England rugby legend Olly Barkley joins The Rig Biz Podcast this week for a no-holds-barred conversation packed with nostalgia, chaos and heart. From his early debut for England — before even playing for Bath — to wild nights out, controversial moments, and life lessons learned in the brutal world of professional rugby, Barkley opens up like never before. Expect big laughs, surprising revelations and a look back at a career that defined an era.
The boys kick off with their trademark banter — Archie’s “greatest fly-half in the world” claims, Fred’s reality checks, and a heartfelt discussion about the devastating news surrounding Lewis Moody’s MND diagnosis. It’s a reminder that the rugby community is more than just competition and camaraderie — it’s a family that rallies in hard times. Olly shares moving reflections on playing alongside Moody and the strength of players supporting each other through life’s toughest challenges.
Then it’s back to Barkley’s glory days — the infamous pitch-invading incident, his surreal England debut as a teenager, and that first strip club visit with Simon Shaw. From Bath to Gloucester, England to France, he relives the highs and lows with honesty and humour. There’s talk of French baguettes before training, CS gas in a car park, and the pressures of playing in Johnny Wilkinson’s shadow. This is the inside story of the wild, golden age of rugby — told by one of its most stylish 10s.
Candid, funny and unfiltered, this episode delivers everything you love about The Rigby’s Podcast: banter, big names and brutally honest chat. Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan or just here for the chaos, tune in for Olly Barkley’s untold stories, career confessions and plenty of laughs along the way.