The Bonus Point

In this episode, I sit down with Ella Ferguson, content creator and journalist to talk about her journey into the world of rugby media and storytelling. Ella shares how she turned a passion for the game into a career capturing its modern side — from working with players and building digital content, to shaping how fans connect with rugby today.

We also dive into the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, players and teams to watch as well as what’s next for Ella as she continues to elevate the voice of women in sports media.

A must-listen if you love rugby, content creation, or just want a peek behind the scenes of what it takes to tell the stories that define the game.

The Bonus Point Rugby Podcast kicks off 2026 with a massive guest — newly appointed Scotland Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka. Host TJ Olsen sits down with Sione to unpack his journey from Brisbane State High to international coaching stints with Australia, the USA, and now Scotland.

They dive deep into the evolution of the women’s game, lessons from the 2025 Rugby World Cup, and what it takes to build successful high‑performance programs across different rugby cultures. Plus, TJ and Sione weigh in on the Super Rugby season ahead and the shock removal of Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach — one of the biggest stories in world rugby.

A perfect blend of coaching insight, international perspective, and rugby chat to start the year strong.

Episode 69 of the podcast features an insightful conversation with rugby journalist Jamie Wall, renowned for his deep knowledge and years covering the All Blacks and global rugby. Jamie shares his journey into rugby journalism, highlighting his work covering the All Blacks since 2017 and dives into the All Blacks’ complex and often scrutinized 2025 season, analyzing coaching challenges, standout players, and pivotal tactical decisions.

We also unpack the debates around the World Rugby Player of the Year awards, examining fairness in selection and overlooked players.

Lastly with the 2027 Rugby World Cup pools announced just yesterday, Jamie provides expert analysis on New Zealand’s draw, the expanded 24-team format, and the strategic path the All Blacks must follow to win the tournament. This episode offers a compelling mix of career insights, current rugby analysis, and forward-looking World Cup preview that any rugby fan will appreciate.

Reliving history in Chicago 🇺🇸🏉Join me, Tj Olsen from The Bonus Point Podcast, as I fly from Los Angeles to Chicago to experience the All Blacks vs Ireland rematch – 10 years on from that iconic clash at Soldier Field.In this vlog you’ll see:✈️ Travel day from LA to Chicago☕ All Blacks fan meet & greet at Big Shoulders Coffee👟 Hanging with fans and players at the Adidas Store Chicago🏟️ Inside Soldier Field the day before the match for captain’s run + press conferences🎙️ Recording a live Podcast with The Rugby Rant at Reggies Bar in Chicago🔥 Soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the game live with All Blacks & Ireland fansHuge thank you to:New Zealand Rugby UnionIreland Rugby Football UnionCallum Squires (SRK Strategies)GallagherSoldier FieldThe Rugby RantReggies BarIf you love rugby, behind-the-scenes access, and fan culture, this one’s for you.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe – and let me know where I should travel for the next rugby test! 🖤💚

We catch up with Rob "The Hammer" Hammerschmidt (The Rugby Rant) to discuss the EOY tour squads for:

• All Blacks
• Wallabies
• All Blacks XV

We have included a sneak peak into the Rugby Rant's Podcast where we spoke about R360...a new and bold competition full of innovation. Is this new competition promising or a pipe dream??

Jason Emery (Maori All Blacks, Old Glory DC) joins the show to chat about USA Rugby qualifying for the RWC in 2027, The upcoming Bledisloe Cup tests in the Rugby Championship & the Women's RWC finals.

This episode is dedicated to the passing of my dad Steve. We are chatting about all the cups that are up for grabs:

1. Pacific Nations Cup
2. The Rugby Championship
3. Women's Rugby World Cup

This weeks episode were chatting about:

• All Blacks vs France
• British & Irish Lions vs Wallabies
• Kalyn Ponga to union!??

We unpack a lot on this weeks podcast.

1. Super Rugby Pacific Finals (Chiefs vs Crusaders)
2. British & Irish Lions vs Argentina
3. Wallabies Squad
4. Ardie Savea off to Japan in 2026
5. Premiership vs Super Rugby

You wont wanna miss this one!!

We are back to chat all about playoff footy!! On this episode, here is what is on the cards:

First Half Segment - Super Rugby Quarter & Semi Final Picture

Second Half Segment - Ngani Laumape signs with Moana

Bonus Point Segment - Who should be the Wallabies captain for the B&IL Tour??