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These days, we all need practices that strengthen not just our muscles, but also our spirits.I'm with you in all you're navigating, and I want Cracking Open to continue being a place where you can land, breathe, and remember: you are not alone. The stories we share here are meant to heal the body, mind, and soul.Recently, I kept hearing about how weightlifting can help you look, feel, and stay younger longer. Not only is it good for your muscles—it's essential for your bones, joints, and overall longevity.So I finally decided to try it myself. I joined a local workout group—shoutout to Capacity Performance Therapy—and after almost a year of consistent training, I can confidently say: everything I heard was true. I feel stronger in my body, calmer in my mind, and more alive in my spirit.That's why I'm excited to introduce you to this week's guest: Dr. Vonda Wright—a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert.In today's conversation, we explore science-backed strategies to: ✨ Stay strong, energized, and mobile at any age ✨ Learn which exercises matter most for long-term vitality ✨ Discover what many doctors aren't telling you about joint pain and arthritis ✨ Navigate menopause with confidence and clarity—grounded in facts, not fearAs Dr. Wright shares:“Every woman is a sentient being with the agency to make her own decisions, but I want her decisions to be based on facts, not fear. Here are the facts: estrogen optimization, hormone optimization, or menopause hormone therapy—no matter what you call it—changes your life.”Whether you're 25 or 65, this episode is your blueprint for defying conventional aging and reclaiming your strength—for life.And because this is Cracking Open, we don't just talk about physical health. Dr. Wright also shares her personal story—her “cracking open” moments that shaped her passion for helping others age powerfully and purposefully.About Dr. Vonda Wright Dr. Vonda Wright is a double-board-certified orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognized authority on human performance, longevity, and women's health. She's the founding director of PRIMA (Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes) and has served as a physician for elite organizations such as World Rugby, the PGA, and professional ballet companies.She's been featured on The Diary of a CEO, Jay Shetty, Mel Robbins, The Today Show, and Dr. Oz, and in The New York Times, USA Today, and more. Dr. Wright has authored five books, including Fitness After 40 and Guide to THRIVE, and lives in Florida with her husband, a retired two-time Stanley Cup champion.We as humans are not destined to grow old and frail. In this episode, you'll find hope, science, and practical tools to turn back the clock—and start thriving today.
How long international rugby players spend on the field will be strictly monitored from next season. World Rugby has put a spotlight on player welfare and will restrict the number of games a player can participate in, as well as mandating how long the off-season is. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.
NEW YORK, NY – One week after exploring the potential changes coming to MLR 2026, this week's MLR Weekly
First up this week, we cover the Women's Rugby WorldCup Quarter Finals, where the top four teams—England, France, New Zealand, and Canada—powered through to the semis. France edged past Ireland in a bruising battle, but the headlines were stolen by flanker Axelle Berthoumieu, whoapparently mistook Aoife Wafer's arm for a baguette! The bite went unnoticed during the match, but World Rugby sank its teeth into the incident afterwards, handing Berthoumieu a 9-match ban.Then, to cycling in Spain, where the final stage of La Vuelta a España was abandoned in extraordinary scenes. Pro-Palestinian protesters brought the peloton to a halt in Madrid, forcing organisers to cancel the stage and podium ceremony. Jonas Vingegaard was crowned champion,but not in the way anyone expected.We also pay tribute to a true warrior of the ring. Theboxing world is mourning the tragic passing of Ricky Hatton, aged just 46. We reflect on his legacy and memories of him as a youngster.And finally, a moment of pure golfing chaos at the BMWPGA Championship—Adrien Saddier's ball took a detour into a spectator's hood, saving him from a watery hazard. We'll talk about the bizarre, the lucky, and the laughter that followed.We also have all the latest from tennis, cricket, rugby league and the Athletics World Championships.All that and more, right here on Null & Void.
Welcome to The Bundle, our regular series on the sports media and streaming marketplace with co-hosts Yannick Ramcke, General Manager of OTT at the streaming service OneFootball and Murray Barnett, founder of 26West Consulting and formerly of F1, World Rugby and ESPN International.Leaders Summit: 2 Weeks To GoLeaders in Sport connects the most influential people and the most powerful ideas in global sport to catalyse discussion, and drive the industry forward. For the past 15 years, Leaders has been the organiser of the most prestigious conferences in global sports business with annual editions North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.The Summit, part of Leaders Week London, is now just 2 weeks away, taking place at The Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on 1st and 2nd October. With forums, think tanks, multiple events, award ceremonies, masterclasses and new experiential get-togethers across the week, this is your opportunity to understand the global trends impacting the sport business landscape and how to commercialise them. http://leadersinsport.com/UP Visit leadersinsport.com/UP for more information and use UP15 for a 15% discount on your Summit passes.Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 400 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series, you can reach us via the website.
Former All Blacks wing Cory Jane has emphasised the importance of aerial kicking battles in international rugby and says the All Blacks must improve their technique under the high ball. It comes after the All Blacks and Springboks were pinged several times for shepherding on the back of contestable kicks, as the All Blacks extended their unbeaten Eden Park streak to 51 games last weekend. Speaking on Newstalk ZB's Weekend Sport with Jason Pine, Jane said with World Rugby cracking down on players shielding teammates catching high balls, “the importance of technique is back”. “I think there are too many guys jumping in the air and turning their bodies, turning their hips. And most teams that are chasing are just jumping to try to whack the ball back, they're actually not trying to catch the ball. “So, you have to be better with your technique and by that I mean being square into the collision. You're allowed to protect yourself with your knee jumping up and being nice and square, and guys should be able to back themselves to catch the ball.” The 53-test All Black said better technique would also lead to safer collisions. “If you turn your body and your knees a little bit sideways and you get hit you could fall on the back of your head, you can flip over the guy, so it's also a little bit of safety for the catcher to get back to a better technique.” Cory Jane says with World Rugby cracking down on players shielding teammates catching high balls, “the importance of technique is back”. Photo / Photosport Asked how tempting it is to look at defenders rushing at you while you're waiting to catch a high-ball, Jane said “you know that they're coming and you can feel them coming when you're watching the ball”. “You should do your homework. I know when I played a long, long time ago, you knew which wingers were chasing and how they like to attack the ball.” Jane said teams are also using a box kick as a weapon now, seeing it as an opportunity to put their opposition under pressure. “If you're playing with the ball and you're going eight, 10, 15 phases and you're not making any inroads into the defence, you can put yourself under pressure. So you see it at international level ... the box kicking or the kicking can take a little bit of pressure off your attack, can put pressure back on to the catching team and then you can put them under pressure with your defence.” He thought the All Blacks would opt for more running rugby in Wellington on Saturday night after being engaged in a kick-heavy affair in Auckland last weekend. “I don't think they'll want to continue to go into box kicks and play, I guess, the way that South Africa have played the game, but it's a great way to not put yourself under pressure.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode Notes With the Women's Eagles out of the World Cup and without a head coach, the Men's Eagles prepare for a pivotal matchup with Samoa, and World Rugby announcing a quarter of a billion dollar investment in the American rugby market, we have a lot to get through this week. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP
Rugby fans around the world are waiting to see if the Springboks can make history THIS MORNING in their highly anticipated showdown against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. New Zealand will be defending a proud 31-year unbeaten streak at Eden Park against the reigning World Champions and defending Rugby Championship champions, the Springboks, who last won at the famous Auckland stadium 88 years ago. The match, which kicks off - at 09h05 - will be a clash of the titans as South Africa have won the last two Rugby World Cup titles in addition to last year's Rugby Championship, but the All Blacks have snuck ahead of them into top spot in the World Rugby rankings. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC rugby commentator, Renier Swart
Phil Wilkinson and I only met for the first time two months ago. Phil is a highly talented and dedicated global PR and communications professional and mental fitness coach. As Head of PR and Communications at World Rugby for the past seven years, Phil was responsible for implementing and driving World Rugby's communications strategy, as the sport seeks to continue its successful growth and inspire a new generation of fans. He has worked across external and internal communications, events and fan-engagement in a leading Olympic sport with a global fanbase of over 800 million. Wilkinson was previously employed by the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, where, as International Media Manager, he led the development and execution of an international communications strategy to engage a global audience of over four billion. Previous to these roles, he's had highly influential and senior roles within the world of international sport. Our conversation just fizzed along!! I loved hearing Phil's perspective on beautiful mess his own experience with mental health and his passion about empowering others with this same deeper level of awareness around mental fitness. Enjoy, share and tell us what you loved!
Women can lose up to 20% of their bone density during perimenopause—and most don't even know it's happening. In this episode, orthopedic surgeon and author Dr. Vonda Wright breaks down how aging, hormones, and lifestyle impact bone, muscle, and brain health, and shares practical steps to stay strong, resilient, and unbreakable. From hormone therapy to lifting weights, she reveals the science-backed strategies that help women thrive at every stage of life. About the guest: Dr. Vonda Wright is a double-boarded orthopedic surgeon and leading authority on active aging and mobility. Her practice spans minimally invasive hip, shoulder, and knee surgery, cartilage restoration, injury prevention, and performance optimization. As founding director of PRIMA, her groundbreaking research on musculoskeletal aging is reshaping how we approach longevity and mobility. Dr. Wright has cared for athletes across the spectrum—from Division I teams and Olympic track athletes to World Rugby, the Atlanta Ballet, and even E-Sports competitors. *** Where to find Dr. Vonda Wrighthttps://www.drvondawright.com/ Instagram: @drvondawright Pre-order her new book: https://theunbreakablebook.com/ *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health: Visit www.functionhealth.com/Louisanicola or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. Ketone IQ: Go to https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment. *** I'm Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer's prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer's risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you're in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00 – Intro 01:15 – Aging, Hormones & Bone Density after 30 05:35 – Defining Frailty & “Unbreakable” 09:15 – Underlying message & Practice Insights 13:54 - Muscle vs. Sedentarism 17:00 – Bone as an Organ 20:00 Bone Hormones & Brain Health 27:00 - Osteoporosis Risks & Prevention 32:20 Bone Quality vs. Density 37:23 – Estrogen, Inflammation & Musculoskeletal Aging 46:09 – Personal Story of Perimenopause 51:03 – Politics of Women's Health 1:07:00 – Supplements for Bone Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brittany Mitchell and Christy Doran breakdown the Wallabies squad, before previewing the Argentina series and massive All Blacks-Springboks clash at Eden Park; question whether Rugby Australia should make moves to bring Mark Nawaqanitawase back to rugby; analyse where it went wrong for the Wallaroos against the USA and question whether Nigel Owens' Whistle Watch is a good idea by World Rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The opening round of the Women's Rugby World Cup had several blown-out scorelines, including the Black Ferns' 46-point win over Spain. The closest game was a 24-point win, but World Rugby officials are defending the disparities and telling fans to hold on for inevitable arm-wrestles as the tournament continues in England. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.
Well it's fair to say World Rugby's copping it today, even more so than yesterday. This is following the death of Shane Christie, the former Highlander who had the headaches and the memory loss and all those other symptoms that were consistent with CTE from too many head knocks. A former Wales #8 with early onset dementia, Alex Popham, has gone straight to World Rugby and the All Blacks' Twitter accounts and told them they've got blood on their hands. And our very own Scotty Stevenson has written a piece saying it's time to stop spending money on PR - this is obviously for rugby - and start spending money on helping the former players with these symptoms. Absolutely. I mean, there is no doubt that World Rugby could be doing more, right? The stand down period for a professional rugby player for a suspected concussion is - what do you think? 12 days. That's ridiculous. In boxing, it's 30 days. And if they actually lose consciousness and they know they've lost consciousness, it could be anywhere from 6 months up that they're forced to stand down. I think we've all seen pretty gnarly cases of head knocks recently or players talking about migraines over the summer period, only for them to be back on the field when they, if you were being careful, should not be back on the field. And who knows what World Rugby will be forced to do once these lawsuits are successful. But here's the thing - our ability to keep blaming the rugby bosses is going to run out, if it hasn't already. No player in 2025 can blame World Rugby if they end up with these symptoms in years to come. No one playing rugby in 2025 doesn't know that if you take repeated knocks to the head, you are opening yourself up to future problems. We know that. In fact, we already knew it when Shane Christie was playing professionally, even if we didn't know it as widely as we do today. It is terrible that this may be the thing that has happened to him and it is terrible that it is undoubtedly happening to rugby players playing today, but personal responsibility is now very much in play here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We dive into the true science and strategy behind aging with power. We're busting myths about menopause, metabolism, and muscle, bone and talking strategy for women over 40 who want strength without burnout. Know how to prevent the physical “outages” that so often follow menopause, injury, or hormonal upheaval. Reclaim control without burning out!! If you're ready to redefine what aging looks and feels like, this conversation is your roadmap to aging with power—and joy. My Guest: Dr. Vonda Wright is a double-board certified orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognized authority on human performance, longevity, and women's health. The founding director of the Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA), she has served as a physician for athletes at the University of Pittsburgh, Georgia State, the Pittsburgh and Atlanta Ballet, World Rugby, and the PGA. A highly sought after media expert, she has been featured on the Diary of a CEO, Jay Shetty, and Mel Robbins podcasts as well as the Today show, the Dr. Oz show, and in top publications including The New York Times, USA Today, and the Observer. She has authored five books, including Fitness After 40 and Guide to THRIVE. She lives with her husband, a retired two-time Stanley Cup champion, near Orlando, Florida. Questions We Answer About Aging with Power: [00:06:24] How did your personal menopause experience shape your clinical and personal mission? [00:10:12] Most women listening are hard-driving, get-it-done, but wonder, WTH happened here. Was it like that for you? [00:16:34] What do you see for the future of medicine and fitness co-existing with diseases not only osteoporosis and sarcopenia but cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc.? [00:22:53] Why are there doctors telling women they can't gain bone density after 30. What are the science-backed exercise strategies for aging with power, compared to online misinformation and was recommended in the 90s? [00:24:36] How much of your work is dedicated to educating physicians about updated science? [00:26:25] What are your thoughts on HRT for muscle and bone density? [00:32:47] How can we help under-muscled, under-nourished women ditch diet culture, reclaim their strength, and find joy in movement again for aging with power? [00:35:59] What advice do you have for women when they feel like they're “doing everything right” but their bodies aren't responding—and how can they start to feel in control again? [00:36:26] Instead of losing 3-8% of muscle a decade after 30, how can women flip the script? Vision for Longevity – Medicine And Fitness Co-Existing Prevention to become the primary model of healthcare, with disease care as the fallback. Insurance-based care to cover preventing illness. Make fitness and nutrition prescriptions a standard practice. Reversing Pre-Diabetes 96M Americans have pre-diabetes—most are told “watch what you eat” Building muscle, walking daily, and avoiding poor food choices can reverse it quickly. Diabetes increases Alzheimer's risk; lack of estrogen makes it worse. Aging with Power Through Menopause – From Exhausted to Empowered Progress does not happen overnight. You can build muscle at every age. Reclaim Your Strength Start with walking, if you're starting from zero. Use body weight. Lift heavy or HIIT. Recovery through sleep and nutrition. Connect with Dr. Vonda: Website - Dr. Vonda Wright Instagram - @drvondawright Facebook - Dr. Vonda Wright Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Acute vs Chronic Stress Effects on Cortisol in Menopause and Beyond Next Episode - Muscle Mass and Strength Gains After Menopause How Much How Fast? More Like This - Smart Movement for Aging Better with Lara Heimann Resources: Join the Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge to learn why timing matters and why what works for others is not working for you. Don't know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra. Leave this session with insight into exactly what to do right now to make small changes, smart decisions about your exercise time and energy.
Join Anita Rani as she broadcasts live from Blaydon Rugby Club in Gateshead ahead of the first game of the Women's Rugby World Cup. Tonight England kick off the tournament on home soil by facing the USA in Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. To preview tonight's game and the tournament to come, we are joined by former England player and World Cup winner Kat Merchant.We also hear from the Managing Director at World Rugby, Sarah Massey on how she hopes to ensure this World Cup is a success.Blaydon Rugby Club have a thriving women's side and they invited Anita to join them in a training session. KP, Hayley and Rosie, who play for the club, join Anita live to discuss not only being team mates but being family too!The England player Abbie Ward talks about her dream of finally lifting the World Cup trophy after being beaten in two finals. Abbie was the first player to benefit from the Rugby Football Union's landmark maternity policy for players. And tonight she will walk out at The Stadium of Light as she begins her dream of becoming world champion. She speaks to Anita about her hopes ahead of the World Cup.All four home nations have qualified for the Women's Rugby World Cup. Given England are hosting, it means fans from across Scotland, Wales, Ireland - who play with Northern Ireland - and of course England are within touching distance of one of the stadium's hosting. Four fans share their good luck messages for their teams.And with some saying rugby is the most accessible sport, why is it such a powerful tool for encouraging a positive body image? Joining Anita to discuss is Kat Merchant, now a personal trainer who celebrates her strength, and players of Blaydon Rugby Club.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce Editor: Karen Dalziel
Is the devil in the detail? Yesterday NZR proudly released the news that they have finally got their long-negotiated broadcast deal with Sky TV across the line. On the face of it, the deal looks good for all concerned. The All Blacks, Super Rugby, and the Black Ferns are all tied up for five years, driving subscription numbers for the pay TV behemoth. Those products are what Sky, and realistically the subscribers, really desire. The free-to-air deal provides those unwilling or unable to pay for satellite TV a taste of domestic rugby through the exploits of the teams in the NPC, with some Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship games thrown in. The vehicle for this is TVNZ, which in lieu of Sky TV's recent purchase of the Three network, appears out of alignment with the pay TV monster's trajectory. The Three deal not only arrived too late for consideration (I presume), and in eyeball terms, TVNZ has a greater reach, with a larger and less complex method for New Zealanders who aren't tech savvy or have no interest in multiple platforms. The ointment fly is the additional All Black matches that fall outside of the World Rugby test requirements. As yet unscheduled but more than likely to occur, these ‘extra' matches involve the revenue generating fixtures such as the American-based games. This is where more ‘fat' for NZR lives. These matches will likely be sold off to the highest bidder, think DAZN or Netflix, so if we want to watch, we'll be paying. Again. I will. I have to. I want to. But is this the thin end of the future pay wedge for AB fans? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our guest on The Game Changers today is Sally Horrox, Chief of Women's Rugby at World Rugby. Sally has an incredible track record in transforming women's sports. A former non-executive director of England Netball, advisor the FA, UEFA and other international football federations, Sally played a leading role in the creation of the Netball Super League AND the FA Women's Super League.An expert in the professional and commercial development of women's sport, Sally has worked internationally on major projects in women's football, tennis and netball, understanding first-hand how to create and develop professional leagues, major events and commercial partnerships.At World Rugby Sally leads the Women in Rugby team, collaborating with colleagues across the sport to accelerate women in rugby on, and off the field.In this fascinating hour we explore what it takes to truly accelerate progress for women's rugby – and women's sport – worldwide, from creating professional pathways to building commercial success and driving global participation.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production
After the Springboks shock loss to the Wallabies the All Blacks shot back up to the number 1 ranked international rugby side in the world, a title they haven't held since November 2021. But what does this even mean? Should we even care? D'Arcy Waldegrave caught up with NZ Herald rugby analyst Gregor Paul to ask these questions and what implications the rankings have on the Rugby World Cup seeding process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The All Blacks are on top of the world after the team came out on top in Argentina yesterday despite facing a resurgent Pumas side in the second half. The All Blacks are now number one in the World Rugby Rankings, but that's due to another result from Johannesburg over the weekend. Sport reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.
Marcus talks heat pump servicing and bad thumb injuries (so maybe not an episode for you if you're a tad squeamish). Also Lois phones to get into why the All Blacks don't deserve to be top of the World Rugby rankings. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Understanding menopause is key to thriving through it! Dr. Vonda Wright shares insights on musculoskeletal health, strength training, and maintaining vitality. She explores the critical 'mental-essence' period, the importance of strength training, vital nutritional changes, and how these components come together to help women lead vibrant, empowered lives into their 80s and beyond. Discover the essential strategies to prevent osteoporosis, maintain muscle mass, and achieve overall health and wellness through every stage of life. To view full show notes, more information on our guests, resources mentioned in the episode, discount codes, transcripts, and more, visit https://drmindypelz.com/ep300 Dr. Vonda Wright is a double-board certified orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognized authority on human performance, longevity, and women's health. The founding director of the Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA), she has served as a physician for athletes at the University of Pittsburgh, Georgia State, the Pittsburgh and Atlanta Ballet, World Rugby, and the PGA. A highly sought after media expert, she has been featured on the Diary of a CEO, Jay Shetty, and Mel Robbins podcasts as well as the Today show, the Dr. Oz show, and in top publications including The New York Times, USA Today, and the Observer. She has authored five books, including Fitness After 40 and Guide to THRIVE. She lives with her husband, a retired two-time Stanley Cup champion, near Orlando, Florida. Check out our fasting membership at https://esetacademy.drmindypelz.com. Please note our medical disclaimer.
Welcome to The Game Changers – the podcast that celebrates extraordinary women in sport. In Series 20, we're shining a light on the courageous, pioneering and fiercely passionate women who are re-defining the future of sport.You'll hear from Diane Edwards, the Commonwealth 800m champion who overcame a devastating injustice and fought a landmark legal battle to clear her name before becoming a powerful advocate for inclusion and opportunity in sport.Pioneering skateboarder, Lucy Adams, shares how she carved her path in a male-dominated sport – breaking boundaries, staying true to herself and inspiring young people, from all backgrounds, to step onto a board.Respected both as a former player and now as a top-flight coach, Carla Ward reveals what it really takes to lead in the high-pressure world of women's football, while ultrarunner and campaigner Sophie Power opens up about motherhood and rewriting the rules for women in endurance sport.We talk to Scottish rugby star Rhona Lloyd about body image and using her platform to challenge attitudes in society, and England netball icon Eboni Usoro-Brown about the challenges of motherhood in elite sport and her evolving mission to drive change on and off the court.We hear from Sally Horrox, now shaping the global women's game at World Rugby, as she shares insights from a groundbreaking career that's spanned the commercial rise of netball and women's football – including the creation of two Super Leagues.And Sammi Kinghorn, Paralympic gold medallist and world-record holder on her extraordinary story of grit, growth and overcoming the unimaginable. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the headlines and explore what it means to drive real change in sport.New episodes in this series will be released throughout August on Mondays and Wednesdays each week, so please follow or subscribe now and you'll be the first to hear from these extraordinary trailblazers.The Game Changers is free to listen to on all podcast platforms or from our website @fearless.women.co.uk. The website is also where you'll find details of the Women's Sport Collective, our free, inclusive community for all women working in sport.Thank you to Sport England, who support The Game Changers podcast (and the Women's Sport Collective) through with a National Lottery Award.The Game Changers – Series 20. Inspiring conversations with fearless women in sport.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production
Ireland's first-ever Women's Rugby World Cup in 1994 where the tournament wasn't sanctioned by World Rugby, and Ireland and the other countries defied the higher powers to host and play this tournament, it's a good story. Cameron Hill from OTB joined Pat Kenny to discuss.
Welcome to The Bundle, our regular series on the sports media and streaming marketplace with co-hosts Yannick Ramcke, General Manager of OTT at the streaming service OneFootball and Murray Barnett, founder of 26West Consulting and formerly of F1, World Rugby and ESPN International.This episode of the Unofficial Partner podcast is brought to you by Sid Lee Sport.Sid Lee Sport is a new breed of agency that combines world class creativity with deep sponsorship expertise, flawless operational delivery, and a culture of marketing effectiveness. They have a creative philosophy of producing famous campaigns and activations that build buzz and conversation in a category that too often looks and sounds the same. And they're pioneering a new standard of effectiveness in sports marketing, using econometrics and attribution models to go beyond traditional media ROI.So if you're looking for an agency to take your brand to the top, get in touch with the team at Sid Lee Sport, where brands become champions.Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 400 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series, you can reach us via the website.
Wallabies players, coaches, fans and administrators are still be struggling to come to grips with the controversial on-field refereeing decision that sealed a Lions series win. British and Irish fans are less bothered. What does World Rugby think? Chair and ex-Wallaby Brett Robinson joins us to discuss the drama surrounding this series and cast ahead to the 2027 World Cup. Featured: Brett Robinson, Chair World Rugby.Subscribe to the ABC Sport Newsletter
An understanding is emerging about rugby's proposed R360 competition moves to attract leading oval ball players. Warrior Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has admitted the approach he's had from organisers could be an option when his contract expires at the end of next year. But what is R360? And how will it reshape World Rugby? Tuivasa-Sheck's agent, Bruce Sharrock, joined Piney to discuss what impact the tournament could have going forward. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The second of two special Welsh Rugby Union Podcasts focussing on Wales U20s as they head out to Italy for the World Rugby U20 Championship – with Louie Trevett, Aidan Boshoff, Kenzie Jenkins, Jack Woods, Caio James and coach Richard Whiffin.
The first of two special Welsh Rugby Union Podcasts focussing on Wales U20s as they head out to Italy for the World Rugby U20 Championship – with Harri Wilde, Evan Minto, Nick Thomas, Saul Hurley and Dan Gemine.
In the wake of the 2025 Comrades Marathon, Amy MacIver is joined by renowned sports scientist and performance coach Dr Ross Tucker to explore the profound effects that running has on the human body and mind. From cardiovascular health to mental clarity, muscle composition to burnout, Dr Tucker unpacks what the science says about putting one foot in front of the other — whether you’re an elite athlete or weekend jogger. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to The Bundle, our regular series on the sports media and streaming marketplace with co-hosts Yannick Ramcke, General Manager of OTT at the streaming service OneFootball and Murray Barnett, founder of 26West Consulting and formerly of F1, World Rugby and ESPN International.What are the stories the sports media industry is talking about and what do they mean?Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 400 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series, you can reach us via the website.
New Zealand Rugby have secured a new sponsor. They've partnered with American company Gallagher Insurance, who's logo will appear on both the training and match day shorts of all our national teams. It comes two months after Ineos terminated their $21 million a year contract with the union. NZR CEO Mark Robinson told Mike Hosking Gallagher's got a deep connection with the sport, having been involved with World Rugby and the English Premiership, as well as already being involved in NZ rugby at the provincial level. He says they're connected to the values and ethos of the game, and they obviously feel that there's a strong opportunity for branding, as well as business opportunities. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello ! And welcome to a brand new Off The Ball podcast - Word On The Street!Every week, Susanna, Eve & Rachel take a major sporting event or topic and head to the streets to find out what you, the public, think.As David Nucifora breaks his silence on the IRFU cutting the men's 7s programme... Susanna, Eve, and Rachel felt they could stay quiet no longer!! (Same effect really). From the lack of transparency and World Rugby's share of the blame, to the Women's team being the next victim, we work through how the public feel about the IRFU's decision.Have a topic in mind? Send us a DM on @OffTheBall on all our social platforms.
Hello ! And welcome to a brand new Off The Ball podcast - Word On The Street!Every week, Susanna, Eve & Rachel take a major sporting event or topic and head to the streets to find out what you, the public, think.As David Nucifora breaks his silence on the IRFU cutting the men's 7s programme... Susanna, Eve, and Rachel felt they could stay quiet no longer!! (Same effect really). From the lack of transparency and World Rugby's share of the blame, to the Women's team being the next victim, we work through how the public feel about the IRFU's decision.Have a topic in mind? Send us a DM on @OffTheBall on all our social platforms.
On this weeks episode we are joined by Samantha Lovett (@samloverugby) who is a a freelance digital content creator specializing in enhancing the global appeal of rugby through engaging and innovative content. She has worked with World Rugby, Guinness Six Nations, LA Sevens, etc and she is taking her talents to the Women's Rugby World Cup. We pick her brain about content creation with rugby, everything thats going on in the 7's world and hope to make the game more appealing to the traditional US sports fan.
The inside gossip from the sports media and streaming business, with co-hosts Yannick Ramcke, the general manager of OTT streaming service OneFootball.And Murray Barnett, founder of 26 West Consulting, formerly of Formula One, World Rugby and ESPN Disney. This episode is sponsored by Sid Lee Sport. Sid Lee Sport is a new breed of agency that combines world class creativity with deep sponsorship expertise, flawless operational delivery.And a culture of marketing effectiveness. We've got to know the team over the last few months. They're an impressive bunch who believe that sports marketing can and should be done better. They've got a creative philosophy of producing famous campaigns and activations that build buzz and conversation in a category that too often looks and sounds the same. And they're pioneering a new standard of effectiveness in sports marketing using econometrics and attribution models to go beyond traditional media, ROI. So if you're looking for an agency to take your brand to the top, get in touch with the team at Sid Lee Sport where brands become champions. Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 400 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series, you can reach us via the website.
With the Lions named, and Henry Pollock in the squad, we look at who are the biggest rising stars in World Rugby. Plus, we also ask "how many Wallabies could make a Lions 23?' Ross, Jip and Bryn breakdown the Chiefs' epic second half against the Crusaders and whether Quin Tupaea should be back in the All Blacks. We look forward to the Moana Pasifika/ Blues games, as well as Black Ferns and under 20s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Monday's Rugby Daily with David Wilson.Coming up today, we hear from the Leinster camp as Caelan Doris is ruled out for 6 months.Hugo Keenan explains where he watched the Lions announcement after making the touring squad.Tyler Bleyendaal wants his side to build momentum in the business end of the season.Denis Leamy looks for Munster consistency as they aim to back up last week's win at home to Ulster.Joe Schmidt has his eye on the Lions lurking in the long grass.World Rugby increase their ties to North America with a further pivot to the Middle East.Ian McGeechan receives a cancer diagnosis.Whilst Leicester Tigers have their new man. And finally on the day when Jonah Lomu would have turned 50, we remember some his greatest trys.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting
If you are at all interested in understanding what's going wrong at rugby headquarters in Wellington, can I recommend that you read Gregor Paul's piece in the Herald today? It's an excellent summation. The question that we had yesterday when we were looking at the financials was how on Earth is it that New Zealand Rugby pulls in more money than it ever has in a financial year and still manages to not make a profit? How do you do that? The answer is it seems going by Gregor's piece, it's just wasteful spending and spending in the wrong places. For example, New Zealand rugby spent more than seven and a half million dollars last year on paying board members and executives. That is more than the seven million it spent on Heartland rugby teams last year and it is more than five and a half million it spent on its five Super Rugby clubs. No organisation should spend more on the people running the thing then on the thing itself, that's nuts. New Zealand Rugby flew two board members, Dame Patsy Reddy and Bailey Mackey, to the UK last year when they were leaving the organisation the following month. What's the point of that? If you know that people are leaving, stop flying them places. They're now redundant, aren't they? When the All Blacks played in Tokyo, they took players and coaches and management. Fair enough. But then they also took administrative staff and executive staff. That was 75 people for a rugby game. Honestly, that's way too much. Do you know how much they were paying at the hotel they were staying at? $900 a night. That is an organisation spending like it's in the gold mining game, not like it's an organisation making more annual losses than profits in recent memory. Gregor Paul suggests some people are going to lose their jobs and I think that's probably fair. To be fair to NZR, we all understand what's going on here and not all of it is their fault. The biggest problem they've got is that rugby is boring. That's because the rules suck and NZR has only got so much control over the rules. It's really a World Rugby problem. But for NZR, it has been obvious for ages that the problems that they face with participation and viewership, attendance, and money are not going to get solved anytime soon. Now, if you know things are tough and they're not improving, do you not put the credit card away? Do you not cut the spending? You and I might, but not NZR, apparently, and that's their fault.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cameron Hill joins Nathan Murphy in studio for Thursday's Newsround as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are both set for Europa League action. Meanwhile, Andrea Piardi has been rewarded with the second test of the Lions series in Australia, and World Rugby has made sweeping changes to the Sevens series for next year! The Newsround with UPMC Ireland.
Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall Aotearoa Rugby Pod look into Jordie Barrett's man of the match form in Ireland, why he's playing so well and how he can bring Irish knowledge back home. Aotearoa Rugby Pod looks into whether another player in World Rugby has the all-around skills that Jordie Barrett doesThe GOAT Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on whether she's keen on a test return, the Super Rugby Aupiki title and the Trans-Tasman crossover.We break down who could make the Super Rugby top 6 and how to beat rush D. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Spotlight episode, Ross and Gareth tackle a provocative question: should sports embrace fatigue to make the show better? We kick off with rugby union, where fresh legs off the bench and player welfare are fuelling debates about injury risks. But things quickly get philosophical. Some sports are basically designed to test how much fatigue you can take. Others are compromised when fatigue creeps in — skills drop, mistakes rise — yet fatigue also cranks up the drama and emotion. So, which sports thrive when athletes are running on empty, and which ones fall apart? And what would happen if you dialed up fatigue across the board — would it wreck the sport or make it even better?We also take a quick spin through the opening Grand Slam Track meeting in Jamaica, and peek ahead to the LA Olympics, where a bunch of new sports and events just got announced. Plus, concussion protocols and management are in the spotlight: a study from Scotland provides the first results on the lowering of tackle height in the community game; cyclist Elisa Longo-Borghini was pulled mid-race at Flanders; and Aussie cricketer Will Pucovski retired after his 13th concussion. Finally, we throw out a few predictions for Paris-Roubaix this Sunday. Got thoughts on these topics? Come chat with us on Discourse — link's in the show notes!Show notesTo get stuck into these and other conversations in sports science, become a Patron of the podcast here, and then jump into the Discourse forum hereLinksThe Guardian article on the new events for the LA OlympicsWorld Rugby announces no evidence that the forwards-backs bench split needs to be changedIn 2023, I did a video presentation on the substitutes/fatigue injury risk issue, and you can watch that hereHere is Discourse member Hamish Gornall's paper on the tackle height findings from ScotlandReport on Longo-Borghini's Flanders crash and subsequent removal with concussionWill Pucovski's retirement due to repeat and worsening concussions Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from Munster who are preparing for another raid on France. Thaakir Abrahams and Denis Leamy speak ahead of that Bordeaux clash. The potential semi-final venues for the Investec Champions Cup have been revealed. We hear from Cullie Tucker on Connacht's Challenge Cup quarter-final with Racing 92. And the 7-1 bench split has received some high-level backing.
On the “Saturday Mornings Show” Sit-Down Conversation - host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys talk with Phil Wilkinson, Head of PR and Communications at World Rugby about the HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 underway at Singapore's National Stadium on 5 and 6 April 2025. They discussed the world-class rugby sevens and the festival of sport, music, and entertainment. Enjoy a weekend of non-stop action from the top 12 men’s and women’s teams, including Olympic gold medallists France Men and New Zealand Women. Off the pitch, it’s all about the feel-good festival atmosphere, with live entertainment to keep the party going all weekend long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you details of Andy Farrell's Lions coaching staff, and what it means for Ireland's tests with Georgia and Portugal. We hear from two of Farrell's deputies - John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman.Gabrielle Vernier has learned of her punishment following the 20-minute red card she received in Belfast. Niamh O'Dowd explains the 'Green Wave'. Abdelatif Benazzi has landed a decent consolation job after missing out on the chairmanship of World Rugby. And Mohamed Haouas has learned how he'll pay for his latest transgression.
On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you details of Andy Farrell's Lions coaching staff, and what it means for Ireland's tests with Georgia and Portugal. We hear from two of Farrell's deputies - John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman.Gabrielle Vernier has learned of her punishment following the 20-minute red card she received in Belfast. Niamh O'Dowd explains the 'Green Wave'. Abdelatif Benazzi has landed a decent consolation job after missing out on the chairmanship of World Rugby. And Mohamed Haouas has learned how he'll pay for his latest transgression.
Welcome to The Bundle, our regular series on the sports media and streaming marketplace with co-hosts Yannick Ramcke, General Manager of OTT at the streaming service OneFootball and Murray Barnett, founder of 26West Consulting and formerly of F1, World Rugby and ESPN International.QuizWhat is UC3, and what significance does Relevent Sports taking over global commercial rights from Team Marketing hold for this entity?According to the discussion, what were some potential reasons behind UEFA and the European Club Association's decision to move away from their long-standing partnership with Team Marketing?What were the key components of the new long-term deal between Comcast/NBCUniversal and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and why was the timing of the announcement considered interesting?Beyond just viewership numbers, what other strategic benefits do live sports like the Olympics offer to broadcasters like NBCUniversal in the current media landscape?Describe the unique characteristics and appeal of events like the Sidemen Charity Match and the Baller League that differentiate them from traditional sports broadcasts.How might an influencer like Cristiano Ronaldo broadcasting Premier Padel matches on his YouTube channel impact the reach and perception of a sport like padel?What does NASCAR debuting select races exclusively on Amazon Prime Video suggest about the current state of sports media consumption and the perceived reach of streaming platforms?Why might a major streaming platform like Amazon consider distributing content, such as Bundesliga matches in Germany, through traditional linear television channels?Initially exclusive to Apple TV, the MLS Season Pass is now available through other providers. What potential reasons were discussed for this shift in distribution strategy?What potential fundamental challenges or flaws might exist within the MLS and Apple TV partnership, as suggested by the recent changes in distribution?Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 400 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series, you can reach us via the website.
Tom and Andy discuss Townsend's team to face France in the final round of the Six Nations
What does it take to lead some of the biggest sporting events in the world? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, to uncover the strategy, ambition and passion behind running global sports championships.With over 30 years of experience, Sarah has played pivotal roles in organising major sporting events, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games and World Championships, as well as working at the very top of global sports including athletics, rugby, tennis and hockey.Before taking this key role at World Rugby, Sarah was CEO of the World Athletics Championship Oregon22, having also worked at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).From her early days at Loughborough University to managing international sporting events, Sarah shares her journey through the world of sports leadership. She talks candidly about the challenges of organising major global events, the importance of building an inclusive and high-performing team, and the key to balancing multiple stakeholders in an ever-evolving sports landscape.Sarah also reflects on the impact of gender equality in sport.We explore how the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to break records in attendance and visibility as Sarah offers a behind-the-scenes look at what fans can expect from the tournament, how cities and communities are embracing the event, and what legacy she hopes it will leave for women's rugby worldwide.If you're passionate about sports management, leadership or the advancement of women's sports, this episode offers valuable perspectives from one of the industry's leading figures.Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production
On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of two players moving to IRFU central contracts in the summer. There's an update on the health of the squad ahead of Saturday's crunch with France. The FFR have made contact with World Rugby over the discrepancies in the bans of Garry Ringrose and Romain Ntamack. And could Ronan O'Gara be given a new voice in the La Rochelle coaches room?
On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of two players moving to IRFU central contracts in the summer. There's an update on the health of the squad ahead of Saturday's crunch with France. The FFR have made contact with World Rugby over the discrepancies in the bans of Garry Ringrose and Romain Ntamack. And could Ronan O'Gara be given a new voice in the La Rochelle coaches room?