Hall of Fame New England Patriots NFL Quarterback Drew Bledsoe sits down with Simon in this episode of Hallers Playbook to discuss the dynamics of rugby and NFL, the challenges of franchise systems, player safety, and the transition from professional sports to the wine industry. They explore the importance of sustainability in wine production and the lessons learned from sports that can be applied to business, particularly the value of embracing adversity and maintaining authenticity in athlete-driven brands.

In this episode of Hallers Playbook, Simon sits down with England International Cricket Legend Graham Gooch, and discusses the current state of cricket, the significance of the Ashes, and the growth of women's cricket. Gooch shares insights from his illustrious career, including his early struggles, memorable performances, and the importance of resilience in sports. He also highlights his philanthropic efforts through the Graham Gooch Foundation, aimed at supporting cricketers in need and promoting the game.

In this engaging edition of Hallers Playbook, Simon Halliday and South African Sports Broadcaster Matt Pearce delve into the current state of rugby, particularly focusing on the Springboks and the rise of women's rugby. They discuss the dynamics within the Springbok camp, the journey of Matt Pearce into broadcasting, and the balance he maintains between his broadcasting career and his role in finance. The conversation also highlights the significant progress of the Springbok women's team and looks ahead to the future of rugby, including the potential impact of the R360 league and the upcoming 2027 World Cup. Throughout, they reflect on memorable moments in broadcasting and the transformative power of sports in society.

In this engaging conversation, Simon Halliday interviews Jill Douglas, a prominent sports broadcaster, about her experiences in the world of sports media, the evolution of women's roles in broadcasting, and the growth of women's sports. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in women's rugby, the dynamics of covering major sporting events, and the impact of charity work, particularly in relation to Doddie Weir and the My Name's Doddie Foundation. Jill shares her insights on bridging the gap between sports and business, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the transferable skills gained from sports broadcasting.

In this conversation, Simon interviews Glen Ward, head of compliance at MAS Group, discussing the evolution of compliance in financial markets, the integration of technology, and the challenges faced by startups in navigating regulatory landscapes. They explore how compliance can drive business growth, the impact of digital assets, and the future role of AI in compliance processes.

In this episode of Hallers Playbook, Simon Halliday speaks with Tony Gollan, a prominent Australian racehorse trainer. They discuss Gollan's journey in horse racing, from his early days in Toowoomba to his current success. The conversation covers various aspects of the racing industry, including the importance of jockeys, the value chain in horse racing, and the challenges of horse travel and quarantine. Gollan shares insights on the significance of horse names, breeding, and the life of racehorses after their careers. The episode concludes with Gollan's aspirations for the future and the importance of enjoying the journey in the sport.

Rugby World Cup winner, trailblazing coach, and one of the most influential voices in the women’s game – Giselle Mather joins Simon on Hallers Playbook this week. From the grassroots explosion of participation to the spotlight of the recent World Cup, Giselle reflects on the huge strides the women’s game has made – and the hurdles it still faces. She speaks openly about the structural and financial challenges, the ongoing fight for visibility and investment, and why developing the next generation of players is crucial to sustaining momentum. Simon and Giselle also discuss the cultural shift rugby is undergoing, how women’s rugby is redefining the values of the sport, and what needs to be done to ensure that progress doesn’t stall. One thing is clear: for women’s rugby to fulfil its potential, the game must embrace its pioneers, build pathways that match ambition with opportunity, and commit to making the sport truly global, inclusive, and sustainable.

In this episode of Hallers Playbook, Simon Halliday sits down with MAS Group Head of APAC Harry Fry and explore Harry's journey from playing rugby in England to working in financial markets in Australia. The conversation also touches on the rise of digital assets in finance and the growing recognition of women's rugby. Harry shares valuable advice for aspiring rugby players about having a backup plan and the significance of life after sports. Some of the takeaways from the podcast: • Australian rugby is experiencing a resurgence with recent wins. • The Women's Rugby World Cup is a significant event for women's sports. • Rugby union in Australia is still seen as an upper-class sport. • Teamwork in sports translates well to the financial industry. • Digital assets are becoming increasingly important in finance. • Smaller financial institutions offer more personalized service. • Moving to Australia provided new opportunities for Harry Fry. • Aspiring rugby players should always have a plan B. • The women's game is gaining recognition and support in Australia. • The future of rugby looks promising with growing interest in women's competitions.

In this hard-hitting episode of Hallers Playbook, Former England Rugby International Simon Halliday sits down with David Campese – Wallabies legend, Rugby World Cup winner, and one of the most iconic players in the history of the sport – for a brutally honest conversation about the state of rugby in Australia. From the golden days of the amateur era to the professional game we see today, Campese reflects on how the sport has changed – and not always for the better. He speaks candidly about the negative impact rugby league is having on union in Australia, the lack of strategy and direction from leadership, and why the game is struggling to inspire the next generation. Simon and David agree on one thing: to secure rugby’s future, the sport must return to its historical ideals, focus on skill and passion over bureaucracy, and actually listen to the wisdom of its most experienced players.

In this thought-provoking episode of Hallers Playbook, Former England Rugby International Simon Halliday sits down with Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, Chair of Glamorgan Cricket Club, to discuss the seismic shifts happening in the world of sport. From the explosive growth of cricket as a global business – fuelled by the commercial power of India’s IPL – to the increasing popularity of the game in Wales, Mark explains how cricket is evolving into a modern sports powerhouse. At the same time, he shares candid insights on why rugby is losing its traditional dominance in Wales, and what this means for the country’s sporting future. The conversation also dives into the transformative role of AI and data – not just in improving player performance and tactics, but also in driving fan engagement, sponsorship value, and strategic decision-making at board level.

In this episode of Hallers Playbook, Former England Rugby International Simon Halliday sits down with Simon Blackledge and Robert Brown – the visionary founders of MAS Markets, recently ranked 32nd fastest growing company in the UK. From a bold idea to becoming a major force in the financial markets industry, Simon and Robert share the real story behind MAS Markets’ rapid rise. They discuss the strategies, culture, and decisions that drove their growth, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons learned along the way. Expect insights on scaling a business in competitive markets, staying agile in uncertain economic times, and building a high-performance team that thrives under pressure.

From dominating the rugby field in the green and gold jersey to crafting award-winning wines in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape, legendary South African Springbok and now one of the country’s most respected winemakers Schalk Burger sits down with former England Rugby International Simon Halliday.  They delve into Schalk’s storied rugby career, his family roots in South Africa, and how a love for the land inspired him to establish Welbedacht Wine Estate. Beyond the vineyards and the scrum, this conversation explores the shared attributes between elite sport and successful business – discipline, teamwork, resilience, and vision.

In this gripping episode of Hallers Playbook, Former England Rugby International Simon Halliday sits down with professional racing driver Dino Zamparelli to relive one of the most terrifying moments of his career – a high-speed near-miss crash at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in Belgium. From the sheer adrenaline of hurtling into Eau Rouge at full throttle to the split-second decisions that kept him alive, Dino takes us inside the cockpit during that fateful day. But this conversation goes far deeper than racing. Simon and Dino unpack the mindset, resilience, and mental toughness it takes to bounce back from near-disaster – lessons that apply not just to sport, but to life and business. Expect raw honesty, powerful takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look into elite motorsport that fans rarely get to hear. Whether you’re into Formula racing, rugby, or personal development, this episode delivers adrenaline, insight, and inspiration in equal measure.