Podcasts about world rugby player

This week on The Sports Agents...Gabby and Mark were live from Lords Cricket Ground this week for the launch of the 2026 Women's T20 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales. They spoke to World Rugby Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, about their own home World Cup this summer, the new trend for celebrations, and the cowboy craze (01:15). At Lords we also caught up with the new Head Coach of the England women's cricket team, Charlotte Edwards. Her task is to take the team from an Ashes whitewash to a home World Cup victory - so how's she going to pull that off? (20:30)After Liverpool won the Premier League (sorry Mark!) we marvelled at the smooth handover from talisman Juergen Klopp to Premier League newbie Arne Slot with Football Correspondent for the Sunday Times, Jonathan Northcroft, and John Gibbons from the Anfield Wrap (09:30). Tennis players are suing the governing bodies over prize money, "invasive" phone searches and more. So we caught up with the man behind the lawsuit, Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the Professional Tennis Players Association (15:30). Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

The second class of inductees to the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame include a former All Black captain and the first woman of Pacific heritage to win the World Rugby Player of the Year Award. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Elma's headed South West to meet the busiest woman in the PWR: nail technician to the stars, Exeter Chiefs Captain & Exeter Uni Head Coach, Poppy Leitch & her team mate, Canada's Alex Tessier AKA Tess. They discuss Tess' World Rugby Player of the Year nomination & the nails that went with her outfit in Monaco (of course), as well as the legacy of Jo Yapp in those parts & the programme's transformation over the last few years under Poppy's leadership. The trio are then joined by two Exeter Uni's players, who are also mentees on GSR & Vodafone's EmpowHER programme, Eva Stirrett & Lilly Plowman, to hear all about how much they believe Poppy is the Messiah. (Their words, not ours.) GSR & Vodafone's EmpowHER programme is bridging the gap between Women's BUCS Super Rugby & the top leagues in England, Scotland & Wales. The unis get:

NEW YORK, NY -Energized by the Autumn Test Series, our eclectic panel attacks the rugby week - and each other - with a fan's fervor and passion. In the process, a naughty JBL has his mic muted three times - a record for The Rugby Odds... Featuring #WWE Hall of Famer/Rugby-Advocate John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend George Hook, world class coach Mike Friday, King Gift Egbelu, Steve "Elevate Rugby" Lewis & host Matt "Money" McCarthy, TRO Season 5/Episode 10 is soup-to-nuts in just 24 minutes. INCLUDED: RECORD: 37-19 English Hate Eddie Jones Tom Curry Concussion Debate Dupont's 7s Farce Is Italy Good? URC/Premiership Players of the Week Scotland Ends Aussie Renaissance Margaret Thatcher destroyed Welsh Rugby Layfield Bashes Irish (AGAIN) URC, Premiership, Top14 Picks Fat Boys Up Front Picks of the Week And be sure to check out the latest MLR Weekly with 2-time World Rugby Player of the Year, Perry Baker! Watch... Listen/Download the Podcast version... Please share and join our weekly newsletter: http://rugbywrapup.com/weekly-updates/ Find All Here: -Web: http://www.RugbyWrapUp.com -X/Twitter: @RugbyWrapUp, @TheRugbyOdds, @MLRWeekly @Matt_McCarthy00 @JCLayfield @GHook @MkeFriday09 @GiftEgbelu @LizardRugby @JonnyLewisFilms @MeetTheMatts -Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyWrapUp -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RugbyWrapUp -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RugbyWrapUp -Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/RugbyWrapUp -TikTok: @RugbyWrapUp -SoundCloud: @RugbyWrapUp -Spotify: @RugbyWrapUp -Apple Podcasts: @RugbyWrapUp -BlueSky: @RugbyWrapUp

NEW YORK, NY - With another attention-grabbing weekend of International Tests both behind us and before us, The Rugby Odds crew is particularly fired-up. Is rugby's Armageddon on the horizon? Are the World Rugby election results more of a worry that the IPL rugby rumors? What matches and players stood out? Who will win this week? Our worldly panel of WWE Hall of Famer/rugby-advocate John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend George Hook, 3-time Olympics coach Mike Friday, King Gift Egbelu, Steve "Elevate Rugby" Lewis & host Matt "Money" McCarthy answer those questions along with what's below in a rollicking ride of just 24 minutes: INCLUDED: RECORD: 12-12 (poop) World Rugby Elections' Doom IPL Rugby News/Merit France vs NZ Epic Boks Best Brave Brits URC Player of the Week Premiership Player of the Week Aussies Wallop Wales Hook Lauds Schmidt Picks of the Week And be sure to check out the latest MLR Weekly with 2-time World Rugby Player of the Year, Perry Baker! Watch... Listen/Download the Podcast version... Please share and join our weekly newsletter: http://rugbywrapup.com/weekly-updates/ Find All Here: -Web: http://www.RugbyWrapUp.com -Twitter: https://twitter.com/RugbyWrapUp @RugbyWrapUp, @Matt_McCarthy00, @JonnyLewisFilms, @LizardRugby, @LanningZach, @ColbyMarshall2, @Junoir Blaber, @JWB_RWU, @MeetTheMatts, @Declan Yeats. -Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyWrapUp -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RugbyWrapUp -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RugbyWrapUp -Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/RugbyWrapUp #USARugby #MajorLeagueRugby #RugbyWrapUp #OldGlory #RugbyATL #MLR2020 #SixNations #WorldRugby #SuperRugby #Top14 #PremiershipRugby #Pro14 #URC #UnitedRugbyChampionship #RugbyOdds #RugbyBetting

Kooks and Thala come again for Part 2 of their Autumn Nations Series preview and they focus more on the players in this round. Kooks and Thala discuss whether Pieter-Steph du Toit has the World Rugby Player of the Year award in the bag, which Springboks and Ireland players could contest and what the size of meltdown would be if Antoine Dupont wins it without playing a test this year. We then discuss which best players in a position in a world title fights are happening in November - we look forward to Sione Tuipulotu measuring himself up against Damian de Allende and the triple threat match between Ardie Savea, Caelan Doris and Gregory Alldritt. We finally look at some of the news from the rugby world, including Munster firing Graham Rowntree, Joe Marler sparking yet another Haka debate and the additions to the Springboks squad.

The Boks sign off on a wildly successful Rugby Championship campaign in emphatic style in Mbombela, while the All Blacks heap further misery on an admittedly Schmidt Wallaby team. Then, in the URC, the Lions and Bulls enjoy the comforts of home while the Sharks and Stormers succumb to the frigid northern climes. Has Ox done enough to be the first prop to win World Rugby Player of the Year? Will all four nominees be Springboks? Will the Stormers ever win overseas? Find out in this week's episode. Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

When it comes to All Black legacies, Sam Whitelock has left one like few others.  A two-time World Cup winner, World Rugby Player of the Year, All Blacks Captain, as well as the record holder for the most ever caps by an All Black: 153.  This year he called it quits on his two year contract early, playing his final match for the French Club Pau against Fiji in June.  Whitelock managed to find time during his final season to write his autobiography: “View from the Second Row”.  Whitelock told Mike Hosking that he wasn't too keen on writing the book initially, but Wayne Smith won him over.  “He said to me, “What are you gonna give to your grandkids when, you know, your story fades a little bit, but you can give them this hardcopy and say, hey, this is what Grandad did.””  Rugby runs in his family, and the book reflects that.  “It's not only my story, it's the family story.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moana Pasifika has announced the major signing of All Blacks Vice-Captain and 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year, Ardie Savea.

Shaun and Thala review week 2 of the Six Nations. We start at the controversial no try call at the end of Scotland v France and debate whether the officials got it right. We also discuss why all the Scotland losses against the better teams all feel the same and whether France played a lot better than most give them credit. Moving onto England v Wales, we look at the positives for the young Wales team for as they fought to a narrow loss in Twickenham and we discuss what are the other ingredients England need to play the pressure game Steve Borthwick and Felix Jones are trying to implement. Then we move to the Aviva and rave about another impressive Jack Crowley performance, how Ireland's rotated players stepped up in this game and we remain patient with Italy. Our First Phase question asked us to predict the World Rugby Player of the Year winners for the next 4 years and we discussed whether Antoine Dupont can still win it in 2024 even if he just plays Sevens.

All Blacks playmaker and two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett joins Martin Devlin on It's Only Sport, as he continues to ply his trade with Toyota Verblitz in Japan during the Japanese Rugby League One season. Barrett's set to return to New Zealand at the end of the campaign and will be eligible for All Blacks selection. He and Devlin talk all about the former's recent knee injury that's set to sideline him for 4-5 weeks, the standard of competition in Japan, Barrett's All Blacks aspirations for 2024 and where he wants to play, his current communication with All Blacks coaches and players, and more.

After a whirlwind year, Ardie Savea is loving a change of scene in the Japanese mountains. "It's refreshing. I feel like a kid going to school for the first time," the World Rugby Player of the Year tells Kathryn Ryan.

It's been one hell of a tournament… England beat New Zealand, Sarah Hunter cried, Mo Hunt had a stormer & Marlie Packer was crowned Queen of the Universe (more commonly known as World Rugby Player of the Year). Elma, Scaz & Nick Heath reflect on the inaugural tournament & look ahead to what's next… until they're rudely interrupted by a CELEBRATING NATASHA HUNT, a South African guard dog and some bagpipes?

Shane Williams is a household name in sport worldwide, the former Welsh International rugby player is regarded as one of the greatest wingers and players of all time. With 87 caps for his country and multiple British and Irish Lions tour appearances, it is no wonder he is a World Rugby Hall of Fame Inductee and a winner of the World Rugby Player of the Year award. Embedded in sport for most of his life, when he retired from professional rugby in 2015 his love and passion for sport continued but took him in a very different direction. Taking part in his first marathon in 2015, it wasn't long before the Welshman became captivated with endurance sport, in particular, triathlon and more specifically with IRONMAN. Somewhat cajoled into taking on his first ever IRONMAN, he didn't have far to travel to take on his first full-distance race at IRONMAN Wales in Tenby, which he has gone on to complete five times, first hearing the words Shane Williams You are an IRONMAN, in 2015. It may come as a surprise to hear that on an IRONMAN Wales race morning, he is more nervous than lining up to play for Wales in the Principality Stadium. But, the goosebumps and passion he feels as he hears the Welsh National Anthem resound on North Beach in Tenby is one that fills him full of the same pride, excitement, and emotion he had as a professional rugby player and, when the gun goes he is more than ready, willing and able to race. A high achiever in sport and competitive by nature, he is as passionate today about triathlon as he was for rugby during his playing days.  Always looking to get the best out of himself and his performance in sport, life, and in business, triathlon has opened up a whole new world for Shane Williams, and in his own words says 'I'm hooked, it makes me feel so good'.

Join us for an exciting episode of the Champagne Rugby podcast, as we sit down with the legendary rugby player Ugo Monye to hear about his incredible rise to success in the sport. You'll hear fascinating stories about Ugo's school days with none other than Jonny Wilkinson, and how he became training buddies with World Rugby Player of the Year Keith Wood. He shares his experiences playing for Harlequins and the English national team, and the immense honour of being picked for the prestigious British and Irish Lions. But the highlight of the podcast has to be Ugo's unforgettable moment of scoring THAT try, which will go down in rugby history. Don't miss this incredible episode as Ugo takes us on a journey through his inspiring rugby career, and shares his insights on what it takes to achieve success in the sport.

World Cup winner, World Rugby Player of the Year and a nominee in next week's Halberg Awards. Ruahei Demant has one of the best CVs in sport, not bad for a kid who grew up in the small East Coast settlement of Ōmāio.  2022 was a year for the books for the 27-year-old.  She's overcome not one, not two but three knee reconstructions to get to where she is.   And there's no rest for the wicked; Ruahei is preparing for the start of Super Rugby Aupiki in a couple of weeks.   She's took some time out from training to join Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's another day for sports news, and today was a big one! Highlights for this evening include:  Colin Mansbridge - Crusaders CEO  Ruahei Demant - Black Ferns Captain and World Rugby Player of the Year - On the start of Super Rugby Aupiki. Ben Maller - Fox Sports Commentator out of LA - On LeBron James recording making day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Ferns Captain and World Rugby Player of the Year Ruahei Demant joined the programme, to preview the start of the Super Rugby Aupiki season.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QUICK LISTEN | "The fact that he is a tight forward that has won World Rugby Player of the Year." Ross Karl labels Brodie Retallick's as the best ever in the black jersey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The crew chat about the recent World Rugby Player of the Year nominations and answer the following questions: What would you change about 7s and why? What's the best thing you've learnt or piece of advice you've ever been given? What other World Series team would you play for? What World Series team would you chose to have a night out with? Would you rather have a mullet and no facial hair or be bald and have amazing facial hair?

Sam Bruce and Christy Doran break down the Wallabies' embarrassing loss to Italy, debating who is more to blame between Dave Rennie and the players, before they discuss the coach's immediate future; they also take aim at Rassie Erasmus' ridiculous social media posts and ask how Ardie Savea can be overlooked as a nominee for World Rugby Player of the Year.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of a massive upheaval at Connacht. There are two confirmed absentees from the Ireland squad to play the Wallabies. Ciaran Frawley's set for a longer-than-expected spell on the sidelines. Two Ireland players are up for World Rugby Player of the Year. And citings citings citings....

Kendra Cocksedge is the most capped Black Fern of all time and their record point scorer who recently announced her retirement from rugby after a stellar career. In 2019 she became the first female player to win the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Trophy for New Zealand rugby player of the year. She was also recognised by World Rugby as the International Women's Player of the Year in 2015 and was named as part of the World Rugby Team of the Decade for the 2010s. Growing up playing with boys in Taranaki from the age of four, Kendra turned away from a promising cricket career when she was called up by the Black Ferns in 2007 and learned valuable lessons from nine years sitting on the bench. Eventually she rose to the very top of the game leading the haka in Christchurch in front of her proud parents and enjoying a fairtyale end to her domestic rugby career. But Kendra is not done yet, with one more World Cup assignment ahead of her. This episode was in paid partnership with Rexona, with Kendra charting her experiences in overcoming barriers along her journey in association with Rexona's NotDoneYet campaign. Show notes | Episode 97 | Kendra Cocksedge 2:27: NotDoneYet 8:59: A few tales from Kendra: school days, prank wars, axes and bike ramps 17:08: Leading the haka 23:11: Celine Dion 25:52: A fairytale finish to a Canterbury career 31:16: Back to barefoot rugby in Okato 41:34: The cricket career that could have been 45:58: Entering the Black Ferns environment at age 19 51:01: Mental health 54:17: Playing in Club footy 55:44: Nine years as a back up Black Fern 58:20: Taking a break from rugby 59:36: The changing perceptions of women's rugby 1:07:07: Winning the World Rugby Player of the Year in 2015… 1:10:34 …and then backing it up with the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Trophy in 2018 1:19:47: The effect of Covid-19 on Kendra 1:21:35: If you can see it you can be it 1:24:18: The physical toll of 30 years in rugby 1:27:48: Nicknames 1:31:22: Last words from Steven, Seamus and KendraSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Ron fill us in on the first 120km of their cycle from Cape Town. They also chat to Pieter du Toit, owner of Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate, from his home in Riebeeck Kasteel. Mr du Toit talks about how he came about farming from a young age and the origin of their family brand, Eight Feet. He touches on the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Tokyo; how South African's can learn from the Japanese nation and life growing up with 4 rugby-loving sons, one of them being 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Doit. Location : Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Farm, Riebeeck Kasteel Web page: www.racetorugbyworldcup.com Video : Dean Dustan https://instagram.com/deandustan?utm_medium=copy_link Mix : Bart Larter https://audiobits.co.za/

Former World No 1 tennis player Amelie Mauresmo has become the first female director of the French Open at Roland Garros, only the second to be in charge of a Grand Slam tournament. Lara Gut-Behrami wins St Moritz Super G first run and suffers heavy fall on second run. Federica Brignoni beats compatriot Elena Curtoni and Mikaela Shiffrin to win the second GS and become the most successful Italian skier with 17 World Cup victories. Team USA Slider Elana Meyers Taylor extended her lead in women's monobob points by winning the World Cup race in Winterberg. Robbie Dunne suspended for 18 months in Bryony Frost bullying case. Truth Is Elusive in Attack on a French Soccer Star. Nassar victims reach $380M settlement with USA GymnasticsAustralia, Canada and Britain join US in diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Pitch invader decked by Sam Kerr can't be arrested because it was a women's match. U.S. Soccer, USWNT agree to stop paying NWSL salariesAlex Morgan to San Diego Wave, Canadian Women's Soccer League promises expansion. England's Zoe Aldcroft named World Rugby Player of the Year. Serena Williams withdraws from Australian Open. Simone Biles Named Times Athlete of the Year. WTA Player Awards and Emma Raducanu tests positive to Covid-19.Hosts: Chris Stafford & Nancy GillenRecorded: December 14, 2021For more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women's sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World's First and Only Podcast Network for Women's Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% of more than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.

The WesWes Networks Stace is joined by Roger and Joey to discuss the latest in Rugby Union. In today's episode, they discuss the 4 finalists for the Bunnings NPC competition and stand-out players. They discuss the All Blacks loss to Ireland and give their opinions on All Blacks coach Ian Foster. They discuss the nominees for the World Rugby Player of the Year award and the eligibility rules coming under review again and Joey talks about the Rassie Erasmus debacle. All This and more on the COUNTER RUCK. Become a Patron and help the WesWes Network grow our content, hit the support button on our website: https://www.weswesnet.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thecounterruck/message

Eimear and Fergus are joined by Springbok star and 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit. He talks to the gang about nearly losing a leg, The Rainbow Cup and the upcoming Lions Tour to (hopefully) South Africa. We also discuss those big inter-pro games and the big refereeing decisions that had an impact.

Springbok legend, World Cup winner and former World Rugby Player of the Year Schalk Burger joins Eimear and Ian for the latest House of Rugby Ireland episode. The South African recalls his flying start to Test rugby, neck surgery that almost finished his career and his role in that legendary Lions Series in 2009. Eimear and Ian also open the show by discussing Ireland's win over Scotland.

WRP 54 - Guess who did it again......................another Stella line up for this week's pod. Emily Scarratt, back-2-back Grand Slam winner kicked the winning penalty for victory over France on Saturday. The World Rugby Player of the Year gives a blow-by-blow account of Saturday last minute win, including what was going through her mind. The World Cup pool news is also discussed with "Scaz," as well as the rivalry with France, plus her Midas touch. Rachel Taylor, last week, secured the Wales Womens skills coach role. the former Welsh captain speaks of her coaching journey & what lies ahead at next year's World Cup. The x-flanker also was depicts what she hopes to bring to the job & what's first on the priority list! The 2021 World Cup is only nine months away & with the pool draw last week, Tournament Director Alison Hughes gives her highlights of pool match ups. She also tells Johnnie & Rach the troubles facing the organisers with the global pandemic with qualifying matches still to aka place. And what we should expect from a World Cup held in the one of, if not the, most rugby-mad country on the planet. RATE SUBSCRIBE SHARE @podwomensrugby

Archie Hodgson returns on Yellow. to speak to former international rugby union star Mike Blair. Mike studied at Durham University before being capped 85 times for Scotland's international team, the most ever for a scrum-half. He was also the first ever Scotsman to be shortlisted for World Rugby Player of the Year- no mean feat. His self-deprecating, honest and detailed behind-the-scenes discussion with Archie is not one to miss!

Welcome to the I Love Ugly Audio Show my names Valentin Ozich, Creative Director and Founder of I Love Ugly. During lockdown, we had the opportunity to sit down with a friend of ours, New Zealand All Blacks star, Beauden Barrett. Barrett made his All Blacks Test debut in 2012 and since then has gone on to feature in two Rugby World Cups as well as winning back to back World Rugby Player of the year Awards in 2016 and 2017.  In this episode we dive into the mindset and attributes behind his success, why he decided to pursue rugby over university, the importance of goal setting, pre game routines and what his plans are for life after rugby. This episode is not only for athletes but anyone looking to tap into their full potential in any area of your life. We hope you enjoy it just as much as we did recording it. Enjoy the episode.

Ed, Macsen and Malachi discuss Sir Ian McGeechan's list of the top young players in world rugby. The guys also share their opinions on the World Rugby Player of the Year nominations. Disclaimer: Ed doesn't actually think Alun Wyn Jones is a bad player.

The only person in the world to win both World Rugby Player of the Year & World Sevens Player of the Year - Portia Woodman shares her journey of recovery and determination to get back on the field. She also gives us a cheeky insight into her love life and the journey of her mum accepting her sexuality.

The 2011 World Rugby Player of the Year Thierry Dusautoir previews Wales against France and kicking coach Neil Jenkins provides a fitness update from the Wales camp.

He’s the World Rugby Player of the Year, a multiple European Cup, Pro14 and Six Nations winner and Johnny Sexton joins me on this week’s Real Health podcast from the Laya City Spectacular that was recently held in Dublin’s Merrion Square. Johnny talks to me about his down-time and off-season, as well as the return to pre-season training in preparation for what will be the biggest of years with the Rugby World Cup looming. He’s open and honest about the difficulties of training at this time of the year and if pros like Johnny find it tough, maybe don’t be so hard on yourself when your own fitness and training don’t live up to expectations? “I hate the fitness but I love it when I get it done,” he tells me. “You get nervous, you get butterflies, you think, ‘why do I do this?’” Johnny also talks about his competitiveness and will to win, the importance of a work ethic and persistence, and why mindfulness is encouraged in the Irish rugby camp and is so important especially in his position. Following on from our Brian O’Driscoll interview a few weeks ago I’m sure you’ll pick up some great insights and advice this week from one of Ireland’s top athletes. For more episodes from the Real Health podcast don’t forget to visit the show page: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And I’m @KarlHenryPT on Twitter and Instagram and realhealth@independent.ie if you want to get in touch. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare. ** To celebrate our 1 millionth listener and a year of The Real Health podcast, we would love to get your feedback on the podcast and listen to your suggestions. As a big thank you for your support, we will have some great prizes to give away including a Fitbit and signed copies of my Healthy Living Handbooks. Winners will be selected at random from people who complete the survey. Looking forward to many more podcasts and hearing your suggestions! You can go to www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ or www.surveymonkey.com/r/RealHealthSurvey **

Sophie is a titan of Irish rugby, who recently hung up her boots in 2017. Since making her debut for Ireland back in 2012, Sophie's explosive carries, tireless tackling and strong presence in the second row helped drive Ireland towards an unprecedented era of success which culminated in a historic Grand Slam in 2013, a World Cup semi-final in 2014, a second Six Nations title in 2015 and beating the All Blacks in 2014. Sophie was also nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2015.

Well, that was fun! This week, Gavan Casey and Murray Kinsella are joined by former Ireland and USA Eagles head coach Eddie O'Sullivan to analyse Ireland's famous win over the All Blacks and preview the final November Test against the visiting Americans this weekend. We ask (and answer): - Who are the players who could benefit most from an outing against the USA on Saturday? - Are Ireland now the best team in the world? - How exactly did Schmidt's men prevent New Zealand scoring a try last time out? We also discuss Joe Schmidt's future plans, Johnny Sexton's potential World Rugby Player of the Year award, and the return of the PRO14. Send your questions and feedback, as always to heinekenrugbyweekly@the42.ie

England have got their Autumn International campaign off to a winning start, and quite a surprising one too over South Africa. In studio with Brian Moore to discuss that and the other international fixtures is former Scotland scrum half, Rory Lawson. Was England’s win down to luck? Brian says no, former England scrum half Kyran Bracken says yes. Kyran also says that Farrell needs to be playing at fly half due to his greater physicality than that of George Ford. We discuss the Doddie Weir Cup with Rory and former Wales winger Dafydd James who says it was a lacklustre performance in which the home side never got going, with Luke Morgan "a bit starstruck by the occasion".  Paddy Wallace makes his Full Contact debut to discuss the incredible depth of the Irish squad as displayed at Soldier Field on Saturday night and he tells us about Rhys Ruddock the captain for the match against Italy. We also look at the World Rugby Player of the Year nominations including an appraisal of Faf de Klerk. Plus World Cup winning coach Gary Street brings us up to date with everything in the women's game and looks ahead to the Red Roses' internationals.

Michael Jackson is the highest earning dead celebrity, again. We discuss land expropriation in South Africa. Witty funny quotes. WhatsApp to have adverts. 2 Boks nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year award. New music week, of course. And a while lot more jokes and fun.

On this episode we're joined by a titan of Irish rugby, who recently hung up the green jersey for good... in her own words: “It is with regret that I am announcing my retirement. I had hoped to finish my career after playing in one last Six Nations, but it is not to be. I have been incredibly proud to pull on the Irish jersey and to play for Ireland alongside such talented team-mates. The women’s game is at a critical junction, and I hope to see it driven forward…” Since making her debut for Ireland back in 2012, **SOPHIE SPENCE**'s explosive carries, tireless tackling and powerful presence in the second row helped drive Ireland towards an unprecedented era of success which yielded a historic Grand Slam in 2013, a World Cup semi-final in 2014, and a second Six Nations title in 2015… and she even got herself a nomination for World Rugby Player of the Year in the process. Sophie takes to the FAIR GAME hot-seat to reflect on the highs and lows during her six years of answering Ireland’s Call - from a chance big break into international rugby, to the infamous overnight odyssey to Pau; from a rainy day in Turin when Grand Slam dreams came true, to the tactical toppling of the mighty Black Ferns in Marcoussis; from entering a new era of Irish women's rugby, to a lengthy spell of the sidelines with concussion; and from a disappointing World Cup on home soil, to the bright future ahead... we covered it ALL.

#73: Steff and Illtud reflect on Wales' 13th straight loss to Australia, predict their favourites for World Rugby's Player of the Year Award and preview Georgia's visit to Cardiff as part of #GamesOfTheWeek. Twitter: twitter.com/therugbyconvo Facebook: Facebook.com/TheRugbyConversation Website: therugbyconversation.wordpress.com/