French RUGBY CONNECTIONS with Veronique Landew & Bill Hooper

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper preview Le Crunch as France, unbeaten in this Six Nations, face England’s Red Roses, unbeaten since losing to France in 2018, in the sold-out finale at Stade Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux, discussing France’s improved belief under their new coach, Francois Ratier, defensive strength, discipline, but aware of the threats posed by England.  They then review Top 14 Round 24 fixtures, explain the barrage playoff format, and assess the tight race for the top six, with Toulouse leading and Montpellier in second after a strong win over Toulon featuring a standout Antoine Dupont display. In Pro D2, they recap Vannes finishing top ahead of Colomiers, outline upcoming barrages and relegation playoffs, and share news on Montpellier under Bernard Laporte, Billy Vunipola, Luke Whitelock’s retirement, Juan Cruz Mallia’s Toulouse extension to 2029, and Vannes player retirements.

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Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper review the European Cup semi-finals, praising Toulon’s narrow 29–25 loss to Leinster in Dublin and Bordeaux Bègles’ high-intensity win over Bath at a sold-out Chaban-Delmas to set up a Champions Cup final vs Leinster in Bilbao. They highlight the fly-half duel between Matthieu Jalibert and Finn Russell,  and their unexpectedly strong defence, while criticising pundit and coaching complaints about refereeing and warning about match official abuse filtering down to grassroots. They preview the Challenge Cup final (Montpellier vs Ulster) and run through Top 14 standings and key Round 23 fixtures, including Toulon vs Toulouse at the Vélodrome and Racing 92 vs La Rochelle, plus Pro D2’s Provence comeback win over Vannes.

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This episode features a concise conversation between French Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper (an English/French citizen), highlighting the pivotal games in the European Champions Cup this weekend, with a review of the TOP 14, Pro D2, and the latest rugby news!  

20 Minutes Long and NO ADS!

The French Rugby CONNECTIONS was Established in 2020! The First ENGLISH Podcast in English about the French Rugby created and hosted by a French woman, with Freelance English rugby Journalists!

Top 14 Round 22 Preview: Playoff Race Tightens + Pro D2 Upsets & Women’s Six Nations

In this French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast episode, Veronique Landewm, with co-host Bill Hooper preview Top 14 Round 22 as the battle for the top six intensifies, discussing recent results and key fixtures including Stade Français vs Pau, Bordeaux-Bègles vs Montpellier, and Toulouse vs Clermont, plus the impact of Bayonne’s slump and La Rochelle’s win over Bordeaux. They note Toulouse’s depth, Racing 92’s position near the top six, and confirm Montpellier’s strong form, while also mentioning Toulon’s injury blow to a pivotal player, Gabin Villiere. They run through the standings and explain playoff and relegation implications. In Pro D2, they cover Vannes losing, Béziers’ struggles near the bottom, and the risk of dropping to Nationale. They also review France Women’s win over Wales, concerns about slow starts and injuries, and preview the Ireland match. Rugby news includes Toulon reappointing their head coach and talk of a new stadium, plus a club fine after a supporter abused a journalist. 

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Véronique Landew is joined with co-host Bill Hooper on the French Rugby Connections podcast to review a standout Top 14 “classico” week and look ahead to Round 21 with five rounds left, including La Rochelle vs Bordeaux, Clermont vs Lyon, Bayonne vs Pau, Montpellier vs Perpignan, Castres vs Toulouse, and Sunday’s Paris derby Racing 92 vs Stade Français. They discuss the Top 14 table with Toulouse leading on 71 points and a tight chase through the mid-table, plus the pressure around the bottom. They note Antoine Dupont is set to start on the bench for Toulouse at Castres. Off-field, they mention staff fatigue and Frank Azéma, and highlight referee Holly Davidson taking charge of Clermont vs Lyon. The episode also covers Pro D2/playoff talk and a Women’s Six Nations update ahead of Wales vs France on BBC iPlayer, including injury concerns and France’s expected strong showing.

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Véronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper preview a major European rugby weekend as the Champions Cup returns, focusing on Glasgow vs Toulon and the headline quarter-final Bordeaux-Bègles vs Toulouse at Stade Chaban-Delmas, framed as a clash of top-level squads with key matchups and discipline likely decisive. They note Toulouse’s pursuit of another European title, Bordeaux’s ambition for a first, and discuss players including Dupont and Jalibert, plus selection questions across both teams. The episode also touches on the Challenge Cup, including La Rochelle’s loss and Montpellier’s recent European success, before shifting to France women ahead of a Six Nations match vs Italy in Grenoble, highlighting new coaching influence, confidence, and areas like tackling. They close with brief transfer/news mentions and a final call to enjoy the weekend’s rugby.

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Top 14 Round 20 Preview: Playoff Push, Relegation Battle & Pro D2 Update | French Rugby CONNECTIONS

Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper preview a pivotal Top 14 Round 20 as the league enters the final third of the regular season, with playoff spots, home semifinals to play for, and relegation on the line. They discuss Montpellier’s surge up the table, Toulouse’s need to maintain momentum, Bordeaux’s big win, the crowd’s booing of Romain Ntamack, and the experiment of Damian Penaud playing at centre for added versatility. Key matches highlighted include Toulouse–Montpellier, Lyon–Bordeaux, Bayonne–La Rochelle, Stade Français–Clermont, plus crucial lower-table games such as Perpignan–Toulon and Castres–Mont-de-Marsan. They recap current standings, cover Pro D2 leaders Vannes’ winning streak and playoff picture, note the upcoming Women’s Six Nations squads, mention Serge Blanco’s election as mayor of Biarritz, and reference Johnny Wilkinson’s advocacy around mental health amid coaching pressure. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the Gallic Flair. Established in 2020!

00:00 Bonjour Rugby Friends
00:19 Podcast Kickoff
00:40 Season Run In Stakes
01:52 Montpellier Surge
03:03 Bordeaux Toulouse Showdown
04:10 Penaud At Centre
06:07 Weekend Must-Watch Games
07:54 Mid Table Playoff Scramble
11:38 Relegation Battle Explained
13:48 Current Table Recap
14:36 Weekend Fixtures Rundown
15:16 Pro D2 Update Vannes Flying
16:27 Women's Six Nations Preview
17:25 Serge Blanco Elected Mayor
18:14 Jonny Wilkinson And Mental Health
21:33 Au Revoir

France Edge England as Ramos Seals Six Nations Drama | French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast in 22 Minutes.

Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper recap a dramatic Six Nations finale where France beat England with Thomas Ramos’ last-gasp penalty, leaving them emotionally drained after a match decided by the final kick. They praise Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s record nine tries in a single tournament and note Ramos finishing as top points scorer on 74 with around 87.5% kicking accuracy, while also discussing France’s attacking strengths and defensive concerns, including costly interceptions under pressure. They credit England’s improved performance despite a difficult campaign and call the tournament one of the most dramatic in years. The episode also previews upcoming Top 14 fixtures and standings, mentions contract extensions, celebrates France U20s’ Grand Slam, and looks ahead to the Women’s Six Nations. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair! Established in 2020!

00:00 Bonjour Rugby Friends! 
00:45 Ramos Delivers
02:07 Bielle Biarrey Record
04:50 France Strengths Weaknesses
06:26 Defence Under Pressure
08:36 England Response
10:45 Tournament Wrap Up
12:07 Top 14 Returns
13:56 Table Talk Relegation
18:28 Club News U20 Grand Slam
21:29 Looking Ahead Womens Six Nations
22:14 Allez, Aurevoir Rugby Friends!

France Stunned by Scotland, Then La Crunch Preview: Can Les Bleus Still Win the Six Nations? 

20 MINUTES LONG!

In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper react to France’s shock loss to Scotland at Murrayfield—ending Grand Slam hopes—while crediting Scotland’s intensity, France’s poor defense and discipline, and small disruptions in preparation. They note France’s late rally to secure a try bonus point that could still prove decisive, and turn to “Le Crunch” in Paris versus England, with France still able to win the Six Nations. The discussion covers squad changes, including Anthony Jelonch's injury, Oscar Jegou's suspension, and debutante, Temo Matiu from Union Bordeaux Begles, plus concerns about strip colors. They also review England’s historic loss to Italy, Italy’s progress, French club bankruptcies, and the death of 1968 Grand Slam captain Claude Lacaze.
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France Cruise Past Italy: Six Nations Momentum, Squad Depth & Top 14/Pro D2 Updates

Veronique Landew nd co-host Bill Hooper recap France’s 38–8 win over Italy, noting three bonus-point wins from three, a high-pace attacking style, and a defense that has conceded five tries so far. They praise France’s tempo, power, and depth, highlighting a standout try-scorer’s pace and record run, DuPont’s influence, and Mickaël Guillard’s solid debut try, while acknowledging France misses Jalibert after his late withdrawal and still needs to tidy loose ball and ruck moments. They credit Italy’s improved competitiveness and preview the Murrayfield test that could secure the Six Nations title with another bonus-point win. The episode also covers the Top 14 round 18 fixtures and standings led by Toulouse, Pro D2’s Vannes vs Colomiers clash, French rugby news, including injuries, coaching moves,  transfers,  and the U20s staying on course for a Grand Slam.

Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic flavour and the French Flair!  Established in 2020!