This week the boys welcomed ex-player and rugby coach Ian Mckinley into the studio to discuss his rugby life and the release of his newly anticipated book - Second Sight.

Ian talks all things Irish rugby and details the injury that forced him to initially retire at the age of 21, derailing his career rugby career and what most believed was the last we'd see him in the 10 jersey. 

Ian's amazing story allows us insight into the hardship he faced during his fight to back onto the pitch and the fortunate chance he was given to play rugby in Italy and then making his debut with the Italian national side. 

The boys welcomed highland RFC co-captain and friend of the podcast Scott Fraser to give a round-up of the previous week's games in Inverness.

We discussed games previous and how Scott sees things going forward as they make the journey south to the borders where Highland will meet a strong Kelso side.

In this episode, we introduce a new segment where we invite listeners to challenge Rory in a 5 question shoot-out. If you believe you’ve got what it takes to beat Rory, feel to get in touch via our Instagram @btspod 

Episode 3. Ben O’Keeffe

With officiating being a massive part of our game, the boys chatted with the world-renowned man in the middle, Ben O’Keeffe. 

Ben gives the boys insight into how difficult refereeing can be, on and off the field. We delve into the preparation and analysis referees must undertake to ensure they are at the top of their game. 

We also cover some of the brutality of rugby, from the media headlines and articles to the online abuse and messages when decisions don’t go their way. Abuse can go a long way to affect someone's game, and referees are often at the target for a lot of it. Ben opens up to us on how he deals with the negative comments and messages from after games.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear Ben's passion for rugby and just wishes to do his best for the sport. This episode opened up a perspective of the game that we were very much in the dark about. It’s given us an excellent opportunity to understand a referee's difficulties when trying to officiate a game we all love. 

Episode 2. Benn Morris

In our second episode of season 3, the boys welcome old rugby teammate and friend Benn Morris. Benn is with us to take a look back on his rugby journey that started in the Highlands and has allowed him to travel and enjoy it far beyond. We also glance ahead as Benn prepares for an international tour with the Gibraltar national side.

Benn opens the doors into his reasons behind creating the much loved (by most anyway) Spearheads 7’s teams and why it’s so important to keep the connection strong even during the off-season.

Episode 1 - Return of the Mac.

The boys are back for a brand new, heavily anticipated season. A new addition joins Dan and Rory at the hosting table. Previous guest Calum MacPherson flips to the other side to avoid answering questions and begins asking them.

The trio talk about all things rugby and sport as each team begins to embark on their new season kicking off very soon, and they look ahead to a new year of Between The Sticks.

In Series 2 Episode 4 of “Between the Sticks”, Dan and Rory are joined by another North of Scotland native - ex Glasgow Warriors, Exeter Chiefs and Scotland international, Moray Low. Recently retired from professional propping, Moray chats about his life in and out of rugby and, in particular, divulges the real secret behind Exeter Chiefs’ rise to the top of European rugby. You are in for a treat with this one!

In Series 2 Episode 3 of “Between the Sticks”, Dan and Rory are joined by the infamous Beauly-ish man and current China Women’s 7s Head Coach, Euan Mackintosh. Euan’s rugby journey is uniquely fascinating - learning the game at Highland RFC, Euan has dabbled in rugby cultures of almost every corner of the globe. From Edinburgh to Australia to France to New Zealand via Kenya and now to Tokyo 2021, he shares his coaching philosophy with the lads and provides great perspective on the different directions a career in rugby coaching can lead.

In Series 2 Episode 2 of “Between the Sticks”, Dan and Rory are joined by Jamie Dobie directly from his position in the Scotland team hotel. One of Scottish Rugby’s hottest prospects and a native of Inverness, Jamie provides a fascinating insight to the current Glasgow Warriors and Scotland setups and discusses the electric start he’s had to his career in professional rugby.