'a class Zebre's sharp win SUBSCRIBE: https://podfollow.com/under-the-stick...SHOW LESS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy McGeady with Paul Williams, Dean Budd and Sean Holley  Connacht rip it up Monday night offloads Holley's heroes Lions kit released Champions Cup draw Baa-baas to bobos Six Nations super saturday Ospreys & Melania Trump SUBSCRIBE: https://podfollow.com/under-the-sticks-rugby See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy McGeady steers the ship as Sean Holley and Dean Budd are joined by former Italy and Benetton star Ian McKinley and Andrew Swain of Fox Sports Australia. Finn Russell back in Scotland Paolo Garbisi hype train starts now Test Rugby is Back big time Monday Night Rugby comes to the Guinness PRO14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warning: This show was fire! Join Paul Williams, Dean Budd, Sean Holley and Andy McGeady live on Under The Sticks as look ahead to the Guinness PRO14 Finals, chat about the Dream Team and sanctions for a certain Mr Farrell.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Paul Williams, Dean Budd, Sean Holley and Andy McGeady live on Under The Sticks as look ahead to the Guinness PRO14 Semi-Finals, review the new European format and discuss the first batch of Guinness PRO14 awards. Oh, and there's also Paul's new... 'look'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Paul Williams, Dean Budd, Sean Holley and Andy McGeady live on Under The Sticks as they breakdown what happened in R14 of the Guinness PRO14. Who stood out, who's looking glory bound and what are we seeing at the breakdown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are. You. Ready? The Guinness PRO14 is back. Sean Holley will finally be on TV again, Dean Budd won't be on the pitch and Paul Williams just wants rugby to be the winner! Andy McGeady steers the crew through the returning fixtures with plenty of tangents and insights from the live listeners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welsh actor and Outlander star Kyle Rees joins Sean Holley, Dean Budd and Adam Redmond to talk up the excitment and the return to rugby in the northern-hemisphere. The difference in playing with and without fans plus we as: how can Edinburgh win the Guinness PRO14? Presented by Big Red Cloud Online Accounts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Williams retires from rugby, the Guinness Six Nations announce restart dates plus there's transfer news and so much more to discuss. Join Sean Holley, Dean Budd, Andy McGeady and Paul Williams for the full breakdown.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Italy and Benetton lock Dean Budd makes his debut as a new membe of the pod with Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Paul Williams. The gang give Dean a gentle intro to pod life before tackling the meaty issues a going on this week. Enjoy Paul Williams contribution, given his views on Russia we may never hear from him again... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The #UltimateXV voting has caused a lot of debate now Sean Holley, Paul Williams, Andy McGeady and Owain Jones see who deserved their shot, who missed out and did the fans hijack the vote? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al Kellock - title winner with Glasgow Warriors and ex Scotland international - gets into the nitty gritty of lock play and the characters who gave him the most trouble as Sean Holley and Paul Williams chat Ultimate XV. There's also wingers in the news and the new kicking rules for the return of Super Rugby Australia - the experimental 50/22 rule. Plus why Paul Williams believes James Lowe will have to be in the Lions conversation! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dragons winger has risen to promience for his eloquent and thoughtful position on the difficulty of racism in society and the impact it is having. Talking to Sean Holley, Paul Williams, Jamie Lyall and Adam Redmond, Ashton talks about education as key pillar to change mindsets, how to stay cool on social media and there's even some good rugby talk, too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Williams of Cardiff Blues joins the pod to talk Super Rugby, answer fan questions and reflect on his career across four clubs in the Guinness PRO14. Sean Holley, Paul Williams and Andy McGeady bring you an electic mix of rugby chat and bring the game to life without much action to focus on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big talking points and a very decorated guest join Paul Williams, Sean Holley and Andy McGeady.  James Hook speaks about retirement, his favourite games and moments and what comes next after rugby. Super Rugby is high on the agenda with its impending return and the show finishes with the big debate over summer rugby See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Williams, Sean Holley, Mark Palmer and Andy McGeady Mbanda the Knight New Super Rugby Aotearoa rules James Hook retires  Emerging Scottish talent  Favourite Scottish player See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Keatley joins Sean Holley, Lauren Jenkins, Andy McGeady and Adam Redmond to chat about Italy emerging from lockdown, his time with Benetton and how many more years he wants to remain playing.  The guys put the latest talking points under the microscope with CVC's PRO14 investment chief among them as well as encouraging signs that the global calendar may align in ways that will benefit everyone.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartbreaking results you wish you could take back and stat chat heaven. It's Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Adam Redmond talking rugby duirng lockdown with special guests Ross Harries and stat man Sam Larner You'll hear from Connacht coach Andy Friend from his sitdown with Sean Holley while there are plenty of other tangents to get stuck into!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Maloney of 'The Top 5' joins Sean Holley, Paul Williams, Andy McGeady and Adam Redmond - Guinness PRO14 update - Super Rugby is back - How to fix Aussie rugby - Team Building via Three Red Kings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plenty to discuss this week as Mark Palmer of the Sunday Times joins Andy McGeady, Sean Holley and Adam Redmond. How will rugby return - what about non-contact rules? What are the legal issues to navigate and who has the nicest backdrop on the pod?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded live across Facebook and YouTube, Under The Sticks presented by Big Red Cloud goes unscripted as Paul Williams, Sean Holley, Andy McGeady and Adam Redmond break down this week's talking points France extend sport shutdown Should Leinster get the title? Holley's Analysis Top 10 best in the Guinness PRO14 How did the Draft go Commenters' questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy Bowe talks to the pod about that 2nd Test for the Lions against South Africa in 2009 plus how his time at Ospreys made him the the player he became. Sean Holley, Paul Williams, Andy McGeady and Adam Redmond take a look at some Dream Team selections from past and present while in an extended pod we ask - what would a draft process look like in the Guinness PRO14? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.