Rugby Direct

Rugby Direct

Download on the App Store

Rugby Direct episodes

  • Rugby Direct Episode 246: Cameron Suafoa on rugby, life and his terminal cancer diagnosis

    Rugby Direct is back with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, joined in studio by Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa for an inspiring and candid conversation.

    Suafoa opens up on one of the toughest periods of his life and career after being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, detailing the battle that followed, the support that helped him through, and the perspective he has gained from the experience. 

    He also reflects on his return to professional rugby, his journey back to the Blues, and living with a terminal cancer diagnosis.

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 245: Ireland Beaten, South Africa Beckons

    Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ emphatic 40-21 win over Ireland, extending their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park. The boys review a perfect opening block of the Nations Championship, with the All Blacks going three from three, and assess the key performances, talking points, and big takeaways from the series.

    They also look ahead to the next major milestone on the road to South Africa, analysing what changes Dave Rennie could make when he names his 44-man squad on Monday. Who’s played their way in, who’s under pressure, and what does the next chapter of the All Blacks’ campaign look like? It’s all covered on the latest episode of Rugby Direct.

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 244: The team is in - Rennie’s big calls

    Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Ireland.

    Dave Rennie has named his side for this weekend's highly anticipated test with a number of key reinforcements added to strengthen the All Blacks' front line. Have the right calls been made? Who are the big winners and losers from selection? 

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 243: All Blacks Win Big, But Are They Getting Better?

    Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' far-from-convincing 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington. Despite the comfortable scoreline, questions remain about the performance, selections, and overall direction of the side after two tests under Dave Rennie.

    The boys also debate one of the biggest talking points heading into this weekend: can the All Blacks extend their remarkable unbeaten run at Eden Park when they face Ireland, or are the visitors primed to snap one of rugby's most iconic streaks?

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 242: Five changes and a fresh look ABs

    On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks' five changes for Saturday's test against Italy and ask the big question: has Dave Rennie gone too far with his selections? 

    The boys also look ahead to the second test of 2026, discussing what the changes mean for the All Blacks and what fans can expect when they take the field this weekend.

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 241: A Winning Start, Rennie’s All Blacks Era Begins

    On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dissect the All Blacks' winning start to the Dave Rennie era after their victory over France in Christchurch.

    What impressed most? Where are the areas for improvement? 

    Plus, the lads cast an eye around the rugby world to break down the biggest results, standout performers and key talking points from a blockbuster weekend of international action.

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 240: Rennie's first big calls: Right or wrong?

    On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie's first All Blacks team naming ahead of the test against France.

    Has Rennie got the big calls right?

    With Ruben Love at No. 10, Luke Jacobson wearing the seven jersey, and Damian McKenzie at fullback, the boys debate the key selections, the biggest surprises, and what it all means for the All Blacks moving forward.

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 239: Rennie’s first roll of the dice - who makes the 23?

    On the latest episode of Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, the boys are in Christchurch counting down to the first All Blacks test under Dave Rennie.  

    Who will make his first 23? Plus the ANZAC Day Bledisloe is locked in, is this a good thing for rugby or not? 

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 238: In, out, and unlucky - breaking down Rennie’s first squad

    On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad - who’s in, who’s new, and who can feel unlucky to miss out.

    The boys also reflect on a one-sided Super Rugby Pacific final, with the Hurricanes delivering a dominant performance to claim the title.

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
  • Rugby Direct Episode 237: Finals Fever and All Blacks Picks

    On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier count down to the Super Rugby Pacific final – the teams are locked in, but who’s lifting the trophy on Saturday night?  

    The boys also give their predictions for the All Blacks squad ahead of Monday’s announcement... who will make the cut under Dave Rennie? 

    LISTEN ABOVE

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

About Rugby Direct

From the publisher's feed

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world.

Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the…

Best of Rugby Direct

Ranked by our users in the last 21 days

More shows like Rugby Direct

The EggChasers Rugby Podcast by Tim Cocker, Jonathan Beardmore, Phil Largan

The EggChasers Rugby Podcast

155 Listeners

The Rugby Pod by The Ringer

The Rugby Pod

301 Listeners

Rugby Union Weekly by BBC Radio 5 Live

Rugby Union Weekly

316 Listeners

The Ruck by The Times

The Ruck

73 Listeners

Saturday Morning with Jack Tame by Newstalk ZB

Saturday Morning with Jack Tame

1 Listeners

Weekend Sport with Jason Pine by Newstalk ZB

Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

4 Listeners

The Weekend Collective by Newstalk ZB

The Weekend Collective

1 Listeners

The Agenda by The Alternative Commentary Collective

The Agenda

16 Listeners

Smart Money by Newstalk ZB

Smart Money

1 Listeners

Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons by Newstalk ZB

Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons

0 Listeners

The OneRoof Radio Show by Newstalk ZB

The OneRoof Radio Show

4 Listeners

A Captain's Cup by Radio Sport

A Captain's Cup

1 Listeners

Between Two Beers Podcast by Steven Holloway & Seamus Marten

Between Two Beers Podcast

159 Listeners

Newstalk ZB ANZAC Centenary Tribute by Newstalk ZB

Newstalk ZB ANZAC Centenary Tribute

0 Listeners

What a Lad by Presented by Betcha

What a Lad

23 Listeners

Aotearoa Rugby Pod by Fandom Media

Aotearoa Rugby Pod

24 Listeners

The Good, The Bad & The Rugby by Platform Media

The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

202 Listeners

Election 2026: The Front Bench by Newstalk ZB

Election 2026: The Front Bench

0 Listeners

On The Front Foot by Newstalk ZB

On The Front Foot

4 Listeners

Holiday Breakfast by Newstalk ZB

Holiday Breakfast

0 Listeners

The Superior Sailor Series by Newstalk ZB

The Superior Sailor Series

0 Listeners

The Dom Harvey Podcast by Dom Harvey

The Dom Harvey Podcast

81 Listeners

Kick Offs and Kick Ons by SHTN Enterprises

Kick Offs and Kick Ons

28 Listeners

The Rugby Run by Sport Nation

The Rugby Run

0 Listeners

The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Australia & New Zealand by Folding Pocket

The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Australia & New Zealand

28 Listeners

The Big League Podcast by Newstalk ZB

The Big League Podcast

1 Listeners

All Sport Breakfast Canterbury by NewstalkZB

All Sport Breakfast Canterbury

0 Listeners

News Fix by Newstalk ZB

News Fix

0 Listeners

Football Fever by Newstalk ZB

Football Fever

0 Listeners

Sports Fix by Newstalk ZB

Sports Fix

1 Listeners

DSPN - RUGBY by rova | DSPN

DSPN - RUGBY

18 Listeners

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin by Newstalk ZB

Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin

0 Listeners

In My Day by Newstalk ZB

In My Day

0 Listeners