Podcasts about Gregor Townsend

Andy Burke sits down with Gregor Townsend to discuss his summer tour squad selections and his future as Scotland head coach

This week on Between Two Beers we talk to Duncan SandlantDuncan is widely regarded as the leading agent in world rugby for coaches - at one point he represented two thirds of the best rugby coaches in the world.He's been shortlisted by Rugby World as one of the 50 most influential people in the game on three occasions and is the only agent to have ever appeared on the list.He's a Kiwi, who started out as a lawyer before starting a rugby agency from his attic in London 20 years ago, and he built that up to create the largest player rugby agency in the world (Esportif) with offices in 13 different countries before they were acquired by Wasserman 2 years ago.Duncan has represented everyone from Sonny Bill to Tana Umaga, Jerry Collins and Andrew Mehrtens, to Dave Rennie, Stephen Jones, Gregor Townsend - and pretty much everyone in between.This is insight into the behind the scenes world of rugby wheeling and dealing that you haven't heard before. Duncan has operated out of the shadows for most of his professional life - and this was a really cool and rare chance, to let you in to his world.You'll love this one.This episode is brought to you by TAB, download the new app today and get your bet on!Between Two Beers is now part of the Acast Creator Network, listen wherever you get your podcasts from, or watch the video on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Rugby Pod, we wrap up an action-packed final round Six Nations action, with France lifting the trophy in Paris, England finishing second after their biggest-ever win over Wales, and Ireland pushed hard by Italy in Rome. Dan Biggar joins to break down England's resurgence, and Wales' ongoing struggles. Jim and Goodey also dive into France's triumph over Scotland, some refereeing controversies, and what's next for Gregor Townsend's side. Plus, Scotland and Saracens' Andy Onyeama-Christie joins us to chat about his incredible return from a brutal injury, ahead of Sarries vs. Quins at Spurs' stadium. Don't forget—we're live at The Showdown 5 this weekend, so come and say hello. Subscribe now on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What was the most impressive win in the 2025 Six Nations? And which nation actually exceeded expectations this year? Chris, Tom English and Gareth Rhys Owen are back for one last Nations Pod. Tom is claiming a unique Grand Slam for Scotland despite their fourth place finish. But what was the main reason behind another disappointing campaign for Gregor Townsend's side? Are there still more questions than answers when it comes to the future of Welsh rugby following another wooden spoon? And if Andy Farrell needs any help selecting his Lions squad we are here to help. Tom, GRO and Chris have trawled through all the stats and data to pick their 38-man squads for Australia.

Who underperformed and who overachieved in the 2025 Six Nations? Ugo Monye, Sam Warburton and John Barclay are back to round up an eventful tournament that saw France crowned champions on 'Super Saturday'. What next for Wales after a 17th Test defeat on the spin? Sam puts forward some radical ideas to fix Welsh rugby which includes cutting one of the regions and creating an Anglo-Welsh league. Did England silence their pre-tournament critics? And have they found their formula for success? We celebrate the most successful Six Nations coach of all time and there's no surprise who gets our vote for player of the tournament. What is stopping Scotland from progressing and are they still to reach their peak under Gregor Townsend? Head to the BBC Sounds YouTube channel to watch the episode in full.

Reaction to Scotland's defeat in the final Six Nations match of 2025, which saw France win the title. We hear from Gregor Townsend, Chris Paterson, Peter Wright and Colin Gregor.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the final batch of team news from this year's Six Nations. Jack Crowley is back in the Ireland no.10 jersey for Saturday's game away to Italy, and we hear Simon Easterby's explanation behind the changes he's made. The interim Ireland head coach has also fired back at France boss Fabien Galthié. Matt Sherratt's made a couple of tweaks to his Wales team as they look to extinguish any lingering England hopes of the title. Plus, Gregor Townsend names the Scotland team that Ireland hope will do them a massive favour in Paris.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the final batch of team news from this year's Six Nations. Jack Crowley is back in the Ireland no.10 jersey for Saturday's game away to Italy, and we hear Simon Easterby's explanation behind the changes he's made. The interim Ireland head coach has also fired back at France boss Fabien Galthié. Matt Sherratt's made a couple of tweaks to his Wales team as they look to extinguish any lingering England hopes of the title. Plus, Gregor Townsend names the Scotland team that Ireland hope will do them a massive favour in Paris.

We're in Dublin reacting to an extraordinary French victory to end Irish hopes of a Grand Slam and put themselves in pole position for the Six Nations title next week.Donncha O'Callaghan joins Chris to give the Irish perspective on a first home defeat in this competition for four years. We also hear from number 8 Jack Conan.Up in Edinburgh Johnnie Beattie and James Hook have their say on Scotland's win over Wales which saw Gregor Townsend's men clinging on at the end despite having led 35-8 at half time.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has your team news ahead of that huge meeting of Ireland and Scotland. Mack Hansen is out of that game, and Simon Easterby explains why. He also discusses his bench composition, Tadhg Furlong's progress and more. Fabien Galthié has begun piling the pressure on Saturday's referee Angus Gardner + he discusses Thierry Henry's visit. And we hear from Gregor Townsend and Matt Sherratt on Saturday's meeting of Scotland and Wales.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has your team news ahead of that huge meeting of Ireland and Scotland. Mack Hansen is out of that game, and Simon Easterby explains why. He also discusses his bench composition, Tadhg Furlong's progress and more. Fabien Galthié has begun piling the pressure on Saturday's referee Angus Gardner + he discusses Thierry Henry's visit. And we hear from Gregor Townsend and Matt Sherratt on Saturday's meeting of Scotland and Wales.

Chris, Tom, and Gareth return to break down some of the key talking points ahead of round four.Ireland v France has all the makings of a classic, but with three players retiring after the tournament, will sentiment influence Simon Easterby's selection?Tom disagrees with Gro's claim that this weekend's game with Wales as the most critical moment of Gregor Townsend's tenure as Scotland coach.And the guys discuss the ongoing chatter about governance and the legal complexities surrounding disciplinary hearings.

Round three of the Six Nations provided some score lines that not many expected – and as ever on a Tuesday, correspondent Chris Jones is back with Gareth Rhys Owen and Tom English to delve deep into what happened after a dramatic weekend. Gro smiled at a rugby game for the first time in years after Wales fought hard against Ireland – but even though the Welsh side lost things look less bleak with Matt Sherratt at the helm. With England stopping Scotland from winning an historic fifth Calcutta Cup in a row they look at what's next for this Scottish side and where the game was lost for Gregor Townsend's men. And Chris debates what's needed to improve this England side – are growing more options at 12 an answer?

This week on The KOKO Show our first instalment is jam packed wall to wall with the game they play in heaven as we break down all the action from across the Six Nations and Super Rugby. With so much ‘ra ra' to rummage through we thought it would be sensible to enlist a very special guest to make sense of it all.Our guest this week is such a big deal in the world of rugby the fact he is on our dinky little show either means there was an administrative error or he is just straight up crazy. This fella is without a doubt one of the best number 10's in the world, he hates an untidy house, his favourite film is anchorman and boy he can whip up a mean carbonara, so please put your hands together for Mr Finn Russell.With Finn in toe, we discuss and dissect all the Six Nations action from over the weekend which saw England win back the Calcutta Cup, the Irish down the resilient Welsh and the French flog the abysmal Azzurri. Furthermore, Mr Russell talks about his excitement surrounding the upcoming Lions Tour and he has promised the KOKO Crew a couple of big nights out on him.Plus, the lads also get silky with a sublime second round of Super Rugby, illuminating all the reasons as to why it is the best domestic competition in the world. So slip on your kilts, pour yourself a Scotch and let the breeze blow between your cheeks, because this show will be a super sensual yet very Scottish sensory overload. It is time now for Kick Offs and Kick Ons.TIMECODES: 00:00 - Start of the show02:26 - Introduce the boys 04:13 - What the boys would have done if they didn't play footy 06:52 - KOKO Fantasy Super League Update 08:35 - Six Nations Summation - Introduce Finn Russell 09:03 - ENGLAND V SCOTLAND REVIEW09:40 - Finn talks about the missed conversion 11:23 - What was said in the Scottish sheds after the game? 12:06 - Finn's relationship with Gregor Townsend 13:45 - Finn talks about The Lions Series 14:55 - The development of the Scottish attack 18:35 - Is Finn Russell romantic? 20:07 - Finn talks about being a stonemason 21:30 - Finn on his time in France 27:20 - Start, Bench and Drop 28:15 - The Deserted Island question for Finn 29:48 - Finn talks about his weeks off 30:56 - The KOKO Quiz 37:05 - WALES V IRELAND REVIEW 43:26 - ITALY V FRANCE REVIEW 47:24 - The Ovolo Hotels Sponsorship Read 50:45 - Super Rugby Summation: CHIEFS V CRUSADERS REVIEW 52:50 - REDS V MOANA PASIFIKA REVIEW 57:50 - HURRICANES V DRUA REVIEW 01:00:00 - HIGHLANDERS V BLUES REVIEW 01:04:16 - BRUMBIES V FORCE REVIEW 01:11:01 - KOKO'S LOCO Players of the Week 01:12:23 - Close of the show Ovolo Southside Hong Kong KOKO Offer We've teamed up with Ovolo Hotels again to bring you the ultimate Rugby 7s experience at Southside by Ovolo.and as part of the KOKO crew, we've got an exclusive promo code just for youUse promo code OVOLOKOKO when you book direct on the Ovolo Hotels website to score 10% off your stay exclusively at Southside By Ovolo. BUY YOUR KOKO MERCHANDISE AND STAY TUNED FOR EVENTS - www.kickoffsandkickons.comMake sure you follow us on all socials:INSTA: @kickoffskickons TWITTER/X: @kickoffskickons YOUTUBE: @kickoffsandkickons TIKTOK: @kickoffskickons If 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.

England regain the Calcutta Cup and Ireland remain on course for a Grand Slam. Round three of the 2025 Six Nations is in the bag and Ugo is alongside John Barclay and Sam Warburton to wrap it all up. Wales impressed under new interim boss Matt Sherratt despite slipping to another defeat. What would Warren Gatland have made of the performance? England backed up their win over France with another narrow win and a first over Scotland since 2020, but what are the question marks still hanging over Steve Borthwick's side? What next for Scotland and Gregor Townsend after their title hopes were dashed at Twickenham? Plus, John and Sam update their Lions teams from round one, and we get a masterclass on how to pronounce Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

After a cracking day of Six Nations action, we hear from the coaches and captains in the aftermath. Borthwick & Itjoe react to England's performance, while Gregor Townsend gives Scotland's take on their disappointment and some big decisions. Matt Sherratt and Jack Morgan reflect on Wales' incredible resurgence in Cardiff and whether he's considering making the role more permanent, while Simon Easterby and Dan Sheehan give their take on the atmosphere and another Irish victory and Triple Crown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reaction from the Sportsound Rugby team after England beat Scotland in the Six Nations. We hear from Gregor Townsend and Rory Darge, as well as Chris Paterson and Matt Dawson.

England defeated Scotland 16-15 at Twickenham to win the Calcutta Cup for the first time in five years and keep their chances of winning the Six Nations alive. Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look back on a disjointed match in which Scotland wasted a number of opportunities. They ask if Gregor Townsend's side were unlucky, what went wrong for Finn Russell from the tee and where both sides go from here. Plus, what does the result and performances mean for a number of British and Irish Lions hopefuls? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the team news ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash of Wales and Ireland. We hear from interim head coach Simon Easterby on his decision to pick Dan Sheehan as captain, and the stories linking him with the Wales job. Interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt's also made a raft of changes, and has responded to that Off The Ball Breakfast clip. Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend makes minor tweaks for Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash. And a Connacht duo return from injury in tomorrow's friendly with Harlequins.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the team news ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash of Wales and Ireland. We hear from interim head coach Simon Easterby on his decision to pick Dan Sheehan as captain, and the stories linking him with the Wales job. Interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt's also made a raft of changes, and has responded to that Off The Ball Breakfast clip. Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend makes minor tweaks for Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash. And a Connacht duo return from injury in tomorrow's friendly with Harlequins.

Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe preview the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham this weekend. Mark is at the Scotland camp and discusses Finn Russell starting and whether the underdog tag helps Gregor Townsend's side. Whilst Alfie, Alex and Will are at the England training base and react to Ted Hill replacing George Martin in the matchday 23, why Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has now had shoulder surgery and how massive the match at Twickenham is for both sides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben, Charlie and Charles look ahead to round three of the Six Nations and in particular the Calcutta Cup clash between England and Scotland.Gregor Townsend's side are chasing a fifth consecutive win in the fixture but need to improve from their last outing against Ireland. England will be hoping to build on their last gasp win over France in round two.Former Scotland fly-half Duncan Hodge was the star of this fixture 25 years ago, he inspired the Scots to one of the unlikeliest wins in Six Nations history and he joins the guys to discuss his memories of that day and his former side's chances this weekend.We also take a look at the rest of the weekend's action, including Wales' first game since the departure of Warren Gatland and we tackle your questions as always! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Scotland's Six Nations defeat to Ireland, Andy Burke gets reaction from Rory Darge and Gregor Townsend and Sportsound's Fraser Brown, Peter Wright and Tom English.

Gregor Townsend chats to us ahead of Scotland's huge clash with Ireland in round two of the Six Nations. He addresses their losing run against Ireland and how they plan to fix it. Townsend also explains the decision to pick Tom Jordan at 12 and if Lions selection is starting to creep into the conversation in camp. Sara is joined by Johnnie Beattie who outlines the areas where Scotland can exploit Ireland on Sunday. We also look ahead to a big day at Twickenham for England with France in town for 'Le Crunch'.

Scotland's record point scorer Chris Paterson joins Andy at Murrayfield to discuss Gregor Townsend's team selection to face Ireland in the Six Nations

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news for Sunday's Six Nations clash of Scotland and Ireland. We hear from Simon Easterby, Bundee Aki and Gregor Townsend. Ronan O'Gara tackles the rumours linking him with the Wallabies head-on. And a French club have turned their attentions to an Italian international having courted John Cooney.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news for Sunday's Six Nations clash of Scotland and Ireland. We hear from Simon Easterby, Bundee Aki and Gregor Townsend. Ronan O'Gara tackles the rumours linking him with the Wallabies head-on. And a French club have turned their attentions to an Italian international having courted John Cooney.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of Gregor Townsend adding experience to his second row ahead of Ireland's visit to Murrayfield. Ronan O'Gara assesses Sam Prendergast's Six Nations debut. Jonny Bell is ending a 30-year association with Ulster, who have given an update on Ethan McIlroy's ACL injury. Wales haven't given up hope of a back row duo playing against Italy. And the Six Nations/Eurovision crossover you've all been waiting for.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of Gregor Townsend adding experience to his second row ahead of Ireland's visit to Murrayfield. Ronan O'Gara assesses Sam Prendergast's Six Nations debut. Jonny Bell is ending a 30-year association with Ulster, who have given an update on Ethan McIlroy's ACL injury. Wales haven't given up hope of a back row duo playing against Italy. And the Six Nations/Eurovision crossover you've all been waiting for.

Ugo Monye, John Barclay and Sam Warburton look back at the opening weekend of the 2025 Six Nations. Did Ireland silence their critics following that dominant second half display against England? Does Steve Borthwick ring the changes with the French in town this weekend? Scotland are still finding their feet without captain Sione Tuipulotu, but has John found the answer for Gregor Townsend? Is Saturday's meeting between Italy and Wales already a wooden spoon decider? Sam has plenty to say on the state of the Welsh game and whether he would welcome a Six Nations relegation play-off. Plus, our team of the week featuring Romain Ntamack and predictions for round two.

After Scotland start their 2025 Six Nations campaign with victory over Italy at Murrayfield, we get reaction from Gregor Townsend, Finn Russell and hat-trick hero Huw Jones.

Ben Curry is on the pod ahead of his first England start alongside his twin brother Tom. We find out what Ben learnt from Ashy at Sale and discover the two goals that kept him motivated during what he calls 'the dark times'. He also talks openly about how difficult it is to be constantly compared to your twin brother. We also react to the Ireland team and look ahead to a big day for Sam Prendergast and his battle with Marcus Smith. Ugo and Sara join from some rather lavish surroundings in Paris to preview the opening match of the tournament between France and Wales. Plus, there are a couple of surprises in Gregor Townsend's Scotland team to face Italy. BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week:Friday 31st January France v Wales 2015 kick-off - 5 LiveSaturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live

Tom and Andy chat to Scottish Rugby's new CEO Alex Williamson plus we hear from Gregor Townsend as he names the team to face Italy in Scotland's Six Nations opener at Murrayfield

The pod is daily once again for the Six Nations and to kick things off we are in Rome! Ugo and Chris chat to all the head coaches at the launch. They speak to Ireland's new interim head coach Simon Easterby and find out how he's settling into the role, what changes he will make - if any - and how he is dealing with the pressure of being defending champions. Warren Gatland wants to block out all negativity and build a siege mentality, but do Wales have what it takes to end their terrible losing run? Are Scotland still one of the favourites for the title despite losing their captain to injury? We put the question to Gregor Townsend and hear how Steve Borthwick has dealt with his own injury setbacks in the build-up. Fabien Galthie has some fashion advice for Ugo and, as is now tradition, we ask all the coaches to pick one player from another nation to have in their team.

Tom and Andy chat with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend about his Six Nations squad

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack tells you who's in, and who's out, of Simon Easterby's squad for the upcoming Six Nations. There's a recall after five-and-a-bit years to the France squad for Leinster's Rabah Slimani. We hear from Gregor Townsend who has named two uncapped players in his Scotland squad. Ulster have formalised the return to the province of a former player, as two more of their current squad extend their stays. Plus, we hear from Ulster forwards coach Jimmy Duffy on what needs doing against Exeter.Plus, the 'Hail Mary' call that's brought Michael Hooper out of retirement in Japan.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack tells you who's in, and who's out, of Simon Easterby's squad for the upcoming Six Nations. There's a recall after five-and-a-bit years to the France squad for Leinster's Rabah Slimani. We hear from Gregor Townsend who has named two uncapped players in his Scotland squad. Ulster have formalised the return to the province of a former player, as two more of their current squad extend their stays. Plus, we hear from Ulster forwards coach Jimmy Duffy on what needs doing against Exeter.Plus, the 'Hail Mary' call that's brought Michael Hooper out of retirement in Japan.

The curtain has come down on the autumn for England, Scotland and Wales. Danny, Chris and Ashy assess where each team are at after testing themselves against the best from the southern hemisphere. How should England reflect on their autumn after only one win in four? And which players' stock has grown this November? Danny's upset the Scotland fans and shares some of the kind messages he's received after Gregor Townsend's side beat Australia in Edinburgh. The WRU have started their review into Wales' autumn, but could Warren Gatland still be in involved come their Six Nations opener in Paris? There's controversy at the World Rugby awards and with Ireland yet to complete their autumn schedule, we start looking at some of the issues awaiting Andy Farrell when he becomes Lions head coach.

Tom and Andy answer listeners questions plus we hear from Gregor Townsend and Joe Schmidt as they name their teams for Scotland v Australia in the Autumn Nations Series

Andy Burke and Tom English discuss Gregor Townsend's team selection for the match against Portugal in the Autumn Nations Series plus we hear from Townsend himself.

Tom and Andy are joined by Peter Wright and Fraser Brown at Murrayfield to discuss Scotland's loss to South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series plus we hear from Gregor Townsend

Tom and Andy take a look ahead to Scotland v South Africa in the Autumn Tests plus we hear from both head coaches Gregor Townsend and Rassie Erasmus

Tom English and Andy Burke discuss Gregor Townsend's team selection to face Fiji in the opening game of the Autumn Tests

The Nations Pod is back! GRO, like Wales, sits out this episode as it falls outside of the international Test window, but Chris and Tom eventually look ahead to the start of the Autumn Nation Series after battling yet more technical issues. How much pressure are England under to beat the All Blacks this Saturday? Steve Borthwick has named his team early picking Ben Spencer at scrum-half and Henry Slade in midfield, despite him only playing 54 minutes this season. Sione Tuipulotu will lead Scotland against Fiji and Tom is full of praise for the new Scotland captain and is backing Gregor Townsend's side to take a big scalp this autumn.

Thomas Duncan and Tom English discuss autumn Test squad selections with Gregor Townsend as Sione Tuipulotu is made captain and Jonny Gray chooses to stay home with club Bordeaux

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend chats with Andy Burke following the announcement of Scotland's summer test squad

Chris is joined by Ashy, Matt Dawson and Johnnie Beatie in Edinburgh where Scotland beat England 30-21 to win their fourth Calcutta Cup in a row.Both captains, England's Jamie George and Scotland's Finn Russell, are on the pod and we give Scotland coach Gregor Townsend the final word from Murrayfield. Plus, there's reaction from Dublin where Sara was joined by James Hook and Luke Fitzgerald to watch Ireland continue their push for the Grand Slam, beating Wales 31-7. 00:10 – Calcutta Cup discussion 12:59 – Finn Russell Interview 16:52 – Jamie George Interview 30:31 – Ireland v Wales reaction 44:43 – Gregor Townsend Interview 48:29 – Final thoughts from Murrayfield

Having been involved in 20 Calcutta Cups as either a player or a coach, Gregor Townsend knows a thing or two about out this famous fixture and why it is so special to him and the Scottish rugby fans. Chris sits down with the Scotland boss to discuss the Calcutta Cup matches that mean the most to him. We hear about his debut in 1993, his only victory as a player in 2000, the greatest draw of all time and ending Scotland's hoodoo at Twickenham.

Week two of the Six Nations has come to a close so who better than Chris, Ugo, Ashy and Jiffy to get into all the big talking points from the weekend's matches. They are start off with the late TMO drama at Murrayfield as Scotland narrowly lost to France. Was it a try in the dying minutes for Gregor Townsend's men? The guys try to answer that and wonder how France improve after getting their first win of the tournament. Not only that, both England and Wales go under the microscope and Chris poses that all important question… are Ireland unstoppable? Timecodes: 05:30 – Scotland review. 17:00 - France analysis. 22:40 – England v Wales section. 33:35 – Future predictions. 38:00 – Ireland unstoppable?

Chris is at Twickenham with Matt Dawson, Paul Grayson and James Hook where England came from nine points behind to beat Wales and to top the Six Nations table. Plus, we're at Murrayfield with Sara and Johnnie Beattie, where Scotland were denied a famous win against France.Steve Borthwick and George North join us on the pod from Twickenham and there's also reaction from a disappointed Gregor Townsend.TOPICS: 00:12 Reaction to England against Wales 09:20 Steve Borthwick interview 15:20 George North interview 21:40 Reaction to Scotland versus France 32:55 Gregor Townsend interview 35:45 Final thoughts from Twickenham