Podcasts about saracens

Welcome to Friday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, Saracens shut down reports that Andy Farrell is being lined up as their new director of rugby.The URC team news ahead of this weekend's action,And a huge reform coming to English club rugby from next season.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Welcome to Thursday's Rugby Daily, I'm Cameron Hill.Coming up, a major injury blow for Ireland ahead of the final two games of their Six Nations campaign.Could head coach Andy Farrell leave for Saracens after the 2027 Rugby World Cup?And the case for Irish players take short-term sabbaticals like their colleagues in the Southern Hemisphere.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On Arthur's final morning alongside Ger & Colm the lads muse over Arthur's choice of shirt before diving into the morning's biggest stories…Could Andy Farrell really leave Ireland after The World Cup in favour of a return to Saracens?Despite some INCREDIBLE drama in The UCL, the lads ponder over whether it was as gripping as usual…News emerged yesterday that Ireland's pair of clashes with Israel will go ahead in The Nations League - so the lads dive into exactly what that means…The lads wrap with a parting gift for Arthur as he prepares return to the PM show!Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!Duncan is joined by Alex and new boy James to largely ignore England, discuss a few movements in the Men's squad and then wallow in the joy and glory of this current Women's team as they demolished Exeter on a Saturday night.Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

Mike and Elliott are joined by new Tigers hot-shot of comms, John Wiffen, in their latest Tigers Family feature to take a peak behind the curtain at the work that goes into keeping journalists and irritating amateur podcasters happy. Plus, Adam Whitty drops by to review a key win at Saracens in the Prem Cup, before we turn our attention to next weekend's double header against Quins.

Post match analysis with plus reaction from Tom Varndell, and hear from Alex Davies

Adam and ian hear from Alex Davies, who will lead Leicester's programme against Saracens.

Adam, Ian and Tom hear from wing Ollie Hassell-Collins before Tigers take on Saracens.

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!It's an old-school feel to the Fezcast this week, as for the first time in a long time it's a Jez and Matt show! They've got a bonkers Prem Cup defeat, an enormous PWR victory, and an England Six Nations win to sink their teeth into...Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

Mike and Elliott introduce our new feature to run alongside the Prem Cup campaign, Tigers Family, talking to the people behind the scene at the club who make the whole thing tick. To kick things off, we chat with James Neal, Tigers' Head of Medical, about giving players bad news, working with coaches and the Freddie Burns sweepstake. Plus we chat about a very wet win over Newcastle and look ahead to a Prem Cup showdown at Sarries.

In this episode, Jacob is joined by Nick, the guy behind the OurLeicesterTigers Instagram account to review Tigers determined defence (as well as an interesting kick strategy) against Exeter Chiefs and preview our first home game of 2026. With insights on trying to build a following for the women's team, Nick offers a newcomer's perspective on the side as we ponder whether the 36-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game and will that give the team confidence against high-flying Saracens. Enjoy!

Why Understanding Drives PerformanceThis week on Hospitality Meets, Phil is joined by Will Fraser, co-founder of Pineapple, founder of 100 & First, and former professional rugby player.What begins as a conversation about people data quickly becomes something deeper, a clear eyed look at why teams struggle, why talent alone isn't enough, and why most performance problems come down to misunderstanding, not ability.This is a calm, thoughtful episode about clarity, context, and why better conversations beat better strategies.In This EpisodeWhy performance is a by-product, not something you can forceThe difference between thinking you know something and actually knowing itWhy misunderstanding (not laziness) drives most workplace issuesWhat elite sport gets right about teams that business often gets wrongThe hidden cost of constant change and short term thinkingWhy stability can be a genuine competitive advantageHow people data should start conversations, not end themFrom Elite Sport to HospitalityWill's thinking was shaped during his time at Saracens, where a strong focus on people and culture transformed performance under pressure.After injury ended his playing career, Will began applying those lessons in business, and quickly noticed a gap between how elite teams operate and how most organisations try to drive results.The biggest difference?Shared understandingWhat the Data ShowsThrough Pineapple, Will now works with hospitality businesses to understand patterns around:AttritionInternal progressionTeam stabilityOne consistent insight stands out:Greater stability and internal progression = lower turnover.Simple. Powerful. Rarely acted on.The Talent MythWill challenges the idea that great performers can simply be “moved” and expected to thrive.Drawing on examples from football, including Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, he explains why performance is often owned by the system, not just the individual.Change the context, and performance usually dips.Stand-Out Thoughts“Most performance problems aren't competence problems — they're understanding problems”“If you think something rather than know it, you haven't had the conversation”“Stability, not constant change, is often the real advantage”Why ListenThis episode is for anyone who has:

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!Duncan and David Loxham discuss a good win for the Prem Cup squad in the North East wind, cold and rain, the departure of Alex Lozowsky, the Women's return, the U18s at Stonex and some meaty issues arising from the Fans' Forum.Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!With not a lot of much importance happening this week, Jez, John and Sam discuss the sad passing of Maro's mother (with admiration for his mental fortitude), the big win over Newcastle, Mark McCall's end of an era announcement and the return of Dr Brendan Venter. As we say, not a lot on really.Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

As the Premiership heads into its mid-season break, Ugo and Ashy look back on a packed weekend of action. They start with one of the games of the season as Bath edged Gloucester at Kingsholm, with Charlie Atkinson outstanding. Are Bath still the force they were last year, or are teams starting to work them out? Harlequins are back under the spotlight, with Ashy asking whether, in another sport, Jason Gilmore would already be gone. Is an injury-hit squad finally catching up with Sale, or is their attack the bigger concern? They also reflect on Mark McCall's pending departure at Saracens, and why Brendan Venter may be the perfect person to step in. And, is retiring from international rugby still a thing?

Alfie and Will welcome Mark Evans back onto The Ruck having returned from his time as the CEO of the Fijian Drua.They chat about the latest developments in Welsh rugby with Y11, the owners of the Ospreys, becoming the WRU's preferred bidder for Cardiff and ask whether there is a danger that rugby in Wales might become like cricket in the West Indies.Mark also gives his views on two of his former clubs Saracens and Harlequins, after it was announced Mark McCall would step away from his role with Sarries at the end of the season and fans at the stoop left early following another disappointing defeat.Plus, Steve Borthwick has named his England squad for the upcoming 6 Nations and was in a very confident mood when Will went to chat with him last week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashy and Chris are in the player's gym at Twickenham to dissect England's Six Nations squad and chat to head coach Steve Borthwick. He talks through his picks at tighthead and calling up Exeter number eight Greg Fisilau. We ask how close Northampton's George Hendy was to making the cut and how many of those named on the rehab list will play in the early part of the tournament. Borthwick also speaks about their opener against Wales and being quizzed about selection by fans in the street. Away from the Six Nations, there is also some big news from Saracens to discuss as Mark McCall announces he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!A chipper Jez and a weary Duncan discuss the performance and result at Glasgow and what they hope to see for the rest of the season.Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

Massive news with Razor's shock sacking in New Zealand setting the tone for a wild week as Jim and Goodey break down the fallout, the rumours swirling around player power, and where Razor could land next. From there, it's onto the final round of Champions Cup pool action, with knockout draws confirmed, major upsets delivered and Scottish rugby flying high. Harlequins stun La Rochelle, Castres shock Munster, Leinster find a way, and Glasgow dismantle Saracens. The lads also dive into Six Nations injury concerns, some huge transfer rumours and plenty of other news to round things off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!On a day that saw the Willis brothers go head to head, Duncan, Matt and John cautiously celebrate a massive victory in the wind and rain, and look forward to next week in Glasgow.Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

On episode 207 I am delighted to be joined by Cuala Director of Coaching Mark Brennan. Mark is originally from Carlow and was a dual player for his native county. He has since turned his hand to coaching and was involved in the rise of the Meath senior ladies football team where they would win back to back all Ireland's in 2021 and 2022. Mark also worked as a GPO in clubs across Dublin. We discuss coaching, the role of director of coaching, being a dual player, Cuala, Meath ladies success, learning from elite sporting environments including Saracens & Harvard and more! Please note this episode was recorded in early September 2025. Prior to any Ladies Football rule enhancements Find Mark here https://x.com/MarkBren13 https://ie.linkedin.com/in/mark-brennan-b48a8a52   Thanks to our sponsor Taranis Recovery. Use the discount code SIDELINE15 for 15% off your purchase on ⁠taranisrecovery.com⁠ . An Irish-owned brand focused on helping athletes recover smarter, Rise higher and Live stronger.  Follow The Sideline Live Social Media channels and the host Orla here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/TheSidelineLive⁠Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBandIntro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ . If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

The lads are on form after a massive round of Champions Cup action, breaking down everything from Saracens win over Toulouse, to Glasgow looking like genuine contenders, Leinster surviving La Rochelle in a bruising classic, and Quins blowing the Stormers away at the Stoop. There's chat on Henry Pollock being public enemy number one in Bordeaux, Bath's European march, and why Pool 2 is absolute chaos with everyone still alive. Jim gives the inside line on crisis meetings, second rows and dodgy penalty calls, while we also get stuck into AI coaches and ROG rumours. Plus, the boys announce their first London Six Nations live show at the 12th Knot rooftop at Sea Containers – free for Pod listeners – so it's one you don't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bordeaux Bègles brutalise Northampton Saints in a Champions Cup statement — and this episode features Bordeaux winger Salesi Rayasi, the flying Fijian who lit up the contest with pace, power and presence.Rayasi joins us as we break down a wild night where Bordeaux overwhelmed Saints, Cameron Woki crossed for a hat-trick from the back row, and the atmosphere turned full pantomime. Despite the heavy loss, Henry Pollock somehow drags Saints to a priceless bonus point, producing a WWE worthy performance… first they booed then they chanted his nameElsewhere, Bristol Bears blitz the Bulls at altitude with breathtaking, ball-in-hand rugby (including a try for our very own Max Lahiff)— piling on 75 points by half-time, scoring 16 tries, and handing the Bulls the second-most points ever conceded at Loftus Versfeld in the professional era. Ten Springboks on the teamsheet. Still not enough. Flowing rugby, ruthless tempo, total breakdown.We also cover:•Toulouse losing their aura on the road•Saracens with no European wobble•Harlequins delivering a result nobody called•Stormers' unbeaten run ending in humiliation (John Dobson: “humiliating”)•A thriller at the Aviva as Harry Byrne holds his nerve in front of nearly 40,000•Edinburgh all but securing knockout rugby — including a brutal front-row moment•Glasgow Warriors stacking maximum points away at ClermontHat-tricks. Heat. Altitude. Villains. Flying Fijians.This is Champions Cup rugby at full throttle.

Danny, Ugo and Chris review an eventful Champions Cup weekend that produced another big upset after Saracens stunned six-time champions Toulouse. They reflect on the battle between the two Willis brothers and if the result means Sarries are back to their best. Henry Pollock rekindled his love-hate relationship with the Bordeaux fans. We wonder if Damian Penaud is on some kind of assist bonus and we welcome our first ever mortgage advisor onto the pod. Will Crane has gone from the Champ to the Champions Cup after he answered an SOS call from George Skivington. He tells us all about his crazy start to 2026 and his love for the game.

Henry Pollock gets booed as Bordeaux beat Northampton Saints, while Tom Willis scores for Saracens as they shock his brother Jack and Toulouse. Leinster leave it late to beat La Rochelle, Bath look set to top their pool and Bristol win yet again, but how many points is too many points? Why is Christian Wade wearing leggings? Why are wingers getting lifted in the lineout? And why are props kicking 50-22s now? These are some of the big questions Dan Cole and Anthony Watson try to answer, while also finding time to dial up Ben Youngs and ask him what he had for lunch at Harlequins.

Mike and Elliott look recover from the Christmas overindulgence with a look back at a statement win over Sarries, led by the bashed-up rustler, Billy Searle. We look at a surprise success in the centre partnership, sexy attacking play, the departure of a club legend, some news and rumours and, of course, look forward to the visit of Bayonne at the weekend.

Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse, Gloucester began 2026 with a defeat away to Newcastle (following a tepid display at home to Saracens over Christmas). The full gang get together to discuss a new low for the club in the Professional era. ***WARNING*** - It does get a bit sweary in places (understandably so). If you are travelling with small children or those who are easily offended, it might be worth exercising discretion.Ed PriceJames Eastwood (Snowy)Lawrence Landray (Loz)Jim HarleyRuss BrookesCherry Jam is proud to be sponsored by PGT LLP

In this episode of Chloe vs the World, Chloe Burrows sits down with Hannah Botterman - Women's Rugby World Cup winner, England and Saracens prop, and one of the most feared players in the game. Off the field, Hannah opens up about meeting her girlfriend, navigating love alongside elite sport, answers your quick fire questions, and more.Listen to the FULL PODCAST and follow us on:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4UjhcQP...Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chloevsthewor...Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chloevsthew...Chloe: https://www.instagram.com/chloeburrows/?hl=enDilemmas: chloevstheworldsubmissions@gmail.com

It's the first pod of 2026 and there is plenty to discuss with club statements and statement performances on the pitch. Chris, Ashy and Ugo look at what we can and assess the runners and riders ahead of the Six Nations which begins in Paris one month today. Are England finally ready to deliver silverware or will Ireland rise again under Andy Farrell? We analyse the growing issues at Harlequins and Gloucester after damaging defeats at the weekend. What will the coaching reshuffle look like at Kingsholm? And how have Quins gone from champions to languishing at the bottom of the table? We also talk Billy Searle and Adam Radwan's form at Leicester and Mark McCall's comments following another Saracens defeat.

Adam, Ian and Tom hear from Geoff Parling and Olly Cracknell before Tigers host Saracens.

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!A huge pleasure to have Alex Lewington on to discuss his career, before Jez, Barry and Duncan get stuck into the win against GloucesterFollow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

To close out 2025, the lads sit down for an interview with Canada National Senior Women XVs Head Coach (and Saracens assistant coach,) Kevin Rouet!Kevin tells us about his rugby childhood in France, making the decision to move to Quebec, putting aside his "real job" to become a full-time rugby coach, joining the national team set-up, and taking Canada to 2 Women's Rugby World Cups with fewer than 4 years preparation!

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!Alex and Duncan join a coming and going Jez to discuss an indominatable win by the Women at Chiefs, and Ifs, Buts and Maybes in South Africa where the half full glasses were self filling.Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

It's a Christmas special as Jim, Goodey and Bigs wrap up a huge weekend of Champions Cup action, look back on a cracking 2025, and welcome England full-back Freddie Steward for a very open chat. There's reaction to Glasgow's historic comeback win over Toulouse, Leinster grinding it out away at Leicester, big calls on Saracens, the Stormers and the state of the Champions Cup. Freddie talks England momentum, life under the high ball, controversial tackles, TikTok dances, before the lads reflect on the moments that defined the year in rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want your views heard on the show? Tap here to send us a message!Barry and Alex join Duncan to discuss two wet victories over Claremont and Loughborough, together with sundry topics such as reading books and zebras . Mike Hynard, Head Coach at Saracens Academy, explains how they are so successful and why the future looks bright.Follow the Fezcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to hear all our latest news first!Click here for subscription links[Disclaimer: The Fezcast is brought to you on behalf of the Saracens Supporters Association and is not an official product of Saracens Ltd]Title Music (from Season 4): "Herald" by This Winter Machine

The Ruck has a South African flavour this week as we interview Springboks hybrid hero André Esterhuizen, the centre who can also play back-row. We talk about that innovation, the Boks' fine 2025 and the upcoming Champions Cup clash between his Sharks and Saracens on Saturday.Will, Alex and Elgan delve into the first round of the Champions Cup, which featured some of the same old issues but good wins for Northampton Saints, Bath, Bordeaux-Begles and the Scottish sides. Plus, the boys rattle through the 2027 World Cup draw, and a gouging ban for Eben Etzebeth. We ask how the South Africans can be stopped from winning three tournaments in a row, and whether Rassie Erasmus might throw the Italy game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our beloved holy Father Nicholas is, along with St George (and second to the All-holy Theotokos), probably the best-loved Saint of the Church. His numberless miracles through the ages, on behalf of the countless Christians who have called on him, cannot be told.   He was born in Lycia (in Asia Minor) around the end of the third century, to pious Christian parents. His love of virtue, and his zeal for observing the canons of the Church, were evident from his infancy, when he would abstain from his mother's breast every Wednesday and Friday until the evening. From early youth he was inclined to solitude and silence; in fact, not a single written or spoken word of the Saint has come down to us. Though ordained a priest by his uncle, Archbishop Nicholas, he attempted to withdraw to a hermit's life in the Holy Land; but he was told by revelation that he was to return home to serve the Church publicly and be the salvation of many souls.   When his parents died, he gave away all of his inheritance to the needy, and thereafter almsgiving was his greatest glory. He always took particular care that his charity be done in secret. Perhaps the most famous story of his open-handedness concerns a debt-ridden man who had no money to provide dowries for his daughters, or even to support them, and in despair had resolved to give them into prostitution. On three successive nights the Saint threw a bag of gold into the window of the man's house, saving him and his daughters from sin and hopelessness. The man searched relentlessly to find and thank his benefactor; when at last he discovered that it was Nicholas, the Saint made him promise not to reveal the good deed until after he had died. (This story may be the thin thread that connects the Saint with the modern-day Santa Claus).   God honored his faithfulness by granting him unparalleled gifts of healing and wonderworking. Several times he calmed storms by his prayers and saved the ship that he was sailing in. Through the centuries he has often done the same for sailors who call out to him, and is considered the patron of sailors and all who go to sea.   He was elected Bishop of Myra not long before the great persecutions under Diocletian and Maximian (c. 305), and was put in prison, from which he continued to encourage his flock in the Faith. When the Arian heresy wracked the Church not long after Constantine came to the throne, St Nicholas was one of the 318 Bishops who gathered in Nicea in 325. There he was so incensed at the blasphemies of Arius that he struck him on the face. This put the other bishops in a quandary, since the canons require that any hierarch who strikes anyone must be deposed. Sadly, they prepared to depose the holy Nicholas; but in the night the Lord Jesus and the most Holy Theotokos appeared to them, telling them that the Saint had acted solely out of love for Truth, not from hatred or passion, and that they should not act against him.   While still in the flesh, he sometimes miraculously appeared in distant places to save the lives of the faithful. He once saved the city of Myra from famine by appearing to the captain of a ship full of grain, telling him to take his cargo to the city. He appeared in a dream to Constantine to intercede for the lives of three Roman officers who had been falsely condemned; the three grateful soldiers later became monks.   The holy bishop reposed in peace around 345. His holy relics were placed in a church built in his honor in Myra, where they were venerated by throngs of pilgrims every year. In 1087, after Myra was conquered by the Saracens, the Saint's relics were translated to Bari in southern Italy, where they are venerated today. Every year, quantities of fragrant myrrh are gathered from the casket containing his holy relics.

It's finally happened. The stars aligned and we managed to get Ashy and his old sparring partner Manu Tuilagi in the same room to talk about that infamous moment at Welford Road 14 years ago. Chris helps us finally get to the bottom of what sparked it, and we quiz Manu on life in France and his return to fitness. Is the former England centre seriously considering a switch to Samoa for the next World Cup? We do get round to previewing the new Champions Cup season with Saracens legend Jamie George, Glasgow's Rory Darge and World Cup winning Springbok Deon Fourie.

The autumn internationals are back and so is the Telegraph Rugby podcast!Join Alan Dymock, Gavin Mairs and Charles Richardson ahead of this weekend's action as we take a close look at England and their clash against the Wallabies on Saturday. The guys discuss how the back row will look in the absence of Tom Willis and discuss if Steve Borthwick is right to leave him out after he confirmed he will be moving to France at the end of the season.Alan, Gavin and Charles also give their thoughts on who will start at fly-half for England with Fin Smith, Marcus Smith and George Ford all fit and available and whether Saracens teenager Noah Calouri will get a chance after a blistering start to the season.Plus, we take a look at Ireland v New Zealand this weekend in Chicago, a repeat of their 2016 classic, and field your questions as always, too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster sent shockwaves through Irish rugby with a statement win over Leinster at Croke Park, dismantling their biggest rivals to go joint top of the URC. Is it a shift in power, or a Lions hangover? Goodey, Big Jim and Biggs get stuck into the fallout from that fiery clash, the form of Jack Crowley, and what it all means for Andy Farrell's Ireland squad heading into the Autumn Nations Series. The lads also dig deep into Steve Borthwick's England squad announcement, including omissions, combinations, and some exciting star power coming through. We also wrap up all the weekend's domestic action, from Noah Caluori's five-try explosion for Saracens to Leicester's last-gasp win over Bath, and all the biggest talking points from the Prem and URC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a dream weekend for Saracens' Noah Caluori. After scoring a remarkable five tries on Saturday, he was called up to train with the England senior side on Sunday. Ashy and Sara chat to the England head coach Steve Borthwick about English rugby's newest star. Could he actually make his England debut this autumn? But while Borthwick has gained another winger, he has lost a number eight after Tom Willis announced he is leaving English rugby altogether to rejoin Bordeaux. Who is the man to place him in the back row? Plus, we look back on another impressive Exeter performance, the Irish fly-half battle and one of the worst attendances of all time.

Adam and Dave are broadcasting from the heart of Assisi, Italy—knee-deep in pilgrimage vibes with St. Francis, St. Clare, and the whole crew. They break down the "establish" pillar of fatherhood (you know, the third leg of protect-provide-establish) and get talk about turning your home into fertile soil where your family's faith thrives. Recorded right after a providential run-in with a fan who spotted Adam's voice in the wild—shoutout to Kel from Illinois!Key Highlights:Pilgrimage Gold: Fresh off praying at St. Francis' tomb and St. Clare's incorrupt body. Plus, stories of Francis dodging death in the Holy Land because even the Saracens couldn't handle his holiness. Spiritual overload = total win.The Father's Job: Establish a Culture: Forget the 30-something basement-dwellers—it's time to till that family soil like a pro vintner. They riff on winery chats: Every plot's different, climates change, so adapt your strategy. Build traditions around high feasts (Christmas Nativity read-aloud before gifts? Yes!), guard your wife's prayer time, and echo that husband-wife holiness down to the kids.Resilience Like the Saints: One bad call ruins your day? No. Channel St. Clare ("No suffering bothers me!") and blind-but-joyful St. Francis. Practice gratitude, God's-will-be-done prayers, and bounce back fast—'cause your mood sets the home tone.Focus or Bust: Saints win by laser-focus on holiness. Ditch the noise (X, YouTube, endless projects). Adam's hack: Stopwatch your day. Shocking how 25 minutes of "deep work" gets hijacked by texts. Apply it home—clock real presence with kids over fence-painting busywork.Adam's Four Pillars to Cultivate Christian Life:Silence – God's language. Train kids to quiet appetites at home so they can apply it at Holy Mass.Reverence – Rebel against irreverence. Yes sir/ma'am, genuflect at churches, dress sharp for Mass—builds love for the Eucharist.Hard Work – Outpace 90% by pushing past "I can't." Sports, chess, prayer, fasting—saints weren't smarter, just tougher.Charity – The supernatural crescendo. Serve without quid pro quo (Catechism 2223). Punch in pure love, St. Nick-style.Grandpa Power: You're the tradition custodian! Give "state of the union" fireplaceside talks like Adam's grandpa—wisdom from the trenches and the hilltop.Soul-Crafting Close: Italian churches are stunning, but one holy soul outshines 'em all. You're the craftsman for your wife's and kids' souls—steward God's talents like your life depends on it (spoiler: it does).Action Steps for Catholic Dads:Tonight: List 3 family traditions to start (feast-focused first).Tomorrow: Stopwatch 1 hour of undistracted kid-time. No phone.This Week: Guard your wife's prayer slot—strictly.Pray: "Lord, till my home soil for saints."

Our very special guest this week is Saracens, England and Lions legend Jamie George who talks about sharing a room at school with Sam Billings, how Cricket helps his line out throws, watching Kent and Essex, Rugby ‘Little Yearns' and The Ashes.Plus Jimmy looks back at the International career of Chris Woakes and the mystery of Phon Bunthean.

This week on The Rugby Pod, the lads send their thoughts and support following the very emotional news as England legend Lewis Moody reveals his MND diagnosis. Everyone on the Pod wishes him, and his family the very best during this very tough time, and we're here to support in any way we can. On the pitch, the lads react to the news that Steve Diamond sacked by the Newcastle Red Bulls, with Gregor Townsend joining in a surprise advisor role. We also break down the action from the Rugby Championship and what it means for the upcoming Autumn Internationals. Can Scotland finally beat the All Blacks? Can Ireland back up their Chicago heroics? Will England perform. Plus, there's a full round-up of the URC and Prem, with the Dragons finally breaking their losing streak, Leinster slipping again, and Saracens running riot. Plus, the lads give a big shoutout to Rugby FC for a brilliant day out. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ugo, Danny and Ashy are back, but even though the Prem brought another weekend full of surprises they had to start the pod with the sad news that former England captain and British and Irish Lions legend, Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The guys all played with him and reflect on how the rugby community can get behind Lewis to support him and his family, during this difficult time. And they hear from Moody himself who spoke to BBC about his condition. In terms of the Prem – Leicester's win against Quins proved to be a comeback for the ages with Ugo admitting that Harlequins are in a hole right now. Even though his Sale side lost to Bath, chat turns to George Ford and if he has the smartest rugby brain in the Prem – and has Owen Farrell given Saracens a lift? Away from matters on the pitch, the trio critique Chris Robshaw's Strictly performance and Ugo has agreed to a bet if Chris does better than he did…. and is Ashy's ‘Ash splash dive' coming back on trend?

Maggie Alphonsi is a broadcaster and former rugby player. She was part of the England team which took home the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup and by the time she retired she'd won 74 caps for her country.Maggie was brought up in north London and when she was 14 her PE teacher suggested she give the sport of rugby union a try. Maggie joined her local amateur club Saracens and relished the freedom she felt at being able to capitalise on her power and strength on the pitch.Her first chance to play for England came when she was 19. Maggie started out as a number 12 and then later changed position to become a number seven or openside flanker. This role allowed her to showcase her tackling skills. She was part of the England team which won seven consecutive Six Nations tournaments and retired shortly after winning the Women's Rugby World Cup.She became the first female former player to commentate on the men's game and to join the Rugby Football Union's Council. In 2012 she was appointed an MBE for services to rugby. She is part of the BBC's commentating team for this year's Women's Rugby World Cup.Maggie lives in High Wycombe with her wife Marcella and their two children. DISC ONE: Fast Car - Tracy Chapman DISC TWO: They Live in You - Samuel E. Wright (Mufasa) Ensemble - The Lion King, conducted by Joseph Church DISC THREE: Stand by Me - Ben E. King DISC FOUR: Woman - Andreya Triana DISC FIVE: Wake Me Up - Avicii DISC SIX: You Gotta Be – Des'ree DISC SEVEN: World in Union - Kiri Te Kanawa DISC EIGHT: I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross BOOK CHOICE: The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on life's journey by Hana Yasmeen Ali and Muhammad Ali LUXURY ITEM: A family photo CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Fast Car - Tracy Chapman Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley