Rugby Through The Leagues Podcast

The Ascent Rugby Series miniseries continues. Carl talks to Niel Otto of The Dukes, Den Bosch, before their opening festival in Frankfurt — and the weekend after, when the Dukes host one of their own. Niel was at Griquas in the Currie Cup. His contract ended at 27 and he had all but decided to stop playing and go into strength and conditioning. He moved to the Netherlands, Googled the nearest rugby club just to meet people, and came off the bench on debut in Amsterdam — in the worst weather he'd ever played in — to score a hat-trick. On the step between levels: it isn't that the top is more physical, it's that the error rate is lower and mistakes get punished. On the Dukes reaching their first final in ten years and losing one they feel was theirs. And on continuity — keeping a core together season to season — as the thing that got them back there. Plus a first opponent nobody can scout, young players with a real chance to stake a claim, and the weekend the Dukes host: a rugby day that has turned into a festival, a town built for it, and the thousand people who came back to the clubhouse after they lost the final anyway. 🎟️ ascentrugby.com · 📺 Festival #01 live on RugbyPass, with Carl on co-commentary. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com

The Ascent Rugby Series miniseries continues. Carl talks to Dan Gdula, captain of Pogoń Siedlce — back-to-back champions of Poland — before their opening festival in Frankfurt against RC Eemland. Dan on a squad drawn from five nations, a game plan built on winning the collisions, and why this competition matters far beyond one weekend: Polish clubs have had no European pathway, the Super Cup move never happened, and the domestic league has been the ceiling. He points to Czechia and the Bohemian Warriors as proof of what club rugby in Europe does for a national team. Also: Poland's promotion back to the Rugby Europe Championship and what it costs a union short of players, coaches and money; the Switzerland lesson; the 68-24 win over Eemland in February he expects nothing like this time; and a club in Siedlce that fills a stadium and wants a festival of its own. 🎟️ ascentrugby.com · 📺 Festival #01 live on RugbyPass, with Carl on co-commentary. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com

Frankfurt head coach Byron Schmidt on hosting the first-ever Ascent Rugby Series festival — and how the whole competition started as his idea. In this episode: how a cross-border youth format became Central Europe's newest senior series; Frankfurt's running brand of rugby and the players to watch; and what fans can expect in Frankfurt on 22 August. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ascent Rugby Series 00:00:45 Meet Byron Schmidt, Frankfurt Head Coach 00:01:00 A Dominant Bundesliga Season 00:01:40 Where the Ascent Idea Came From 00:02:00 Building the Brand: Nico, Henry & Felix 00:02:30 Pre-Season Prep and Player Buzz 00:04:00 Why Every Club Treats Ascent as Pre-Season 00:05:00 Giving the Players a Mental Break 00:06:00 Eight Years at the Club and the Dukes 00:07:00 The Amateur Ethos: Rugby After the Whistle 00:08:30 Football Kids Crossing to Rugby 00:10:00 Coaches, Volunteers and Development 00:11:00 German Rugby on the Rise 00:13:00 Talent Coming Through the System 00:15:00 Central Europe's Heineken Cup? 00:16:00 From Parked Idea to Three-Year Plan 00:18:00 Frankfurt's Style: A Running Brand of Rugby 00:20:00 Rebuilding the Senior Section on Fundamentals 00:22:00 Players to Watch: Leo Wolfe Leads the Way 00:25:00 Mates Made at Festivals Like This 00:26:00 Frankfurt Hosts: What to Expect on the Day 00:27:30 On the Fence? Come and Watch 00:28:00 The Miniseries Ahead & Where to Follow

On the Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, Carl speaks with Mitch McGann, head coach of Dutch club RC Eemland, a founding team in the new Ascent Rugby Series beginning 22nd August in Frankfurt and now expanded from six to seven teams, including two Dutch sides (RC Eemland and The Dukes). McGann explains Eemland's identity as a family-oriented club with a strong youth pipeline and a recent shift from a forward-heavy style toward more ball movement and flair, and discusses how playing styles vary by region across the Netherlands. They preview Eemland's pre-season fixtures in the series against Poland's Pogon and Czech powerhouse Tatra, touch on scouting and preparation, highlight key players and new Kiwi signings, and discuss facility challenges, youth development via regional academies, and broader ambitions for cross-border competition and Dutch rugby growth. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Series Intro 00:58 RC Eemland Identity 02:37 Dutch Rugby Styles 04:28 Regional Differences 06:39 Dukes Rivalry Talk 09:22 Preseason and Fixtures 10:44 Pogon Lessons and Plan 14:13 Joining Ascent Rugby 16:00 Players to Watch 19:30 Scouting and Hosting Plans 22:43 Pitches and Facilities 27:59 Dutch Rugby Growth Pathway 32:31 Domestic Pro Vision 34:36 Why Ascent Matters 37:58 Funding and Future Format 42:24 Wrap Up and Tickets 🎟️ Tickets: ascentrugby.com 👉 Join free: rugbyttl.com/members 👉 Get the App: rugbyttl.app

This week on Rugby Through the Leagues, Carl sits down with George and Dave from Attica Rugby, the team behind the Aegean Rugby Festival, to talk about growing rugby in Greece through sport tourism. They cover the festival's origins, the vision of showcasing Greece as a sporting destination, and the reality of 2026 — a scaled-back event after travel uncertainty and rising costs forced multiple cancellations, yet still delivered with four men's and four women's teams, strong local support in Crete, and professional refereeing. Then the big one: plans for a bigger early-summer 2027 festival in Athens — rugby sevens, beach rugby, an all-inclusive option, a major closing party, and ideas for youth divisions, touch rugby, rugby tours and future 15s. Plus Andy Powell's sevens story, why legends add credibility, the Greek rugby leadership gap, and the philosophy of show up and build. Real stories from the leagues the mainstream skips. ⏱️ Timestamps (00:00) Welcome & Guests (00:56) Origins of the Aegean Festival (03:01) Greek Rugby Growth (05:22) Festival Vision & the Federation (09:15) Travel Chaos & Cancellations (11:01) Pulling Off the 2026 Event (13:13) Referees & Tournament Quality (16:47) 2027 Athens Teaser (18:48) Youth Division vs the Party (23:12) Future Formats & Rugby Tours (27:48) Streaming the Format (28:08) Tournament Week Blueprint (28:44) Event Weekend Integration (29:19) The Andy Powell Sevens Story (31:37) Legends Add Credibility (33:56) The Greek Rugby Leadership Gap (38:12) Show Up & Build (39:37) Celebrities Who Deliver (43:57) Rugby for Anyone (47:01) Touch Rugby Expansion (48:42) Early Summer 2027 Plans (50:30) Final Wrap & Callouts 🎧 Follow Rugby TTL wherever you get your podcasts — and if you're enjoying it, a rating or review genuinely helps us reach more people. ▶️ Watch the full video: youtube.com/@RugbyTTL 📸 Instagram: @rugby.ttlpod 🌍 rugbyttl.com

This week on Rugby Through the Leagues, Carl sits down with Xhino, chairman of the Albanian rugby federation, for the story of how a sport almost nobody was playing became a national project. Xhino traces it back to 2010–2012, when a handful of students inspired by YouTube clips started throwing a ball around — through the founding of Tirana Rugby Club to official federation recognition in 2024. He and Carl get into Albania's entirely self-funded growth, the touring sides making the trip out (the European Parliament Rugby Team and Nottingham Police Force among them), and why hospitality, raki and the post-match third half matter as much as anything on the pitch. Xhino lays out the pillars taking Albanian rugby forward: school programmes and touch rugby, building a base beyond Tirana in Durrës, French connections opening player pathways, women's rugby, and the long game — Rugby Europe membership and fixtures against Bosnia, Serbia and Greece. Real stories from the leagues the mainstream skips. ⏱️ Timestamps (00:00) Welcome & Guest Intro (01:06) Rugby Begins in Albania (02:18) Tirana Club & Touring Teams (03:31) Albanian Hospitality & Raki (06:02) The Road to Rugby Europe (06:53) Schools & Youth Pathways (08:02) France Links & Player Opportunities (13:44) Growing Beyond Tirana (18:35) Funding & Building an Ecosystem (20:24) The 5, 10, 15-Year Vision (22:46) Women's Rugby & the Balkan Schools Cup (28:21) Rugby League & Learning from the NRL (31:12) Media Buzz & Upcoming Fixtures (32:59) How to Connect & Visit (35:49) Final Thanks & Wrap Up 🎧 Follow Rugby TTL wherever you get your podcasts — and if you're enjoying it, a rating or review genuinely helps us reach more people. ▶️ Watch the full video: youtube.com/@RugbyTTL 📸 Instagram: @rugby.ttlpod 🌍 rugbyttl.com

German rugby is rebuilding — and new head coach Mike Poppmeier is the man tasked with leading it back. In this episode, Carl sits down with Mike Poppmeier, the new head coach of Germany and a former Germany international, for an open conversation about Rugby Europe, the national team's future, and the funding gap holding it all back. Mike talks through his South African upbringing, his German/Austrian family roots and 11 years living in Germany, before laying out the real picture: how the lack of a professional environment and funding limits preparation, player retention, staffing and international fixtures. He explains the value of cross-border competition like the new Ascent Rugby league (featuring Adler XV and Frankfurt), his role with dominant Bundesliga champions Frankfurt, and why Germany sits in the Trophy division while rebuilding its culture, behaviours and pathway by blooding young France-based prospects. Plus his coaching ethos — fitness, tempo and smart rugby — and the practical needs, from video analysis to aligned governance, that could unlock sponsorship and long-term growth. Real stories from the leagues the mainstream skips. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Welcome & guest intro 00:45 Mike's Germany journey 02:19 Why Germany slipped 04:50 Super Cup & pro pathways 07:16 Ascent Rugby explained 08:00 Bundesliga & Frankfurt dominance 10:43 Adler XV selection plans 13:26 Friendlies & travel budgets 16:07 Rebuild in the Trophy division 19:48 The funding mystery & next steps 22:03 Squad identity plan 22:45 Player release commitments 24:58 Coaching ethos & style 27:40 Prep time & logistics 28:46 Video analysis & tools 30:27 Head coach workload 33:40 Five-year vision 35:37 Funding & alignment 38:59 Curtis Brayford addition 40:25 Final message & legacy 🎧 Listen & follow: Spotify (open.spotify.com/show/511e8frgzJnY1CWe06GLyH) · Apple Podcasts · YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · rugbyttl.com

The Rugby Through the Leagues podcast welcomes Jordan, organiser of Heart of Wales 7s, and Stu from The Flaming Unicorns / Tough Enough To Care, to talk rugby, community and mental health. Jordan charts the tournament's growth from 16 men's teams to an 11-year event drawing around 1,500 people — with the goal of 6,000 — and the entertainment that's grown with it: Flamingo Bingo, boxing, netball, charity matches and the famous naked run (which may hit 250–300 runners). He opens up on how it all came together: contacts, hard-won logistics lessons, a 10-person core crew, COVID refunds, and a relentless focus on retention, safety and experience. Stu shares how The Flaming Unicorns began as a charity match supporting mental health after losing two friends to suicide — and how their distinctive branding creates safe spaces for conversations at rugby clubs, with Heart of Wales giving them a major platform alongside celebrity guests and the growth of women's rugby. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Naked Run Cold Open 00:12 Meet the Guests 01:03 Heart of Wales Origins 02:41 Growing Past Covid 04:57 Behind the Scenes Crew 07:19 Entertainment & Traditions 10:38 Flaming Unicorns Join In 12:39 Tough Enough To Care Story 16:00 Why the Partnership Works 18:19 Rugby Stars & Welsh Sevens 22:06 Logistics Lessons & Burnout 26:57 Post-Event Rituals 31:02 Two-Week Build Plan 31:39 Site Setup Week 33:32 Rugby Star Ringers 36:03 Women's Night Magic 39:35 Growing Organically 42:48 Welsh Sevens Series 46:17 Sevens Media Value 49:23 New Format Ideas 52:14 Unicorns Mission 57:36 Final Messages 🏉 Heart of Wales 7s: heartofwales7s.co.uk 💚 This episode discusses mental health and suicide. If you're struggling, you don't have to face it alone — in the UK & Ireland you can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123. Find out more about Tough Enough To Care at toughenoughtocare.help. 🎧 Listen & follow: Spotify · Apple Podcasts · YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · rugbyttl.com

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker Josh Navidi on the neck injury that ended his career and life after the game. In this episode: the injury & retirement call; Wales & Lions highlights; the transition out of pro rugby; advice for young players. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Passport Panic Intro 00:17 New Studio Welcome 00:34 Heart of Wales Sevens 01:55 Flaming Unicorns Charity 02:20 Neck Injury Retirement 05:15 Life After Rugby 06:06 England Rivalry Fire 07:27 Welsh Rugby Turmoil 10:04 Money, Depth and Regions 11:34 Player Workload & Burnout 12:45 Cap Rule Abroad Debate 15:35 Signs of a Wales Rebuild 18:26 Gatland Return and Legacy 21:51 2019 Grand Slam Memories 24:10 Alun Wyn Leadership 27:35 Leadership Core Talk 28:03 Gatland Training Intensity 29:24 Brutal Drills Build Edge 30:30 Lions Call-Up Chaos 35:00 Tour Life Under COVID 36:37 Keeping Shirts and Memories 37:03 DJing and Pink Bar Pivot 40:37 Building the Container Bar 43:34 Music Roots and Big Gigs 45:46 Career Moments to Relive 47:56 Heart of Wales Sevens Plug 48:59 Final Thanks and Sign Off Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@RugbyTTL Website: rugbyttl.com Instagram: @rugby.ttlpod

Sam Hollingsworth on swapping the RFU Championship for Spain's División de Honor — Nottingham to VRAC Valladolid, the ACL injury, and what English players should know about Spanish rugby. In this episode: leaving the English system; standard of the División de Honor; the ACL comeback; advice for imports. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Career Turning Point 00:03 Meet Sam Hollingsworth 02:16 Nottingham and the Championship 03:10 Climbing the Leagues 05:48 COVID and Breaking Through 07:41 ACL Injury Breakdown 09:54 Rehab and the Mental Battle 12:59 Choosing Spain — The Offers 16:09 Spain Level Comparison 19:00 League Consistency Issues 20:37 The ABC Rule and Squad Building 23:10 U23 Pathway Levels 25:35 Loans vs Development 26:39 Spanish Rugby Momentum 27:30 Copa Del Rey Atmosphere 29:15 Spanish Celebrations 29:49 Learning Spanish On-Field 32:49 Family Multilingual Life 34:20 Coaching Vision Online 37:51 Video Analysis Mindset 42:04 Move to Spain Advice 43:02 Final Wrap and Plugs ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏉 FOLLOW SAM HOLLINGSWORTH ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📸 Coached by Sam (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/_coachedbysam 💼 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sam-hollingsworth-7b18791a9 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📲 FOLLOW RUGBY THROUGH THE LEAGUES ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews from grassroots, tier 2 and emerging rugby nations across the global rugby pyramid 🔗 All links: https://linktr.ee/rugbyttl 📸 Instagram: @rugby.ttlpod ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏷 ABOUT THE PODCAST ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Rugby Through The Leagues tells the stories you don't hear on mainstream rugby coverage — players, coaches and clubs from across the global rugby pyramid. From the Championship and National Leagues in England to División de Honor in Spain, Top 14 academies, Major League Rugby, and every emerging nation pushing for Tier 1 status. #RugbyTTL #SpanishRugby #VRAC #DivisionDeHonor #ChampionshipRugby #ACLRecovery

Copa del Rey winner Vidal Souza breaks down Alcobendas' 40–39 derby final win over Cisneros and the clutch mentality behind it. In this episode: the 40–39 final; turning late losses into a title; the Madrid derby; Spanish club rugby. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Clutch Mentality Intro 00:16 Podcast Welcome Guest 00:58 Copa del Rey Thriller 02:24 Winning Tight Games 05:54 Rugby Journey Origins 08:22 Contracts & Club Culture 10:25 Rugby vs Career 12:59 Playoffs Focus: La Vila 14:58 Stopping The Maul 18:50 4G vs Grass 21:20 Wild División Season 24:22 Spain Rugby Rising 27:02 Elite A Closing Gap 30:08 Career Highlights & Farewell 🏉 ABOUT RUGBY THROUGH THE LEAGUES Rugby Through the Leagues is the home of grassroots and tier 2/3 rugby — bringing you the players, coaches, and stories the mainstream rugby media overlooks. From Spain and Portugal to Uruguay, Brazil, Kenya, Fiji, Samoa, and beyond. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with players and coaches shaping the next era of global rugby. 👍 LIKE if you enjoyed this conversation with Vidal. 💬 COMMENT — who should we interview next from the División de Honor? 📲 FOLLOW RUGBY THROUGH THE LEAGUES #SpanishRugby #CopaDelRey #Alcobendas #DivisionDeHonor #VidalSouza #RugbyTTL #RugbySpain #Cisneros #LaVila #BrazilRugby #CobrasXV #Rugby #WorldRugby #Tier2Rugby #RugbyPodcast

Rugby TTL hosts Charlie from What's All the Ruckus to debate the future of tier 2 and tier 3 rugby and how to grow the game. In this episode: why tier 2/3 matters; Rugby Europe & MLR; World Cup 2031/2035; emerging nations. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Podcast Collaboration Intro 00:44 Why Cover Tier Two 01:56 Grassroots Sports Magic 03:12 Guests And Ruck Debate 06:26 Interviewing Finnley Harrison 08:18 Future Of Tier Two Rugby 09:27 Nations Cup And B Teams 13:21 USA Rugby And MLR Reset 15:48 Super Rugby Americas Growth 19:26 2035 Spain World Cup Dream 21:37 Rugby Europe Super Cup Funding 24:31 Restructuring Rugby Europe 26:08 Fixing Tier Two Calendar 27:10 League Model Proposal 28:28 Travel And Notice Boost 29:27 Showcase Friendlies Examples 32:21 Marketing Beyond Rugby Bubble 37:14 Changing Rugby Perception 40:55 Atmosphere Pricing Lessons 43:59 Favorite Guests Stories 47:52 Ultimate Guest Dreams 49:56 Where To Find The Pod 51:47 Final Thanks And Signoff

Fiji great Nikola Matawalu on the Aegean Sevens festival, growing sevens in Greece and the Fijian pathway. In this episode: the Aegean Sevens project; sevens in Greece; Fiji pathways; moving into coaching. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:36 How Nikola Joined Aegean Sevens 01:40 Greece Rugby Revival 02:55 Festival Vibe and Growth 04:26 Crete Connection and Timing 05:13 Masterclass Week Breakdown 06:21 Coaching Confidence and Fun 09:03 Learning Through Mistakes 10:30 Rugby Roots in Fiji 11:58 Village Life Builds Skills 15:43 Community and Youth in Greece 17:08 Tier Two Nations Rising 18:14 Retirement and Drua Dreams 19:20 Why the Drua Matters 20:09 HPU Pathways Rising 21:51 From Camps to Pros 23:01 Greece Sevens Growth 27:01 Fiji Hosting Tier One 28:53 Best Clubs Played 31:41 Coaching and Masters 33:08 Top Coaches Learned 34:43 Finn Russell Genius 38:46 Festival Farewell

A full Six Nations 2026 review — Ireland second, a Welsh revival, France edging England, and why rugby must market itself better. In this episode: championship review; Ireland, Wales & France; the new format; rugby's marketing problem. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Six Nations Recap 01:09 Format And Scheduling 02:37 Weekend Fixtures Setup 02:58 Ireland Scotland Breakdown 07:56 Ireland Depth And Injuries 15:28 Wales Italy Reaction 18:30 Rugby Marketing Debate 25:23 Social Media And Stars 27:58 Women Sevens And Access 35:43 France England Thriller 38:25 Kicking Discipline And Stats 44:42 Referee Controversy Rant 45:19 Referee Controversy 46:21 Captain Welfare Debate 47:26 Fantasy League Setup 50:40 Unchanged League Drama 53:19 Public League Winners 55:46 High Scoring Tournament 56:32 Growing Fan Engagement 01:00:39 Going Live Next Year 01:02:13 Draft Ideas For Fantasy 01:03:39 Player Of Tournament Picks 01:15:49 Lions Squad Talk 01:18:05 England Tactics And Kicking 01:21:44 Fixing Advantage Rule 01:25:16 Season Wrap And Thanks

Eleni Voultepsis on the rebirth of Greek rugby — national teams, Rugby Europe membership and youth pathways. In this episode: putting Greece on the map; national teams; Rugby Europe; youth development. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Meet Eleni of Greek Rugby 00:25 First Women’s XV Debut 01:01 Men’s Match vs Albania 02:14 Joining Rugby Europe 03:46 Rebuilding After 2015 04:45 Romania Coaching Seminar 07:57 Veterans Keep Playing 11:06 First Greek Coaching School 14:41 Rugby Europe Support Network 20:30 Women’s Teams and Rivalries 22:12 New National Kit Plans 23:18 Kit Plans Update 23:42 Long Term Rugby Europe Vision 25:02 Schools Pathway Challenges 25:56 Building Youth Age Grades 27:14 Growing The Domestic Championship 28:11 Facilities And Grass Field Struggles 30:08 Social Media Promotion Reality 34:23 Rugby Europe Upsets Breakdown 37:25 Matchday Culture And Rome Trips 39:35 Fixing Rugby Calendar And Grassroots 41:06 Greek Rugby Future And Wrap Up

The panel recaps a huge Six Nations weekend — Ireland v England, Wales' collapse, France rolling Italy — plus fantasy rugby. In this episode: round-by-round breakdown; Ireland v England; Wales v Scotland; fantasy picks. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Hooker Depth Rant 00:24 Ireland vs England Reaction 02:16 England Mood and Italy Threat 07:22 Why England Lost the Breakdown 11:22 Ireland Standouts Crowley and Ryan 14:32 England Hooker Selection Meltdown 18:58 Borthwick Future and Coaching Options 23:16 Scotland vs Wales Chaos Finish 31:10 Scotland Coaching Succession Talk 37:27 France vs Italy Match Breakdown 45:26 Can France Be Stopped 46:05 Fantasy Panic Picks 46:57 Unchanged League Standings 48:11 Public League Leaderboard 49:34 Team Breakdowns And Shoutouts 53:36 Aerial Contest Ref Debate 01:00:16 England Selection And Back Row 01:01:28 Next Round Predictions 01:07:35 Fantasy Strategy And Forfeits 01:11:27 Banter Haircuts And Signoff

A midway Rugby Europe Championship review with Game Day Bites — Spain v Georgia, a Portugal preview, Romania's struggles and relegation chaos. In this episode: Spain v Georgia; Portugal preview; Romania; relegation race. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Welcome and Collab Intro 00:52 Meet Game Day Bites 01:56 Amsterdam and Dutch Rise 03:57 Georgia vs Spain Breakdown 05:00 Spain Selection and Depth 14:50 World Cup Cycle Talk 15:53 Pool B Portugal and Romania 17:10 Romania Struggles and Germany Upset 27:46 Group Standings and Switzerland Tease 28:14 Swiss Recruitment Buzz 29:32 Porsche Injury Concern 30:17 Ref Calls and Dutch Stats 32:07 Vick Meyer Poster Boy 33:29 Style vs Adaptability 36:43 Relegation Math Explained 41:33 Semi Final Predictions 43:00 Best Game So Far 45:09 Why Eight Teams Matters 48:20 Madrid Finals Weekend Info 51:06 Wrap Up and Subscribe

A deep dive into Super Rugby Americas with Joe Santamaria — the competition feeding Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. In this episode: what Super Rugby Americas is; the South American pipeline; Pumas/Cóndores/Teros; where to watch. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:24 Overview of Super Rugby Americas 01:36 New Season Excitement and Team Preparations 01:58 League Expansion and Team Dynamics 02:21 Last Season Highlights and Player Movements 03:08 Challenges and Growth of the League 07:51 Team Strategies and Rivalries 21:22 Commercial and Logistical Aspects 33:45 Fan Engagement and Community Support 39:35 Predictions for the Upcoming Season 40:30 Chile's Rugby Journey and Key Players 42:27 Chile's Playing Style and Key Figures 44:32 Challenges and Injuries in Chilean Rugby 45:29 Penarol's Player Exodus and Impact 46:10 Uruguayan Players and National Team Perspective 49:45 Penarol's New Additions and Key Players 53:50 Pampas' Performance and Key Losses 59:17 Rugby in Uruguay and Argentina 01:02:16 Capybaras: The New Franchise 01:08:17 Season Predictions and Final Thoughts

Round 1 of the Six Nations reviewed, plus the fantasy picks that paid off and the ones that didn't. In this episode: round 1 results; team news; fantasy strategy. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00. 00:00 Introduction and First Round Recap 00:15 Fantasy Rugby Picks and Strategies 02:56 Italy vs Scotland: A Surprising Outcome 03:53 Scotland's Performance and Future Prospects 10:11 Wales' Struggles and England's Dominance 32:15 Ireland vs France: A Tough Battle 47:29 Debating the 50/22 Rule and Player Skills 48:00 Ramos: The Underrated Star 49:30 Referee Decisions and Match Scrutiny 52:24 Fantasy Rugby: Top Point Scorers 54:32 League Standings and Team Strategies 59:21 Match Previews: England vs Scotland 01:02:39 Match Previews: Ireland vs Italy 01:05:57 Match Previews: Wales vs France 01:15:18 Lineout Techniques and Player Safety 01:17:52 Conclusion and Social Media Plugs

With Rob & Rich from Rosbifs Rugby, we dig into French rugby development and its impact on the smaller Rugby Europe nations. In this episode: French rugby development; the JIFF rule; impact on Rugby Europe; club v country. Subscribe on YouTube (youtube.com/@RugbyTTL) · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · rugbyttl.com. ⏱ Add chapters from 00:00.