The Rugby Pod

The Ringer

The Rugby Pod with Andy Goode & Big Jim Hamilton …

  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Episode 28 - Farrell’s Lions Coaching Ticket & Bolters, Leinster's Young Guns, Plus Rob's Rumours!

    This week on The Rugby Pod, Jim’s a new man after Hong Kong – writing poems, 5 am gym sessions, and solving riddles. Goodey gives his take on Andy Farrell’s newly-named Lions coaching ticket, and we dissect what it means for squad selection. Rob’s sniffing out the latest on some massive player moves – Finn Russell to where?! Plus, we dig into all the Prem and URC action, Sweeney staying, Henry Pollock’s a red jersey bolter, Bath looking unstoppable and Leinster young guns showing up against the Sharks. Subscribe on Spotify.

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    1 April 2025, 4:30 am
  • 1 hour 20 minutes
    Episode 27 - Showdown Showstopper & Chicago Builds a Rugby Empire

    Jim and Goodey unpack a massive weekend of rugby, starting with Quins pulling off their first away win over Saracens in 13 years at The Showdown in front of 54,000 fans — and with a few famous faces in the crowd too. Jim spills the beans on the London craic and post-match scenes, while the lads debate what went right for Quins and wrong for Sarries. There's more drama in the Prem as Leicester smash Saints, Bath flex against Glos, and Bristol and Exeter set a new record with ten first-half tries. We also head stateside for a cracking chat with Peter Bernick, co-owner of the Chicago Hounds, who lifts the lid on building rugby in the US, the upcoming United States of Rugby doc, and how MLR is gearing up for RWC 2031. Plus, the Bulls break Leinster’s unbeaten URC streak, Fin Smith to Toulouse rumours, and the lads react to a rabbit punch and a big shout to Rassie’s new pod — all that and more.

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    25 March 2025, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 17 minutes
    Episode 26 - The Big Six Nations Wrap Up and The Showdown at Spurs!

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

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    18 March 2025, 5:00 am
  • 51 minutes 43 seconds
    Bigs & BOD - Dan Biggar & Ireland Legend Brian O'Driscoll - Ireland, Lions Mistakes & Common Sense

    Dan Biggar catches up with Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll to chat Ireland's Six Nations as well as giving his take on the current best centre pairings in the game. They take a walk down memory lane, revisiting Lions tours of the past, as well as discussing some of the harshest on field banter they experienced.

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    13 March 2025, 8:25 am
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Episode 25 - Title Race Blown Wide Open - Les Bleus Blitz Dublin & England Let Loose

    We break down all the action from the penultimate round of Six Nations action, including France's blitz in Dublin, where a 7-1 bench gamble paid off against Ireland. England finally let loose at Allianz Stadium against Italy, with Ollie Chessum laying down a marker and Marcus Smith getting fans on their feet. Meanwhile, Scotland made it three in a row against Wales, albeit a second-half wobble highlighted some squad issues. The lads look ahead to the final round and ask can England or Ireland steal the title from new favourites France? Plus, lots of other news as The Lions squad announcement date is set and Jim's set for a run in with Marler at the Saracens-Quins Showdown 5 in a couple of weeks. Tune in, subscribe, and get ready for a big final weekend!

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    11 March 2025, 5:00 am
  • 42 minutes 57 seconds
    Bigs & Gits - Dan Biggar and Wallabies Legend Matt Giteau - Lions Tour Preview

    Dan Biggar catches up with Wallabies legend Matt Giteau to chat Six Nations, the Lions, Aussie rugby as well as his stellar career. Gits gives an Aussie perspective on the potential Lions squad, including Marcus Smith’s versatility and shift to full-back, Prendgergast's development post Sexton, and how both Smith and Prendergast's journey's compare to his his own as a young Wallaby surrounded by legends like Larkham and Greegan. He also picks his dream Lions backline for the tour. Plus, he gives Bigs some insight on the Aussie squad, what's next post Joe Schmidt, and how the Wallabies are shaping up as a real threat for 2025.

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    7 March 2025, 6:00 am
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
    Episode 24 - Lions Jobs on the Line in Six Nations Showdowns and Dublin D-Day

    The lads are back and feeling fresh from some winter sun in Miami and the Cayman Islands, and ready for a massive few weeks. With no Six Nations action last weekend, we’re taking a look at who has put their names forward for the Lions squad, including the big calls at 8 and 10. We’ll also preview this weekend’s massive matchups, with a bit of beef in the build up to Ireland v France) love to see it. The lads ask if Scotland need a statement win, or can Wales build on their momentum from their recent resurgence. Plus, will England let their players off the leash and put in a dominant performance against Italy, or will we see history at Allianz as the Italians look for their first ever win against England.

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    5 March 2025, 5:58 am
  • 1 hour 8 minutes
    Episode 23 - Calcutta Cup Controversy, Wales Bounce Back in Cardiff but Ireland Roll on

    England have finally got their hands back on the Calcutta Cup, but was it Scotland throwing it away or England winning it? We get Jim’s take on a gut-wrenching defeat for the Scots and whether Finn’s Lions hopes have taken a hit, and Goodey and Bigs give their take on the England perfroemance. Wales put in a much-improved performance against Ireland—are they turning a corner? Ireland reclaims the triple crown with another strong performance from Prendergast. And France absolutely battered Italy to set up a massive game in Dublin. Plus, refereeing controversies, Lions chat, and tales from our live show with Super Gav. Enjoy and make sure you’re subscribed!

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    25 February 2025, 5:00 am
  • 26 minutes 25 seconds
    Post-Match Reaction - Townsend, Borthwick & Itoje Review Calcutta Cup + Sherratt & Easterby on Welsh Resurgence

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

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    23 February 2025, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 8 minutes
    Episode 22 - Calcutta Clash - Can England Finally Topple Scotland, and Warren Walks!

    The Six Nations is back this weekend, but there’s been plenty to talk about off it too. Warren Gatland has walked just days after Wales’ 14th straight defeat—Bigs gives us the inside track on what really went down. We break down what his departure means for Wales, the impact of interim boss Matt Sherratt, and whether it gives them any hope against Ireland. Then, it’s all about the Calcutta Cup. England are riding high after their win over France, but could another loss to Scotland derail their progress at Allianz Stadium? We discuss Finn Russell’s Lions credentials, England’s selections, and our predictions for the weekend. Plus, is Fabien Galthié really under pressure after France’s slow start? We look at Italy v France and call our winners for all the key Six Nations clashes. Settle in, enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe!

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    18 February 2025, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    The Fly-Half Code - Johnny Wilkinson chats with Dan Biggar

    Dan Biggar sits down with England legend Johnny Wilkinson for an exclusive chat on The Pod. The two fly-halves go deep into the pressures of international rugby and the mindset needed to perform at the highest level. Wilkinson reveals the best captain and leader he played under, the scrum-halves that got the best out of him, as well as his iconic Toulon team talk. The lads share stories about the coaches that got the best out of them and Bigs also gets Wilkinson’s take on Andy Farrell, Ireland, the current Six Nations, Fin Smith, the battle for the Lions’ No. 10 jersey and we cover more listener questions. Enjoy!

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    13 February 2025, 6:00 am
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