The Welsh Rugby Podcast

By Reach Podcasts

What's The Welsh Rugby Podcast about?

Join Wales Online rugby writers Ben James and Steffan Thomas for the latest news, analysis and interviews from the world of Welsh rugby. With plenty of guests making an appearance, it'll be the podcast with its finger truly on the pulse of the game in Wales.

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The Welsh Rugby Podcast episodes:

04.19.2024
The Adam Jones podcast
Former Wales prop and Harlequins coach Adam Jones joins Ben James and Steff Thomas on the latest episode of the podcast to talk Quins' European success and the art of being a tight-head. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
04.12.2024
The Graham Henry podcast
Ben James is joined by former Wales and New Zealand coach Graham Henry to celebrate 25 years since the win over England at Wembley, as well as his memories and thoughts on the game now. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
03.28.2024
The Abi Tierney and Nigel Walker podcast
Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by WRU CEO Abi Tierney and executive director of rugby Nigel Walker to talk Warren Gatland, a wooden spoon and a new strategic plan. (Unfortunately, there was a slight technical with Nigel Walker's microphone...
03.27.2024
The start of the Women's Six Nations and a timely win in Llanelli
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' Women's defeat to Scotland, as well as the four regions' matches in the United Rugby Championship. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
03.20.2024
Just where do we go from here?
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' winless Six Nations and just what needs to change to improve Welsh rugby's fortunes. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
03.17.2024
Wales 21-24 Italy: A dismal Wooden Spoon
Ben James and Times rugby writer Elgan Alderman sit down to react to Wales' dismal defeat to Italy that secured them the Wooden Spoon. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
03.11.2024
Wales 24-45 France: Into a Wooden Spoon week we go
Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Wales' Six Nations defeat to France, which leaves them staring at a Wooden Spoon next week. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC
03.07.2024
Wales v France preview: A surprise centre pairing
Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to the Wales team to face France and look at where this weekend's match will be won and lost. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
02.25.2024
Ireland 31-7 Wales reaction: We are where we are
Ben James and Steff Thomas react to Wales' Six Nations in Dublin. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
02.21.2024
Ireland v Wales Six Nations preview: A debut for Big Mac
Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss the Wales team to face Ireland, as well as the daunting task facing Warren Gatland's side in Dublin. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
02.14.2024
The Kieran Hardy podcast
Wales and Scarlets scrum-half Kieran Hardy joins Ben James for a brief chat about life in Wales' Six Nations camp. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
02.11.2024
England 16-14 Wales reaction: So, so close
Ben James and Daily Mail rugby writer Alex Bywater react to Wales' narrow defeat to England at Twickenham. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
02.08.2024
Wales v England preview: Bold changes, Alex Mann and Cameron Winnett
Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss Wales' team to face England, Telegraph writer Charlie Morgan offers insight on Steve Borthwick's side and we hear from Wales debutants Alex Mann and Cameron Winnett. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC
02.04.2024
Wales 26-27 Scotland reaction: How do you sum that up?!
Ben James and Steffan Thomas do their best to dissect Wales' Six Nations opener in Cardiff that saw them nearly come back from 27-0 down to win. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
01.31.2024
Wales v Scotland Six Nations preview, with Jamie Lyall
Rugby commentator Jamie Lyall joins Ben James to preview Wales' Six Nations opener against Scotland in Cardiff. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
01.25.2024
Gatland, Farrell, Borthwick and the superb Ospreys
Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss the latest in Welsh rugby, while we hear from a number of coaches and captains ahead of the Six Nations. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
01.17.2024
The Louis Rees-Zammit bombshell and Wales' Six Nations squad
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to react to the news Louis Rees-Zammit is leaving rugby to pursue a career in the NFL, as well as Wales' Six Nations squad. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
01.10.2024
The Richard Whiffin podcast: Wales U20s new coach talks teaching tomorrow's stars
Wales U20s coach Richard Whiffin chats to Ben James and Steffan Thomas about his new job, the upcoming Six Nations and how best to develop Wales' young talent. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
12.20.2023
Scarlets' nadir, Anglo-Welsh desire and the end of 2023
Ben James and Steffan Thomas talk what's gone wrong at the Scarlets, why there needs to be more Anglo-Welsh matches and look back at an eventful 2023. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
12.15.2023
The Rob Howley podcast: 'Can't believe it... I can't believe it'
Rob Howley joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas on the podcast to talk about his return to the Wales coaching set-up, four years after leaving the role. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
12.13.2023
What's gone wrong with Welsh rugby?
Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by Seimon Williams - author of new book 'Welsh Rugby: What Went Wrong?' - to talk Welsh rugby's woes and just how you fix it. Brought to you by WalesOnline/ReachPLC
12.06.2023
Backing Dwayne Peel and what happens next for Welsh rugby
Scarlets chair Simon Muderack joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas to discuss the Scarlets' start to the season, the pressure on head coach Dwayne Peel, the financial situation in Welsh rugby and how things can improve moving forward. Brought to you...
11.29.2023
More Welsh derbies, mixed results and Wales' next full-back?
Swansea RFC and Swansea University coach Hugh Gustafson, who also enjoyed a playing career with the Dragons and Ospreys, joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas to discuss the latest round of URC matches and look over Welsh rugby. Brought to you...
11.10.2023
Reducing replacements and developing young Welsh players with Trystan Bevan
Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by Trystan Bevan, who has worked as a S&C coach and head of performance in Welsh rugby for many years, to talk player development, the importance of overseas signings and how reducing replacements...
10.27.2023
The Dan Biggar podcast: Wales memories, French adventure and 15 years of laundry duty
Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by Dan Biggar, just weeks after the fly-half played his last Test for Wales, to talk about his 15-year international career, his new life in France and some of his favourite memories. Brought to...
10.16.2023
Wales World Cup heartbreak, classic quarter-finals and the last one in France
Ben James is joined by Times rugby writer Elgan Alderman to dissect Wales' World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, discuss a classic round of last-eight action and reflect on Wales' tournament in France ahead of the trip back home -...
10.09.2023
Wales 43-19 Georgia reaction: Faletau blow, four from four and incredible Portugal
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the final weekend of pool games at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as Wales found out who'd they be facing in the quarter-finals. Brought to you by WalesOnline/ReachPLC.
10.04.2023
Wales v Georgia preview: A surprise team, Tier Two support and permutations
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to preview Wales' final pool game against Georgia and look at who Warren Gatland's side could face in the quarter-finals. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
09.26.2023
Wales 40-6 Australia reaction: A statement win in Lyon
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' hammering of the Wallabies in Lyon that secured a World Cup quarter-final place. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
09.22.2023
A bonus episode with Aaron Wainwright: Committees, fines and who's the David Brent fan in camp
Ben James is joined by Wales back-row Aaron Wainwright for a bonus episode after Wales' team announcement to face Australia, talking the mood in camp, the committees and who's picking the music in camp. Brought to you by WalesOnline/ReachPLC.
09.20.2023
Wales v Australia preview: David Campese, under-the-pump Wallabies and a must-win game
Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by Wallabies legend David Campese to discuss Australia's defeat to Fiji, what's next for Eddie Jones and their crucial World Cup clash with Wales. Brought to you by WalesOnline/ReachPLC.
09.18.2023
Wales 28-8 Portugal reaction: Not a classic, but job done
Ben James is joined by Robbie and Will Owen, the brothers behind the YouTube channel Squidge Rugby, to discuss Wales' win over Portugal. Brought to you by WalesOnline/ReachPLC
09.14.2023
Wales v Portugal preview: 13 changes, bruised ankles and the return of Anscombe
Ben James is joined by the Daily Mail's Alex Bywater in Nice to preview Wales' second World Cup pool match against Portugal. Brought to you by WalesOnline/ReachPLC
09.11.2023
Wales 32-26 Fiji reaction: An instant World Cup classic
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' breathless World Cup opener against Fiji in Bordeaux, as Warren Gatland's side got their tournament off to a winning start. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC.
09.06.2023
Wales v Fiji preview: The French heat, a spot of singing and Deacon Manu
Ben James is joined by PA's Andrew Baldock and the Daily Mail's Alex Bywater in Versailles to talk Wales, the World Cup and the searing heat, while Steffan Thomas speaks to former Scarlets prop Deacon Manu for the Fijian perspective. Brought...
08.30.2023
Dan Biggar's retirement, a Fijian warning and Aussie scrums
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss Dan Biggar's announcement that he'll retire from Wales duty after the World Cup, who will wear the 10 jersey next and how Wales' pool rivals Fiji and Australia fared in their...
08.23.2023
Steve Hansen, car bonnets and World Cup thoughts
Steve Hansen joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas on the podcast to talk about his memories of coaching Wales, his thoughts on the 2023 World Cup and how rugby can improve in general. Brought to you by WalesOnline and Reach PLC.
08.21.2023
Wales World Cup squad reaction: Rio Dyer and Squidge Rugby
Ben James is joined by Robbie Owen, the face of Squidge Rugby, and Wales wing Rio Dyer for an impromptu podcast following Wales' final squad announcement ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France. Brought to you by WalesOnline and Reach...
08.17.2023
Bernard Jackman, Owen Farrell and the state of Welsh rugby
Former Dragons coach and Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman joins us on the podcast to discuss Wales' second World Cup warm-up match against England, Owen Farrell's reprieve from a red card and a lengthy ban and reflect on what Welsh rugby...
08.09.2023
A win over England and the new face destined for France
The Welsh Rugby Podcast is back! Ben James and Steffan Thomas run the rule over Wales' World Cup warm-up win over England, assess who could be heading to France and look at what Warren Gatland will be hoping to learn...
08.03.2023
The Welsh Rugby Podcast is back!
The Welsh Rugby Podcast is back! Join Ben James and Steffan Thomas as they bring you the latest news, big guests and in-depth analysis from the wild world of Welsh rugby and the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Brought to...
09.28.2021
A new season, fly-half nightmare and some welcome returns
Ben James is joined by Matthew Southcombe and Simon Thomas to discuss the first weekend of the United Rugby Championship - including Cardiff's fly-half nightmare, the Scarlets' errors and the first Welsh derby of the season.
08.04.2021
Changes for Lions, a decisive Test and a spiteful tour
Matthew Southcombe is joined by Mark Orders and Ben James out in Cape Town to preview the decisive third Test between the Lions and South Africa.
07.29.2021
First Test victory, changes made and Rassie fireworks
Matthew Southcombe is joined by Simon Thomas and our man in South Africa, Ben James, to discuss the first Test victory for the Lions, as well as all the fallout in the following days.It should be noted this was recorded...
07.22.2021
Gatland's first Test selection calls, AWJ returns and no Josh Adams
Matthew Southcombe is joined by Ben James and Simon Thomas to react to Warren Gatland's Lions team for the first Test against the Springboks.
07.05.2021
Josh Adams on fire, Lions debuts and Welsh young guns
Matthew Southcombe and Ben James sit down to discuss the Lions' thrashing of the Sigma Lions, their team to face the Cell C Sharks and Wales' comprehensive win over Canada.
06.28.2021
Tour-ending injuries, Lions chaos and Jaz Joyce's Olympic dreams
Ben James is joined by Mark Orders and Matthew Southcombe to discuss the hectic start to the Lions tour, including the tour-ending injuries of Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric and the stricter restrictions being imposed on South Africa. Also...
06.23.2021
The Lions tour begins, a Japanese challenge and trouble in Wales
Ben James is joined by Simon Thomas to react to Warren Gatland's first Lions team to face Japan, as well as the Cory Hill situation.
05.25.2021
Welsh rugby crisis meetings, impressive youngsters and summer call-ups
Ben James is joined by Simon Thomas to discuss the latest crisis talks in Welsh rugby, the first three rounds of the Rainbow Cup, the regions' business for next season and any potential new faces Wayne Pivac could look at...
05.06.2021
Lions squad reaction: Shock inclusions, surprise omissions and justice for Scotland
Ben James is joined by Alex Spink and Megan Wellens of the Daily Mirror, Michael Scully of the Irish Mirror and Gordon Parks of the Daily Record to react to the announcement of Warren Gatland's 37-man British and Irish Lions...

What's The Welsh Rugby Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Welsh Rugby Podcast episodes:

The Adam Jones podcast

The Graham Henry podcast

The Abi Tierney and Nigel Walker podcast

The start of the Women's Six Nations and a timely win in Llanelli

Just where do we go from here?

Wales 21-24 Italy: A dismal Wooden Spoon

Wales 24-45 France: Into a Wooden Spoon week we go

Wales v France preview: A surprise centre pairing

Ireland 31-7 Wales reaction: We are where we are

Ireland v Wales Six Nations preview: A debut for Big Mac

The Kieran Hardy podcast

England 16-14 Wales reaction: So, so close

Wales v England preview: Bold changes, Alex Mann and Cameron Winnett

Wales 26-27 Scotland reaction: How do you sum that up?!

Wales v Scotland Six Nations preview, with Jamie Lyall

Gatland, Farrell, Borthwick and the superb Ospreys

The Louis Rees-Zammit bombshell and Wales' Six Nations squad

The Richard Whiffin podcast: Wales U20s new coach talks teaching tomorrow's stars

Scarlets' nadir, Anglo-Welsh desire and the end of 2023

The Rob Howley podcast: 'Can't believe it... I can't believe it'

What's gone wrong with Welsh rugby?

Backing Dwayne Peel and what happens next for Welsh rugby

More Welsh derbies, mixed results and Wales' next full-back?

Reducing replacements and developing young Welsh players with Trystan Bevan

The Dan Biggar podcast: Wales memories, French adventure and 15 years of laundry duty

Wales World Cup heartbreak, classic quarter-finals and the last one in France

Wales 43-19 Georgia reaction: Faletau blow, four from four and incredible Portugal

Wales v Georgia preview: A surprise team, Tier Two support and permutations

Wales 40-6 Australia reaction: A statement win in Lyon

A bonus episode with Aaron Wainwright: Committees, fines and who's the David Brent fan in camp

Wales v Australia preview: David Campese, under-the-pump Wallabies and a must-win game

Wales 28-8 Portugal reaction: Not a classic, but job done

Wales v Portugal preview: 13 changes, bruised ankles and the return of Anscombe

Wales 32-26 Fiji reaction: An instant World Cup classic

Wales v Fiji preview: The French heat, a spot of singing and Deacon Manu

Dan Biggar's retirement, a Fijian warning and Aussie scrums

Steve Hansen, car bonnets and World Cup thoughts

Wales World Cup squad reaction: Rio Dyer and Squidge Rugby

Bernard Jackman, Owen Farrell and the state of Welsh rugby

A win over England and the new face destined for France

The Welsh Rugby Podcast is back!

A new season, fly-half nightmare and some welcome returns

Changes for Lions, a decisive Test and a spiteful tour

First Test victory, changes made and Rassie fireworks

Gatland's first Test selection calls, AWJ returns and no Josh Adams

Josh Adams on fire, Lions debuts and Welsh young guns

Tour-ending injuries, Lions chaos and Jaz Joyce's Olympic dreams

The Lions tour begins, a Japanese challenge and trouble in Wales

Welsh rugby crisis meetings, impressive youngsters and summer call-ups

Lions squad reaction: Shock inclusions, surprise omissions and justice for Scotland