The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

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The Man. The Myth. The Lions Legend - Finlay Calder Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

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

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🦁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

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Quick Tap: The Lions' Wake-Up Call Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

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!

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Quick Tap: Farrell's First Lions XV Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

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

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Alun Wyn Jones: Lionheart Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

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

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🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Bath v Leicester & England's Summer Showdown Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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⌚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

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Henry Pollock, Ellis Genge & Michael Cheika Join Us At The Rugby Awards! Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

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

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From Champions Cup Glory To Sevens Slashes: Mike Friday & Rugby’s Future May 28, 2025

Show notes

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

🛞 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?

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"Are You Not Entertained?!" Why Saints v Bordeaux Will Be Epic! May 21, 2025

Show notes

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

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Freeman's A Lion, Your Defence is Terrified! May 15, 2025

Show notes

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

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Oh When The Saints Go Marching In! May 07, 2025

Show notes

Filmed in style at the House of Rémy Martin, this week’s episodefinds 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!

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