Alex is joined by the former Sale centre Mark Jennings for an incredible, emotional rollercoaster of a House of Rugby Short that begins in Namibia and ends up in a prison cell in Manchester. A life spent hiding bullying, drug addiction, alcohol problems, childhood PTSD, dark depression and worse, all the while playing 90 times for the Sharks in the Premiership. And the trigger point for all this self-harm is perhaps the biggest tragedy of all. This is a very special listen.

The One About Sale's Mark Jennings and his Journey Into Darkness

Join Alex Goode, Rachael Burford and Hugh Woozencroft on JOE's House of Rugby.
Every week, the team will bring you their thoughts on the weekend’s matches, alongside big guests, while inviting you to join in the conversation via the House Landline. Send a WhatsApp to the show on 07852281348 to share your opinions, stories and celebrations with the House.

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For a final festive get together before the Christmas break, Hugh Woozencroft, Rachael Burford and Alex Goode are joined by Wales' two-time Grand Slam winner James Hook.

Together, they consider what a future England team under Steve Borthwick might look like, discuss which players are likely to thrive in his system and what would constitute success in 2023. James Hook gives insight into his old coach Warren Gatland, and what Wales need at both country and club level to turn their fortunes around. The panel spill the beans on the biggest liabilities at rugby Christmas parties and argue over the perfect festive film. All that, plus stolen leather jackets, milk-sloshing initiations and niche WhatsApp groups.

Drop us a voicenote on the House Of Rugby WhatsApp at 07852281348 to get involved.

S05 E06: Borthwick’s England, Christmas Parties & Gobbling Crickets with James Hook

Hugh Woozencroft, Rachael Burford and Alex Goode are joined by Scotland and Gloucester winger Adam Hastings to unpick the dramatic reappointment of Warren Gatland as Wales Head Coach, replacing Wayne Pivak in the role.

Meanwhile, Eddie Jones’ future as England boss hangs in the balance, with rife speculation suggesting his imminent departure - the team discuss how we got here and what might happen next in this fast-moving saga.

We preview the European Championships which kick off this coming weekend with South African teams joining for the first time, while Adam is grilled on Scotland’s Six Nations chances, 50 yard drop goals and rugby’s biggest fake tan culprits. Finally, there’s more chat on the sport’s hardest lads, iconic classic jerseys and our listeners Pass It On to another community club.

S05 E05: Gatland’s back, Eddie on the brink and Glasgow sunbeds with Adam Hastings

Class is in session as Hugh Woozencroft, Rachael Burford and Alex Goode grade the  Autumn Nations Series for key teams. They are joined by South Africa captain and legend John Smit, who assesses an incumbent Springboks side ahead of their World Cup defence in 2023, as well sharing his views on Rassie Erasmus.

The team also pay tribute to the late, great Doddie Weir and his legacy on and off the pitch, discuss England’s capitulation at the weekend, Australia’s 21 point comeback against Wales and also nominate the hardest lads across all the international sides.

Drop us a voicenote on the House Of Rugby WhatsApp at 07852281348 to get involved.

S05 E04: Autumn Nations Series report cards and hardest lads with John Smit

Hugh Woozencroft, Alex Goode and Rachael Burford are joined by Red Rose and Harlequin Shaunagh Brown to pore over the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series clash between South Africa and England. There’s analysis of an epic comeback against the All Blacks and Georgia’s historic triumph over Wales, reaction to the World Rugby Awards in Monaco while Shaunagh talks murals, medals and cricket in the England camp.

S5 E03:  England’s stunning comeback & Springboks strategies with Shaunagh Brown

Hugh Woozencroft, Rachael Burford and Alex Goode are joined by Harlequins and England player Joe Marchant to talk all things Barbarians. The team preview a heavyweight Autumn Nations Series clash between England and the All Blacks and consider what’s next for the Red Roses after last minute heartbreak at Eden Park. Plus, reaction to Rassie Erasmus’ suspension and more Movember tash appreciation. All this and more on this week’s House Of Rugby. Drop us a WhatsApp voicenote or message to feature on the podcast on 07852281348.

The One About Sale's Mark Jennings and his Journey Into Darkness

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