Alex Payne, James Haskell, Mike Tindall and Greg Laidlaw gather poolside in Brisbane to unpack all the latest from the British & Irish Lions tour. With the first test against Australia fast approaching, the crew dive into warm-up match insights, test selection debates and a potential head to head between one of the world's best Finn Russell and rookie Tom Lynagh. 00:00:00 🛞 Strap in with Continental Tyres! 00:01:45 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Greig Laidlaw joins GBR 00:16:59  🦁Geography Six Revisited 00:21:40  📝Who is the first name on the Lions team sheet? 00:29:14  👶Inexperienced Aussies 00:22:19 💥 Centres of Attention 00:41:12 👀 Surprise Lions picks 00:50:50 💦 Hask makes a splash 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sea of red has arrived. The British & Irish Lions rain down tries with a brutal 0-48 victory against the Invitational AUNZ. Join Graham Simmons and our very own 2017 Lion James Haskell on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the rugby. "Simmo" and Hask dive into the details of this powerhouse performance, debating Jac Morgan’s muscle, Ben White’s showmanship, the team’s renewed cohesion and predictions of the Lions first Test XV. How’s your pulse Henry? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's last match before the big business: facing the Wallabies. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🚀 02:00 - A Scintillating Statement Win 💥 02:50 - Jac Morgan: The DISRUPTER 🎯 04:23 - Collective Class 📦 09:31 - The Total Packed, Delivered By DHL 📝 17:31 - Hask and Simmo’s First Test XV 🛋️ 20:37 - Whose On The Bench? 📈 24:30 - Marginal Gains, Massive Games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Simmons and our very own 2017 Lion James Haskell reunite to discuss the latest Lions lineup up against the mighty Invitational AUNZ in Adelaide. The lads dive into Andy Farrell’s selections, shuffling of the pack and the Lions 24-36 victory over the Brumbies. What’s key to improving the Lions breakdown? Which centre combo will make the first Test? Do the Wallabies have an ambush planned for the Lions? With Fin Smith at 10 and Owen Farrell on the bench, don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era heats up! "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 📏 02:51 - It’s Not About Size: A New Back Row 🪑 03:58 - Owen On The Bench 🎯 08:15 - Test Spots Wide Open? 🃏 06:56 - A Hand Full of 7s? Shuffling The Pack 🔁 11:04 - Lions V Brumbies: Are We Stuck On Repeat? 🤼 15:06 - Get A Grip: The Breakdown 📦 19:46 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL ♟️ 24:50 - 3D Chess Masters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined in studio by Jonathan "Fox" Davies, a Lions legend who knows what it takes to win a series. We dissect the "very Test match feel" of the line-up for the Brumbies game and what it tells us about Farrell’s mindset going into the opening test. We delve into the crucial selection calls in the back row and centres, with Foxy offering fascinating insights from his own tours—including the infamous 2013 Brian O'Driscoll decision that placed him at the heart of one of the Lions' most controversial moments. And with Test week fast approaching, we reveal the ultimate first test week prep – what the pros really do. Foxy pulls back the curtain on how elite players gear up for the biggest stage. Plus, we recap England’s impressive win in Argentina—is the best English fly-half currently playing there? Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🛞 Strap in with Continental Tyres! 00:04:10 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England Shock Argentina 00:06:25 🧠 Is England’s Best Fly-Half Playing in ARGENTINA?! 00:12:59 🐉 "Foxy" Unleashes Truth on Wales 00:20:22 🦁 Is THIS the Lions Test Team We’ve Been Waiting For? 00:22:19 💥 The Back Row Debate  00:34:24 🎯 Simon Easterby’s Quiet Power 00:43:04 💪 The Ultimate First Test Week Prep – What the Pros REALLY Do 00:45:04 ⏰ What Top Players Do in the FINAL 24 Hours Before Kickoff 00:50:29 ❌ Brian O’Driscoll… DROPPED. Foxy’s side of the story. 00:56:18 🔵 Is Leinster Cohesion The Lions Winning Formula? 00:59:26 🏉 That Try Against the All Blacks  01:08:25 🇦🇺 Australia v Fiji re-cap 🦁Brisbane Live Show https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wdHizTsDKESEyggGBlygMllXlDCLktVDgSrU_ZMU0ttUNThFMUxGU0wzRUxBRk5NRVQyRUdEQklPNC4u&route=shorturl 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British & Irish Lions survive Sydney with a slippery win against NSW Waratahs 10-21. Join Graham Simmons and former 2013 & 2017 Lion Jonathan Davies on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the rugby. "Simmo" and "Foxy" reflect on a rough game, reacting to the Lions helter-skelter handling, striding set-piece, the Waratahs jackling prowess and what it’s like to be coached by Andy Farrell. Is this why Owen Farrell’s experience was called upon? Which combos will face the Brumbies next week? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's fourth match and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🤔 01:51 - Are The Lions Trying Too Hard? 💪 03:57 - Jackling GIANT Gamble ⚠️ 05:01 - Caution Wet Floor 🤯 07:50 - The Positives: Huw Jones is HUNGRY 📞 10:45 - Is This Why Owen Got The Call? 🛠️ 12:30 - How Foxy Would Fix It 🔥 17:30 - The Wallabies Want CHAOS 📦 22:00 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL 🧩 23:10 - Combos To Battle The Brumbies 🏉 26:00 - Life Under Andy Farrell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British & Irish Lions strike hot on Australian soil with a sizzling 7-54 victory against Western Force in Perth. Join Graham Simmons and former Lion Hamish Watson on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the rugby. "Simmo" and “Mish rip into the action, reacting to the Lions blitz defence, restarts, the power of Pollock and the flair of Fin Russell. With Tomos Williams sustaining a hamstring injury, will Farrell be calling up another 9? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's second match and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres ⚡️ 01:09 - An Electric Start For The Lions 📋 05:05 - Work Ons: Restarts, Discipline, Territory 🔮 09:21 - A Sign Of Things To Come? 😤 10:46 - FEAR The Bench 🧑‍⚖️ 12:05 - Ben O'Keeffe’s Referee Game 🚑 14:42 - Dial 999: Tomos Williams Injured? 🔟 16:24 - Fin Russell FLAIR 📦 18:42 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL ⚖️ 25:51 - How Does Farrell Weight Up This Win? 🧪28:04 - Picking The Perfect Combo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Settle in, Dream Team! This is one of GBR’s longest and most in-depth episodes, featuring Irish and Lions legend Conor Murray. Known for his humble demeanour and cool head amidst the storms of professional rugby, Murray, offers a truly insightful look back. He shares candid reflections on three British & Irish Lions tours and four Rugby World Cups. Discover the fascinating dynamic of playing alongside, the likes of Johnny Sexton & Owen Farrell. Plus, the team dives deep into the latest Lions tour action, injury updates, and genius of Andy Farrell and Joe Schmidt. Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🛞 Meet Conor Murray 00:04:14 🔁 R360 Update 00:27:21 🦁 2013: First Time Lion 00:30:17🏉 2017: Lions No.9 00:35:24🤝 Playing with Sexton & Farrell 00:42:00 🔴 Captaining the Lions 00:51:00👋 Leaving Munster 01:03:16🌱 Peter O'Mahony: Lawn Perfectionist 01:06:05🕊 Axel Foley Tribute 01:10:00☘️ Greatest Days in Green 01:15:00🏆 Winning Down Under 01:18:45💔 World Cup Hurt 01:23:34🦁 Lions Team v Reds ⌚WOB Group Competition - https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Simmons and 2013 & 2017 Lion Jonathan Davies discuss Owen Farrell’s monumental return to the British and Irish Lions, making him the 5th player EVER to partake in 4 tours.  "Simmo" and "Foxy" sink their teeth into Andy Farrell's freshly picked Lions XV poised to face the NSW Waratahs, as well as the Lions crushing 12-52 victory over the Reds. Is Owen match ready? Is Andy Farrell playing games with Joe Schmidt with a 6-2 bench? Can we see a first Test team emerging? With Tadhg Beirne at the helm and Blair Kinghorn joining the fray, don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era heats up!   "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🫡 01:06 - Commiserations Elliot Daly 🦁 02:23 - Owen Farrell Is A Lion For THE 4TH TIME 🗞️ 07:17 - Managing The Press 🌳 09:06 - Lions XV Team Squad V NSW Waratahs... AKA The Shrubs 🤔 12:03 - Who Will Start The First Test? 🔍 19:50 - Reviewing The Reds Game: Is Farrell Toying With Schmidt? 📦 22:03 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL 💥 25:46 - Will The Bench Dictate All? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Simmons and 2021 Lion Hamish Watson dive into Andy Farrell's greatly anticipated second British & Irish Lions XV for the 2025 Tour. With Western Force poised to strike, the lads dissect the selections, the battle for test spots, and Farrell’s key selection changes made since Dublin. Has Farrell got the chemistry right? Massive moments await as Dan Sheehan debuts as captain and Pollock starts at 8. Don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era heats up! "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🦁 01:39 - Farrell’s Second Lions XV UNPICKED 🔍 06:44 - Broader Picture: Who Haven’t We Seen Yet? 🧪 10:23 - Blend Of The Back Row 🧠 13:05 - Memory Lane: Watson’s 2021 Lions Tour TRY 🤝 19:00 - Bonded By The Jersey 🤔 22:10 - Why Won’t Joe Schmidt Release Players? 🃏 27:00 - The Lions Top Trump Card 💪 28:26 - Power Of The Bench Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are honoured to host the inspirational Finlay Calder OBE, captain of the iconic 1989 British & Irish Lions! Prepare for a journey back to one of rugby's most legendary tours. Finlay, a man known for being "as hard as granite but famously humble," opens up about the raw truth behind the Lions' historic feat: coming from 1-0 down to win the series in Australia, a record that still stands. Hear the incredible inside story of the "Battle of Ballymore," the pivotal "if you step down, I step down" moment that cemented his leadership, and the crucial changes that transformed a defeated team into winners. Finlay shares candid insights into his "old school, fire and brimstone" captaincy, the unique camaraderie forged amidst fierce competition, and the mercurial talent of Jerry Guscott, whom he hails as the "most influential man in Lions rugby." Finlay's Lions account is packed with rugby folklore, leadership lessons, and emotional reflections on his greatest moment in the game. Plus, hear his advice for current Lions captain Maro Itoje and who is the greatest of the Lions leaders. Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🛞 Meet the Legend 00:04:11 🔴 Becoming Lions Captain 00:07:59 🔥 The First Test 00:13:30 🍩Donal’s Donuts 00:15:14 🥲Finlay’s attempted resignation 00:17:05 🧱Jerry Guscottt selected for 2nd test. 00:30:13 🩸The Battle of Ballymore 00:38:43 🦘The Decider 00:53:03 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Mighty Mouse Tribute ⌚WOB Group Competition - https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British & Irish Lions' tour started with a jolt as Argentina pulled off a stunning 24-28 victory in Dublin. Join Graham Simmons and former Lion Shane Horgan on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the Rugby. "Simmo" and "Shaggy" pull no punches, reacting to Andy Farrell's "unacceptable" comments and the Lions' disjointed performance. Was just early tour rust? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's rocky start and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:02:00 😡 Andy Farrell's Unfiltered Reaction 00:08:39 🦁 What Went Right? 00:17:00 🤔 The Owen Farrell Question: Should He Join Squad? 00:18:00 🦘 Western Force Enters the Equation 00:20:00 🎣 Shane's Pollock Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lions guru Graham Simmons and 2005 Lion Shane Horgan sink their teeth into Andy Farrell's hotly anticipated first British & Irish Lions XV for the 2025 Tour. With Argentina standing in their way in Dublin, the lads dissect the selections, the battle for test spots, and why the Pumas will be flying into this game like players possessed. From Tadhg Furlong's fitness to the emotional weight of pulling on that red jersey, we explore the immense pressure and unique alchemy of the Lions' opening act. Don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era officially begins! "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🚗 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 00:03:30 🦁 - Farrell's First Lions XV Unveiled 00:04:30 🩺 - Tadhg Furlong's Fitness Under Spotlight 00:10:06 🔥 - Argentina Bring "Players Possessed" Mentality 00:13:38 😨 - Lions Loss in Opening Game: A Potential "Disaster”? 00:15:42 🤝 - Aki and Tuipulotu Partnership 00:21:49 ❤️ - What pulling on the Red Lions Jersey Means 00:25:06 ⏱️ - Immense Pressure in Limited Game Time 00:32:03 📣 - Dublin Ready to Roar #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for an exclusive, in-depth conversation with rugby royalty, Alun Wyn Jones, the most capped men's rugby player in history. From his first tour battling imposter syndrome to hoisting the Tom Richards Trophy in 2013 and captaining the 2021 tour, Alun Wyn relives all four of his iconic British & Irish Lions campaigns.  We'll delve into the physical battles, the shifting dynamics of the Lions over two decades, and the unique challenges of touring Australia. Get ready for candid reflections on teammates, controversies like the James Horwill incident, and the emotional weight of wearing the coveted red jersey. Plus, Alun Wyn offers his insights on Andy Farrell's leadership, the 2025 Lions squad, and whether the tour's increasing commercialisation threatens its mystique.  🛞 Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🐐 – Meet the Legend 00:01:44 😮 – The Truth About Life After Rugby 00:06:07 🔥 – Premiership Final Drama: The Dan Cole Controversy 00:19:25 ⚔️ – Evolution of the Lions: Accessibility vs Tradition 00:25:14 🧠 – From Self-Doubt to Captaincy: Alun Wyn’s Lions Journey  00:56:03 🔮 – Looking Ahead to the 2025 Tour 01:18:29 🍹 – Beyond Rugby: Alun Wyn Jones's Mimosa Rum 🔐 Nord VPN - https://nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby  ⌚WOB Group Competition - https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the lads dive deep into the Gallagher Premiership Final, an old-school clash between Bath and Leicester! Alex, Hask, and Jonny May preview the final, dissecting the semi-final victories, the contrasting coaching styles of Johann van Graan and Michael Cheika, and pick their combined XV. Plus, with the Lions away, England's summer fixtures against a France XV, USA, and Argentina are discussed – who will seize their chance to shine? All this plus the "Who the Ruck Is That?" quiz, and much more!  00:00:00 Strap in Continental Tyres  00:04:21 Recap of Bath vs. Bristol and the week of words  00:14:01 Johann van Graan's Impact  00:21:40 Rémy Martin VSOP Partnership Announcement  00:23:29 Leicester vs. Sale Semi-Final Review & Radwan’s try  00:30:39 NordVPN Partnership & Discount Code  00:32:11 The Final. Coaching Battle: Van Graan vs. Cheika  00:36:00 Combined Bath & Leicester XV  00:40:11 Charles Tyrwhitt Live Show Announcement  00:41:37 Lions Tour Injury Update  00:42:18 England Summer Fixtures  00:45:57 Producer Tom's England XV  00:50:27 “Who the Ruck Is That?" Quiz 00:55:00 Live Show Dates & Tour Announcement 🔐 https://nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby  ⌚WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form: https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁 Charles Tyrwhitt Live Show link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-charles-tyrwhitt-present-an-evening-with-lions-lege[…]=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join James Haskell from the 2025 Rugby Awards as he dives into the Gallagher Premiership semi-finals, featuring Bath v Bristol and Leicester v Sale Sharks. This episode also brings an update on Michael Tindall's new global franchise "R360" with GBR promising to deliver all the facts when the time is right. Special guest Ellis Genge shares his deeply ingrained animosity towards local rivals Bath, a feeling cultivated since his academy days. Plus, a blossoming bromance unfolds as Haskell chats with rising star Henry Pollock following his Lions call-up, discussing his sponsorship aspirations and house renovation plans. Hear from Leicester coach Michael Cheika on the turning point in his team's Premiership journey and the vital impact of the Welford Road crowd. Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00 🚀 Strap in with Continental Tyres 02:00 💡 Update on Tins' R360 04:30 🔥 Ellis Genge on the Lions 12:00💥 Bath v Bristol 16:00 ✨ Henry Pollock's stellar year 27:00 🎉 Amazing Lions Prize!!! 29:00 🧠 Michael Cheika WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form: https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 WIN a Lions 2025 Tour Package to Australia Courtesy of Howden: https://bit.ly/412UzVN To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby - our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. And, there's no risk with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall. #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vive Bordeaux! Ex-England, Kenya and USA Sevens coach, Mike Friday dives into a jaw-dropping week of rugby alongside Payno and Hask. The lads debate the titanic final between Bordeaux and Northampton Saints, centring on accusations of foul play against Rugby’s greatest showman, Henry Pollock. What did our young Lion learn? & as the EPCR announce a new Club World Cup, we look to rugby’s future. Sevens guru Mike also reacts to the sport’s management in the face of heartbreaking headlines that Ireland Men’s Sevens team will cease to exist and Great Britain men and women will move to a part-time programme. Is its Olympic status at stake? WOB Group & GBR Competition Entry Form To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby -  our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. And, there's no risk with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! 🛞 00:00 - Strap In With Continental Tyres! 🤼 03:32 - Kabaddi v Rugby: Sevens Stars In India’s RPL 🔥 07:33 - Northampton v Bordeaux - The Breakdown 🌟 16:18 - Pollock Steals The Show 🤔 28:26 - Did Penaud Make The Difference? 🏆 33:04 - Bath Bring It Home 🌍 35:31 - A New Rugby World Club Cup? ‼️ 45:34 - Sevens Revolution: Changes To The World Series 📉 58:53 - Why Were Ireland and GB Sevens Cutback? 🥇 01:06:16 - Flag Football v Sevens: An Olympic Battle 🦁 01:10:12 - Solutions… A British & Irish Lions Sevens Team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready for the Investec Champions Cup final! This week, we're breaking down the Anglo-French showdown between Northampton Saints and Bordeaux, with Ben Kayser's inside track on the big-budget French side and their attacking genius Jalibert. We also delve into Bath's Gallagher Premiership dominance and their upcoming Challenge Cup Final. Plus, huge news on Red Bull's potential takeover of Newcastle Falcons and Antoine Dupont's move into American rugby ownership. All this, plus our final picks for the ultimate Investec Champions Cup Dream Team. Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.  WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form 00:00 🛞 Strap in with Continental Tyres 02:25 🛁 Bath's Premiership Dominance: Is Their Squad Unstoppable?  10:19 💸 Rugby Ticket Prices: "Obscene" for Fans!!!  13:02 🐯 Leicester Tigers' New Era: Geoff Parling Appointment Discussed  20:03 😇 Northampton's Champions Cup Cohesion 24:39🍷 Bordeaux's "Freak Attack": Jalibert & Lucu's Magic  48:55: 🦓 Investec Champions Cup Dream Team: Our Ultimate Picks!  55:36 🪽 Red Bull Buys Newcastle Falcons?! A Major Game Changer  01:05:49 🇺🇸 Antoine Dupont's American Rugby Investment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Northampton and England winger Tommy Freeman joins the pod for a laugh-out-loud, raw and at times deeply personal chat. Fresh off a Lions call-up and in red-hot form - with 15 tries in his last 10 games - Tommy reflects on the moments that shaped him, from the heartbreak of missing out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup to living with epilepsy. With Saints heading into the Investec Champions Cup Final, we look ahead to his blockbuster showdown with Louis Bielle-Biarrey as Northampton prepare to face Bordeaux. Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.  WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form 🎧 00:00 – Strap in with Continental Tyres 🦁 02:00 – Freeman’s a Lion  💥 10:00 – Tommy on Pollock  🔄 19:28 – Mr Versatile - winger, fullback, centre... and maybe even a 10? 👬 23:07 – Mitchell & Smith - the big kids of Northampton 👑 27:00 – Hampton Court & Royal Questions  🔥 33:00 – Try Machine 🚨 38:28 – Hooked by Eddie Jones 🐯 42:28 – Why Tigers Passed  💔 43:57 – Missing the 2023 RWC  🧠 45:00 – Living with Epilepsy 🔵 54:36 – The Leinster Recap  🙌 01:00:00 – Fraser Dingwall Appreciation Society  ⚡ 01:04:00 – Final H2H: Freeman vs Bielle-Biarry  🏆 01:08:00 – The People’s Final – Saints vs Bordeaux ⌚ 01:14:30 – Watches of Bath Quiz  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Filmed in style at the House of Rémy Martin, this week’s episode finds Alex, Hask, and Jonny May enjoying life in Cognac-deep in wine country and not far from Bordeaux’s dismantling of Toulouse-as they unpack a seismic weekend in the Investec Champions Cup. Northampton’s young guns stun Leinster, prompting big praise for Pollock, Smith, Freeman and more. But how might the Saints’ heroics shake up Andy Farrell’s Lions selection? Plus, Jonny faces another pronunciation test-this time courtesy of Bielle-Biarrey. Please enjoy your Rémy Martin responsibly. Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.  WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form 🚗 00:00 – Buckle Up with Continental Tyres 🥃 02:53 – Welcome Rémy Martin! 🎤 05:00 – Hampton Court Live Show Details ☘️ 06:33 – How the Saints Stunned Dublin 🔥 14:51 – Fearless ? Northampton’s Mindset 🎨 24:00 – Pollock’s not so secret talent 🦁 31:30 – How the results will impact the Lions selction 😱 46:24 – What happened to Leinster? 🍷 50:00 – Bordeaux make their first Champions Cup Final! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As French club rugby thrives, English rugby finds itself at a crossroads. Alex and Tins are joined by Jonny May, Courtney Lawes, and rugby powerbroker Simon Gillham [OBE] for a timely conversation on what England can learn from across the Channel. From the dominance of ProD2 and the booming Top 14 to the structural chaos at home, the team digs into the future of the English game. Plus: Courtney’s Lions ambitions & Investec Champions Cup semi-final previews. Tickets are selling fast for finals weekend in Cardiff on the 23rd and 24th of May, head to EPCRugby.com for more details. Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.  WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form 🛞 00:00 – Buckle Up with Continental Tyres 🎙️ 02:00 – Meet Simon Gillham OBE: Rugby’s Quiet Powerbroker 🤝 05:47 – When Brive Signed Courtney Lawes: Inside the Transfer 🏆 11:14 – Why Promotion & Relegation Still Works 🇫🇷 21:13 – What English Rugby Can Learn from France 📺 27:30 – Prem Rugby’s £200M TV Deal: Gamechanger? ⚠️ 40:18 – The Hidden Problem with Premiership Academies 🏗️ 45:47 – Franchise Model: Big Questions 🔥 51:35 – Investec Champions Cup Semi-Final Preview 🔍 56:59 – Courtney’s  Saints Scouting Report 🦁 01:04:00 – Lions 10 Debate: Smith, Prendergast, Ford, Farrell? 🇫🇷 01:09:49 – Bordeaux v Toulouse: All French Affair 🔮 01:11:50 – Semi-Final Predictions: Who’s Going to Cardiff? 🎯 01:13:50 – Courtney on a 3rd Lions Tour? 🧠 01:18:00 – England’s New Coaching Team & Players to Watch this Summer 🐉 01:21:25 – Dave Reddin Joins Wales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices