Episode 14 - Riding the Storm: Champions Cup Drama & Blair Kinghorn’s French Revolution

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and The Rugby Pod is bringing you the End of Year Awards & Christmas Special! Jim, Goodey, and Producer Rob look back on the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments of 2024 with plenty of laughs. From Ireland’s epic comeback in South Africa to the RFU’s financial skid marks, nothing is off-limits in this festive rugby roundup. Who’s the player you’d least want to tackle? Who bagged the Shithouse of the Year award? Plus, we debate the best rigs, breakthrough stars, and even take a look at some utterly bizarre moments—like Leigh Halfpenny doing a haka or Gavin Coombes taking one for the team. Plus the big ones, Top Lad and best coach and player of the year. Grab a mince pie, crack open a beer, and join us for a few laughs as we wrap up 2024 in style! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads dissect a big weekend of Champions Cup rugby. Jim shares some tales from his trip to Paree for the Saracens game, while Goodey has been on the road too. We break down Saracens’ win over Stade Français, Sale’s performance against Racing 92, and England's overall dominance over South African opposition, including Northampton grinding out a win over the Bulls, and Leicester running riot against the Sharks. We give our take on the South African struggles in European competitions and Plumtree’s calls for change. Elsewhere, Leinster hold firm against Clermont, plus, the lads share thoughts on England 03: Unbreakables, and we give you the lowdown on their upcoming live show. Settle in and enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back with a packed episode! Jim and Goodey dissect Ireland’s final Autumn Nations match against the Wallabies, Caelan Doris’ Lions captaincy credentials, and Schmidt’s revivied Wallabies. Stephen Ferris joins to rate Ireland’s performances, chat about rising star Sam Prendergast, and debate the Lions back row for 2025. Plus, Champions Cup dark horses, RFU bonuses, and your listeners' questions—Yorkshire puddings, best tours, and pre-Lions selection matches.Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we recap all the winners from the World Rugby Awards from Monaco including player of the year, Coach of the year and the XV Dream Team. On the pitch, England snapped their losing streak with a commanding win over Japan and some bright shoots, but defensive woes remain under scrutiny. Scotland set a record nine wins this year with a lot of players setting down a marker for Lions selection against Australia. South Africa’s stock keeps rising after their perfect tour with a hammering of Wales in Cardiff. Plus, TJ Perenara’s farewell, Ireland’s dominant win over Fiji, and Predergast's performance at fly-half. Lots more in a packed episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim and Bigs are joined in studio by Aussie legends Matt Gitaeu and Drew Mitchell to chat about their Northern Tour on and off the pitch. The lads give some great insight into the Aussie revival, where it's come from and what it means for the Lions Tour. Plus the lads share some cracking stories on dodgy physios in France, playing in the US, and a punch-up last week in Cardiff. Bigs gives us his thoughts on another disastrous Welsh performance and what it means for Gats and Welsh fans, plus we look forward to this weekend's action with the Aussies looking to keep the slam dreams alive against Scotland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices