French RUGBY CONNECTIONS with Veronique Landew & Bill Hooper

BonjourFriends! RUGBY CONNECTIONS Podcast is here! Mike Pearce and I review the Champions Cup, 6 Womens' s Nations Cup, Top 14, and David Beresford who wrote a book "Brothers in arms" about his love for French Rugby Legends from the 70s and 80s takes me back to memory lane on a journey full of French Regional history and lots of wine and epicurean delights. Enjoy!

A very happy rugby weekend if you are ....French! I have a great chat with Mailys Traore, Loosehead prop, with 21 caps for France, on how she got into Rugby,  her love of being an egg chaser for Stade Toulousain and Les Bleus, and which character of Game of Thrones, she identifies with the most. Mike and I review the French teams who played last weekend, with a few controversies thrown in with Bordeaux Begles vs Bristol Bears and the cancellation of Toulon's game against Leinster. We talk about that opening game of women's 6 Nations in Vannes between France and Wales and the opportunities for women rugby to grow, pending additional investments from the different unions. Enjoy French Rugby Podcast, the Rugby Podcast with the Gallic and European twist!

I am delighted this week to speak with  Serge Betsen who shares briefly his thoughts about Les Bleus and Women's 6 Nations on French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. As promised, Mike Pearce sings "Flower of Scotland" (he's Welsh and he can certainly sing in tune) and Veronique and Mike provide the latest concise rugby news on Top 14, the women 6 Nations, and the European  Championship. French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist! 

I have a chat with Gavin Hastings aka Big Gav,  a two-time British & Irish Lion who appeared in three World Cups and in the Five Nations between 1986 to 1995. Gavin reminisces about his rugby memories playing against Les Bleus from his debut in 1986 in Murrayfield to the world Cup in 1995.  He was also pivotal particularly in Scotland’s impressive 1990 Grand Slam. Furthermore, he also shares his thoughts about the final 6 Nations game, in which his son, Adam is a finisher. Unmissable! Veronique is over the moon regarding France and Wales game but understandably, Mike is still reeling from Wales's cruel defeat at Stade de France last Saturday but on Friday, he'll wear his brand new Scottish Jersey, Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

Did you know that  Scott Quinnell's name, Welsh Rugby Legend is of  French origin (yes, from quenelle which is the name of an egg-shaped dish - True! )? Scott tells us how he fell in love with French Rugby in the heyday of Jean Pierre Rives, shares his thoughts about France vs Wales game, and recalls his time playing against Les Bleus.

Let's not forget that Scott Quinnell is the son of legendary Wales flanker Derek, Quinnell who made a name for himself as a gutsy, world-class No.8 at a time when the game in Wales was struggling. His Test debut came against Canada in 1993 but it was against France in 1994, as Wales were on their way to the Five Nations title, that he announced himself with a stunning solo try.  And the rest is history. You will enjoy our chat with Scott which was insightful and fun too.

Mike and I preview also the 6 Nations, the Top 14, and the RWC 2023 phenomenal success of selling out 310 000 tickets in less than12 hours. No escape for a French Rugby Lesson from me and you will all learn a new rugby word by listening to the French Rugby Connections Podcast, the Rugby Podcast with a Gallic Twist!

ON FRENCH RUGBY CONNECTIONS this week! LE CRUNCH. Are you ready for it?
Yann Delaigue, 20 caps reminisces the last time won against England in  2005 and his thoughts about Saturday's game. I also got a quote from Dimitri Yachvili , now Consultant at France Televisions about Le Crunch. Mike Pearce and I review the latest European and rugby news. Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the rugby podcast with a gallic and European Twist.

 

Veronique Landew talks with TMO, Rowan Kitt, arguably the most recognizable Television Match Official (TMO) in world rugby (Rowan Kitt, also called  "Kitty" by Wayne Barnes,) when looking to clarify a major officiating decision). In this episode, Rowan Kitt will provide his thoughts on the refereeing in the Wales England game at the Guinness 6 Nations last weekend at Twickenham, how the officials prepare pre-match and what is the best and worst thing about being a TMO. Veronique and Mike Pearce review the latest Top 14 games (only 3 games this weekend) and the various venues where the RWC 2023 will take place in La Belle France. Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the rugby podcast with a Gallic and European twist.

I had a great car ride with Ben Cohen, who was moving, philosophical, and recounted great stories of the rudimentary "toilets" used on the victory bus and the day he met Prince Harry stark naked! We talk about the rugby coaches who have inspired him and put him on the right track, after the tragic death of his beloved father.  He channeled all his energy and anger into becoming the best winger in the world. Now retired, he's making the world a better place now through his Stand Up Foundation which fights Bullying and homophobia. Mike Pearce, my co-host then talks about the 6 Nations, Top 14, and the latest rugby news pertaining to the rugby world. Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the Rugby podcast with the gallic and European twist! 

Where there's a will, there's a way!

Six Nations leaders France will be without captain Charles Ollivon for Sunday's match against Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus along with four other players. A total of 11 France players from the 23 that faced Ireland in round two have now contracted the virus.

Veronique Landew from the French Rugby Connections podcast elaborates on the following topics in 4 minutes!

* How big a blow is this for the French squad?

* Is there any risk that the game against Scotland this weekend won't go ahead?

* 11 Years since France won the Six Nations, they're leading the table after a perfect start to this year's competition, what does this do for their chances?

More episodes and chats with Dan Luger, Iain Balshaw, Antonie Claassen, Serge Betsen, Andrew Mehrtens, Olivier Magne, Thomas Lombard, Philippe Sella, Rory Teague, Max Malins, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Abdel Benazzi, and Simon Gilham on FRENCH RUGBY CONNECTIONS and TOP 14 and European games review with Co-host Mike Pearce. (link below) 

https://linktr.ee/FrenchRugbyConnections

Enjoy!

French Rugby Connections, The rugby podcast with the Gallic and European Twist.  
To consume with no moderation;-)

Dan Luger, MBE, former RWC 2003 Cup Winner entertained me with his stories of his rugby road leading to the RWC 2003  as well as camaraderie forged during “Table tennis” games and boxing matches between Austin Healey and  Brian O'Driscoll during the 2001 British and Irish Lions Tour. He highlights the importance of being prepared post-rugby and rubbing shoulders with royalty (no, not Mike Tindal ;-)l) with Prince Albert of Monaco. UNMISSABLE!  Mike and I review this incredible 6 Nations weekend, especially if you’re French or Welsh and the Top 14. I crack a really bad joke and I teach a new rugby word on that episode. Enjoy! French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Rugby podcast with a Gallic and European twist.