Will Greenwood's Rugby Podcast

An inspired and supremely physical South Africa levelled the 2021 series last week, so who better to join Will than a Springbok centurion with experience of beating the Lions? Jean de Villiers started the first two Tests back in 2009, and – ahead of a monumental 80 minutes in Cape Town this Saturday – reflects on this gripping rivalry, and which side might go on to carve their names in the rugby history books…

This week, Will is joined by a player with a remarkable story: one who's gone from delivering pizzas in Dublin to show-stealing performances in the jerseys of the Scarlets, Munster, Ireland, and - now - the British & Irish Lions. Having come off the bench in Saturday's First Test victory, Beirne discusses the tour to date, and how it feels to be just one win away from rugby immortality…

As the first Lions Test against South Africa draws ever closer, Ken Owens took some time out to join Will on this week's podcast. The CEO of the Lions' choir reflects on life in the bubble and gives an insight into how the players are feeling ahead of their first outing against the Springboks this Saturday.

With the first Test just over a week away, Will is joined by John ‘Bentos' Bentley, who toured South Africa in 1997. Bentley not only started twice against the Springboks in that series win, but will go down as a Lions legend for his stunning solo try against the Gauteng Lions and antics on ‘Living with Lions'.

As the Lions tour in South Africa gets under way Will is joined by two legends of the front row club in Tandai Mtawarira & Phil Vickery. They discuss going head to head in the 2009 Lions series, the importance of the scrum in their respective World Cup wins and the upcoming Springboks v Lions test series.

Lions legend Sam Warburton joins Will on this week's podcast. The pair react to the 2021 squad's opening outing, including Alun Wyn Jones' injury heartbreak and Conor Murray's appointment as captain. Sam also reminisces on his time wearing the famous red jersey, including his central role in the final moments of the dramatic 2017 trip to New Zealand.

This week Will has the Springboks coaching duo for you in the shape of Assistant Coach Felix Jones and Head Coach Jacques Nienaber. Felix describes his early retirement and route to the South Africa camp via Munster. Jacques chats about his equally interesting journey to the top of the coaching tree and the dynamic of working under Rassie Erasmus.

​​​​​British and Irish Lions attack coach Gregor Townsend joins Will Greenwood on the his latest Lions podcast, chatting strategy, coaching, and experiences as a Lion...

The second episode of Will Greenwood's Lions Podcast sees him reunited with Dr. James Robson. ‘Robbo' as he's affectionately known, was the Lions Team Doctor & Physio on six consecutive Lions tours from 1993-2013 and saved Will's life on the 1997 tour in South Africa. The two go down memory lane and share their recollections of that incident, they talk Lions stash and also what the Lions means to those fortunate to be picked, whether it be on the playing field or part of the backroom staff.

Will Greenwood's Podcast is back - this time with a Lions flavour. In this first episode, Will catches up with former Downing Street Director of Communications, Alastair Campbell who was also in charge of all communications on the 2005 Lions Tour to New Zealand. They discuss life at 10 Downing Street, Campbell's love for Burnley FC and they reminisce on the 2005 tour with anecdotes aplenty.

Will Greenwood's Lions Podcast is back from Tuesday 1st June to build up to the 2021 Lions Tour of South Africa. Featuring special guests and personalities linked with the famous red jersey, this is the place for your Lions podcast fix!

Sir Ian McGeechan joins Miles Harrison to talk all things British & Irish Lions in a special edition of our podcast. 1974, 1997 and the 2009 tours, all to South Africa, are discussed in detail and the duo also look ahead to the 2021 tour with 'Geech' giving his thoughts on who he'd pick as captain.

On the pod this week Will & Rupert are joined by Exeter & England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie. They reflect on the Chiefs' brilliant 2020, the recent draw for Rugby World Cup 2023 and how the Heineken Champions Cup is shaping up after round 1. Will also gives his thoughts on the news that his former team-mate Steve Thompson is suffering from early onset dementia.

An episode not to be missed this week. After finishing his seventh marathon in as many days in support of Rob Burrow and the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield joins us.Will and Rupert also reflect on the finale of the Autumn Nations Cup and Tri-Nations, before looking ahead to the return of European Rugby.

Widely written off and at times ridiculed by his own media, Warren Gatland led the 2017 British & Irish Lions back to his home country to take on New Zealand. In the company of James Gemmell & Miles Harrison he recalls the epic conclusion to the series.

On the pod this week Will & Rupert are joined by rugby royalty as Emily Scarratt reflects on the Red Roses' autumn and looks ahead to RWC 2021 in New Zealand.Our duo discuss all the latest news from the game including Pablo Matera's suspension as Argentina captain following historical racist tweets.

James Gemmell & Miles Harrison wind back the clock with Jamie Roberts to remember the deciding test of the Australia v British & Irish Lions series from 2013 when he and Jonathan Davies were picked ahead of the legendary Brian O’Driscoll. Could they repay the faith coach Warren Gatland had shown in them and deliver under pressure?

On the day he turns 65, Lord Botham joins Will and Rupert on this week's episode to discuss a wide range of subjects including his grandson James playing for Wales, watching the third Test of the Lions tour with Allan Border in Sydney in 2013 and loyalty in the dressing room.Will and Rupert also pay tribute to Christophe Dominici who has died at the age of 48. Dominici was capped 67 times by France between 1998 and 2007, and scored 25 tries for Les Bleus.

Jamie Heaslip joined James Gemmell and Miles Harrison to reflect on the brutal and heart-breaking second Test of the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa.

On the pod this week, Quade Cooper dialled in from Japan to give his take on the state of play in the southern hemisphere as well as talking through his career, making plain his ambition to keep improving and maybe even playing in the gold jersey of Australia again. Rupert & Will also review the first round of the Autumn Nations Cup and Argentina's history making win over the All Blacks in Sydney.

Joining Miles Harrison & James Gemmell it's Dan Carter who comes under the Rugby Retro spotlight. He produced what many regard as the perfect performance in the second test of the New Zealand v Lions series in 2005

Will & Rupert look back at the card-fest that was Australia's win in round 2 of the Tri-Nations and look forward to the Autumn Nations Cup. They are also joined by two special guests in the form of former Samoan Internationals Dan Leo & Mike Umaga. Dan & Mike discuss their work for 'Pacific Rugby Players Welfare' and the next instalment of their upcoming documentary/film 'Oceans Apart'

The British & Irish Lions ultimately lost the 2001 series against Australia but in the first test they delivered arguably their greatest ever performance. Rob Henderson joins James Gemmell & Miles Harrison to remember the incredible scenes of that night in Brisbane.

On this week's episode, Will and Rupert review Super Saturday, and they're joined by Red Roses Grand Slam champion, Abbie Ward. They discuss Sunday's victory over Italy, life inside the Red Roses camp and look ahead to next year's World Cup.Will also gives his team of the week in 60 seconds, and they chat all-things Bledisloe.

In the first of six Lions Rugby Retro specials, re-live the victory over South Africa in the company of Sky's commentator for the tour, Miles Harrison, James Gemmell and Jeremey Guscott.

Will and Rupert are joined by Rugby Royalty this week in the form of Sergio Parisse. His international career, the glamour days at Stade Francais and what he hopes to do in the future are all hot topics of discussion.Miles Harrison also interviews another member of the Rugby Royalty household - Danielle Waterman. They chat all-things Red Roses, the Women's game in general and also her new career in the commentary box.Will and Rupert also review the Premiership Final, preview Super Saturday and react to Eddie's latest squad selection in this extended episode.

Ahead of the Barbarians game against England this weekend at Twickenham, Will and Rupert are joined by former player, international referee and current Baa-baas coach Glen Jackson to reflect on his journey in the game and hear what's lined up for the invitational side this week.The guys also react to the weekend's action, including a stunning weekend for the South West after Exeter and Bristol's European triumphs and the second Bledisloe Cup encounter between New Zealand and Australia.

This week we have two England Sevens Captain’s on the pod… Tom Mitchell and Abbie Brown tell us how they continue to prepare for next year's Olympics despite being made redundant by the RFU in August.Will and Rupert also reflect on an epic test match between the All Blacks and Australia.

A bonus podcast to preview the Bledisloe Cup clashes between the All Blacks and Australia. Rupert is joined by former captains Sean Fitzpatrick (NZ) and James Horwill (AUS) to discuss all the major talking points as International Rugby resumes with crowds Down Under.

Greenwood and Cox hear from Bath and England flanker Underhill, as he chats his side's superb form post-restart, but also the curious place they now find themselves in - fourth and currently in the playoff places having played all their games, but reliant on a Sale defeat to ultimately make those semi-finals.

11-time Paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson talks to Will Greenwood about her passion for sport and how her amazing parents equipped her for life.

Our special guest this week if Wallaby superstar Kurtley Beale who dials in from his apartment in Paris. His side Racing 92 have just made the Heineken Champions Cup Final.Will Greenwood & Rupert Cox also look back on a brilliant semi-final weekend in Europe.

Exeter & England centre Ollie Devoto is the special guest, and joins the pod in what will be a huge few weeks for the Chiefs as they chase an unprecedented European and Premiership double.Indeed, the Chiefs booked a first Champions Cup semi-final place in the club's history on Sunday as they defeated Northampton at Sandy Park, and will now host Top 14 champions Toulouse on Saturday.Greenwood and Cox look ahead to that semi-final, as well as the Racing 92 vs Saracens European semi-final, while also looking back at the weekend's Champions Cup quarters.Elsewhere, our duo discuss who may have caught they eye of Australia head coach Dave Rennie in Saturday's Super Rugby AU Final, as the Brumbies became the Australian champions.

In the latest episode of the Will Greenwood Podcast, our duo have plenty to get their teeth stuck into with a busy weekend ahead in store.On Saturday at 10.15am, the final of Super Rugby AU takes place between the Brumbies and the Reds, live on Sky Sports Arena from 9.45am.Our team delve into that, while also looking ahead to the weekend's four European Champions Cup quarter-finals, as the premier club competition in the northern hemisphere comes to a belated conclusion.On Saturday, newly crowned Guinness PRO14 champions Leinster will host defending European Cup champions Saracens in a huge clash, while there's an all-French affair later in the day as Clermont and Racing 92 face off.Then on Sunday, Toulouse play Ulster in France, before Exeter Chiefs host the Northampton Saints.Greenwood and Cox run through all those games, plus all of the latest Premiership talking points and the hot topics doing the rounds in terms of international rugby too.

Wasps Head Coach, Lee Blackett, joins Will and Rupert on this week's episode. They discuss the race for the Top 4, the young guns and old heads at Wasps and also who he speaks to for advice. Will also gives his reaction to Owen Farrell's red card and gives his All Blacks Starting XV.

A true great of the world game, Bryan Habana, joins Will and Rupert on this week's episode. They discuss all-things Lions, reminisce on the World Cup and the former Springbok speedster reveals his favourite try and what he's up to currently.

On this week's episode, James and Will review the latest round of the Premiership and they discuss the current hot topic - should Scott 'Razor' Robertson be part of the British & Irish Lions coaching team?

Bristol Bears Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, joins Will and Rupert on this week's episode. The Premiership restart, Semi Radradra, Kyle Sinckler, five year plans and Premiership Rugby's approach to Black Lives Matter are all on the agenda.Will also gives his review of the other games in the Premiership and they also discuss the action in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond, joins Will and Rupert for the new series launch. The Premiership restart, Manu Tuilagi and the club culture are all on the agenda. They also hear from Exeter's Jack Nowell, review the latest round of action from the Southern Hemisphere and discuss all the latest news making the rugby headlines.

Rupert Cox is joined by Japan captain Michael Leitch and former USA international Blaine Scully to discuss the state of play in both domestic and international rugby in their respective countries.

2021 British & Irish Lions Head Coach, Warren Gatland, joins Will and Rupert on this week's episode. They chat captaincy, coaching and all things Lions-related. Super Rugby Aotearoa is also discussed with the current Chiefs Head Coach.

On this week's episode, Will and Rupert are joined by England speedster Jonny May. He talks about all things speed-related, what life is like under Eddie Jones in the England camp, World Cup disappointment, his return to Gloucester and his connection with Ed Sheeran!

In a special podcast episode, England head coach Eddie Jones chats exclusively to Will and James about lockdown, England, high-performance and much more.

Joining James Gemmell and Will is England international Joe Marchant who has recently returned back to Harlequins following a stint playing Super Rugby with the Blues in New Zealand.Our duo also react to last weeks news that the British & Irish Lions tour will be shown live on Sky Sports and the discussion has already been on who should be playing in the first Test and what the backroom staff will look like. Will Warren Gatland go for his tried and tested team, or will he mix it up?Also on the agenda is Saracens and how they are making the best of their situation. England lock Maro Itoje has become the latest high-profile player to commit his future to the club, following in the footsteps of fellow Rugby World Cup final starters Owen Farrell, Jamie George, Elliot Daly plus Mako and Billy Vunipola.

On this week's episode, James and Will are joined by Western Force owner Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest. Recently featured in Rugby World magazine's top 50 movers & shakers article, the mining magnate discusses the Force's re-introduction to Super Rugby, his dealings with Rugby Australia and what the future may look like for rugby globally. James and Will also react to Manu Tuilagi joining Sale Sharks, Wales playing their home matches at Twickenham and rugby reaching Hawaii.

On this week's episode, Will and Rupert discuss Manu Tuilagi's current situation and debate his future England selection. The duo also review the latest action from down under and look ahead to Crusaders v Blues this weekend.

On this week's special episode, James Gemmell is joined by Tim Horan, Michael Lynagh and Sean Fitzpatrick to preview Super Rugby AU. Gemmell and the three World Cup winners discuss the runners and riders in the competition and the young stars to look out for. They also discuss the off-field issues that have taken place recently in Australian rugby including that captain's letter prior to Raelene Castle's resignation.They also touch upon the success of Super Rugby Aotearoa and Fitzpatrick tells the panel who's impressed him to-date so far.

On this week's podcast, Will and Rupert were once again joined by Hollywood Royalty. Star of stage and screen, Damian Lewis, joined the duo to discuss his love for Welsh Rugby, his passion for Liverpool FC and all things performance-related.

This Week Rupert & Will are joined by CEO of the RFU, Bill Sweeney. There was plenty on the agenda including; the future of ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’, the much discussed global calendar and what International Rugby could look like this autumn following the Coronavirus Pandemic.

On a special podcast episode, Mike Wedderburn is joined by Maggie Alphonsi, Will Greenwood and Topsy Ojo to discuss whether 'Swing Low' still has a place in rugby.

On this week's episode, Will and Rupert are joined by Hockey Royalty. Golden couple Kate & Helen Richardson-Walsh talk about motherhood and achieving their dream of winning gold in Rio in 2016. They also discuss the highs and lows of competing at the highest level.