The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes England’s youngest-ever captain Will Carling to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, Tom Shanklin & Scott Quinnell for a personal and honest conversation about leadership, pressure, and life beyond the game.

Will opens up about being handed the England captaincy at just 22, the internal battles he faced, and the moments he knew he bottled it. He shares how handwritten letters helped him connect with his teammates and why leadership is about “the little touches.”

The team revisits his media challenges, post-career struggles, and the mental toll of going from national icon to “car crash years.” Carling also lifts the lid on his role under Eddie Jones, why Clive Woodward built the better environment, and how English rugby has struggled to replicate success since 2003.

There are plenty of stories along the way — from meeting Nelson Mandela and Robin Williams, to why his teammates bet on how long he’d last as captain, and how Peter Winterbottom terrified everyone.

One of English rugby’s most defining figures joins the show for a look back on legacy, leadership and life in the spotlight.

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, sees Adam “Bomb” Jones join Lawrence Dallaglio, Tom Shanklin, Katy Daley-McLean, and Scott Quinnell for a brilliantly unfiltered chat about World Cup pain, Welsh rugby politics, and his infamous fallout with Steve Hansen.

Adam opens up on the toughest moments of his career—from being hooked after 30 minutes by Hansen to the emotional toll of World Cup failure. He reveals how that moment changed him, what really happened behind the scenes, and why it became the turning point in his career.

He shares heartfelt memories of Jerry Collins, his surprising coaching ambitions with Wales, and how Joe Marler became one of the most misunderstood players in rugby.

From raw honesty to all-time tour stories, this one’s packed with character, chaos and a few emotional curveballs.

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Henry Pollock to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, Tom Shanklin and Scott Quinnell—fresh off the back of his Lions call-up.

Pollock opens up on how he found out—live on TV with no heads-up—and the chaos that followed, including a missed call to his mum and the emotional moment it all hit. He reflects on the Leinster semi-final as his “now or never” moment, how he’s coping with the hype, and why the pressure is only just beginning.

He also lifts the lid on his whirlwind rise—from schoolboy fancy dress to Lions selection in just 12 months—plus insight into the squad WhatsApp (or lack of one), meeting Maro Itoje, and what the Lions kit bag really means.

With talk of Northampton vs Leinster, the upcoming Champions Cup final, and how Pollock plans to prove why he’s been picked.

00:00 – Intro

06:01 – Behind the Scenes & Delicacy of the Week

07:15 – WHO AM I? Panel Game

13:00 – Lions Call-Up Moment

14:40 – Henry’s Diogo Dalot Celebration

17:24 – Looking After BIL the Lion

20:25 – Messages from Famous Players

21:58 – Telling His Parents About the Lions Call-Up

23:06 – Henry’s Rapid Rise

24:34 – Early Lions Memories

26:00 – Tour Stories & Squad Antics

29:35 – World Cup Win vs Lions Tour Win?

31:11 – Biggest Admission from the Squad

33:01 – Who Henry’s Most Excited to Meet

35:00 – Worst Roommate Story

35:55 – Family Sporting Background

38:07 – When Henry First Got into Rugby

39:20 – School Days & Education Path

40:47 – Rugby Heroes Growing Up

42:50 – Youth Career & Development

44:44 – Career Highlight (So Far)

51:15 – Drama of the Leinster Semi-Final

52:58 – Champions Cup Final vs Bordeaux

54:10 – Winning vs Losing: Henry’s Mindset

55:30 – Big Goals & Ambitions

56:19 – Favourite Position on the Pitch

58:55 – Challenge Cup Predictions

1:02:07 – Pre-Season Plans

1:02:44 – Panel Quiz Finale!

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The latest special episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, sees Warren Gatland return to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean and Tom Shanklin for a no-holds-barred look at the chaos, controversy and legacy of the British & Irish Lions.

Back for his second appearance, Gatland reflects on the moments that shaped — and nearly sank — his time as Lions head coach. From off-field issues that split squads to the brutal selection calls he still stands by.

He opens up on the “clown nose” backlash, the fallout from dropping Brian O’Driscoll, and the tensions that ran through multiple tours. There’s insight on managing Sexton, the rivalry with Farrell, and the pressure that comes with leading the Lions.

Off the field, Gatland recalls a near-death experience abroad, the need to restore pride in the jersey, and the text Phil Vickery got from his mum after getting dropped.

A brutally honest conversation with one of rugby’s biggest coaching figures — this is the Lions, unfiltered.

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00:00 - Welcome Back Warren Gatland

00:30 - What Makes the Lions So Special?

01:19 - The Best Advice

03:11 - Teaser

04:10 - First Time Inside a Lions Camp

06:30 - Coaching His First Lions Tour

08:55 - 2005 vs 2009: A Tale of Two Tours

10:35 - Brutal Selection Calls & Squad Morale

11:58 - Gatland’s Most Iconic Lions Games

14:41 - The Toughest Part of Coaching the Lions

17:01 - Schalk Burger’s Eye Gouge Incident

18:08 - O’Driscoll Concussion & 2009 Injury Chaos

20:12 - Getting Close to Rival Nations

21:24 - Phil Vickery’s Mum

22:00 - Safari Story

22:58 - Comparing 2009 and 2013 Lions Tours

25:25 - Wales’ 2008 Tour of South Africa

26:31 - The Truth Behind Dropping Brian O’Driscoll

30:30 - Knowing When the Game’s in the Bag

34:07 - Inside the 2017 Lions Tour

38:33 - Taking on the New Zealand Media

43:45 - Reflections on Selections & Leadership

44:22 - Drawing the 2017 Series

46:59 - Owen Farrell & Managing Johnny Sexton

49:43 - Gatland’s Any Other Business

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Freddie Steward to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, Tom Shanklin, and Scott Quinnell for an exclusive deep dive into his England career, the Red Roses’ Grand Slam, and life at Leicester Tigers.

Steward opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of England’s World Cup semi-final heartbreak, how media pressure fuelled the squad, and the lasting impact of that South Africa defeat. He also lifts the lid on his rivalry with Marcus Smith, dealing with being dropped, and what it’s really like when a fly-half takes your shirt!

The panel dives into the Red Roses' Grand Slam triumph, the brutal difference between club and international rugby, and the fierce competition for England shirts.

Steward also reveals how working with sports psychologists transformed his career, why Ellis Genge’s leadership was crucial, and how Michael Cheika reignited Leicester’s charge this season.

And don’t miss Freddie’s verdict on the best full-back in world rugby right now!

A revealing and honest conversation with one of rugby’s fastest-rising stars—don’t miss it!

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes football icon Stuart Pearce to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, Tom Shanklin & Scott Quinnell for a no-filter crossover into rugby, football, and everything in between.

Pearce opens up about the terrifying mid-air health scare that nearly ended in disaster, how he found strength in rugby league culture, and the surprising bond he shares with Warrington Wolves. From Brian Clough’s old-school genius to his secret life as “Yak Yanson,” a Russian goalkeeper in Sunday League, the stories don’t get more surreal than this.

There’s plenty of love for Gazza’s wildest moments, Pearce’s memories of Euro ‘96 pressure, and the truth behind the Nottingham Forest applause that had him thinking “I’m not dead yet.”

Plus, punk gigs with Gareth Southgate, the Stranglers with Mike Tindall, and why Roy Keane was a midfield war.

A hilarious, heartfelt, and totally unexpected episode with one of England’s hardest men in football—don’t miss it!

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes World Cup winner Phil Vickery to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, Tom Shanklin and Scott Quinnell for an emotional, hilarious and no-holds-barred look at life in and out of the game.

Vickery opens up on the fear of failure that fuelled his career, how farming forged his toughness, and what it was like getting cited and banned on his England debut.

He relives the brutal battles against South Africa’s ‘Beast’, reflects on sharing the pitch with legends like Julian White and Tom Smith, and gives a heartfelt tribute to his father and what it meant having him in the stands for the World Cup final.

There’s talk of Lions tours, training with John Thomas and Simon Shaw, and the unforgettable moment Shaun Edwards made him cry. Plus: how he found purpose after rugby and his surprising passion for bodybuilding.

The crew also dive into the Women’s Six Nations, why Phil prefers watching the women’s game, and which Red Roses star he’d pay to watch.

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, features a no-holds-barred chat with Joe Marler as he opens up about life after rugby, retirement, and the Celebrity Traitors rumours.

In this big sit-down since stepping away from the game, Joe gets candid about why he “couldn’t go on,” his unexpected call to Jimmy Bullard, the real reason he walked away mid-season, and what he misses (and doesn’t) about rugby life.

He also reveals the strange gigs he’s said “yes” to since retiring—including pretending to be a dog—and how he’s navigating post-rugby purpose, parenting, and mental health.

Plus, the panel grill Joe on the Traitors rumours. Has he been cast? Was he Andy Murray’s replacement? And what kind of player would he actually be: traitor or faithful?

There’s also chat about greyhounds, scrummaging, being “distracted, disruptive and rude” at school, and why he’s now working directly with Team England in a unique new role.

A funny, raw, and refreshingly honest conversation with one of rugby’s most unpredictable characters—don’t miss it.

Check out the amazing tool Lawrence mentions on this episode where you can educate yourself on all topics from people with lived experience and experts - The step before talking - www.jaaq.org

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Welsh legend Scott Quinnell to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for a rollicking ride through rugby’s past, present, and future.

Quinnell talks about his unmatched Welsh rugby bloodline, the moment he nearly dropped the ball before Scott Gibbs’ iconic try, and why Lawrence’s Wembley heartbreak might’ve led to England’s World Cup success. From Austin Healy’s £35,000 Rolex blunder to wild tales of Wigan’s sevens dream team–no story is off-limits.

The crew also relive their worst days in rugby, get nostalgic about the Five Nations era, and debate the modern game’s professionalism in “You Couldn’t Get Away With That Now.”

Plus, the latest on the Women’s Six Nations, Red Roses dominance, and who might make the 2025 Lions squad—with bold claims about Tomos Williams, Henry Pollock, and Talupe Faletau.

And don’t miss Quinnell’s take on Andy Farrell’s coaching rise, Shaun Edwards' Wembley red card, and the secret Lions selection dinner with his dad!

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne to the panel alongside Katy Daley-Mclean, Lawrence Dallaglio, and Tom Shanklin for a wide-ranging and inspiring chat on stardom, pressure, and what’s next for the women’s game.

Ellie opens up on the whirlwind journey from A-Levels to being crowned the best in the world, how she handles the pressure of expectation, and why she’s never tried to be anyone but herself. She discusses the challenges of life as a dual-career athlete, being made redundant during COVID, and her Olympic dream that almost slipped away.

Away from the pitch, Ellie reveals how photography became her creative escape and why she believes it helped her feel truly understood. Plus, the panel dives into the growth of the women’s game, how players can harness social media to become household names, and what England must do to win the World Cup on home soil.

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, sees Joe Marler & Marlie Packer join Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for a no-holds-barred breakdown of the Six Nations, mental health in rugby, and the realities of life after the game.

Marler and Packer reflect on England’s emphatic win over Wales and whether this was a turning point for Steve Borthwick’s side. They also preview the Women’s Six Nations, discussing the contenders, England’s dominance, and what to expect from the tournament.

Marlie shares her raw emotions on losing the England captaincy, what it meant to step back, and whether she ever considered walking away from the sport altogether. Meanwhile, Joe opens up about retirement—both the fear of stepping away and the lack of aftercare rugby offers once players hang up their boots.

The panel also breaks down the PWR Final, Marlie’s take on the intensity of the competition, and what it means for the future of the women’s game.

The conversation expands into the bigger picture of mental health in rugby, the pressures of leadership, and why so many players feel lost when their careers come to an end.

⚠️ This episode includes discussions on mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, visit one of the following organisations: 

Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/

NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

FRANK - https://www.talktofrank.com/

Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Warren Gatland to the panel alongside David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for an exclusive deep dive into his Wales exit, coaching highs, and the future of rugby.

Gatland opens up about the emotional decision to return to Wales, the brutal challenges he faced, and whether he has any regrets. He reveals how the pressure of 14 straight defeats impacted him and the squad, why he never tried to protect himself, and whether he feels let down by former players.

The panel also revisits his Wasps legacy, what made that team so dominant, and how coaching Brian O’Driscoll shaped his early career. And, of course, there’s plenty of Lions talk—from selection secrets to why Marcus Smith has to be in the squad.

Plus, Gatland’s take on rugby’s bomb squad debate—should World Rugby step in?—and why he thinks Australia will be dangerous on the upcoming Lions tour.

A brutally honest conversation with one of rugby’s biggest coaching figures—don’t miss it!

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Cadan Murley to the panel alongside David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for a deep dive into the Six Nations, England’s tactics, and Murley’s whirlwind debut.

Murley opens up about the highs and lows of his England debut, from scoring with his second touch to the harsh realities of international rugby. He reflects on the injury setback that cut his Six Nations dream short and reveals the hilarious debut initiation song he belted out in front of the England and Ireland squads.

The conversation turns to England’s style of play—is their attack too conservative? Murley weighs in on the Marcus Smith fullback experiment, his close friendship with the playmaker, and whether England’s attack is being limited by their system. The panel also debates Finn Smith vs Marcus Smith for England’s No.10 shirt and how England can take their game to the next level.

Elsewhere, the team discuss Ireland’s intensity and ability to disrupt opponents, the brilliance of Antoine Dupont, and whether Scotland are under pressure heading into the final rounds. Plus, Murley gives his take on the future of England rugby, the next generation of stars, and what it will take for the squad to become one of the best teams in the world.

A brilliant mix of insight, debate, and behind-the-scenes rugby stories—don’t miss it!

To find out how Funding Circle can help get your business goals over the line, visit ⁠https://fundingcircle.com/rugby

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, gets stuck into the dark arts of rugby—who are the true masters of the game’s most controversial tactics, what really happens at the breakdown, and how far teams will go to get an edge.

Then, it’s all about the Six Nations fallout—was Scotland tactically better despite the loss? Are England just not good to watch? And did Wales take confidence from their near-miss against France? The panel also debate whether Damian Penaud’s performance raised questions or silenced critics.

Next up, it’s British & Irish Lions selection talk—should Marcus Smith be on the plane? Who’s making a late push for a spot, and which players have already locked themselves in?

Finally, the conversation takes a personal turn as the panel shares the moment they knew it was time to retire—how tough is it mentally, what happens when your body can’t take it anymore, and is stepping away ever truly on your own terms?

A massive episode packed with rugby’s dark arts, Six Nations drama, bold Lions predictions, and emotional retirement stories—don’t miss it!

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, sees Jodie Ounsley join David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for an inspiring and hilarious conversation about her unique journey—from rugby to Gladiators and everything in between.

Jodie opens up about growing up deaf, the challenges she faced in rugby, and how she turned her biggest obstacle into her greatest strength. She shares the moment she didn’t hear the whistle and got sent off, the reality of playing top-level sport with a cochlear implant, and why she’s taking a break from rugby.

The team also dives into her rise as ‘Fury’ on Gladiators—what it’s really like behind the scenes, how she switches from being shy to fierce, and the brutal 11-day filming schedule that left her body battered. Plus, she reveals the weirdest fan request she’s ever had!

Beyond sport, Jodie discusses representation, being a role model, and her new children’s book, Keep Smashing It, designed to inspire the next generation to embrace challenges head-on.

With plenty of laughs, big topics, and some wild stories (including a World Coal Carrying Championship?), this episode is not to be missed!

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, sees Eddie Jones join David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for a brutally honest chat about his coaching career, England exit, and what he’d do differently.

Eddie opens up about his time as England head coach, reflecting on the highs and lows, why the team’s playing style became so unpopular, and how they lost their identity. He reveals what really happened in the 2019 World Cup final, whether he should have started Joe Marler, and why England were booed for their kicking game.

The debate heats up as Eddie discusses the British & Irish Lions job—was he ever really interested? He also breaks down his relationship with Steve Borthwick, what advice he’d give him now, and why he believes the England job is the toughest in rugby.

Beyond England, Eddie reflects on his Japan dream job, the influence of Bob Dwyer, and the key coaching lessons he’s learned. He lifts the lid on England’s leadership over the years, including the dynamic between Dylan Hartley and Owen Farrell, and shares his take on the future of international rugby.

A no-filter Eddie Jones interview you won’t want to miss.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please hit subscribe to never miss an episode, and consider leaving us a five-star review to help others discover the show. Thank you for listening!

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The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, dives straight into the chaos of the Six Nations opening weekend.

David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-Mclean, and Tom Shanklin break down England’s loss against Ireland—did Borthwick’s side run out of gas, or is there more to it? Meanwhile, France made a statement against Wales, but did they even get out of second gear? And Scotland impressed, but do they have the squad depth to go all the way?

Flats leads the debate on England’s struggles, pinpointing the key moments that cost them, while Dallaglio weighs in on whether Ireland have the best rugby intelligence in the tournament. The panel also picks their Team of the Week, spotlighting the standout performers from Round 1.

Beyond the pitch, the panel shares some brilliant behind-the-scenes stories, including Six Nations debut initiations, life on the team bus, and the best (and worst) pre-game superstitions. Shaun Edwards’ name pops up as well—was he the most intense coach ever? Flats and Shanks share what it was really like playing under him.

With Round 2 looming, the crew makes their predictions—can England bounce back against France? Is Wales in real trouble against Italy? And could Scotland vs Ireland decide the championship?

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please hit subscribe to never miss an episode, and consider leaving us a five-star review to help others discover the show. Thank you for listening!

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The first-ever episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, kicks off with an all-star lineup as David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin sit down with none other than Martin Johnson.

Flats opens the show with a deep dive into the weekend’s events, including his birthday celebrations and the best and worst gifts he received. The crew wastes no time getting into the biggest talking points in rugby, with Martin Johnson tackling a Truth or Lies showdown, answering long-standing myths and surprises from his career.

As the Six Nations approaches, the team debates England’s fly-half dilemma and how Wales will fare under their current setup. Martin reflects on England’s 2003 Grand Slam victory, revealing the emotional impact of the Fields of Athenry moment and addressing the infamous carpet controversy.

The conversation shifts to captaincy, as Martin recalls taking over from Dallaglio in 1999 and the challenges of leadership at the highest level. The debate heats up as the panel discusses Jamie George losing the England captaincy to Maro Itoje and how recent performances reflect on Steve Borthwick’s leadership choices.

With a Lions Tour year ahead, the pane debate whether 1997 was truly the best tour ever. Martin also reflects on his time as England coach, the challenges of managing player behaviour, and whether his coaching years have left a lasting impact on the national team.

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🏉 Welcome to The Overlap Rugby! 🏉

We’re launching a brand-new channel with Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender. Join rugby legends Lawrence Dallaglio, David Flatman, Tom Shanklin, and Katy Daley-McLean as they share real stories, fresh perspectives, and dive into everything you love about the game.

We'll have legendary guests from ex-pros, to celebrity fans. This is your front-row seat for every kind of rugby fan - from unforgettable moments to untold stories.

📅 First episode launches January 29

📍 Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on  @TheOverlapRugby  YouTube channel

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