DSPN - RUGBY

Bryn Hall - former Māori All Blacks, Crusaders and North Harbour halfback - joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN, chatting all sorts of rugby. The big news surrounds Richie Mo'unga, who will return to New Zealand in 2026 following his time in Japan. He becomes eligible for All Blacks selection in October of that year. Bryn believes Mo’unga’s leadership growth in Japan makes his comeback a big win for Kiwi rugby, and is excited about the All Blacks' attacking mindset and praises their improving forward pack. Bryn and Marty delve into the Wallabies and their performances against the Lions, and what that suggests about their upcoming Rugby Championship campaign. The pair also have time to chat some NPC rugby with round two fast approaching.

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Greg Martin - former Wallabies fullback and current Triple M breakfast radio host - joins Martin Devlin for another classic Thursday chinwag, covering everything from Richie Mo’unga’s NZ Rugby return to his “dick on shoulder” theory about the Brisbane Broncos. Marto jokes about his cramped new apartment and the furniture mishap that made it look like he and his wife were divorcing. He makes a cheeky pitch to young Kiwi first-fives to defect to Australia, reflects on Aussie's near-miss Lions series, and praises the Dolphins' attacking flair in the NRL.

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On the DSPN, Martin Devlin and young producer Lachlan Waugh present the Tight 5, which includes some breaking news! Richie Mo'unga is returning to New Zealand Rugby, and will be eligible for All Blacks selection in October 2026. Does Mo'unga go straight back into the starting XV? Who are New Zealand's other up and coming first-fives to challenge him?

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Martin Devlin chats with cricket expert Rahul Patil on the DSPN, following an unforgettable fifth and final England vs India cricket test at The Oval, which was won by the visitors by six runs. Rahul calls the final 56 minutes of day five “worth every cent,” praising the intensity and resilience shown by both teams. He highlights India’s remarkable fight despite missing key players. The pair also debate five-Test series', England’s Ashes prospects, and New Zealand’s lack of home Tests during the summer. Rahul closes by calling Test cricket the ultimate teacher of life lessons, demanding it remains five days.

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On the DSPN, Martin Devlin chats with Tony Johnson about the British & Irish Lions 2-1 series win over Wallabies. TJ praises Australia's bounce back and performance in the third test, and feels this series was an opportunity that went begging, as the Lions were most certainly beatable. He questions the hype around this Lions squad, contrasting it with the iconic 1971 and 1974 teams. Marty and TJ unpack Will Skelton’s massive influence - and his likely absence from the Rugby Championship - plus coach Joe Schmidt’s looming selection dilemmas. The conversation shifts to Moana Pasifika losing stars to bigger teams, rugby’s future under threat from a possible breakaway competition, and why the Lions tour remains special for the sport.

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Former Warriors coach and Kiwis representative Tony Kemp joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN, for BLT - Big League Tuesday! Together the pair work through the Warriors' 20-18 NRL loss to the Dolphins in Auckland, the club's overall top four hopes and the hit they have taken. Kempy believes the top four dream is gone, especially when considering the form of the Penrith Panthers, but a top-six finish for the Wahs is certainly realistic. Marty and Kempy also cover off the form of the Roosters, Nathan Cleary's heroics late on against the Gold Coast Titans - which Kempy calls pure practice and planning - and why Warriors need that same clutch mentality.

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On the DSPN today, Martin Devlin firstly delivers a sermon on the All Blacks and whether or not they could beat the 2025 British & Irish Lions, who just beat the Wallabies in a three-test series. Marty reckons this Lions side is overhyped and not as good as ones of the past.

Then, Marty is joined by Twizel's favourite Australian Matt Gunn, for a game of NRL Glass Half Full. Together they work through a number of NRL clubs and recent results, and reveal whether or not they are optimistic or pessimistic - or both - about said clubs and games.

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John Day welcomes newly named All Black Simon Parker onto Day In The Life. Parker's rugby dream just got real - the towering 6’6” loose forward has earned a maiden call-up for the Rugby Championship, and a good chance at making his debut against one of Argentina, South Africa or Australia. He talks to John about how he actually missed coach Scott Robertson's first call while in a team review and was “zoned out” when the big news landed. From doing the haka in the shower as a kid to now prepping for the Pumas, it’s a full-circle moment. Parker has battled two years of injuries as well - foot surgery, shoulder issues, and even a recent ankle problem - but he is stoked just to be back on the field. Preferred position? Blindside flanker, but he’ll take any jersey.

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All Blacks icon Murray Mexted joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN, for a rugby catch-up after the third and final Wallabies-British & Irish Lions test. Mex doesn't mince his words, saying if the Lions had swept Aussie 3-0, it would’ve been “a bloody disgrace” for Australian rugby. He reckons this Lions side isn’t great and doubts any player would crack a world XV. The pair dive into the improved performances of the Wallabies - helped by the impact of Will Skelton - as well as key ingredients in a great team, how tours ignite passion, and why tough competition is vital for the game’s future. Looking ahead, Mex weighs in on the challenges of the Rugby Championship and the importance of maintaining standards against Northern Hemisphere teams.

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Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson is back on the DSPN with Martin Devlin, recapping the All Blacks squad named for the 2025 Rugby Championship. They unpack the depth and versatility across positions, such as loose forward with seven named including Peter Lakai and potential debutant Simon Parker. Injuries to key players, especially in the front row and at halfback, raise big questions. TJ and Marty also touch on how the team for Argentina tests away and South Africa tests at home could look and differ from eachother. All that and much more!

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