By Craig Williams & Karl Walker
The podcast currently has 50 episodes available.
Unbeaten Beginnings: The Aston Warriors Rugby League Journey
In this engaging episode of the Rugby League Outsiders podcast, hosts Craig and Karl welcome key figures behind forming the Aston Warriors Rugby League club in the Midlands. Featuring insights from Mark Almond on the team's incredible unbeaten debut season and his unique background, along with heartwarming stories shared by Mark about the community effort driving the club’s success.
Discover the challenges of establishing a new team, the crucial role of community support, and the inspiring vision for the future growth of Rugby League in Birmingham.
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
In this episode of Rugby League Outsiders, hosts Craig and Karl interview Conrad Anderson, the media officer for the North Wales Crusaders. Conrad shares his role and responsibilities on match day, his passion for rugby league, and insights on managing team media.
He discusses the challenges community clubs face, the excitement around the club's potential takeover, and advice for media officers in professional clubs.
Dive into the world of North Wales Crusaders and discover what makes the club tick.
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
In this compelling episode of Rugby League Outsiders, hosts Craig and Karl welcome Rich Squires, head coach of the Aston Warriors, alongside player Jules, to discuss the origin and evolution of the team from a rugby union background. They delve into Rich's rugby journey and the transition from rugby union to league, sharing the team's milestone of winning their first game. Additionally, the episode explores the vibrant community-building efforts of Aston Rugby Union, their ethos, the challenges of coaching, and the potential of social media to engage and expand their community. Join us to uncover the trials, successes, and future plans of both Aston Warriors and Aston Rugby Union.
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
Jonathan Burgess: Grassroots Rugby League Development in North Wales
Join Craig and Karl from Rugby League Outsiders as they interview Jonathan Burgess, the Community Development Officer at North Wales Crusaders. Learn about the extensive efforts to foster rugby league at the grassroots level, the success of junior hubs, and unique community projects aimed at promoting the sport. Jonathan shares his journey, the growth in player participation, and the development strategies that aim to make rugby league thrive in North Wales. This episode provides an in-depth look into grassroots sports development and the passion behind it.
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
Kyle Bonsor: Overcoming Adversity and Staying in the Game
In this compelling episode of Rugby League Outsiders, Craig and Karl converse with Kyle Bonser, a seasoned rugby league player and referee.
Kyle relates his rich journey from playing with Coventry Bears to engaging with various Midlands and New York Knights teams.
The episode covers his transition from player to coach and referee; the adversities faced due to multiple concussions, and his enduring contributions to the rugby league community.
Kyle also shares personal struggles, the effects of his injuries, and his dedication to enhancing player safety.
Don't miss an in-depth look at Kyle's extraordinary and inspirational rugby league career, revealing fascinating insights about his resilience, pre-game rituals, and connections in the sports world.
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
Exclusive Interview with North Wales Crusaders Chairman Ian Edwards - Rugby League Outsiders
In this episode of Rugby League Outsiders, hosts and avid North Wales Crusaders fans, Craig and Karl, sit down with Ian Edwards, Chairman of the club.
Edwards discusses the club's exciting future, the recent fundraising campaign, their community efforts, and his personal journey with rugby league.
Additionally, the conversation touches on the club's heritage, future goals, and the notable impact of its loyal fan base.
Tune in to get an insider's perspective on the only professional rugby league club in North Wales and the promising developments in store.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:12 Exciting Times at North Wales Crusaders
01:42 Ian Edwards' Journey with Rugby League
04:37 Challenges and Future Projections
05:57 Welsh Heritage and Community Involvement
07:48 The Role of the Foundation
08:53 Takeover Deal and Future Role
11:17 Obstacles and Opportunities
15:13 Identity and Fan Experience
18:08 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
19:58 Closing Remarks
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
Exclusive Interview with Josh Antoniou: Inside North Wales Crusaders' Big News
Join Craig and Karl on this episode of the Rugby League Outsiders as they interview Josh Antoneu, the commercial director of North Wales Crusaders.
Josh shares his journey with the club, the challenges of working in North Wales, and the exciting big news about new ownership and investment. Discover how the Crusaders are building strong community partnerships and their plans for the future, including infrastructure development and enhancing fan experience.
Don't miss this in-depth look at what lies ahead for the Crusaders and the rugby league community in North Wales.
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
Rugby League Heroes: Telford Raiders Erin & Rosie’s Story
In this Rugby League Outsiders podcast episode, hosts Craig and Karl welcome Erin and Rosie from the Telford Raiders.
The conversation delves into their journey from Rugby Union to Rugby League, sharing insights on the differences between the two sports and their experiences playing with and against top teams.
They also discuss the importance of camaraderie, the impact of intense training, and the role of social media in promoting women's rugby. This episode aims to inspire more women to take up rugby and enjoy its many benefits.
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
Join us on this week’s episode of Rugby League Outsiders as we dive into the exhilarating world of Try Tag Rugby with Simon Groves, a passionate player from Coventry & Warwickshire.
Discover Simon’s fascinating journey from his early rugby days in Manchester to representing Great Britain in international tag tournaments. Simon shares insights into the history of rugby league, the shift to playing tag rugby, and his involvement in developing the sport for over 50s players. Plus, don’t miss his intricate tales of local clubs, including the Leamington Royals, and how Tag rugby serves as a gateway to elite and social rugby levels. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or curious about the world of rugby, Simon’s stories of camaraderie, competition, and the sport’s impact on health and community are sure to captivate.
So tune in, get inspired, and who knows? You might find yourself eager to give Try Tag Rugby a go!"
Tag Nationals - https://www.youtube.com/live/kbpt6cAn5uE
TTRs home page https://www.trytagrugby.com
Room Up In The Sky - https://youtu.be/0FJBqSew8pg
🏉 ABOUT THE RUGBY LEAGUE OUTSIDERS PODCAST
Welcome to Rugby League Outsiders, where two passionate fans and former players, Karl Walker and Craig Williams, bring their love for the game to the Midlands. After relocating to the area, they were disappointed that rugby league wasn't as prevalent as in their former homes.
However, instead of accepting defeat, Karl and Craig saw this as an opportunity to promote the sport and make it more accessible for others in the Midlands. They started the Rugby League Outsiders podcast to shed light on the hidden gems of rugby league in the region and to give a voice to those who may have been overlooked.
Tune in weekly as Karl and Craig share their insights and experiences, interview players and coaches, and delve into rugby league. From local clubs to the latest news, they've got you covered.
Like and share this video and help spread the word about this fantastic sport in the Midlands.
LINKS:
📍 FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 TWITTER - https://twitter.com/rloutsiders
📍 INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 WEBSITE - https://rugbyleagueoutsiders.com
Meet Simon Groves of Try Tag Rugby Coventry & Warwickshire
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
There's something magical about the combination of sports and music that elevates the human spirit. With this belief, the inaugural Midlands 9s Rugby League Tournament and Music Festival was born—an event that promised to mix the adrenaline of rugby league with the soul-soothing melodies of live music. And, oh, what an adventure it was!
In the weeks leading up to the festival, the tension and excitement were tangible. The brainchild of Craig and Karl, hosts of the "Rugby League Outsiders" podcast, the Midlands 9s aimed to bring something new to the rugby league scene. It was not just a tournament; it was a celebration, a gathering of rugby league enthusiasts from all corners of the UK, ready to enjoy a weekend of sport, music, and camaraderie.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including illnesses and last-minute logistical nightmares, the duo's spirit never wavered. They juggled everything from team coordination to vendor management, all while battling the relentless British weather. The festival was a testament to their dedication, a labour of love that pushed them to their limits.
Imagine a world where sports and music come together to create magic. That's exactly what happened at the first-ever Midlands 9s Rugby League Tournament and Music Festival!
This incredible event was dreamed up by Craig and Karl, the awesome hosts of the "Rugby League Outsiders" podcast. They wanted to bring something super cool to the world of rugby league, and boy, did they succeed!
Before the festival even started, you could feel the excitement buzzing in the air. People from all over the UK were getting ready for a weekend filled with rugby, music, and fun times with friends.
Despite facing some tough challenges like illnesses and tricky logistics, Craig and Karl never gave up. They worked super hard to make sure everything was perfect for the big day.
And when the tournament finally kicked off, it was non-stop action! Teams from all over the Midlands showed off their skills and sportsmanship, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
We saw some amazing moments, like the awesome RAF ladies' team showing off their skills, the Midlands Hurricanes women playing their very first match, and the Sherwood and Loughborough teams giving it their all.
And when the sun went down, the rugby field turned into a concert stage! Bands like the Stiff Meisters and The Mardi Bums rocked the night away, making everyone dance and sing along.
The Mardi Bums especially blew everyone away with their incredible performance. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
As the festival came to an end, Craig and Karl looked back on all the hard work they put in. But they also knew it was totally worth it. The Midlands 9s was more than just a festival—it was a journey that brought people together and celebrated the things they loved.
For everyone who was there, whether playing rugby, singing, dancing, or just soaking in the awesome atmosphere, the Midlands 9s was a reminder of how awesome community, competition, and music can be.
And who knows? Maybe there will be even more amazing adventures like this in the future. But for now, let's just say cheers to the Midlands 9s—an adventure we'll never forget!
SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Urban Flux - Multi-Media Marketing
The podcast currently has 50 episodes available.