Women's Rugby Pod

WRP 184 - Mac is back! Sarah Bern is back to talk all things 6 Nations; looking back at The England win over Scotland at a sold-out Hive Stadium, The French breezing past Italy and Ireland's seismic victory over Wales. Also joining us is former Ireland coach Greg McWilliams, obviously so knowledgeable about this group; he tells us about his joy in seeing their improvement both on and off the field. Greg talks about the influence Scott Bemand has had, the continued change he has seen from just a year ago when he was in-charge. He also gives us some insight to the structures now in place, the coaching group and the players. This round 4 fixtures of the 6 Nations is also discussed with where the games will be won and lost, with predictions. And there is all the news from around the world with Rori, who are domestic champions in New Zealand, did Spain lift the European title again, details on Rugby Africa Cup and more. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WWRP 183 - Our very own rosarian. She's back, England coach and our co-host Sarah Hunter returns after a rather busy time! "Sunter" tells us about coaching in the 6 Nations rather than playing in it; her comfort levels following that transition and where the line is drawn in number of games of Tuk Tuk (listen to fully understand!). The opening two performances of The Red Roses are digested, where things have gone right, where needs to be tightened up and what we can expect in terms of selection for the rest of the tournament. We also hear the post-match thoughts of Zoe Aldcroft as she won her 50th cap at Ashton Gate. Sunter also looks at how the other nations have faired so far; how Scotland's recent run has given them confidence and how that has manifested into their play. She also runs her eye over France, Italy, Wales and Ireland, now with her old coach running the show. There's all the news from Rori as well, with results from SA's tour match, Super Rugby W and Aupiki and some shout outs with a special tribute from Sunter to Vicki Cornborough who announced her retirement this week. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 182 - What a start & more to come! An incredible start to the 6 Nations, history made, sensational tries, heroic defence and round 2 is days away, and Sarah Bern, the injured Red Rose star unpicks it all! Also on the pod, scorer of one of the tries of round 1, Coreen Grant. The wingers chats about the mood in the Scotland camp, just how tough the game was against Wales, the renewed confidence in the camp & how much they are looking forward to welcoming France at the weekend. "Berner" reviews the games from Parma and Le Mans; what did the Red Roses do well and what they need to improve upon. The Irish defence is spoken about and in fact their attack, having scored almost as many points in the opening round as they did in the whole tournament last year! The fixtures this weekend are also previewed, who will come out on top between Ireland and Italy, where will the game be won and lost between England and Wales and can Scotland beat France?! There's all the news with Rori, including results from Rugby Aupkik and Super Rugby W. And Sue Dorrington joins us, one of the ladies who organised the first ever World Cup, to tell us about the fundraising going on for Gary Street and his family. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 181 - 6 Nations - Ding, ding....round 1! The third pod of the week looking in depth at the teams selections for all three 6 Nations games. There's fascinating insight into the England camp where Berner spent some time with this week; what are the differences to this camp under John Mitchell to previous years? What is England's approach to selection through this 6 Nations, why has this XV been chosen to open up The Red Roses campaign, what will be new?! Wales and Scotland always have great battles, Berner talks about where the game will be won and loss, the importance of the kicking game and set piece. And the increased strength in depth both these Celtic nations appear to have increasingly. Ireland are over in France for a tough start to their campaign, off the back of a victorious wXV3 and with their 7s players being available they are confident. Berner's knowledge of Scott Bemand, from when he was the England coach, he is now the Ireland head man, comes into play about the approach of the Irish side and what might be different about them. The Red Rose star also talks about the physicality of the French side that love playing in front of their home crowd. Some weekend ahead!There's all the news from around the world as well, from our newscaster, Rori Taylorson, with results from New Zealand, Australia and Amsterdam!#WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 180 - 6 Nations preview part 2 - Captains' log. In the second instalment of this week's previews we concentrate on the players, the captains. We spoke to all six captains at the 6 Nations launch; Marlie Packer, Rachel Malcolm the Scotland skipper, Eilsa Giordano from Italy, Wales leader Hannah Jones and Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan. The chats go from moods in the camp, who's new, who is training the house down to you would you pick from any other nation to play on your side?! The opening fixtures are discussed, the progress and what has been worked on since the wXV tournaments and the hopes, goals and aspirations for this 6 Nations tournament. Again apologies for the sound quality the launch was a very busy, noisy even! Tomorrow we have the third and final preview pod of the week with Sarah Bern, analysing all the team news ahead of the opening round and we'll have all the rest of the global news as well.#WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 179 - 6 Nations - Coaches' corner. It is 6 Nations week here in Europe so a huge week on the pod. In the first of this week's episodes we hear from the lady and gentlemen who will be guiding their teams through the tournament. From Scotland Bryan Easson with a very settled squad, talks about the tweaks they have been making, the growing depth of his squad and the selection headaches he now has. Gaelle Mignot and David Ortiz, the joint head coaches of France chat about moving their games around the country, that England match and for Gaelle - how she looks at the 6 Nations as the coach now and not as the player. Scott Bemand, the head coach of Ireland, details the progress they have made, the inclusion of 7s players and starting round one in France. Italy supremo Giovani Raneri, who's side face England first up; he speaks about the tough opening start, which players to look out for and the excitement in Italian rugby right now. In the red corner Ioan Cunningham, the Wales women head coach, speaks of crowds, the buzz around the beginning of this tournament and facing Scotland, at the weekend, and what a tight one that promises to be yet again! Sadly no John Mitchell from England. We are back tomorrow with all the captains: Marlie Packer, Manae Feleu, Rachel Malcolm, Sam Monaghan, Hannah Jones and Elisa Giordano. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 178 - Squads everywhere. Just days away from the 6 Nations the last four squads have been announced. Sarah Bern, the injured Red Roses star gives her views on who has been selected not only for the squad but potentially for the first few games. She speaks of the experienced heads returning, like Zoe Harrison, Zoe Aldcroft and Emily Scarratt and gives her unique insight to them. Where will John Mitchell, the head coach, will have his biggest headaches, the back five of the scrum, the midfield? The newly announced Wales squad is looked at, Berner looks at the pack in particular - her area of expertise the front but also the back row and the fierce competition in the back row. The depth that is growing in the Welsh squad, bolstered by some returning players and those who impressed in the Celtic Challenge. France and Italy both with some changes, Berner picks out the player to look out for and what she expects from each of the sides in this tournament. The PWR results, from England, are looked at especially a "statement win" for Bristol over Saracens. Rori has all the news including results from the 7s Challenger series, Super Rugby Aupiki and details on the Netherlands versus Colombia match for a place in wXV, happening this weekend. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 177 - News round - up. A short sharp pod this week, with a catch up on all the news from all over the globe with our very own Moira Stuart - Rori Taylorson. There are results from England, France, New Zealand; we catch up on 7s from Los Angeles where lots of milestones were reached by some amazing women in our sport. Where are this year wXV tournaments being held, who is the last to qualify for wXV, who won the Varsity match here in England and what is going on in Italy and contracted players? And there's news on who is moving from rugby union to rugby league and some messages from you the listeners. There is lots of content coming your way as the Women's 6 Nations rolls into town in the coming weeks, plus a regular feature from down under........stay tuned. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 176 - Meg-a weekend. Sadia, Berner and Johnnie have so much to talk about this week with Meg Varley as a guest too. The Bristol centre turned winger has just been named in the Scotland squad. We get her reaction to the call up, how she was asked and the feelings of playing in that Scottish backline with the likes of Chloe Rollie, Emma Orr and Lisa Thompson. Meg also chats about her move to Bristol, how she is finding her new club, her new position and how she thinks "Briz" are playing at the moment. Red Roses, Sadia and Berner talk about Meg and the rest of the Scotland squad that is preparing for the 6 Nations. They do the same with the recently named Ireland squad, with it's interesting inclusion of several of their 7s stars. Plus there is great insight into the Ireland coach, Scott Bemand, as both Sards and Berner were coached by him for many years. It's a huge weekend in the English top league, the PWR, as all four games are being shown live - these are all previewed including a repeat of last year's final, Gloucester-Hartpury v Exeter. There is all the news from Rori with French results, news from the Celtic Challenge and of course a look back at the 7s from Vancouver at the weekend. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmil.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 175 - All round the world. This week Red Roses Sadia Kabeya, Sarah Bern and broadcaster Johnnie Hammond with the help of our new newscaster, Rori, get you up to date with all the news from around the world. The new Wales 6 Nations squad is discussed, with the return of injured players and some that have not involved for sometime, plus fresh faces and those playing in the English league, The PWR. Sards and Berner know many of the Welsh players and give us the inside line on playing with them and against them! Australia have announced more, substantial investment the the women's game - that is reflecting on including players returning home. And the next generation of Red Roses have assembled, our trio pick out those who have impressed at club level and the ones to watch out for. Rori has news from France, the Arab 7s and the Celtic Challenge, which is into the play-offs. Plus the Gloucester-Hartpury result is digested and all this weekend's fixtures in the PWR are previewed; who will win between Bristol and Loughborough and where will Sadia store the new hair?!!!?P.S. Please excuse Sadia's microphone! #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 174 - Sharks' Tails!  Red Roses star Sarah Bern and Johnnie Hammond are joined by two guests this week, Sale Sharks coach Rachel Taylor and Helen "Flip" Street - wife of Gary and Rori has all the news. The latest round of games from the PWR (Premiership Women's Rugby) are reviewed including Saracens win at The Duel and the last minute winner in the west country derby between Bristol and Gloucester-Hartpury. The former Wales captain and Sale Sharks Performance coach, joins us this week after another defeat at the weekend in the PWR, this time to Exeter, their seventh in a row. "Tails" chats about where the group are, as a group, how they are coping with the rut they find themselves in, the motivations looking further ahead, the club's commitment to women's rugby and the plans that are already coming to fruition. The former flanker's passion shines through and she is incredibly upbeat despite the injuries and sporadic nature of their performances and she also speaks about what motivates her. Our guest newscaster, ten year-old, Rori Taylorson, from Weybridge Vandals Valkeries, has all the latest from around the world, with fixtures in the Celtic Challenge, who won the "Latin Cup" and who picked up awards in Australia. Also on the pod this week, Helen "Flip" Street, the wife of World Cup winning coach, Gary. As we have mentioned many times "Streety" is on a long road of recovery after a stroke mid-heart surgery, so we thought we'd get "Flip" on the pod. We hear an update on Streety's health, what the next steps are and how in a practical sense the family are coping. Plus we hear about the positive impact the fundraising ("Street's Ahead" on go fund me) has made on the family and how that support will assist going forward and what are the further plans ahead............big and impressive........Sue Dorrington is involved!! If you didn't know Sue (with others) organised the first ever women's rugby world cup!!Help support Team Street - https://gofund.me/7c41e23a#WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 173 - Centres of excellence. Here again this week and every week at the very heart of women's rugby. Not one but two centres of excellence joining Sadia Kabeya, Sarah Bern and Johnnie Hammond. Doctor Phoebe Murray, from Bristol, joins us to chat about their superb win over Exeter at the weekend; what the tactics were, what was said at half time to prompt the second half performance and just what a result like that means. Plus there's chat around the Bristol squad and a first for the pod, the introduction of "Mindset managers!!" With Saracens v Harlequins, traditionally a very big rivalry in the English league, Sydney Gregson, the Saracens and England centre is on the pod too. Fresh for being involved in the Red Roses camp Sydney chats about that and her desire to get back "in the mix," and there's talk of the anticipation of Quins going to the Stone X stadium on Saturday and what a blow-up dinasour costume has to do with team morale!! as ever there's all the news as well, read by Rori Taylorson, from Weybridge Vandals' Valkeries team. A new edition, we are getting grass roots clubs to put forward to player who'd like to join us and read the headlines to the world. #wrugby. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 172 -  Pod and Bern. Big news for us on The WRP......we have a new co-host joining us for the foreseeable, none other than Sarah Bern!! The Red Roses star has already amassed 61 caps, appeared in two World Cup finals and won multiple 6 Nations titles. "Berner," currently in rehab for a knee injury joins Sadia and Johnnie to discuss all this week's news. Sadia, fresh from England camp, gets us up to speed on what the Red Roses have been up to, what exactly what the "1200" is and we find out if Berner has remained in the whatsapp groups?!!! The trio chat about loads more, including Ireland's historic 7s win in Perth, plus team Great Britain's bronze medal and Exeter's win at Sale, in the PWR (the English top club league) at the weekend. Plus there is all the news from Rugby Europe, fixtures in the Celtic Challenge, France and beyond. And all this week's PWR fixtures are previewed, Quins v Sale, Leicester v Gloucester-Hartpury, Saracens v Ealing T and we get Berner's insight to the Bristol camp and what she's makes of their opposition, this weekend, Exeter. Street's Ahead - Gary Street the World Cup winning coach, and his family need our help. He was been through the mill of late and needs our help on his road to recovery. Please give and support what you can. GoFundMe campaign, read more here https://gofund.me/1ff6773fAny messages/stories/experiences/tales about Streety please, please send our way by message, audio or video - which we will then pass on to Team Street.  Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 171 - Anything but flakey! This week Sadia is away in England camp so Johnnie flying solo but with a brilliant guest, Lleucu George the Gloucester-Hartpury and Wales fly half. Lleucu tells us all about that impressive win over league leader Saracens, in The PWR; only their third ever victory over the Londoners and their first at home. The pair also chat more generally about Gloucester-Hartpury, the reigning champions, starting with sevens wins from seven, and their approach to the rest of the season and indeed each week. With the 6 Nations just around the corner, the incumbent Welsh ten tell us about her role in national team, what she hopes to bring to the party and she responds to the question, "is now your time?!" There's news of that England training squad, news of Tamara Taylor's Sweden, 7s and all the fixtures this weekend. Big news next week, a new co-host joins us......#wrp womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 170 - The Full Roar! Huge week for the women's game, not just here in the United Kingdom but news that will travel the globe. The British and Irish Lions have announced a team to tour New Zealand in 2027. We were at the launch and spoke to the Chair Ieuan Evans, CEO Ben Calverley and two former player who have been involved in the journey so far, Irish legend Niamh Briggs and Scotland's Megan Gaffney. They all convey the excitement but also answer some of the more difficult questions; rebuffs to concerns of a few in the world of women's rugby. If that wasn't enough Cliodhna Moloney, the Ireland and Exeter Chief's hooker joins to go through all last weekend's results in the Premier Women's Rugby (PWR), giving her thoughts on each of the teams. But Cli also tells us about life in Devon, where the Chiefs are and who has impressed so far. There is all the news from around the world, Fiji have a new coach, results from the Celtic Challenge and Spain and Portugal lock horns. Next week the Red Roses 6 Nations squad will be reviewed, just too much for this week. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 169 - Emma......Emma Orr! This week Sadia Kabeya, the Red Rose star and Johnnie Hammond are joined by Scotland centre Emma Orr. The young centre, with such a bright future ahead of her talks about the historic Edinburgh side she is playing with in the Celtic Cup.Emma also chats about her role within the side, tactically where have been and where they can improve with a trip to Wales at the weekend. With the 6 Nations around the corner, Emma's hopes for the tournament and the future is touched upon, including a world exclusive on her study plans and playing full time club rugby (sorry Mr and Mrs Orr!)!!!! There is all the other Celtic results and fixtures for this weekend as well and all the news from the PWR. Sadia gives her view on Sale, after a rubbing by Saracens at the weekend, Leicester's "almost" first win and Lightning's loss to the champions, Gloucester-Hartpury, is analysed! Our pair also give their predictions for this round of the PWR are given, including THAT game between Saracens and Exeter. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 168 - Talking Talia. Happy New Year! On the first pod of 2024, Sadia & Johnnie catch up on all the goings-ons over the festive season, from board games to worldie tries! After the first, historic, round of this year's Celtic Cup, Talia John, the Welsh international join us. The Celtic Cup (teams from Wales, Ireland & Scotland) returns & the second row also returns after many months out played for Brython Thunder against Gwalia Lightning in the Welsh derby. The Irish & Scottish games are looked back on as well. "Talia" chats about the formation of these teams, the players & the sheer joy of just being back out there. Also her hopes looking ahead with the 6 Nations just around the corner! All the PWR festive games are reviewed, including the humdinger that was Exeter v Gloucester-Hartpury, Saracens continued form with a "statement win" over Bristol. And the champions Gloucester-Hartpury who spoilt the party at Twickenham by beating Harlequins at The Big Game; in a stunning performance. This week's games are looked at too, with Exeter v Ealing, on Sunday the live game. There's all the rest of the news from around the world, results from France, news on 7s & the facts & figures on the incredible growth of the number of women's test matches over the last decade (credit: ScrumQueens). There's shout outs as well & a plea to help, if you can, with the plight of Ella Cromack's family. The link: www.gofundme.com/f/givesimontime#WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 167 - Kabeya is back! Sadia Kabeya makes her long-awaited return to the field for Loughborough Lightening and she co-hosts the pod, alongside Johnnie Hammond, The Red Rose star reveals the emotions around her return and the disappointment in her team's loss. All the other PWR round 4 games are reviewed; Exeter's big win at The Stoop and Ealing's historic victory. Guinness have launched (well...re-launched!!) into the women's game, Sadia and Johnnie reflect on that positive story. Plus there's all the news from around the oval world; with results from France, Ireland, the world of 7s and reflections on a special night in London with the announcement of the opening and closing venues of the 2025 World Cup. And the pair give a full preview of this week's PWR games, including a repeat of last year's final, the live TNT game this weekend, Exeter v Gloucester-Hartpury. There's also Ealing's trip to Bristol, can that famous win be a springboard? While Leicester host Saracens and Lightening go to Sale. #WRP @womensrugbypod Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 166 - All round the world. This week Sadia Kabeya alongside Johnnie have lots to catch up on; as there is news from around the world!! The English league, The PWR, completed round 3 at the weekend, with wins for Saracens, Loughborough Lightening and reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury, the games, tactics and key players are discussed. There is chat about the world of 7s, with the shiny new world series started up again in Dubai, with a big win for Australia, break NZ history! Results from Ireland, France as their leagues continue. There is also historic news with Croatia and Bulgaria, Spain make a big announcement, Tunisia win again, details of the revamped Celtic Championship for tIreland, Wales and Scotland and news from New Zealand with an expanded Super Rugby Aupiki. Round 4 of The PWR - with fascinating fixtures - is analysed with Sadia's predictions......who wins out of the bottom 2 newbies, Ealing or Leicester?!? #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WRP 165 - Shark bite! After another intriguing round of PWR (Premiership Women's Rugby) here in England, where the standout results was Sale beating Harlequins, the 2021 champions, for the first time. Sadia and Johnnie reflect on that with England U20s and Sale hooker Niamh Swailes. The Shark takes us inside the Sale Sharks' camp; how and where they beat Quins, how the season is going so far, the new signings and more. But also the journey, as short as it is, that Sale have been on and their ambitions for this season and beyond. Niamh also chats about her own journey as a young up-and-coming hooker. All the rest of the round 2 games are reviewed, Exeter, Gloucester-Hartpury, Saracens all with wins. There is news from around the world including Brasil and results from Ireland and France. Plus an in-depth preview of round three of the PWR; Bristol v Gloucester-Hartpury, Quins v Saracens, Sale v Exeter and Sadia's thoughts of her team, Loughborough Lightening's derby (the first one!) between them and Leicester. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmil.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.