Podcasts about Super Rugby

Our first ever dual code international has jumped on What a Lad in the form of one of the greats Matt Duffie!   Matt who started off as a teenager with the Melbourne Storm playing with the big 4 Greg Inglis, Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater! He then had the chance to represent the Kiwis before being hammered by injuries which eventually saw him switch codes.   After a rough start in Super Rugby with the Blues and spending a lot of the season playing club. He worked hard, he learnt the game, he found his form, and went on to be one of the best outside backs in the country, which saw him named as an All Black.    The Matt Duffie story like so many guys careers, is full of highs and lows but something he wouldn't change at all, shaping him into the lad he is today! Such a good episode this one and heaps of great insights and tips into becoming a professional rugby player or athlete.   If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!   If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio If you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse). Finally if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off   

What a guest Ricky Riccitelli was to get into the What a Lad studio for the last time, this man is a seriously good lad and there were plenty of laughs had in this episode. The South African born, Taranaki raised, front rower has had some career to date and at still only 27 has plenty more to give. He started his professional footy career with Hawkes Bay and the Hurricanes where he played a huge role as a young fella to win their first ever Super Rugby title in 2016. He has since moved home to Taranaki and moved up to the Blues for a new opportunity as he pushes to get back into the All Blacks frame. I know you are going to enjoy this one as there are some classic stories in it and when I'm laughing during my edit it's generally a sign that you'll be laughing too. If you do enjoy it, please give it a share always greatly appreciated! If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio Also if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off  Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).

For the first time we'll see two Super rugby teams led by female head coaches when the season kicks off. One of them is Crystal Kaua - she's been promoted to head coach of Chiefs Manawa - who just happen to be the defending champions.

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod is back with James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl as the group discuss the Rugby World Cup and the progress of the Black Ferns. They also look at the upcoming match between the All Blacks and Japan as well as the Super Rugby season. The group ask, who will be the next superstars in the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've played rugby in NZ in the last decade, it is highly likely you have either played with or against this great lad, Joe Royal. Joe has had a different career to many of the guests who have been on already, there were certainly no fast tracked contracts here. Joe spent 7 years battling away in the Auckland club rugby scene before deciding to take a risk and give it a crack with the BOP Steamers. A few things went his way and Joe got some good game time with BOP. He was even named in the NZ Maori side later that year! Believe it or not after Joes NPC debut he had to wait another 9 years before he eventually got a Super Rugby cap for Moana Pasifika at the age of 36. A crazy story which you'll have to listen to it to comprehend.  Theres plenty of good yarns in this episode and the overlying message of perseverance which is inspiring. If you enjoy the episode please give it a share, it does help out massively. This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh Also if you're keen to get your hands on some Pure Sport products, then click this link here Pure Sport and use the discount code whatalad20 for 20% off  Finally if you enjoy your racing go and give champion trainer Regan Todd at Todds Racing a follow! Or DM me if you're keen to get in on What a Lad (the horse).  

... a chat about footy, BBQs & beers and who'd you'd invite to the perfect Weekend Session! 

The Hurricanes are bringing a Super Rugby game to Palmerston North next year and Staf is fizzing! He's joined by the Palmy mayor Grant Smith to talk about how big it will be for the city.

Jackson is fired up for the semifinal against Wellington and also has thoughts on the future of Super Rugby

This weeks guest is Mr Aaron Walsh. Aarons work includes developing leadership, culture and mental performance programs for teams in sport and business. He is currently working with the Chiefs in Super Rugby as well as consulting to Harlequins, Texas Rangers and Basketball New Zealand. His work also includes coaching multiple corporate leadership teams in creating and maintaining a high performance working environment. In addition Aaron Has worked in MLB, NRL and with with various national teams.

Paul Doorn Interview

Chiefs Manawa coach Crystal Kaua joins the show to talk about becoming the coach of the women's team, blazing the trail for future generations, her journey as a coach, expectations of the role, season ahead & more

Dan chats with Dave Ellis, who has coached  Super Rugby with the Blues, at Connacht with Pam Lam, as well as working with New Zealand rugby as a resource coach.With all these years in the game and a passion for skills coaching, Dave talks around the following themes:What young coaches often struggle withHow to know your playersHelping players understand the "why" and how important that isHow to develop skills, from detail through to the scenariosWhat Sonny Bill Williams said to Dave which changed the way he coachedHow to keep square with your body angleCoaching strike playsFinding the right balance to develop skill detailTo find out more about Dave and his latest courses, visit https://www.ellisrugby.co.nz

Host Carl Lewis and rugby journalist Simnikiwe Xabanisa interview new Sharks Currie head coach Joey Mongalo. Mongalo has very successful spells with the Lions and Bulls as their defence coach. Mongalo joined the Bulls after the director of rugby Jake White's arrival and was part of the management team that conquered the domestic landscape in the last two years, culminating in the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) final loss last weekend. In the two years at Loftus, where Mongalo played his rugby for the Bulls from the Under-20s to the Currie Cup seniors, the Bulls won two Currie Cup trophies, Super Rugby Unlocked and the Rainbow Cup domestic league - all available trophies during the pandemic. Last weekend, they lost to the Stormers 18-13 in Cape Town but stunned many by ousting hot favourites and runaway URC league stage leaders Leinster in Dublin in the semi-finals. Their dogged defence saw them through the whole season, while their powerful maul and intricate counter-attacking and offloading game led to players such as Marcell Coetzee, Johan Grobbelaar and Madosh Tambwe ranking high in try-scoring stakes.   Mongalo spent 10 years growing as a defence coach at the Lions before joining White's technical team and was part of the 2018 Super Rugby finalists as well as coaching the Lions junior structures from Under-19 to Under-21s. The Sharks have been reeling from their disappointing season finish after being knocked out by the Bulls at Loftus in the URC quarter-finals after missing out on a chance to top the SA Shield and wrest a home playoff (a defeat to Munster scuppered their hopes). The defeat piled pressure on URC head coach Sean Everitt, who was endowed with a squad featuring 11 Springboks, with one of the best ones Eben Etzebeth on the way as well as a cream of young talents such as Phepsi Buthelezi and Ntuthuko Mchunu. An announcement on Mongalo's new role is set to be made next week after high-level meetings between the executive and management.

Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are joined in the studio by Mark Evans to look back on the opening weekend of Gallagher Premiership rugby. Before chatting about the action on the pitch, they explain the chaotic decision making regarding whether to play games following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and ask if it is time for the Premiership to have an independent Commissioner? They reflect on opening weekend victories for London Irish, Bristol, Gloucester, Sale, Harlequins and Exeter. And, discuss the on-going uncertainty about Worcester Warriors future. Finally, they name their God or Goddess of the week and speak to Mark about becoming the CEO of Fijian Drua in Super Rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dropped Kick-Off is back to review the Wallabies loss to the Boks in Sydney and chat the upcoming Bledisloe Cup. This week, Nick and Natho are joined by Super Rugby and Women's Rugby World Cup referee Graham Cooper to discuss what's going on in the world of rugby officiating, how refs are approaching the game, and more! The Hot Topics Wallabies-Springboks recap Referee/Laws discussion with Graham Cooper Bledisloe preview and squad announcement Wallaroos World Cup Preview Sevens World Cup Preview    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sport Today is a weekday sports news podcast and newsletter that puts sports lovers ahead of the game.Hotdog straw?Sign up to the Sport Today newsletter hereFollow Don't Forget Your Tips! on Apple and SpotifyFollow Sport Today on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Scott Cummings & Peter Vlahos are joined by: StanRugby Commentator - Sean Maloney; Reporter from The West Australian - Eliza Reilly; and East Perth star midfielder - Hamish Brayshaw. The boys also discuss Retro Jerseys and the Port Adelaide 'prison bar' heritage jumper.

StanRugby Commentator & Host of Rugby Heaven on Stan, Sean Maloney, joined Scott Cummings & Peter Vlahos to share his thoughts on the Western Force alignment with Montpellier, how the Wallabies are travelling, plus the All Blacks current poor form.

Today we're joined by Wasps Captain and England International Brad Shields as we celebrate his incredible career so far which has taken him from playing for NZ U20s to becoming a fully fledged England International. We discuss some incredibly loose nights out after winning the Super Rugby championship in NZ, his fears of coming to England, why Eddie Jones is a nutter, Wasps summer social to Budapest, the importance of having 'a cum gutter', his regrets of not excelling for England, his ambitions to one day play for The All Blacks again, Archie's horny grandpa, getting shocking food poisoning in South Africa and much much more.... ------ SORT OUT YOUR BUSH NOW & FIND THAT EXTRA INCH - Get 20% off and free delivery on all Manscape products with the code - RIGBIZ20 www.manscaped.com   

Rugby Australia's threat to create a Super Rugby split with New Zealand seems to be gaining tractionBoth its broadcaster and billionaire backer Andrew Forrest have thrown their support behind the idea.Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan first revealed the idea for a beefed-up domestic competition, instead of renewing the Super Rugby allegiance with NZ Rugby.Now Stan sport, which holds broadcast rights in Australia, has added support to a potential splitFormer NZR CEO David Moffatt joined Tim Dower.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls to tighten the security at sporting events.There have been recent pitch invasions at Super Rugby games, every All Blacks vs Ireland test and at the Warriors' homecoming.In Australia, there's a mandatory fine of $5,000 for unruly behaviour.Security Association CEO Gary Morrison told Tim Dower something like that needs to be imposed here.He'd like to see penalties and long-term stadium bans put in place.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of Lakapi Samoa says there are more players ready to pledge their allegiance to the Manu for future games under new eligibility rules, but right now he's just glad to have the national team back on the park again at the Pacific Nations Cup. Meanwhile he's urging Rugby Australia not to back out of Super Rugby Pacific.

Deacon is a keen sportsman, having played Internationally for both Fiji and the Maori All Blacks. He has been a professional athlete for over a decade. International Honours: Captain of the Fijian National team (22 Tests) including the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand Junior All Blacks, NZ Maori All Blacks (28 Tests) and Winner of the Junior Rugby World Cup, Winner of Super Rugby and played for the NZ Maori All Blacks, including beating the British and Irish Lions 64 Super Rugby Matches, 162 European Rugby Matches, 50 International Test Matches.Deacon is an international educator and coach that has a passion for wellness in education and sport. He began his Educational career after he retired from rugby in Hong Kong and continued it in New Zealand at St Andrews College, Christchurch. He now resides in Singapore assisting players reach their goals through a holistic approach of wellbeing.

Well it is the end of the world as we...wait nope, just the end of the season for THOSE American rugby knuckleheads. On this episode, we cover it all, well we cover quite a bit anyway. We have a look at some of the squads that will be traveling this month, and we can confirm, Eddie is not OK. A look at 3 of the big matches and some of the lackluster performances that were on the pitch, but also some of the great stories including a certain Tigers player that etched himself in to the club's history forever. All this, we wrap up the legendary Champi-Yanks League and recognize those that make this thing happen every week during the year. It's a doozy and you might not need anything to drink, pretty sure we had enough for a few, but join us for the finale of Season 4! Check out the TFRY Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyRugbyYanks Ask us questions via Twitter: Jarrod- jdyke8man & Ben- admrablsnackbar, and #AskTFRY. Send us your thoughts for the show and questions for upcoming shows via e-mail fantasyrugbypodcast@gmail.com. Of course we welcome feedback via e-mail, twitter or by rating/reviewing the pod on Apple Podcast.

This week on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, the panel of Jeff McTainsh, James Parsons and Joe Wheeler review the Super Rugby Pacific final, dissect what that means for Ireland's upcoming tour of New Zealand, and preview the star-studded Pacific Nations Cup. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Prem, URC and Super Rugby final. England humbled. Congratulations Tigers...LTBP! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Yet another Super Rugby trophy will be settling into its new home at Crusaders HQ in Christchurch. The most dominant team in competition history have again proven they're the benchmark - producing a clincal performance to beat old rivals the Blues 21-7 in Saturday night's final in Auckland. Despite racking up a 13th title across all Super Rugby formats, the Crusaders insist they're not planning on letting up anytime soon. Clay Wilson was at Eden Park.

The Crusaders' dynasty rolls on with a 13th Super Rugby title in 24 years locked away. The red and blacks won the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific title 21-7 over the Blues in Auckland on Saturday night. After he'd finished signing autographs during the team's welcome reception at Christchurch airport yesterday, victorious coach Scott Robertson spoke with sports reporter Felicity Reid about how the team overcame a rocky season to win when it mattered most.

Another Super Rugby trophy will be settling into its new home at Crusaders HQ in Christchurch after the competition kings outclassed old rivals the Blues 21-7 in Saturday night's final in Auckland. But there are interesting challenges ahead for the 13-time champions - most notably whether they'll get a new home ground, and there's also speculation Australia want to walk out on the tournament. Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge spoke to Susie Ferguson.

The Crusaders' dynasty rolls on with a 13th Super Rugby title in 24 years locked away. The red and blacks won the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific title 21-7 over the Blues in Auckland on Saturday night. After he'd finished signing autographs during the team's welcome reception at Christchurch airport yesterday, victorious coach Scott Robertson spoke with sports reporter Felicity Reid about how the team overcame a rocky season to win when it mattered most.

The last review show of what has been an awesome Super Rugby season! What a final it was, what a clinical performance from the Crusaders.  Enjoy! This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh

The first All Blacks test of the year may be closing in - but there's only one game in town this weekend. Saturday's Super Rugby final between old rivals the Blues and Crusaders at Eden Park is chocka block full of storylines and matchups. Beauden versus Richie, Rangi versus Razor, the rejuvenated versus the dynasty, take your pick. Here to discuss all and sundry is sports reporter Clay Wilson.

It is the latest from those rugby dopes in America, what do they know? Well we know that our amazing U.S. Eagles have been in action down in New Zealand, putting in a heck of a shift to upend Australia. Yes, on this episode we cover some Women's action of late, including a windback of the Premier 15s final from a couple weeks ago, and yes how the amazing players from the U.S. showed in such a match. We also look back at a batch of Semi-Finals worth of the occasion from both the Prem and Super Rugby. This, a glance at who the Free Jacks will play in the Eastern Conference Final and much more. Thanks for the patience, now kick back and enjoy! Get the TFRY Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyRugbyYanks , subscribe and start getting a leg up on your friends. Ask us questions via Twitter: Jarrod- jdyke8man & Ben- admrablsnackbar, and #AskTFRY. Send us your thoughts for the show and questions for upcoming shows via e-mail fantasyrugbypodcast@gmail.com. Of course we welcome feedback via e-mail, twitter or by rating/reviewing the pod on Apple Podcast.

Today we're joined by Scotland and Quins utility back Huw Jones to discuss his meteoric rise from being a sports teacher on his gap year in Cape Town to playing in Super Rugby for The Stormers alongside the likes of Cheslin Kolbe & Siya Kolisi and then being an international star for Scotland. Although Huw is a long time fan of the podcast, he confronts Archie about his obsession with his fiancee, discusses his public school upbringing, takes us through his incredible journey from PE Teacher to International superstar, lifts the lid on Quins biggest nights out, relives the faithful night where he passed out in Japan post debut (thanks to being bullied by his teammates), discusses Kolbe's shit C.H.A.T when they played together in SA, remarks on the pain of being culled from whatsapp groups, his newfound love for the northcote road on a weekend plus shares his plans for the future and much much more.... Also Archie joins us live from Vale de Lobo to give us an update on his lads holiday.... -------------- Look 'So Money' this summer with Beaufort and Blake and their incredible new summer range - get 15% off everything with the code 'More Lash'. https://www.beaufortandblake.com/

Then there were two! The final is here and the scene is set. The 2 top teams all season, a sold out Eden Park, All Blacks everywhere, match ups galore, it is going to be some game! As always I'm joined by Searley from Searley Talks Sport and for the big one we have managed to get Tom Marshall back on after his big start to the season on the Preview show. We start off by looking at last weeks semi finals, talking about all the key moments that decided these games.  Then we are in to the big one and you'll hear one of the great debates from Tom and Searley as to why their side is going to win on Saturday. We pick our LAD of the year winner and try to predict the new LADSEARL award winner (man of the match in the final) which will be presented at the game. To finish we chat the All Black squad, all in 28 mins, this is potentially the best preview of the year. I hope you enjoy it and if you do please give it a share! This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh

On today's podcast with Nickson, Steph & Eli - happy Fri!! Today's show was hilarious!! Nickson gives way to much detail on his sex life, plus can Intern Cal get hypnotised? Flatmate Matt tells us about his side hustle (paid for feet pics) & a caller's "making bacon" tee will make you laugh haha Enjoy the podcast! :)  Chapters: 01:40 - Nickson's hypnotherapy  10:20 - Only Fans: Flatmate Matt's feet 16:40 - Super Rugby wrap up  20:16 - Content Bin: Eyes open during sex 25:45 - Eli's slogan tee "I'd hit that" 32:00 - Chris Parker: New movie  36:00 - The Brag Bag 42:10 - Work perks 47:10 - Austria's Burger King Dilemma 51:20 - Finish Me Off 55:25 - Meg's Quiz For Dummies  57:00 - Flatmate Emily vs. Liv  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next chapter in one of Super Rugby's most storied rivalries will be written in tomorrow night's 2022 title decider. The sold-out sign is already up as the high-flying Blues welcome long-time foes the Crusaders north to Eden Park. There's no shortage of talking points and juicy match-ups as New Zealand's most successful Super sides meet in a final for the third time. Broadcaster Scotty Stevenson spoke to Corin Dann.

Dana looks ahead to the Super Rugby final, Blues versus Crusaders at Eden Park tomorrow night. It's a sell-out so does this signal a return to the glory days of Super Rugby or is it an anomaly?. Also umpiring technology is in the spotlight after the VAR debacle in the All Whites versus Costa Rica football World Cup qualifier. Dana Johannsen is Stuff's National Correspondent specialising in sport.

The Producer had to call on Maybo coming fresh off a suspension to help go through all the sport this week. First off, we are joined by Maj from Majsport (DESI_STIG_) who talks to The Producer about the Livestream and The Ferrari Cup which was held at Bathurst last weekend. You can find the video on our website or look for Majsport on YouTube. If you see the livestream let him know Bats and Balls sent you. Please give Majsport a like and subscribe using the link below. https://www.youtube.com/user/majsport In the NRL the Eels got belted by a very committed Bulldogs team. Have the Bulldogs turned the corner or were the Eels just flat. The Panther still holds the Bats and Balls Belt. Can anyone take it off them? Maybos Broncos just keep finding ways to win. AFL is getting very tight up the top of the ladder and if results go the way they should this week only 1 game could separate 1st to 7th on the ladder. Who can keep their form on the run to the finals? Maybo and The Producer then talk about F1, Supercars, Socceroos, Super Rugby Final between the Blues and the Crusaders before we wrap the show up. 0:00:00 – Majsport 0:32:00 – NRL 0:57:00 – NRL Supercoach 1:00:00 – F1, Supercars, Socceroos, Super Rugby 1:05:00 – AFL Twitter - @batsandballspod Brendan - @The Producer05 Josh - @PiesJosh Colbee - @colbee6ref Mendy - @BigMendy180 Darren - @Dazza_20 Erik - @ErikNielsen2759 Part of the Always Up Network Always Up Network - @AlwaysUpNetwork  #AUN Email - batsandballspodcast@gmail.com facebook.com/batsandballspodcast http://batsandballspodcast.com/  

Rugby Australia has reportedly told New Zealand Rugby it is considering abandoning Super Rugby after the 2023 season. Reports across the Tasman say Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has told counterpart Stewart Mitchell they are looking at quitting the competition in favour of a domestic format. David Moffett was New Zealand Rugby's chief executive when Super Rugby was launched 26 years ago. He spoke to Corin Dann. New Zealand Rugby declined a request to come on the programme, saying in a statement that it was committed to its relationship with Rugby Australia.

The next chapter in one of Super Rugby's most storied rivalries will be written in tomorrow night's 2022 title decider. The sold-out sign is already up as the high-flying Blues welcome long-time foes the Crusaders north to Eden Park. As Clay Wilson reports, there's no shortage of talking points and juicy match-ups as New Zealand's most successful Super sides meet in a final for the third time.

The boys prepare for the Super Rugby finals this weekend... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Smith the self acclaimed 'white battler', who has gone on to be one the the greatest outside backs of this generation. For the Highlanders, he is right up there with the best to ever pull on the Jersey. Playing in Highlanders colours 153 times, which included Co-Captaining them to the 2015 Super Rugby title. He also played a huge part in the All Blacks success in the same year helping them to the RWC victory!  Off the field the man they call Bender (not actually for his bender ability) is such a lad, so highly respected by his team mates and you can see why. I throughly enjoyed this episode and the exciting thing is he is not done yet so watch this space. If you enjoy this episode, please give it a share, I do really appreciate anyone who is helping spread the word. This episode was sponsored by Swysh, Go and get your Ben Smith personalised video message here Swysh If you're interested in more information about O-Studio from the legend Tim Bateman then click here O-Studio

Crusaders or Chiefs, Blues or Brumbies? Four teams go into this weekend's semifinals - but only two will emerge to play for the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific title. Are we in for another all-New Zealand decider or will Australia's best team live to fight another week? Clay Wilson surveys a strong quartet of semifinalists.

And then there were 4! Semi Final time, with a couple of huge match ups to look forward to! Before we look ahead, we do look back to what was an entertaining round of Quarter Finals. Searley as always joins me and shares his thoughts on the 4 games and some important take aways from those game. We then get into the big ones and preview what we think will happen in these two Semi Finals. We also find some juicy value for you with some powerplays and some other options. And go get amongst the new Swysh discount code and get one from Searley or yours truely. Check them out Here Swysh  

It was a Maroon ambush in game 1 as Queensland won an enthralling match 16-10. The boys discuss all the key moments and address some of the more contentious decisions. The 2nd placed Lions host the 5th placed Saints in a crucial round 13 matchup in the AFL. Can the Lions sure up their defence and keep their top 2 spot? NBA finals, Super Rugby finals and Take It To The Bank  round out an action packed show.Thank you to our episode sponsor Wishbet.00:01:38 - Wek's Whinge00:06:11 - Socceroos00:08:15 - NBA Finals00:13:14 - State of Origin / NRL00:32:44 - AFL00:39:55 - Super Rugby00:42:42 - Take it To The BankSupport the show

Finals Footy is here! We've been pumped for this weekend for ages and now it's finally here! After last weekends disaster round on the picks, it's fair to say Searley and I make it up to you this week with all the information you need to pick the games correctly. We do start with last weeks games though and what a way for the 4 teams who have finished to exit. Huge wins from the Force, Rebels, Moana and an unbelievable effort from the Drua! Like I said, terrible for the picks but great for Super Rugby and what an awesome addition the Drua and Moana have been to the comp. We also go through all the quarter finals and share our insight into the knockout matches, highlight our key players and Searley even comes up trumps with some ticket discounts! This is arguable the best preview yet so I hope you enjoy it and enjoy the round of Super Rugby. This episode was sponsored by Swysh, the perfect gift for sport fans – Check them out Here Swysh If you want to use Searley 2 for 1 ticket discount for the Blues v Highlanders game use the code 241PROMO 

James O'Connor joins the lads this week to walk us through his phenomenal and often misunderstood career. He talks to us about being the youngest player to line out in Super Rugby and for the Wallabies, struggling with alcohol, fame and partying, as well as playing in London, Manchester and Toulon before returning to Australia. One of the most talented players of his generation, he gives us an incredible insight into the highs and lows of his career so far and what his plans are next. Max and Ryan also cover off the Champions Challenge Cup Finals and the jubilant scenes in La Rochelle See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lynn talks sport with our commentator Sam Ackerman, where they look at the path to get to New Zealand Rugby's Silver Lake deal, and the road ahead - as well as analyse the start of the Black Caps versus Brendon McCullum's England first test and Super Rugby playoffs.

Today in The Sports Lounge Big Lou Welcomes Matt Giteau from the Los Angeles Giltinis! Matt Giteau is one of the most-decorated Australian rugby players in history, with a career spanning many countries and almost two decades. The flyhalf has plenty of sporting pedigree in his family. HIs father Ron played professional rugby league, his sister Kristy is a dual code international and wife Bianca is a former top flight netballer. Giteau grew up in Canberra and attended St Edmund's College, a school that also counts George Gregan among its alumni. It was at St Edmund's where he first played rugby seriously Giteau is one of just two players to have made his Wallabies debut before he made his Super Rugby debut. The talented back played his first Test in 2002 against England on that year's Spring Tour. From there he became a regular fixture on the Test stage when he was fully fit, featuring in the first of three Rugby World Cups less than a year later. Giteau started his Super Rugby career with the Brumbies, playing 40 matches over the six seasons he was with the team. He made a cross-country move ahead of the 2007 season, signing with new side the Western Force in Perth. He spent three seasons with the Force before returning to the Brumbies in 2010. It was in 2011 when Giteau faced a career crossroads, left out of the World Cup squad by then Test coach Robbie Deans. With no clarity on his Test future, Giteau signed a deal in France with Toulon and seemingly walked away from any further international opportunities. GIteau starred in the Top 14 competition with Toulon, winning three consecutive Champions Cup titles with the French glamour club. HIs form in France earned him a recall into the Wallabies fold, a move that required the creation of a new international eligibility clause dubbed the ‘Giteau Law'. After playing a part in the Wallabies' run to the Rugby World CUp final, Giteau made a brief appearance in the 2016 Bledisloe Cup series before an injury ultimately forced him into international retirement. After finishing his stint with Toulon, Giteau made the switch to Japan, winning a Top League trophy with Suntory. His time with the Sungoliath finished at the end of the 2020 Japanese season, which was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. Feeling a bit unfulfilled by the ending in Japan, he's excited about writing another in Los Angeles. Giteau had moved back to Canberra with Bianca and their two sons Levi and Kai and also recently welcomed a daughter, Winter. www.lagiltinis.com