French RUGBY CONNECTIONS with Veronique Landew & Bill Hooper

I speak with France's most capped player, Fabien Pelous, The lock who made 118 appearances for Les Bleus and He captained his country 42 times and won four Five or Six Nations grand slams in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2004 and the Heineken Cup with Toulouse in 2003 and 2005. Fabien never won the World Cup, although he made it to the final in 1999, losing to Australia after a memorable 43-31 semi-final victory against New Zealand. He reached the semi-finals twice in 2003 and 2007, both times losing out to England.  He talks about the semi-final in the Telstra Stadium in 2003 against England, his friendship with Christophe Dominici, and his opponent, Martin Johnson, and more.   I would like to say a BIG Thank you to my Franco-British friend, Tom Dixon who kindly translated my chat with him.
Mike and I also preview the Top 14 this weekend and "The Classique " between Bordeaux vs Toulouse! Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast,  the Rugby Podcast with the French Flair, and a je ne sais quoi:-)

Sean Fitzpatrick is our guest on French Rugby CONNECTIONS and previews the epic game between Les Bleus vs the All Blacks on Saturday. He recalls his time playing in France in the same team as Philippe Saint Andre and the famous battle of Nantes. Double dose of French lessons for Mike Pearce and we provide our thoughts on the must-watch game in Stade de France on Saturday.  Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair

Unmissable! Kyran Bracken is eloquent, loquacious, and reminisces with great fondness the wild initiations games that he had to take part in Glasgow, teaching French to Philippe Sella and how great and solid the England team was in 2003. He reflects on Rugby used to be played and its changes since the professional era and the use of ....mobile phones too;-). Mike and I review the Top 14 and latest French rugby news. Apologies for the sound quality in the second part, put the blame on my Welsh co-host. Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby Podcast with the French je-ne-sais quoi, and French Flair!

This week, the episode is short and sweet  (just like me;-) containing a  summary of the Top 14, and Mike and I preview  this weekend's games too. French lesson about essentials on how to order a  beer in French before a rugby game. No rugby guest this week, as I experienced technical difficulties during my chat with my mystery guest but he'll be back next week! French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

Finally, mystery Rugby guest, David Campese aka Campo is on French Rugby CONNECTIONS. Charming, direct, and a great storyteller about his phenomenal career and playing against Les Bleus. He also shares his thoughts about the Modern Rugby and RWC2023!  Mike Pearce and I also review the Top14, and there is a BRAND new section to the French Rugby Lesson. Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with a gallic twist!

Mike and I review and comment, the 3rd day of the Top 14 on this episode. Last weekend was highly charged and with ups and downs for some French teams. This weekend will be a cracker as there are lots at stake! French Rugby lesson included in this episode, but our Rugby guest was unable to be there due to work commitments but will be there and squared next week:-). Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

This week, this episode is a short and sweet episode (just like me;-), with no Mike Pearce.....but instead I converse with Luke Pearce about the travails of becoming one of the talented International referees at such a young age: 33 years old and the importance of speaking French when officiating a European game in order to create better connections and a  smoother communications style with rugby teams on the pitch.  This episode lasts 23 mins and I can guarantee you will enjoy it . French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Rugby podcast with the gallic twist! 

Rugby Friends, Mike and I are back ! You will be served a quick overview of the Top 14, the latest news about French Rugby, and a bit of a banter *really ;-).  All in 20 mins. Enjoy! 

Last episode of Season 1 of French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. Enjoy the Rugby stories narrated by Christian Califano, about his fiercest opponent in the England Team, playing for The Blues in New Zealand with Shaun Fitzpatrick, etc...and completing the Paris Dakar!
Speak to you next year and if you've enjoyed listening to the French Rugby CONNECTIONS,  please buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Frenchrugbychat  

I have a chat with the loquacious Christian Califano (part 1) aka Cali, 72 caps for Les Bleus, 6 French Championships, and Heineken Cup, winner. A true French Rugby Legend who reminisces about his best rugby memories playing for Les Bleus, Toulouse for 10 years and in the UK for Saracens and Gloucester. He shares some great anecdotes about Thomas Casteigneide, Martin Johnson, and his illustrious former French teammates. Mike Pearce and I then review the semi-finals and we predict the finalist of the Top 14....Very tough though as both teams have lots of qualities. ENJOY, French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. Next week, part 2 with Cali will resume and will relish us with his rugby experience playing in New Zealand and much more!