In this engaging conversation, Matt Wallace shares his journey in professional golf, discussing his love for the sport, the importance of competition, and the emotional growth he has experienced over the years. He reflects on his strengths as a golfer, the challenges of maintaining resilience, and his aspirations for the Ryder Cup. The discussion also delves into the dynamics of individual versus team sports, the significance of having a supportive team, and how reputation plays a role in the game. He shares his experiences playing with Tiger Woods and reflects on the dynamics of working with caddies. The discussion also touches on the impact of media scrutiny on athletes and the personal growth that comes from it. Throughout, Wallace expresses his passion for the game and his desire to improve, particularly in the context of the Ryder Cup.

Takeaways

• Matt finds joy in the competition and rivalry of golf.
• He has worked hard to change his emotional narrative on the course.
• Focusing on the process rather than just winning has been key for him.
• His strengths lie in his short game and putting skills.
• Matt emphasizes the importance of a supportive team around him.
• He feels more confident and prepared for the Ryder Cup this year.
• The dynamics of team sports differ significantly from individual sports.
• He has learned to control his emotions better over time.
• Matt's experience on the European Tour helped shape his game for the PGA Tour.
• He believes in maximizing each day to achieve his goals. Winning the first hole significantly increases chances of winning.
• Consistency is key for top golfers like Rory and John Rahm.
• Playing with Tiger Woods was an unforgettable experience.
• Mental game is crucial in high-pressure situations.
• Small margins can make a big difference in performance.
• Building a strong team around you is essential for success.
• Accountability is important in player-caddy relationships.
• Media scrutiny can be challenging but also a learning opportunity.
• Personal growth comes from taking responsibility for one's actions.
• Success in golf is about continuous improvement and learning.

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

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In this episode of A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT, we're joined by Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, who opens up about his remarkable journey from the townships to becoming South Africa's first black captain. With disarming honesty and humility, Siya shares insights into leadership, the pressures of representing a nation, and the power of vulnerability in modern sport.

The Evolution of Leadership

• Siya discusses his unique approach to captaincy, revealing how his first game as captain - being 21-0 down - shaped his leadership philosophy. He explains why traditional "hero" leadership doesn't work in modern rugby and how shared leadership has been key to the Springboks' success."I believe in shared leadership. Sometimes the best thing a captain can do is step back and let others lead. The main thing is the team, not the individual."

The Rassie Effect

• We delve into the transformative impact of Rassie Erasmus on both Siya personally and the Springboks as a team. Kolisi shares intimate details about their relationship and how Erasmus's coaching philosophy has created an environment of trust and excellence.

Beyond the Armband

• Siya opens up about his personal struggles, including his battle with alcohol and the importance of mental health in professional sport. He discusses how therapy has helped him become not just a better leader, but a better person."I'm not perfect. I want people to know I'm not perfect. That's how we grow - by acknowledging our weaknesses and working on them."

The Weight of History

• We explore the significance of being the first black Springboks captain and how Siya balances this historical responsibility with his personal identity. He shares powerful insights into representing hope in post-apartheid South Africa while staying true to his roots in Zwide township.

Building Legacy

• The conversation turns to Siya's work off the field through his foundation and his vision for life after rugby. He discusses the importance of giving back to the community and using his platform for positive change."Rugby is what I do, not my life. I want to make a difference that goes beyond the sport."

This episode offers unique insights into modern leadership, the power of vulnerability, and how sport can be a vehicle for social change. Siya's story is not just about rugby - it's about hope, resilience, and the courage to lead with heart.

Key Discussion Points:

• The evolution from traditional to shared leadership in modern rugby
• The role of vulnerability in effective leadership
• Rassie Erasmus's impact on South African rugby
• Mental health and professional sport
• Rugby as a force for social change in South Africa
• Building a legacy beyond the game

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging conversation, Eddie Jones, one of rugby's most successful coaches, shares his insights on coaching, team dynamics, and the challenges faced in the sport. He reflects on his experiences with various teams, including England and Australia, and discusses the importance of player development, trust, and maintaining a competitive edge. The discussion also delves into his coaching philosophy, the balance between pushing players and maintaining their motivation, and the necessity of adapting strategies to fit the players' strengths. In this engaging conversation, Eddie Jones reflects on his coaching career, particularly the 2019 World Cup final, discussing the emotional and strategic challenges faced. He emphasises the importance of adapting coaching styles to different cultures and the evolution of rugby coaching in a globalised world. Jones shares insights on legacy, player relationships, and the significance of achievements beyond trophies, while also expressing a desire to explore coaching in cricket's IPL. The discussion culminates in quickfire questions that reveal his personal reflections and philosophies on coaching and life.

Takeaways

• Eddie Jones emphasises the importance of perspective in coaching.
• Coaching is a complex interplay of various factors, including team dynamics.
• Trust and motivation are crucial in coaching relationships.
• Players need to understand their strengths and double down on them.
• Healthy conflict within a team can lead to greater success.
• Eddie believes in adapting coaching styles to fit individual players.
• The purpose of rugby is to score more points than the opposition.
• Coaching requires a balance between pushing players and supporting them.
• Player development is essential for long-term success in rugby.
• Eddie's experiences highlight the need for systemic changes in rugby organisations. Eddie has the best win rate of any England coach.
• Coaches must balance positivity and realism to motivate players.
• Winning is essential, but coaching is about passion for the game.
• Cultural nuances significantly impact coaching effectiveness.
• The game of rugby has become more homogeneous due to globalisation.
• Coaching now involves more management of player emotions and social media.
• Legacy is defined by personal satisfaction and respect from players.
• Achievements in coaching can be measured beyond just trophies.
• Japan's victory over South Africa inspired tier two nations.
• Eddie Jones expresses interest in coaching in the IPL. 

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a special Christmas edition of A Load of BS on Sport with the two Dans. In this festive bonus episode, we reflect on the highlights of Series 1, share  personal holiday stories, and look ahead to an exciting lineup for Season 2. Plus, don't miss our brand-new quiz feature, "Bigger Isn’t Always Better," where Dan answers questions about his career and more. Grab a mince pie, settle in, and join us for a bit of holiday cheer and chatter!

Show Notes:

• Dan and Dan's festive preparations 
• Reflections on the incredible Series 1 guests, including Johnny Wilkinson, Sir Andrew Strauss, Geraint Thomas, Charlie Methven and Andrew Steele and more
• Sneak peek of guests lined up for Series Two, including Siya Kolisi, Richard Arnold, and possibly Gary Neville...
• Feature: "Bigger Isn’t Always Better" Quiz

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Today we’re joined by Chris Boyd, highly respected rugby coach with extensive experience in both New Zealand and the UK. Known for his tactical expertise and leadership, Chris shares insights into his coaching journey, including his time with the Kiwi U20s, the Hurricanes and Northampton Saints; as well as the mental side of high-performance sport. As a close mentor to Dan Biggar, their relationship adds an extra layer of depth to the conversation, offering a unique perspective on coaching, leadership, and team dynamics.

Show notes:
Continuous Improvement for Elite Players
"The very best players are gifted in one part of their game... but there's always something to work on."

• Boyd emphasises the importance of consistent self-improvement, regardless of a player's talent

Creating a Culture of Empowerment
"People that feel empowered, belong, connected are always going to want to try harder and perform better."

• Boyd fostered a culture at Saints where players felt supported and empowered, leading to better team cohesion and performance

Philosophy on Risk and Reward
Boyd’s allowed players to take risks: "The Kiwi attitude probably is a little bit more..., if we can hold on to the ball... we’re back in the game."

• He contrasts the risk-averse mindset of Northern Hemisphere teams with the more fluid, risk-taking style from New Zealand rugby

Building a Resilient Team
"You can’t grow culture, culture grows itself."

• Boyd reflects on how setbacks, such as tough defeats, can be used to build resilience and foster a team’s growth

Empathy and Connection in Leadership
"Coaching rugby is a pleasure and a privilege... life experiences teach you to be calm."

• Boyd discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, both in coaching and managing people

Developing Players Beyond Rugby
"You get used to living on big wages... but when the game stops, you can fall off the cliff."

• He warns about the challenges players face post-retirement and importance of planning for life beyond sport

The Importance of 'Why’
Boyd introduced a "Why Board" at Saints, where players would place personal photos to remind themselves of their purpose: "The last thing you saw before going out onto the pitch was why you were doing it."

• This initiative reinforced the idea that personal motivation connects with team success

Coaching Style: Balancing the Carrot and Stick
Boyd contrasts his coaching style with that of other famous coaches: "Eddie Jones wanted to keep you on your toes... with me, it was black and white."

• He believes in being clear and consistent with players, empowering them to express themselves without fear of failure

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In this episode of A Load of BS on Sport, we sit down with one of England's most charismatic cricketers, Graeme Swann. A key figure in  3 England Ashes victories, Graeme opens up about his unconventional approach to spin bowling, the team dynamics that fuelled success, and his transition from the cricket field to coaching. With his trademark humour, we reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between, offering unique insights into the mental game that defined his career.

Show Notes:
The Psychology of Spin Bowling: Graeme details his mental approach to the game, likening it to a battle of wits with batsmen. He explains his strategy of bowling aggressively and using field placements to create opportunities for catches.

"When you're bowling spin, there’s no magic, no gamesmanship, just pure outthinking the batsman and creating an environment that makes them second guess themselves."

The Theatre of Spin Bowling: Graeme describes his belief in taking wickets from the first ball and how the theatre of the game added to his success.

The Intensity of Team Dynamics: We discuss his relationship with teammates like Kevin Pietersen, the importance of team dynamics, including the role of conflict in driving success. He shares insights into the famous Ashes campaign of 201/11 and the energy of the changing room.

Career Highlights and Transition: We reflect on his peak Ashes performances and the unexpected and abrupt end to his career due to a debilitating injury. He shares how he struggled with the transition from active cricket to coaching, revealing how returning to coaching reignited his passion.

"I didn’t have time to think about retiring. One day I couldn’t feel my hand, and by the next, I was finished. It was a brutal end to a career I loved."

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Dan Biggar and Dan Ross step out of their comfort zone to dive into the world of boxing with none other than Carl Frampton—Northern Ireland’s first two-division world champion, renowned not just for his incredible achievements in the ring, but also for his resilience, humility, and ability to unite people across divides.

In this episode, Carl opens up about the mental and physical challenges of being in one of the most gruelling sports, the hard lessons he’s learned, and what really drives him—whether it’s legacy, family, or simply the love of the fight. From his most gruelling battles to the life lessons he carries with him today, Carl shares a truly fascinating story.

Show Notes:

Early Beginnings & Boxing Passion: Carl reveals how he started boxing at age seven. Despite finding the repetitive training tedious, it was the sparring and the thrill of the fight that ignited his passion for boxing

Hard Work vs. Talent: Carl reflects on his career by stating, "I wasn’t naturally talented, but I worked hard." Carl pushed through the pain and overcame early doubts, earning his place as one of the best in his weight class

Resilience & Mental Toughness: Carl gives an inside look at what goes through his mind before a fight. He talks about the nerves that hit on fight day, especially the pressure of making weight

Tough Fights & Lessons Learned: A defining moment in Carl's career was his European title fight against Kiko Martinez. He recounts the brutal nine rounds where both his hands were broken, and he was hurt to the body and head, but fought through to win. "That was a moment where I knew I could hang with the best," Carl says

The Pressure of Being a Champion: After becoming a world champion, Carl felt the pressure to constantly perform at his best. He recalls the heightened expectations after his first world title win in 2014, where every fight seemed to carry more weight. He admits, "It’s nice when people buy you drinks and congratulate you, but there’s pressure too."

The Breakdown with Barry McGuigan: Carl openly discusses his fallout with his former manager and mentor. The experience taught Carl not to trust people blindly and to be more cautious in his professional relationships

Life After Boxing: Now a commentator for TNT Sports, Carl is still deeply involved in the boxing world but enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle. He talks about how, after years of gruelling training camps, it's refreshing to stay involved in the sport without the physical toll

Legacy and Lessons: Carl expresses pride in being the first Northern Irishman to win world titles in two different weight divisions. "I want to be remembered for exciting, tough fights," Carl says, acknowledging his battles with Kiko Martinez, Josh Warrington and Leo Santa Cruz

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• Ben discusses his journey from rugby coach to Performance Director at Brentford FC
• Reflections on leading Fiji to Olympic gold and the lessons learned in team culture
• Ben shares how discipline and structure helped transform the Fijian team’s performance
• The importance of balancing freedom with high standards in elite sport
• Insights into the challenges of transitioning from rugby to football leadership
• Ben talks about the power of alignment and communication in building successful teams
• The role of player care and cultural sensitivity in managing a diverse squad
• Ben critiques the obsession with marginal gains and emphasises the importance of solid foundations

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Join us as we dive into the mind of Sir Andrew Strauss, one of England's greatest cricket captains. From leading his team to Ashes glory twice to navigating the highs and lows of elite sport, Strauss shares powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and life beyond the game. This is a conversation about more than runs and wickets—it's about legacy, culture, and what it truly means to thrive under pressure.

Show Notes:
"Cricket requires players to accept the randomness of fate - a hard pill for perfectionists."

Three key takeaways:

• Resilience and adaptability in elite sport: even the top batsmen in cricket go through periods of poor form and this can take a mental toll on players: "Batsmen must be philosophical. You fail more often than you succeed, and you have to price that in." Developing coping mechanisms and a mindset to manage these ebbs and flows is key
• Importance of team culture: "Athletes thrive when they feel cared for and supported. If they feel cared for, they’ll forgive many of your weaknesses as a leader." A strong culture and the importance of balancing family life with cricket are critical – particularly when some players are away 300 days a year
• Leadership: the role of leadership is to balance the needs of individual with collective goals. "You can’t afford to let everyone do exactly what they want, but successful teams allow for individuality within a shared framework"

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• Debut Magic: Bryan scores on his first touch against England, launching his iconic career
• World Cup Glory: The emotional highs of winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup with South Africa
• Pressure of Being a Superstar: Bryan shares the mental struggle of living up to expectations after early success
• Low Points: From a crushing 49-0 loss in 2006 to being booed in 2010, Bryan opens up about facing adversity
• Leadership Evolution: From wing to team leader, how Bryan embraced responsibility as his career progressed
• Life After Rugby: Navigating the tough transition from sport to business, and finding new purpose
• Positive Mindset: The power of choosing positivity and focusing on growth, both on and off the field

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