Podcasts about European Champions Cup

In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast, Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the latest news in French rugby, focusing on the Challenge Cup and the European Champions Cup. Highlights include the performance of Lyon against Bath, strategies, and player highlights, particularly from  Louis Bielle-Biarrey. The episode also covers the important match between Bordeaux Begles and Northampton, as well as the broader European rugby landscape, noting key players such as  Matthieu Jalibert, Damian Penaud, Henry Pollock, etc. Predictions for upcoming matches and reflections on previous games are also discussed. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic flair00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:28 Challenge Cup Preview: Lyon vs Bar02:21 Key Players to Watch03:45 Lyon's Performance and Strategy09:21 Upcoming Matches and Predictions for the European Champions Cup13:52 French Rugby Stars and Awards25:20 Conclusion 

Following Rory McIlroy's thrilling US Masters win, thatgives him the career grand slam of all four major titles, we're joined by golf professional (and regular guest) Andy Wild to give us his expert insights into a fantastic and popular win for the Northern Irishman.In football Liverpool took another step to the PremierLeague title after their close win, whilst title rivals Arsenal were held to a draw. Newcastle strengthened their push for a Champions League spot, as well as giving Andy Null & Void bragging rights with a 4-1 win over Tony's Manchester United.In the Women's 6 Nations England made it 23 games unbeaten with a tough win over Ireland, France kept up their grand slam quest with a win over Wales and Scotland let slip a 12-10 lead in a home defeat to Italy. And in the European Champions Cup, Leinster and Toulouse marched into the semi-finals where they will face Northampton and Bordeaux with the winners progressing to the final in Cardiff.In Formula 1 it was the Bahrain Grand Prix, McLaren's OscarPiastri won, whilst George Russell's Mercedes held onto second despite being challenged all the way by Piastri's team mate Lando Norris.And in Curling, Scotland's Bruce Mouat's rink became thefirst team ever to win four grand slam titles in one season as they beat Swiss Team Schwaller in a repeat of the World Championship final.We also have all the latest from netball, rugby league,tennis and a close finish in this year's Marathon Des Sables. Another fantastic episode! 

This week on The KOKO Show the boys are dealing with some post Hong Kong hardships and Swoop forgot to tell us that he was off to NZ to play golf. However, the remaining members of our merry band go in deep and dark to tackle the world of footy as we look at the Superb Rugby, Superb W, the Singapore Sevens and Drew has a bone to pick with the European Champions Cup in a brand new ‘What's Drewing?'. Plus, we are joined by one of Australia's best young backrowers, a man that is making the Brumbies buck in 2025 with his ample sized Bathurst born body, please enjoy our time with Mr Tom Hooper. With Tommy in toe we discuss everything from his fine form in the Superb Rugby, his aspirations of playing in the Lions Series and all the way through to his impending exodus to Exeter. Lastly, we jot down a few more of our lucky ‘Lock in Lions' and as the list is getting more full by the day there might have to be a small KOKO cull in the coming weeks, before the lads release their finalized squad officially. So throw down a six-pack of dim sum to lift the energy levels and shake your hips like you are the only person having a go in Wan Chi, it is time for a heart stopping body popping episode of Kick Offs and Kick Ons.TIMESTAMPS:BUY YOUR KOKO MERCHANDISE AND STAY TUNED FOR EVENTS - www.kickoffsandkickons.comMake sure you follow us on all socials:INSTA: @kickoffskickonsTWITTER/X: @kickoffskickonsYOUTUBE: @kickoffsandkickonsTIKTOK: @kickoffskickonsIf you do want to talk about sponsorship or anything business related then please do get in touch with us info@shtn.com.au. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast is back for a massive year of rugby in 2025, and Brett McKay & Harry Jones are here with all the details of what to expect this year. The short summary: more Great Rugby Chats every week! They'll cover it all: the Six Nations, a revamped Super Rugby Pacific, the United Rugby Championship, the Premiership in England, the Top 14 in France, the European Champions Cup, Japan Rugby League One, Major League Rugby in the States, and then – the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia! Plus, The Rugby Championship + Bledisloe Cup, and all the Internationals in July and November. Find us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@8-9Combo?sub_confirmation=1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1BcKhb24YOtwQhKc0S3sDm Social media: #89Combo Twitter: https://twitter.com/89combo BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/89combo.bsky.social Find Brett and Harry on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport + @HaribaldiJones Music: "Stalling" by Topher Mohr & Alex Elena (via YouTube Creator Studio) Voiceovers by Chookman + Sean Maloney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ON THIS week's podcast, Sue Nicholson joins us to talk about West Cork Jesters.Nicholson chats about all their activities, events and opportunities going on at their Clubhouse in Durrus.She also delves into their fundraising efforts to get their 17 athletes to the Mixed Ability World Cup in Pamplona Spain in June 2025. They competed at the 2022 World Cup too and Sue talks about why it's so important that they achieve their fundraising goal and make sure they give every athlete and their career the opportunity to travel.Also this week, we look ahead to the West Cork Sports Star Awards for 2024, held on Saturday 18th in the Celtic Ross Hotel.We preview the different categories including the top prize which includes 15 nominees from a variety of sports.The first round of the Beamish Cup took place recently and we will review all the action from that as well as Munster's crucial European Champions Cup win over Saracens.All this and more on this week's Star Sport Podcast. Watch above. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, by using the player below or by searching 'Southern Star Sport Podcast' wherever you get yours.Follow our hosts on X: @matt_hurley01 and @KieranMcC_SSProduced by Matthew Hurley***The Star Sport Podcast is brought to you in association with Access Credit Union.Access Credit Union - Where your bank really does matter. Choose Credit Union, Choose Local, Choose Community. For more visit www.accesscu.ieSubscribe to The Southern Star's digital edition for less than €2 per week via https://subscribe.southernstar.ie/plans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a new sport to cover in Episode 178, as Andy brings a report from the Muay Thai kickboxing he watched on holiday. We then have the latest from the Premier League and WSL, as Pep Guardiola's Man City continue to struggle. In cricket we have coverage of England men's 3rd test shambles in New Zealand, where they went down to a 423 run defeat in Hamilton, whilst the Women's team won their solitary test against South Africa convincingly after the Proteas were all out for just 64 on day 3 of the 4-day test. In Rugby Union we bring you news of the early leaders in each of the European Champions Cup groups – with Northampton breaking up the French dominance from Toulouse, Toulon and La Rochelle. And in Netball it's been announced that when the 2025 season gets underway there will be a “Golden Shot” allowe3d in the last 5 minutes of each quarter that will be worth two points. This looks like being an exciting development. In Get A Grip, it's a familiar foe as we take FIFA President Gianni Infantino to task for handing the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, with no voting allowed on the country's bid. And our guest slot sees a returning favourite as former international skier Konrad Bartelski joins us, to look back on his career in downhill racing, as well as his time as a presenter and broadcaster (including the early days of Ski Sunday) as well as chatting to us about his current profession as a successful photographer, with recent exhibitions in Wimbledon and Mayfair. You can see some of his collections at We have a new sport to cover in Episode 178, as Andy brings a report from the Muay Thai kickboxing he watched on holiday. We then have the latest from the Premier League and WSL, as Pep Guardiola's Man City continue to struggle. In cricket we have coverage of England men's 3rd test shambles in New Zealand, where they went down to a 423 run defeat in Hamilton, whilst the Women's team won their solitary test against South Africa convincingly after the Proteas were all out for just 64 on day 3 of the 4-day test. In Rugby Union we bring you news of the early leaders in each of the European Champions Cup groups – with Northampton breaking up the French dominance from Toulouse, Toulon and La Rochelle. And in Netball it's been announced that when the 2025 season gets underway there will be a “Golden Shot” allowe3d in the last 5 minutes of each quarter that will be worth two points. This looks like being an exciting development. In Get A Grip, it's a familiar foe as we take FIFA President Gianni Infantino to task for handing the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, with no voting allowed on the country's bid. And our guest slot sees a returning favourite as former international skier Konrad Bartelski joins us, to look back on his career in downhill racing, as well as his time as a presenter and broadcaster (including the early days of Ski Sunday) as well as chatting to us about his current profession as a successful photographer, with recent exhibitions in Wimbledon and Mayfair. You can see some of his collections at https://www.konradbartelski.photography

John Dobson joins John Maytham to discuss the Stormers' upcoming Champions Cup clash against Toulon in Gqeberha on 7 December. Reflecting on their narrow 21-15 loss to the Sharks in Durban, Dobson expressed optimism despite the setback, highlighting the team's strong second-half performance and the promising signs of their trademark playing style.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Ireland and Leinster Rugby legend Devin Toner joins me for a conversation about life pre, during and post professional rugby.   Devin gives great insights into the highs and lows of an impressive career that seen him become the all time record caps holder with Leinster rugby, with an impressive 280 caps.  With the highs including a Grand Slam win, 2 additional Six Nations titles and 4 European Champions Cups (formerly The Heineken Cup). And the lows including being left out of Ireland's World Cup squad in 2019, only a year after his best ever season winning both the Grand Slam with Ireland and the European Champions Cup with Leinster.  Devin also discusses life after rugby and the reality of having to start a completely new career in your mid 30's. And the exciting food & beverage businesses he is now involved with as an investor.  If you are a rugby fan or have an interest in entrepreneurship + investing this episode will have you engaged from start to finish.

It's Friday afternoon in London, the day before the European Champions Cup final. We've spent the last three hours talking about our favourite memories from our years following Leinster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French Rugby Connection: Toulouse vs Leinster Pre-Match PreviewIn this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast,  Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper dive into a detailed discussion about the upcoming European Champions Cup final between Toulouse and Leinster. They analyse team strengths, key players, and tactical decisions, including the surprising selection of Blair Kinghorn over Thomas Ramos. The hosts also reminisce about previous cup victories, particularly Toulouse's history, and assess Leinster's form and strategies. Additionally, other rugby news including the Top 14 standings, playoff updates, and an engaging story about ticket demand for the Pro-D 2 semi-final match are covered. The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on their recent meeting at a the first grassroot game where Veronique finally met face-to-face her co-host Bill Hooper and rubbed shoulders with a few rugby royalty.00:00 Intro music00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection Podcast00:43 Previewing the European Champions Cup Final: Toulouse vs Leinster01:37 Diving into Toulouse's European Rugby Cup History04:29 Analyzing Team Strategies and Player Selections14:41 Predictions and Final Thoughts on the Upcoming Match17:17 Rugby Updates Beyond the European Champions Cup21:54 Closing Remarks and Personal Anecdotes

In this weeks episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast we are joined by coaching guru Mike Penistone who talks us through what makes a great coach and what makes a great player. We review the upcoming the European Champions Cup and Mike reveals interesting stories of his time coaching at Leicester Tigers during the Golden Era of 2000-2006.

Very special guest this week as we're joined by Biggs' old gaffer, and Wales' most successful ever coach, Warren Gatland, to give some awesome insight into leading the British & Irish Lions, making tough decisions, the rebuild of Welsh Rugby, the state of the games, AND what Biggar was really like to coach. Jim and Biggs also chat about the confirmed Premiership Top 4, some shock results in the URC, and look forward to a massive European Champions Cup final as Lesinter look to topple Toulouse in London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Chris, Ian and Sara take a look at Exeter Chiefs' European Champions Cup quarter final, they discuss about the Chiefs women who were knocked out of the Allianz Cup. They also look into the difference in rugby ball sizes and why Sara Cox can't leave her referee flags at home!

The Aussies and Kiwis cram 6 games worth of action into 4 games! Meanwhile, the European Champions Cup quarterfinals are over, and that means the URC is back baby! And in America, the MLR hits the halfway point with … Dallas and Chicago ?? In the fight for playoff spots? Playoffs? But most importantly, where the heck have I been? The April 15, 2024 edition of the Rugby Report begins, RIGHT NOW! (with bloopers at the end!).

Connacht travel to the Arms Park to take on Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday evening.  Head Coach Pete Wilkins spoke to the media as part of a press briefing on Monday Morning.  William Davies started by asking how they approach the game given the break after the Bristol win in the European Champions Cup. 

Brent Graham is joined by a team of rugby betting experts to discuss the weekends action from a betting angle. The Handicap airs every Thursday night at 21h00 and this week's show will focus on the 4th and final round of Champions Cup group action.   Here is the link to subscribe to the free weekly Goodforthegame betting mailer with Best Bet and an ACCA   http://bit.ly/bettingmail    Here is the link to this week's Rugby forum thread where punters share bets and information     http://www.goodforthegame.co.za/index.php?option=com_kunena&view=topic&catid=1&id=37981&Itemid=767    

Brent Graham is joined by a team of rugby betting experts to discuss the weekends action from a betting angle. The Handicap airs every Thursday night at 21h00 and this week's show will focus on the 3rd round of Champions Cup action.   Here is the link to subscribe to the free weekly Goodforthegame betting mailer with Best Bet and an ACCA   http://bit.ly/bettingmail    Here is the link to this week's Rugby forum thread where punters share bets and information  http://www.goodforthegame.co.za/index.php?option=com_kunena&view=topic&catid=1&id=37974&Itemid=767      

George McDonagh, Sean Walsh, Darren Kelly and John Mulligan look back at an incredible sporting weekend including Kilkerrin/Clonberne, Sarsfields and St Thomas' games, Connacht's defeat in the European Champions Cup and a very special announcement regarding the Race Ball on the Saturday of the Galway Races Summer Festival. 

In the final episode this year, Lawrence and Steve get festive with a chat about Christmases past and present, reminiscing on family traditions, and their best ever presents as children. Lol also tells us what he really thinks about South African clubs being part of the European Champions Cup, as the pair chat through the weekend's European Champions Cup action. Plus the Evening Standard's Nick Purewal joins the chaps to talk about hybrid player contracts, changes in the Home Nations coaching staff and whether Henry Arundell was right to resign with Racing 92. And Lawrence, Steve and Nick all select their rugby highlight from the year and share their hopes for 2024. In partnership with Voxpod Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RUGBY: Connacht assistant attack coach Mark Sexton with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their European Champions Cup trip to Saracens

With Sarra away and Lawrence on his sick bed, Steve Cording hosts a one-to-one chat with Bath Rugby's Assistant Coach, Lee Blackett. Lee shares his thoughts on the opening round of the European Champions Cup including why he was frustrated by Bath's performance despite their win over Ulster. He also chat about the current squad, revealing which special qualities he believes Finn Russell has brought to the squad, and discussing the future of the recently named RPA Under 23 Most Valuable Player of the month for November, Alfie Barbeary. Plus he tells us about a recent phone call with Jack Willis, which didn't give him the answer he'd hoped to hear, and explains how conversations between Steve Borthwick and Johan van Graan could help forge Bath's success moving forward. He also sets out his views on the ‘hybrid' contracts being discussed in the media for players such as Henry Arundell and Maro Itoje. Lee also sets out why Steve might want to become a Bath fan, following the demise of London Irish, and gives us an insight into Bath Rugby's Christmas party including his Secret Santa gift dilemma.In partnership with Voxpod Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Round 1 of the European Champions Cup and we did NOT predict that!? LTBP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys discuss all the big action and talking points from Game Week 1 of the European Champions Cup; including a near clean sweep for the much maligned English teams, led by a magical display by Marcus Smith, and ironically only ruined by the Prem Champions going down to the Blue Bulls… They also reflect on a historic draw for Bayonne at Thomond Park…throw their support behind Henry Arundel's big decision and talk about Bath's new Spiderman kit. And with GW1 in the bag, the boys also make their slightly more informed predictions about who will be crashing out of the competition at the first hurdle this year.

RUGBY: Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins with Galway Bay FM's Rob Murphy after their European Champions Cup defeat to Bordeaux Begles

RUGBY: Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan with Galway Bay FM's Rob Murphy after their European Champions Cup defeat to Bordeaux Begles

Connacht had a night to forget in Round 1 of the Investec Champions Cup on Friday (8th December) after they were hammered by French side Bordeaux Begles. Despite Shamus Hurley-Langton going over the whitewash on 15 minutes, Pete Wilkins' team conceded six tries in the Sportsground. The result leaves Connacht bottom of Pool A, ahead of next week's trip to Saracens. Galway Bay FM's match commentary team on 'Over The Line' were Rob Murphy and Joe Healy. == The 'Over The Line' weekend preview programme with Galway Bay FM's Darren Kelly broadcasts every Friday evening from 7pm. Connacht travel to Saracens in Round 2 of the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday, 16th December.  Kick-off at StoneX Stadium is 1pm and we'll have LIVE coverage here on Galway Bay FM.

Der Champions Cup und der Challenge Cup (mit einem georgischen Team) starten an diesem Wochenende, etliches davon sogar im deutschen Free-TV zu sehen. Etliche Highlights gibt es schon in der ersten Runde. Außerdem wird (wieder) in einem neuen Format gespielt. Owen Farrell nimmt eine Auszeit als England Kapitän und auch TMO Tom Foley vom Weltmeisterschaftsfinale macht eine Pause aufgrund der Online Hetze gegen ihn. In Japan geht auch die Liga los, in Nordamerika meldet sich schon die zweite Mannschaft vom Spielbetrieb ab bevor die Liga überhaupt losgeht und Mark Nawaqanitawase wird nach 2025 zu den Sydney Roosters wechseln. Meldet euch unter fragen@vorpass.de, ...Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen? Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich. Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.Gern unterstützen wir dich bei deiner Podcast-Produktion.

Der Champions Cup und der Challenge Cup (mit einem georgischen Team) starten an diesem Wochenende, etliches davon sogar im deutschen Free-TV zu sehen. Etliche Highlights gibt es schon in der ersten Runde. Außerdem wird (wieder) in einem neuen Format gespielt. Owen Farrell nimmt eine Auszeit als England Kapitän und auch TMO Tom Foley vom Weltmeisterschaftsfinale macht eine Pause aufgrund der Online Hetze gegen ihn. In Japan geht auch die Liga los, in Nordamerika meldet sich schon die zweite Mannschaft vom Spielbetrieb ab bevor die Liga überhaupt losgeht und Mark Nawaqanitawase wird nach 2025 zu den Sydney Roosters wechseln. Meldet euch unter fragen@vorpass.de, ...Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen? Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich. Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.Gern unterstützen wir dich bei deiner Podcast-Produktion.

Der Champions Cup und der Challenge Cup (mit einem georgischen Team) starten an diesem Wochenende, etliches davon sogar im deutschen Free-TV zu sehen. Etliche Highlights gibt es schon in der ersten Runde. Außerdem wird (wieder) in einem neuen Format gespielt. Owen Farrell nimmt eine Auszeit als England Kapitän und auch TMO Tom Foley vom Weltmeisterschaftsfinale macht eine Pause aufgrund der Online Hetze gegen ihn. In Japan geht auch die Liga los, in Nordamerika meldet sich schon die zweite Mannschaft vom Spielbetrieb ab bevor die Liga überhaupt losgeht und Mark Nawaqanitawase wird nach 2025 zu den Sydney Roosters wechseln. Meldet euch unter fragen@vorpass.de, ...Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen? Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich. Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.Gern unterstützen wir dich bei deiner Podcast-Produktion.

EUROPE - With the European Champions Cup (or Investec Champions Cup) - which includes South Africans - kicking off Friday night, this week's The Rugby Odds has a lot to cover. The TRO trio of WWE Hall of Famer (turned Rugby Advocate) John Bradshaw Layfield, King Gift Egbelu and Matt "Money" McCarthy does the heavy lifting in an over-in-a-snap show that includes: 38-22 RECORD 6'9” Flankers Connacht Heartbreak Farrell Respite LaRochelle v Leinster Saints Stun Sarries Bennetton Wins Again Wooden Spoon Walk Of Shame Picks Of The Week Watch... Listen/Download the Podcast version... Please share and join our weekly newsletter: http://rugbywrapup.com/weekly-updates/ Find All Here: -Web: http://www.RugbyWrapUp.com -Twitter: https://twitter.com/RugbyWrapUp @RugbyWrapUp, @Matt_McCarthy00, @JonnyLewisFilms, @LizardRugby, @LanningZach, @ColbyMarshall2, @Junoir Blaber, @JWB_RWU, @MeetTheMatts, @Declan Yeats. -Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyWrapUp -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RugbyWrapUp -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RugbyWrapUp -Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/RugbyWrapUp #USARugby #MajorLeagueRugby #RugbyWrapUp #OldGlory #RugbyATL #MLR2020 #SixNations #WorldRugby #SuperRugby #Top14 #PremiershipRugby #Pro14 #URC #UnitedRugbyChampionship #RugbyOdds #RugbyBetting

Kooks, Shaun and Thala review an entertaining weekend of European finals and look ahead to the upcoming URC Final. We start with La Rochelle's last-minute victory over Leinster in the European Champions Cup final. We look at how La Rochelle came back from 17-0 down, top performances from Gregory Alldritt, Antoine Hastoy and Josh van der Flier and why La Rochelle seem to always beat Leinster. We then look at Toulon thrashing Glasgow in the European Challenge Cup final, discussing the Cheslin Kolbe v Kyle Steyn duel and the sensational Baptiste Serin. We finish off by debating the conversion that didn't happen at the end of the New Zealand v France Sevens match and look forward to the URC Final. Kooks also tells us what he did to disappoint Steven Kitshoff.

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran discuss the ongoing player rests in Super Rugby Pacific, and how they burnt the Brumbies in Perth; laud the performance of Max Jorgensen against the Drua and ponder his World Cup claims; review the European Champions Cup final and the performance of Will Skelton, and how the Giteau Law might be about to change further.

King and Prince of Europe, please rise!  Veronique and Tom are looking forward to historic victories of La Rochelle and Toulon as they stamp French names on to the European Champions Cup and the European Challenge Cup.  Can the mighty Leinster fall in their own back yard?  Oui!Veronique's chou-chou the mighty Vannes travel to Oyonnax for the first Prod D2 semi-final, and ferociously close match is expected at Grenoble (home of Vincent Clerc and Ange Capuozzo) vs Stade Montois.Hot from Fabien Galthié's opening Press Conference, Tom explains the End of the planning of the start of the preparation of the imminent World Cup.  It's beginning to feel a lot like heating up!Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair!

Shaun and Thala review the weekend's European Champions Cup semi-finals and Leinster and La Rochelle's dominating wins. Starting with Leinster v Toulouse, we discuss the similarities of Leinster's approach to Ireland's for their victory over France in the Six Nations, Ugo Mola's bizarre call to shift Dupont to the midfield and Rodrigue Neti's yellow card (and Josh van der Flier's dive). Jack Conan, Dan Sheehan and Jamison Gibson-Park are singled out for praise for their roles in the victories. Moving to La Rochelle's 7-try victory over Exeter, we discuss whether Raymond Rhule is the most underrated South African player right now, his connection with Antoine Hastoy and the star performances from Gregory Alldritt and Ulupano Seuteni. We look forward to an epic rematch of last year's Champions Cup final. We also preview the URC quarterfinals coming up. We ask whether the Bulls can break their losing streak against the Stormers if a near-full strength Bulls team cannot beat a 2nd string Western Province team in the Currie Cup. We ask what chances the Sharks have against Leinster without Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi (very little) and we predict some extra time shenanigans in the Glasgow v Munster game. Shaun provides us with an update in our Coach Fight bracket, with Johan Ackerman and John Mitchell getting surprising wins.

Lawrence is joined by Sarra Elgan and Evening Standard rugby correspondent, Nick Purewal, as they discuss all the weekend action from Round 23 of the Premiership and look ahead to the upcoming European Champions Cup semi-finals.With the Premiership season almost over for all but the top four, Lawrence, Sarra and Nick also take a look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of the clubs, including what's behind Newcastle Falcons' struggles, whether Harlequins have relied too much on one player and why Lawrence thinks Saracens still need to prove themselves despite being ‘the best team in England'.Plus find out which players have been chosen in our ‘Player of the Week' feature. In partnership with QBE Business Insurance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Quinlan and Niamh Briggs pick through Munster's disappointing loss last weekend to the Glasgow Warriors & Look ahead to their European Champions Cup round of 16 tie against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

Shaun and Thala look back at a struggling weekend for the South African sides in Round 16 for the United Rugby Championships. We start with the Stormers draw to the Rhys Ruddock All Stars at Leinster, discussing how the Stormers battled with the Leinster kicking game and Leinster's ridiculous depth. We then move to the Sharks and the Bulls losses to Scarlets and Ulster respectively, their precarious position at the edge of missing the URC playoffs and Champions Cup qualification. We then look at the real hero of Round 16, Andrea Scialpi and his camerawork in the Lions comeback win over Benneton. We talk the importance of Franke Horn. We finally make some predictions for the Last 16 round of fixtures in the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, which include surprise wins for Munster in Durban, Ulster sneaking past Leinster and Benneton making a Challenge Cup finals run.

We focus on the bombshell of Eddie Jones being appointed Wallaby Coach after being sacked by England, the wrap up of the Pool Stages of the European Champions Cup and the worrying form of French clubs ahead of the Six Nations. We also have a quick cursory look at the initial squad announcements for the Six Nations.

We take a look ahead to Round 3 of the European Champions Cup action this weekend, by having a glance over the holiday action that took place and how the teams from France's Top 14, England's Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship may fare as the tournament progresses in this vital midway marker for the Championship.

Brent Pope and Connor Morris were on commentary for our live coverage of Leinster's narrow defeat to La Rochelle in the Heineken Champions Cup final in Marseille. Brent joined John Duggan after the game to reflect on a bitterly disappointing outcome for Leo Cullen and his players. @VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs

Brent Pope and Connor Morris were on commentary for our live coverage of Leinster's narrow defeat to La Rochelle in the Heineken Champions Cup final in Marseille. Brent joined John Duggan after the game to reflect on a bitterly disappointing outcome for Leo Cullen and his players. @VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs

The fine margins between success and disappointment can be extremely unforgiving at the highest level of competitive sport. A man who has experienced this on both sides is former England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster. His Leinster side plays in the European Champions Cup this weekend. Reflecting on both his time with England and more recent successes at Leinster, with whom he has won five trophies, he speaks to Today's Garry Richardson. (Image Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire/Press Association)

An hour flew by without even realising! Part 2 coming soon.  9 years a Chief, a few caps, winning the LV, the Premiership, and the European Champions Cup, after a few tussles with a certain team, but we hardly spoke about Rugby in this hour. Social Media, Mental Health, transitioning to business, and being a good bloke in general were all covered instead, as well as his vision for the gaming industry! Don is a great bloke, and will go down as an Exeter legend! Thanks Supply My Fire, and Tiny Rebel Brewery

James Downey joined John Duggan to react to Leinster's win at Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals! @VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs

James Downey joined John Duggan to react to Leinster's win at Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals! @VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs

We're joined by Australian rugby royalty in the form of The Honey Badger, Nick Cummins this week. We hear about Nigerian weightlifters, nights out in Dublin's famous Copper Face Jacks, run-ins with wild buffalo in the Australian outback and the Badge's no regrets philosophy on life. Lots more great yarns as well as a wrap-up from the European Champions Cup action from the weekend. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our Great Coach on this episode is Stuart Lancaster. Stuart played Rugby for Leeds and was the first player to reach 100 games for the club. He transitioned into coaching in 2000 initially leading youth teams until he was appointed Head Coach of Leeds in 2007. From there he moved into coaching ngland teams before being appointed England Head coach in 2011. He took the team to the Rugby World Cup in 2015 where they were unfortunately eliminated in the group stage. Stuart now coaches for Leinster Rugby in Dublin, where he has had great success winning the European Champions Cup in 2018, and the Pro 14 in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; and the Celtic Cup in 2019 and 2020. Stuart is a coach with a deep passion for his craft. He is driven to learn and develop, and has visited some of the worlds great sporting and leadership organisations in a bid to share his knowledge and acquire theirs. Stuart has experienced some wonderful highs and disappointing lows in his career and this also infuses his story with a healthy dose of humility and unflinching honesty. His philosophy is player centered, and focuses on balancing teaching with in the moment feedback, and through this he develops strong relationships with his players and the staff around him. The key parts of the interview that connected with me were How the great coaches have the capacity to pick the right tool out of the bag at the right time, alongside technical excellence, integrity and a good dose of honesty. How he first deals with disruptive influences within a team by trying to lift their self awareness, through gathering feedback from across the team and presenting it to the athlete. The importance of humility in the teams culture. And wanting to leaving a legacy where his focus on development has been an inspiration to others, and helped them go on to become coaches. This was a wonderful conversation, and I hope you enjoy it as much as Jim and I did. If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at thegreatcoachespodcast@gmail.com You can also follow us and comment on all our Great Coaches here Twitter @CoachesGreat Facebook @TheGreatCoaches Instagram @the_great_coaches_podcast YouTube The Great Coaches Podcast LinkedIn The Great Coaches Podcast

Alex and Ahmed react to and break down the European Champions Cup final, which aired on NBC this weekend. They also look at the Premiership run into the playoffs and the latest on the British and Irish Lions tour, which is on NBC Sports this summer.

One of Rugby Union's most famous voices, Miles Harrison, Sky Sports lead rugby union commentator since 1994 has covered some of the biggest games in recent years. He has covered six British & Irish Lions tours and seventeen European Champions Cup finals. In this episode, Miles speaks to Hamish about his career at the BBC, his transition to Sky and about his wonderful career as a commentator. With credit to Sky Sports.

Alex is joined this week by fellow NBC Sports Rugby Analyst Dan Lyle to discus the final round of the 6 Nations with instant reaction from after the games. Also Alex and Dan announce NBC's agreement to broadcast the European Champions Cup, making NBC the year-round television home of rugby.