This week, rugby powerhouse Courtney Lawes joins old pal Dan Biggar and Daniel for a candid conversation about his illustrious career, leadership journey, and life beyond the pitch. From his time at Northampton Saints to his current adventure in French rugby, Lawes offers rare insights into the world of professional rugby and shares his thoughtful perspective on both sport and society.

🏉 KEY THEMES:

LEADERSHIP EVOLUTION

Lawes reflects on his transformation from feared enforcer to respected leader: "I've always been a player that typically learns quite quickly... I began to understand a lot more clearly how momentum and pressure ebb and flow throughout a game." His approach to leadership is refreshingly authentic - calm, relaxed, but intensely focused when it matters most.

LIONS TOUR AMBITIONS

Despite moving to France, Lawes reveals his continued aspirations for another British & Irish Lions tour. "I want to do my best if nothing else," he shares, discussing how his move to Brive hasn't diminished his international ambitions. With his wealth of experience and consistent performances, Lawes makes a compelling case for inclusion in the next Lions squad, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to elite performance.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN RUGBY

Experience the fascinating contrast between English and French rugby cultures through Lawes' eyes. "In the UK, we focus on how to get better... whereas in France, it's very much outcome-based." Discover how these different approaches shape team dynamics, performance, and player mentality.

TEAM DYNAMICS & MENTORSHIP

"Young players are desperate for guidance," Lawes explains, sharing his philosophy on developing the next generation. His commitment to passing on knowledge shines through as he discusses mentoring younger players both at Northampton and now in France.

EMOTIONAL CONNECTION TO CLUB

Hear Lawes' powerful reflection on representing his hometown: "I'm representing the people that I grew up with, the places I grew up in, and I don't take that lightly." This emotional bond has shaped his entire approach to the game and his remarkable loyalty to Northampton Saints.

SPEAKING YOUR MIND

In an era of polarized opinions, Lawes offers a refreshing perspective: "We can disagree without hating each other." His thoughtful approach to social issues and commitment to honest dialogue provides valuable insights for navigating today's complex world.

Listen as these rugby stars discuss the psychology behind team dynamics, the challenges of playing abroad, and the importance of authenticity both on and off the field. With moments of humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of rugby's most respected figures.

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#CourtneyLawes #RugbyLeadership #LionsTour #TeamCulture #SportsInterview #RugbyPodcast #DanBiggar #NorthamptonSaints #FrenchRugby #RugbyMentorship #SportsLeadership #RugbyUnion #BriveRugby

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In this captivating episode, cricket legend Jimmy Anderson joins us for a candid conversation about his remarkable career spanning over two decades. The England bowling great opens up about his controversial retirement, the mental and physical challenges of Test cricket, and what keeps him motivated to continue playing county cricket into his 40s.

🔥 KEY THEMES:

RETIREMENT & AGE DISCRIMINATION

Anderson reveals he still feels capable of playing at international level and discusses how age discrimination affects not just sport but society at large. "I'm sure if the number 42 wasn't next to my name on the team sheet, I'd still be putting my name in the hat for series to come."

MENTAL HEALTH & PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY

For the first time, Jimmy shares his experience with hypnotherapy and how it transformed his performance: "I went through a period of probably two or three years of using hypnotherapy... My performances around that time went through the roof."

THE PHYSICAL & MENTAL TOLL OF TEST CRICKET

Anderson shares a revealing anecdote about the extreme demands of Test cricket: "Our bodies were in such pain and mentally we were shot... we did four laps of Regent's Park in the car because we didn't want to go to the ground."

RIVALRIES & MIND GAMES

From his approach to different Australian players to personal rivalries with Michael Clarke, Anderson provides fascinating insights into the psychological aspects of fast bowling: "There were certain batters that you try and just get in the head... It's actually trying to put them off their game or out of their rhythm."

LEGACY & THE FUTURE OF CRICKET

"I'd love for some kids to get into swing bowling because they'd watch me do it... I think I'd like to see the skill side of bowling stay in the game."

Listen as one of cricket's greatest fast bowlers reflects on the friendships formed during his career, his techniques for maintaining calm under pressure, and his experiences facing the world's best batsmen. This conversation offers rare insights into the mind of a sporting great who has bowled over 50,000 deliveries in international cricket.

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#JimmyAnderson #CricketLegend #TestCricket #EnglandCricket #SportsPsychology #MentalToughness #AgeDiscrimination #SportsInterview #BowlingMasterclass #CricketGreats #TheAshes

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In this episode of A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT, we're joined by Brett Gosper, a true sports industry heavyweight who has seamlessly navigated the worlds of elite rugby, global advertising, and now the NFL's international expansion.

From Rugby Player to Sports Executive Extraordinaire

Brett's remarkable journey began as an Australian rugby player who, after missing out on a Wallabies trial, took a chance on playing in France. This "closing doors moment" led to a dual career – professional rugby by night and advertising executive by day. After 30 years in the advertising world, Brett made a surprising pivot back to sports, becoming CEO of World Rugby before taking on his current role as Head of NFL Europe and Asia Pacific.

Navigating Complex Sports Organisations

Brett offers fascinating insights into the contrasting challenges of leading World Rugby versus the NFL. While World Rugby required him to navigate the complex politics of a global federation with competing interests, the NFL presents a more unified but equally ambitious organisation. He reveals how his advertising background provided valuable perspective when approaching sports leadership, particularly in creating fan-centric strategies.

The Global Expansion Playbook

As the architect of the NFL's international growth strategy, Brett shares the meticulous planning behind bringing American football to new territories. From staging international games that feel like "mini Super Bowls" to developing academies in the UK and Australia, he outlines the NFL's comprehensive approach to finding the next 50 million fans outside the United States. He explains why cultural relevance is crucial when expanding into new markets, whilst still maintaining the authentic Americana experience that international fans crave.

Developing International Talent

The conversation explores the fascinating International Player Pathway programme, which has produced success stories like Jordan Mailata, the Australian former rugby league player who became the first Australian to win a Super Bowl. Brett discusses the psychological challenges these athletes face transitioning to American football and how the NFL Academy system is creating pathways for international talent to reach the highest levels of the sport.

Leadership Lessons from a Global Sports Executive

This episode isn't just for sports fans – it's a masterclass in leadership across different organisational cultures. Brett's journey demonstrates the value of being adaptable, maintaining product quality while pursuing commercial growth, and always keeping the fan perspective at the centre of decision-making.

Key Discussion Points:

Career Crossroads: How missing a Wallabies trial led Brett to a transformative career in France

From Advertising to Sports Leadership: The unexpected transition that brought Brett back to the sporting world

Balancing Culture and Commerciality: Maintaining the integrity of sports while pursuing global growth

The NFL's International Strategy: Creating fan engagement through games, academies, and flag football

Leadership Principles: The importance of listening to fans and athletes when making strategic decisions

Cultural Differences: How rugby and NFL teams approach competition and player development

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In this episode of A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT, we're joined by the mastermind behind some of the greatest sporting triumphs of our time - Dave Reddin. With a CV that boasts a Rugby World Cup victory, Olympic glory, and a revolutionised England football team, Dave's insights into performance coaching are nothing short of legendary.

From Grassroots Grit to Glory's Architect Dave's journey began as a semi-pro footballer with a sports science degree, but his passion for pushing boundaries soon led him to the world of performance coaching. He cut his teeth in the trenches of rugby, meticulously honing his skills and knowledge over 15 years. Now, he's the architect behind sporting giants, transforming teams and individuals into formidable forces. 

Decoding the DNA of Champions Dave reveals the secrets behind his success, delving into his unique approach of creating an "operational DNA" for every organisation he works with. He dissects the intricate process of defining "winning," meticulously analysing every facet of the organisation to pinpoint areas for improvement. Forget marginal gains – Dave champions "brilliant basics," stressing the importance of mastering the fundamentals before chasing those extra 1%s. 

Culture: The Unsung Hero Dave passionately argues that culture is the often-overlooked key to unlocking a team's true potential. He paints a vivid picture of a good culture – transparent, communicated, and co-created by every single member of the team. He shares captivating anecdotes from his time with England Rugby and the FA, revealing how he helped cultivate winning cultures that led to historic victories. 

This episode isn't just for sports fanatics – it's a masterclass in leadership, culture building, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Dave Reddin's journey is a testament to the power of passion, meticulous planning, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual and team.

Key Discussion Points:

• From Footballer to Performance Powerhouse: Dave's unconventional path to the top of the sporting world.
• The "Operational DNA" of Winning: How Dave's unique approach transforms teams into champions.
• Beyond Marginal Gains: Why mastering the "brilliant basics" is the foundation for success.
• Culture is King: Unveiling the secret weapon behind high-performing teams.
• Leadership Lessons from the Trenches: Dave's experiences with legendary teams and what you can learn from them.

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In this captivating episode, Dan Biggar and Daniel Ross sit down with cricket legend Sir Alastair Cook for an intimate conversation about his remarkable career and life beyond the boundary.

England's second-highest Test run-scorer opens up about his unconventional journey from choir boy to cricket captain, revealing how his early musical training helped him perform under pressure. Cook shares fascinating insights into the psychology of batting, describing his battle with "the gimp on my shoulder" and how accepting rather than fighting his mental demons transformed his game in 2010.

The conversation delves into Cook's extraordinary resilience, highlighted by his record 159 consecutive Test matches and marathon innings of 836 minutes in Abu Dhabi. With refreshing honesty, he discusses the challenges of opening batting ("you need some kind of mental madness"), the psychology behind batting collapses, and the delicate art of slip-catching.

Cook reflects candidly on leadership, describing how captaining close friends like Anderson, Broad and Swann led to productive conflicts that ultimately strengthened the team. He offers a thoughtful perspective on managing maverick talents like Kevin Pietersen, acknowledging that with hindsight, he might have approached certain situations differently.

The episode concludes with Cook discussing his transition from international cricket to county cricket with Essex and eventually to farm life. He shares wisdom about accepting that nothing can replace the unique camaraderie of elite sport while finding fulfilment in new challenges.

With humor, humility and remarkable self-awareness, Cook provides a masterclass in mental fortitude and leadership that transcends cricket. Whether you're a dedicated cricket fan or simply interested in the psychology of high performance, this episode offers invaluable insights from one of England's greatest sporting minds.

Key moments:

• Cook's journey from choir boy to cricket captain
• The mental breakthrough that transformed his batting in 2010
• The psychology behind batting for 14 hours straight
• Leadership lessons from captaining friends and mavericks
• Finding purpose and happiness beyond professional sport

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

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In this engaging conversation, Matt Wallace shares his journey in professional golf, discussing his love for the sport, the importance of competition, and the emotional growth he has experienced over the years. He reflects on his strengths as a golfer, the challenges of maintaining resilience, and his aspirations for the Ryder Cup. The discussion also delves into the dynamics of individual versus team sports, the significance of having a supportive team, and how reputation plays a role in the game. He shares his experiences playing with Tiger Woods and reflects on the dynamics of working with caddies. The discussion also touches on the impact of media scrutiny on athletes and the personal growth that comes from it. Throughout, Wallace expresses his passion for the game and his desire to improve, particularly in the context of the Ryder Cup.

Takeaways

• Matt finds joy in the competition and rivalry of golf.
• He has worked hard to change his emotional narrative on the course.
• Focusing on the process rather than just winning has been key for him.
• His strengths lie in his short game and putting skills.
• Matt emphasizes the importance of a supportive team around him.
• He feels more confident and prepared for the Ryder Cup this year.
• The dynamics of team sports differ significantly from individual sports.
• He has learned to control his emotions better over time.
• Matt's experience on the European Tour helped shape his game for the PGA Tour.
• He believes in maximizing each day to achieve his goals. Winning the first hole significantly increases chances of winning.
• Consistency is key for top golfers like Rory and John Rahm.
• Playing with Tiger Woods was an unforgettable experience.
• Mental game is crucial in high-pressure situations.
• Small margins can make a big difference in performance.
• Building a strong team around you is essential for success.
• Accountability is important in player-caddy relationships.
• Media scrutiny can be challenging but also a learning opportunity.
• Personal growth comes from taking responsibility for one's actions.
• Success in golf is about continuous improvement and learning.

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

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In this episode of A LOAD OF BS ON SPORT, we're joined by Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, who opens up about his remarkable journey from the townships to becoming South Africa's first black captain. With disarming honesty and humility, Siya shares insights into leadership, the pressures of representing a nation, and the power of vulnerability in modern sport.

The Evolution of Leadership

• Siya discusses his unique approach to captaincy, revealing how his first game as captain - being 21-0 down - shaped his leadership philosophy. He explains why traditional "hero" leadership doesn't work in modern rugby and how shared leadership has been key to the Springboks' success."I believe in shared leadership. Sometimes the best thing a captain can do is step back and let others lead. The main thing is the team, not the individual."

The Rassie Effect

• We delve into the transformative impact of Rassie Erasmus on both Siya personally and the Springboks as a team. Kolisi shares intimate details about their relationship and how Erasmus's coaching philosophy has created an environment of trust and excellence.

Beyond the Armband

• Siya opens up about his personal struggles, including his battle with alcohol and the importance of mental health in professional sport. He discusses how therapy has helped him become not just a better leader, but a better person."I'm not perfect. I want people to know I'm not perfect. That's how we grow - by acknowledging our weaknesses and working on them."

The Weight of History

• We explore the significance of being the first black Springboks captain and how Siya balances this historical responsibility with his personal identity. He shares powerful insights into representing hope in post-apartheid South Africa while staying true to his roots in Zwide township.

Building Legacy

• The conversation turns to Siya's work off the field through his foundation and his vision for life after rugby. He discusses the importance of giving back to the community and using his platform for positive change."Rugby is what I do, not my life. I want to make a difference that goes beyond the sport."

This episode offers unique insights into modern leadership, the power of vulnerability, and how sport can be a vehicle for social change. Siya's story is not just about rugby - it's about hope, resilience, and the courage to lead with heart.

• The evolution from traditional to shared leadership in modern rugby
• The role of vulnerability in effective leadership
• Rassie Erasmus's impact on South African rugby
• Mental health and professional sport
• Rugby as a force for social change in South Africa
• Building a legacy beyond the game

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

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In this engaging conversation, Eddie Jones, one of rugby's most successful coaches, shares his insights on coaching, team dynamics, and the challenges faced in the sport. He reflects on his experiences with various teams, including England and Australia, and discusses the importance of player development, trust, and maintaining a competitive edge. The discussion also delves into his coaching philosophy, the balance between pushing players and maintaining their motivation, and the necessity of adapting strategies to fit the players' strengths. In this engaging conversation, Eddie Jones reflects on his coaching career, particularly the 2019 World Cup final, discussing the emotional and strategic challenges faced. He emphasises the importance of adapting coaching styles to different cultures and the evolution of rugby coaching in a globalised world. Jones shares insights on legacy, player relationships, and the significance of achievements beyond trophies, while also expressing a desire to explore coaching in cricket's IPL. The discussion culminates in quickfire questions that reveal his personal reflections and philosophies on coaching and life.

Takeaways

• Eddie Jones emphasises the importance of perspective in coaching.
• Coaching is a complex interplay of various factors, including team dynamics.
• Trust and motivation are crucial in coaching relationships.
• Players need to understand their strengths and double down on them.
• Healthy conflict within a team can lead to greater success.
• Eddie believes in adapting coaching styles to fit individual players.
• The purpose of rugby is to score more points than the opposition.
• Coaching requires a balance between pushing players and supporting them.
• Player development is essential for long-term success in rugby.
• Eddie's experiences highlight the need for systemic changes in rugby organisations. Eddie has the best win rate of any England coach.
• Coaches must balance positivity and realism to motivate players.
• Winning is essential, but coaching is about passion for the game.
• Cultural nuances significantly impact coaching effectiveness.
• The game of rugby has become more homogeneous due to globalisation.
• Coaching now involves more management of player emotions and social media.
• Legacy is defined by personal satisfaction and respect from players.
• Achievements in coaching can be measured beyond just trophies.
• Japan's victory over South Africa inspired tier two nations.
• Eddie Jones expresses interest in coaching in the IPL. 

Today's podcast is brought to you in partnership with The Events Room. With an amazing sporting calendar in 2025, The Events Room have events happening around the Six Nation and The Lions, featuring the likes of Warren Gatland, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson, and that's just the Rugby, so get on the website at http//:www.theeventsroom.co.uk to see all their upcoming events and get booking

The Events Room, making memorable moments happen in 2025.

https://theeventsroom.co.uk/

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Welcome to a special Christmas edition of A Load of BS on Sport with the two Dans. In this festive bonus episode, we reflect on the highlights of Series 1, share  personal holiday stories, and look ahead to an exciting lineup for Season 2. Plus, don't miss our brand-new quiz feature, "Bigger Isn’t Always Better," where Dan answers questions about his career and more. Grab a mince pie, settle in, and join us for a bit of holiday cheer and chatter!

Show Notes:

• Dan and Dan's festive preparations 
• Reflections on the incredible Series 1 guests, including Johnny Wilkinson, Sir Andrew Strauss, Geraint Thomas, Charlie Methven and Andrew Steele and more
• Sneak peek of guests lined up for Series Two, including Siya Kolisi, Richard Arnold, and possibly Gary Neville...
• Feature: "Bigger Isn’t Always Better" Quiz

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