HG Rugby

By Huw Griffin

Telling rugby's untold stories by meeting people, analysing data and starting conversations... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about HG Rugby:

How many episodes does HG Rugby have?

The podcast currently has 227 episodes available.

HG Rugby episodes:

May 09, 2026 The Rugby Stat Pundits Love But Coaches Hate: Defence Analysis Explained | Mini-Documentary
In this mini-documentary I name the misleading rugby stat that pundits and fans love but defence coaches hate. With the help of writers, analysts and coaches, I explain the nuance of defending in rugby, what people are getting wrong and the tactics teams use to mask defensive weaknesses. The video discusses some excellent defenders like the Springboks' Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and names some poor defenders too...
References:
1. The Stats Do Lie by Wayne Smith
https://www.therugbysite.com/blog/news-opinions/the-stats-do-lie-by-wayne-smith
2. Jacques Nienaber Interview (Irish Times)
https://x.com/RugbyKino/status/1746465474123121104?s=20
3. Missed Tackles: What are they good for? By Sam Larner
https://samlarner.substack.com/p/missed-tackles-what-are-they-good
4. Will Rowlands Interview (BBC)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66791500
5. URC official website
https://stats.unitedrugby.com/statistics/2025-26
6. Gareth Jenkins Interview
https://x.com/jpstafford/status/1690955381155954688?s=20
7. Shaun Edwards Interview (WalesOnline)
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/shaun-edwards-explains-wales-missed-17074287
8. Outflanked: How Ireland Exposed England's Defensive Issues Out Wide by Jonathan McCormick
https://t.co/vHIInFED4A
9. Complete nonsense: What are the NRL'S most overrated stats? By Mike Meehall Wood
https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/07/26/complete-nonsense-what-are-the-nrls-most-overrrated-stats/
10. Jacques Nienaber and his defence playbook at Leinster by Ultimate Rugby
https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/jacques-nienaber-and-his-defence-playbook-at-leinster/660790
11. Wales vs France Preview by Jonny McCormick
https://t.co/v05tPZ9xTu
12. Opta Club Rugby Stats Hub
https://theanalyst.com/club-rugby-stats
13. Inside Channel: Who is the best defensive Fly-half by Angus Usher
https://analystgus.substack.com/p/inside-channel-who-is-the-best-defensive
14. Andre Pretorius Interview on HG Rugby
https://youtu.be/9JjVBxg6bbs?si=tJ41JszyO0B6gBm4
15. Angus Usher Interview on HG Rugby
https://youtu.be/s7HsVMg1a7k?si=cpnk8pV6AsB0tWZt
16. Analysis by Brett Igoe
https://x.com/brettruganalyst
#rugby #defence #tactics #coaching #analysis #documentary #springboks #southafrica #ireland
Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby
Chapters
0:00 Problematic Numbers
1:17 A Broken Narrative
3:22 Not All Missed Tackles Are Equal
6:52 Making A Tackles vs Being Ran At
9:15 Hiding Weak Defenders (The South African View)
14:37 Which Stats Are Useful?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
20min
April 28, 2026How Much Do French Rugby Clubs REALLY Spend? - LNR Financial Report Explained
Link to the substack here
Link to the report here
In this special episode I break down the French CCCP financial report for the 2024/25 season:
how much money was earned

how much money was spent

who made the biggest profit

who made the biggest loss

the mysterious special products...
Follow my French rugby twitter account here: https://x.com/RugbyVous

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
20min
April 25, 2026 Inside Rugby's Online Content Creation Machine ft. Natasha Coyle
How Social Media is Changing Rugby Union Forever! + Women's Six Nations 2026 Debate
From viral try celebrations to player controversies, social media has completely transformed the world of rugby union. In this video, we dive deep into the impact of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn on the sport we love. How top players such as Henry Pollock, Finn Russel, the women's games and clubs are building massive personal brands. I was joined by professional rugby social media manager Natasha Coyle to get the insights into social media management in rugby union.
- The rise of rugby content creators and fan engagement
- Social media disasters that cost players contracts and reputations
- How unions and governing bodies are adapting to the digital age
- Future trends: Will social media make or break rugby union?
Whether you're a rugby fan, player, coach, or just love the business side of sport, this video breaks down everything you need to know about social media’s powerful (and sometimes dangerous) influence on the game.Drop a LIKE if you enjoy rugby content!
Comment below: Has social media improved or damaged rugby union the most?
#rugby #socialmediastrategy #fans #women #sixnations #journalism #podcast #interview #glasgow
Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby
Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huw.griffin/
Follow Tasha on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tash.coyle/
Chapters
0:00 Becoming A Social Media Manager
4:50 Where Are Rugby Fans?
8:40 Understand The Rugby Audience
12:45 Coping With Trolls
15:15 Social Media Fails
19:55 Attracting New Fans
23:25 Men's Rugby vs Women's Rugby Content
27:30 The Red Roses Debate
33:05 Women's Rugby Marketing
44:10 Impact Of Eddie Hearn
46:05 Leicester Tigers Thoughts
48:00 Working For Glasgow Warriors
52:30 The Truth About Ealing And The PREM

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
1h 2min
April 21, 2026Where Will Ardie Savea Go? & Why I'm Sick Of Welsh Rugby Rumours | Rugby Transfer Review - March 2026
My Moana Pasifika Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/thepiraterugby/p/the-unpublished-vol2-the-worry-with?r=2nk5sv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

This month's Rugby Transfer Review investigating the potential impact of Moana Pacifica's demise on the rugby transfer market and what next for Super Rugby - are New Zealand holding themselves back? Also discussing:
Australian agents playing the media like a fiddle

All change in Fiji

Scotland trying to do rugby on the cheap?

Welsh rugby vibes latest
Rugby Transfer Hub on twitter: https://x.com/rugby_hub

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
34min
April 18, 2026 Super Rugby: Fading Power Or Glimpse Of Union's Future? ft. Rugbycology
Unlock the real story behind Super Rugby’s struggles despite its massive influence on the sport of rugby union. From Super Rugby Pacific 2026 to its ripple effects on Test rugby, club competitions, and the future of the sport in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere — deep insights every rugby fan needs.
I was joined by professional analyst Brendon Shield from Rugbycology to asses the Super Rugby Pacific Season so far and debate the law tweaks that have impacted the global game. We also talked about the evolution of Women's rugby and if the try scoring fever that has gripped rugby is set to continue...
#rugby #newzealand #superrugbypacific #australia #fiji #podcast #analysis #debate #rugbyleague #nrl
Does The Southern Hemisphere Still Control Rugby Union?
Why Super Ruby Is Union's Most Important Tournament.
How The Fear Of NRL Is Changing Rugby Union.
Super Rugby: Fading Power Or Glimpse Of The Future?
Super Rugby is a PROBLEM.
Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby

Chapters
0:00 Moana Pasifika Collapse
8:50 Super Rugby Season So Far
15:00 Aussie Struggles
19:50 Fear Of League
23:30 New Laws Impact
30:10 The Game Changer
36:25 Does Super Rugby Control The Sport?
43:35 Evolution Of Women's Rugby
48:10 What Is Rugbycology?
52:10 Too Many Tries?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
1h 4min
April 11, 2026 How Irish Rugby Saved Itself ft. TheRugbyGirl
Irish Rugby 2025/26 Season – The Ultimate Breakdown! The 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season is heating up, and Ireland’s four provinces are delivering thrilling rugby once again. In this video, we dive deep into how Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connacht are performing this season – from title challenges and European ambitions to struggles and behind the scenes turmoil.
✅ Leinster’s quest for dominance
✅ Munster’s resurgence under new leadership
✅ Ulster’s rebuild and young talent
✅ Connacht’s turnaround under Lancaster
We analyse the current URC table, recent results, player form, injury news, and what it all means for the Irish provinces heading into the business end of the season. Will Leinster achieve the elusive domestic + European double? Can Munster turn it around? Is it Ulster's year? If you love Irish rugby, this is the perfect roundup for fans of Leinster, Munster, Ulster & Connacht.Drop a LIKE if you’re supporting your province this season
#leinster #munster #ulster #connacht #ireland #rugby #womensrugby #sixnations #podcast
Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby
Chapters
0:00 Who Is The Rugby Girl?
3:00 Andy Farrell Media Persona
7:00 Best Players To Interview
10:15 Leinster Frustrations
15:05 Munster's Collapse
24:45 Ulster's Resurgence
33:35 Connacht's Lancaster Revival
41:10 Is Women's Media Different?
46:10 Irish Women's Rugby Growth

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
1h
April 07, 2026 What Is Wrong With Leinster This Season? | Mini-Documentary
Do Leinster Suck Now? In this video I took a trip to Dublin to find out for myself. spoke to Leo Cullen, Tommy O'Brien and Leinster journalists to get an insider view on the team's struggles this season.
After winning the 2024/25 URC title in style, Leinster have had a mixed campaign. From the heavy opening defeats on South African soil (Stormers 35-0 and Bulls 39-31) to strong home wins and recent form, we break down their results, key performances, attacking stats, and where they stand in the table.
Currently sitting 4th in the URC standings with 9 wins from 14 games (46 points, +62 points difference), Leo Cullen's side have shown flashes of brilliance but also vulnerability. We analyse the big moments, standout players, bonus point hauls, and what needs to improve as they push for a top-four finish and playoff spot.
#rugby #leinster #ireland #championscup #highlights #analysis #dublin #vlog #documentary
Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby
Chapters
0:00 Strange Season
4:21 Attacking Issues
8:24 Discipline Disaster
9:27 Defensive Decline
13:34 Lions Hangover?
18:05 Underperforming Individuals
21:57 Still Contenders?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
27min
April 05, 2026 Why Is Rugby Union So Posh? ft. The Rugby History Project
Why Is Rugby Posh? This week I was going by Hattie from The Rugby History Project to answer that very question. We dive into the origins of the sport, its roots in the English private school system, and the role colonialism played in the game's growth across the globe.
We then ask the question if women's rugby is any different, before taking a look ahead to the Women's Six Nations. Will it be the Red Roses show again? Furthermore, what has the PWR done that has made both of us so mad?
#rugby #history #england #class #socialhistory #podcast #sixnations #money #british
Hattie's excellent article: https://therugbyhistoryproject.com/2025/11/03/why-is-rugby-union-posh/
follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby
Chapters
0:00 A Rugby Historian
2:55 Rugby Banned Books?
5:40 Its Own Worst Enemy
9:30 William Webb Ellis Never Happened
14:55 Why Is Rugby Posh?
26:25 The North South Divide Explained
32:00 Colonialism And Rugby
36:10 Is Women's Rugby Different?
43:00 Red Roses Thoughts
45:10 PWR Controversy
53:30 Wales Six Nations Preview

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
1h 8min
March 28, 2026 The Man Breaking Rugby's Biggest Transfer Stories ft. Neil Fissler
This week on the HG Rugby Podcast I was joined by rugby transfer expert and journalist Neil Fissler of RugbyPass. He told me his journey in rugby, how he finds transfer stories, what is really happening with Andy Farrell in Ireland and his thoughts on Steve Borthwick's England. We even get an insight into the threat posed by R360.
Follow Neil on twitter: https://x.com/neilfissler
Follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby
#rugby #podcast #transfers #fabrizioromano #news #irelandrugby #gossip #englandrugby #interview #newcastle #journalism #ai
Chapters
0:00 How To Become A Rugby Journalist
4:10 How Rugby Journalism Has Changed
10:10 AI In Journalism
13:00 How Rumours Start
18:30 Why Rumours Are Good
20:45 Football HORROR Story
23:45 Ireland Stars Leaving?
29:50 Andy Farrell To Saracens?
31:50 Gregor Townsend To Newcastle
34:50 PREM Rumours
37:35 The Truth About R360
41:45 Ongoing Rumours
44:50 Rumours In Wales?
47:20 Steve Borthwick RANT

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
1h
March 26, 2026 Behind The Scenes At URC Basement Battle | Scarlets vs Zebre Audio Vlog
Taken from my vlog on WRRAP YouTube

Scarlets vs Zebre Parma | United Rugby Championship Round 13 | Full Match Highlights & Reaction (2025/26)Watch the action as Scarlets secured a crucial bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma in this basement battle at Parc y Scarlets! The Welsh side ran in six tries to claim a 36-17 win in Round 13 of the BKT United Rugby Championship on March 20, 2026.Jarrod Taylor crossed twice early, with Sam Lousi, Macs Page, Ellis Mee, and replacement Davis also scoring for Scarlets. Zebre fought back late with tries from Gesi, Stavile, and Odiase, but it wasn't enough against a dominant home performance.Key moments:Lightning-fast start with Taylor's try inside 2 minutes
Bonus-point secured before halftime
Scarlets climb off the bottom with a much-needed result
This URC clash was vital for both struggling sides — see the best tries, big hits, and post-match reaction in our highlights package!
#scarlets #zebre #urc #vlog #podcast #wales #rugby #URCgo #BTS
Follow the pod on twitter: https://x.com/ScarletPembs
Chapters
0:00 Build-Up
2:30 Pre-Game Chat
5:50 Highlights & Key Moments
14:10 Post-Game Interviews

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
22min

FAQs about HG Rugby:

How many episodes does HG Rugby have?

The podcast currently has 227 episodes available.