Elite Rugby Banter

In probably the most professional thing the pod has ever recorded, we elaborate, briefly, on what the future shape of the pod is going to look like. We aren't going anywhere, but, as they say, a change is as good as holiday.

Thank you for your continued support! Catch you at our next episode.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

It's a two man pod with Ben and Adam chatting about Saracens being relegated from the English Premiership, Lions 2021 tickets, Alex's baby's name and finishing up their Super Rugby previews for the coming season. Matt and Alex, while not present, send in their previews for the Sunwolves and Stormers repsectively. Matt is too the point and Alex's represents a Magnum Opus (which Adam pronounced wrong...sigh)such is his passion for the Stormers.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

Super Rugby is less than a month away, with Adam back taking the wheel this week as he is joined by Matt (recovering from a bender two days prior), an initially sleepy Phil and a mellow Ant. They discuss Joseph Dweba's looming move to France, preseason results and some other news before previewing the Bulls, Sharks, Highlanders, Jaguares (Matt fights off the fatigue here) and Crusaders. While previewing the Crusaders, Adam gets distracted and butchers some more names as if they were steak.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

The new year has rolled round - Happy 2020 everyone! - and Super Rugby is less than a month away. Alex, Ben and Matt kick things off with previews of some of Super Rugby's finest and not so finest teams, particularly the Rebels, Blues, Lions, Hurricanes and the Brumbies. Adam also arrives late to not add much value.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

That's a wrap! With Christmas just around the corner, the gang (sans Matt...he's in the grips of winter from what we hear?) in 20 minutes - a record - chat about what they want for Chirstmas/the Festive Season ahead of the 2020 season.

Thanks to all our listeners this year! It's been a great year but we are going to recharge for a few weeks and come back better than ever for the 2020 season. If you are travelling any where, please do so safely and have a great New Year!

It's the second last episode of the year, which was totally recorded on December 15, we swear...kind of.

Matt and Adam start off things politely before Alex comes in and starts getting rather technical (as is his want), noting the contrasts between Northern and Southern Hemisphere rugby. Either way, the gang are very happy England did not win the Rugby World Cup. Ben is off on a catamaran or something...we aren't entirely sure.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

Alex and Ben sit down to have a quick chat about Sevens, where the Blitz Bokke won in Dubai for the umpteenth time to kick off their World Sevens Series with a bang.

More importantly, a listener got in touch with us regarding a previous comment made on the pod regarding religion which missed the mark. The comment is addressed in the pod and thanks to the listener - who we won't mention by name - for getting in touch with us. We shoot from the hip a lot and at times, don't get it right.

If we can't learn from each other - Adam is still learning what the difference is between blindsides and opensides - then that's just poor form.

As the year draws to a close, Adam, Matt, Ben and Alex chat about how the gap can be closed between the 1st tier of world rugby, and those bubbling under (including Italy, who for all intents and purposes are really 2nd tier). Beyond the normal "intelligent discussion", there are some usual side paths taken.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

As the 2019 comes closer to turning into 2020, Phil, Matt, Ben and Adam look at their highlights for the year, lowlights, top moments, and spend much time discussing the Crusaders' new logo. Alex then wonders into the pod through his hung-over induced haze to drop some wisdom, in what is likely the greatest assembly of rugby gentlemen since the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in 2019. Also, it's the first time Phil and Adam are on air together....awwwww <3

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show

The Rugby World Cup glow has faded and the holidays are approaching but Alex, Ben and Adam are here to chat about Dad stuff (it seems?) and where Australia, New Zealand and South Africa now that new coaches (apparently in South Africa's case) are taking the wheels. The time of Michael Cheika, Steve Hansen and Rassie Erasmus (?) have come to an end, and the future is unknown. The gang - Matt is at wrestling - chat about this and more.

Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.