The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

Hask and Tinds are joined by a special guest this week as Matchroom MD, and the man behind some of boxing's biggest fights in the last 20 years, Eddie Hearn, drops by the studio. They discuss Anthony Joshua’s upcoming fight on Saturday 1 April with Jermaine Franklin on DAZN, which Eddie calls the most important of AJ’s career. Eddie also gives his verdict on how to better market rugby for the masses, tells which fighter demanded a Rolex, debates whether a Hask v Joe Marler match-up would sell out, recalls his 00s heyday at Sugar Reef and explains how he feels about people knowing him more for the No Context Hearn memes. Watch Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin live on DAZN, this Saturday April 1st, included as part of your monthly DAZN subscription, sign-up at DAZN.com 🥊 EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Records were broken, tears were shed and jigs were danced as an Ireland Grand Slam on St Patrick’s weekend has come to pass. The man behind the jig, Ireland’s captain and the highest ever points scorer in Six Nations history, Johnny Sexton, breaks away from celebrations to join Hask and Payno for a debrief. He relives Saturday, gives his two pence on Andy Farrell and tells the lads that while this is great, the job won’t be done til the autumn. Hask and Payno also give their thoughts on Freddie Steward's red card, England’s fitness and question the World Cup pools, which as it stands has the top 5 ranked teams in the world in one half of the draw... France '23 is gunna be one hell of a tournament!

What a stunning penultimate round of the Six Nations and to break it down with Payno and Tinds are the crowing Ben Kayser (sans his yellow gloves) and Shane Horgan. The boys deconstruct England's record defeat with Tinds really trying not to go in hard - he fails. Ben tells us how he'll delight in the victory whilst eating rosbif at his English father-in-law's and reveals what it was like watching that game at Twickenham sat between English rugby royalty, and, Shane revels in Josh van der Flier and Cian Healy's hooking duties. The guys also discuss the gulf between the Premiership and Test rugby and recall the worst defeats in their careers, surprise surprise Tinds can’t remember it! GBR TOUR TICKETS: https://bit.ly/GBRTourTickets 🎟️

England won the World Cup in 2003 but often forgotten is the Six Nations Grand Slam winning team earlier that year. Payno and Tinds are joined by Lawrence Dallaglio and Matt Dawson to look back and relive each game, culminating in that ferocious finale in Dublin. The boys discuss their "world class" partying ability, Matt's sticky gloves and an interesting Christmas card from Sir Clive, Lawrence reveals the lengths he took for privacy at Pennyhill Park and of course that red-carpet drama at Lansdowne Road! Also, don't forget our World Cup After Party Tour, tickets available here https://bit.ly/GBRTourTickets

We’re getting to the business end of the Six Nations so Payno, Hask and Tinds preview what’s likely to be a gripping slate of penultimate round games. With Marcus Smith dazzling for Quins over the weekend, Tinds predicts some surprising line-up changes for England, Payno’s desperate to know why international teams don’t throw caution to the wind more often & Hask derails the conversation with a nod to Jamie George’s sporting repertoire and Payno’s Sake chaos. And just when you thought you knew everything about Payno, he lets out that he was in Pony Club as a youngster…

Payno returns to take stock of a Six Nations for the ages and the trio announce that they’re going back on tour after the World Cup in the autumn!!!! Once they get over the excitement of getting back on the road, they give their two pence on the state of play in Wales, as the Welsh clubs pick through their new budgets and try to map out who they can and can’t afford to keep on the books next season. Hask and Tinds relieve the time they spent on a picket line, Alex decides a Rugby League and Rugby Union hybrid is the future of the game… and Tinds gives some insight into the level of pressure Owen Farrell might be under, as he reflects on how heavy the weight of the 10 jersey could be, even for one Jonny Wilkinson…

No Alex or Tinds this week so Hask has sent out the bat signal and two GBR favourites have answered. Ben Kayser and Jon ‘Fox’ Davies join the pod to discuss one of the most turbulent weeks in the history of Welsh Rugby. The players and the board are at war but will the players make the historic decision to strike ahead of their pivotal Six Nations clash against England? Foxy gives us the low down on the feelings in and around Cymru. The boys also preview this weekend’s Six Nations match ups. Ben gives his honest thoughts on the prospect of facing a resurgent Scotland and Hask does his best to get Fox permanently banned from Welsh Rugby.

No Alex this week so Hask is in the big chair alongside Tinds as they look back on a brilliant second round of matches in the 6 Nations. Ellis Genge joins us from inside the England camp to discuss the win over Italy, reveals whether there was unrest among the players under Eddie Jones and what it's like when you run head-first into Sebastian Negri. He also answers some of the criticism of England's playing style and how it's been to have the Netflix cameras following the team around. Also on the show is former Ireland winger turned TV presenter Tommy Bowe to reflect on that amazing match between the Irish and the French, the Scottish All Blacks and how he went viral after a slight mishap on the box. Follow The Good, The Bad and the Rugby: Instagram: @goodbadrugby Twitter: @GoodBadRugby TikTok: @goodbadrugby Facebook: @GoodBadAndRugby

As the dust settles after a turbulent weekend of rugby, the boys get back together to talk back selections, team mentality and a new era for the 6 Nations. Greig Laidlaw jumps in (from Japan), with his views on the brilliant performance from Scotland, and Stuart Hoggs' sun tan. Mystic Mike makes his predictions for the next round, and the trio take a moment to bid farewell to Simon Middleton.

Roll up, roll up, get your Six Nations preview here - rugby nause or not, this episode is for you… The boys are joined by Jon ‘Fox’ Davies and Geordan Murphy to run through what’s what for this year's tournament, just over six months out from the Rugby World Cup later this year. There’s all change in Wales and England camps, with Gatland and Borthwick in situ, the top two teams in the world in France & Ireland battling for the top spot and Italy finally playing some exciting rugby- it’s set to be a good’un. The boys unpack it all; selection, Netflix, game plan and tactics - oh, and Hask goes off on one (again) about ruckgate…

Another quiet week in the world of rugby… The RFU dropped a bombshell when they announced plans to lower the legal tackle height in the amateur game from the shoulder line to the waist line; cue uproar from every corner... So, Tinds & Alex sat down to tackle the debate. They hash through the stats, data and views from across the game, with The Head of Game Development at the RFU, John Lawn to find out how and why the decision has been made. They’re also joined by Paul Milham and former Leicester Tiger, James Buckland, who’re both from Aylesbury RFC, one of hundreds of clubs who’ll be affected by the announcement.

Alex, Hask and Shane Horgan take a deep dive into the Heineken Champions Cup. How did a competition once viewed as the pinnacle of the northern hemisphere club game lose its lustre? What should it look like in the future? Should it stay traditional or become something completely new, like cricket's The Hundred? Joining them are the head coach of reigning European champions La Rochelle - and all round legend - Ronan O'Gara and the former Wasps Head Coach, and now Scarlets Backs and Skills coach, Lee Blackett.

Eddie Jones joins Hask and Alex to talk about his new role as Australia Head Coach. He also explains why he knew he was going to be sacked from his role with England, the effect it had on him and the prospect of the two sides matching up at the World Cup. We also hear from Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan on why he thinks Jones is the best coach in the world and their aims over the next 5 years as they approach two World Cups and a Lions Tour.

2022 was a massive year for rugby in England, the sport’s having a tough old time off the pitch, so Hask and Alex invited themselves to Twickenham for a coffee with the big dogs; the CEOs of the PRL and the RFU, Simon Massie-Taylor and Bill Sweeney. The boys manage to peel back the curtain of the goings on in the corridors of power, learn about the men behind the jobs, as well as Eddie’s dismissal, Borthwick’s ascension, Wasps & Worcester and the future of domestic rugby from the prem to grassroots. They talk Championship, Red Roses, Prem 15s, marketing, investment, sponsorship, broadcast deals and the global calendar… strap yourself in for a whistle stop tour of the problems and solutions in the game, as Bill & Simon see it. There’s no stone left unturned in this extended show.

Starting as we mean to go on, the boys catch up with the All Blacks record cap-holder and stand-in skipper; super Sam Whitelock. Payno and Hask get into New Zealand’s rollercoaster year & ask what was really going on as they lost 4 in 5 games. We find out about the Whitelock rugby dynasty and his own amazing rise from club rugby to the iconic black jersey in just 12 months. We get the low-down on some of his illustrious teammates, the story behind a rather strange photo with a former Prime Minister of New Zealand & Sam reveals an unlikely hidden talent that blows the boys away. Oh, and Hask goes full fanboy & recalls the time he crashed their 2015 World Cup winning celebration party.

Join the lads for one of the best nights of their live theatre tour, earlier this year; Cardiff with Scott Quinnell. The boys are aware they’re on Scott’s home turf, with the crowd on his side, so fireworks between Hask and SQ are inevitable. Rugby league, Wigan, the Lions, Jason Robinson, Shaun Edwards and the dynasty of legendary rugby players that makes up Scott’s family are all for discussion. Hask also relives how he almost donned a Wales shirt, Tinds remembers how he once ran out for Llanelli and they both recall the glory days (and embarrassing days) at a hostile Principality Stadium.

Welcome to another shambles of a Christmas special as the boys are in the studio with their Blackeye gin to look back on the year personally and in rugby and ahead to 2023 in which one of the team reckons France will bottle it in their own World Cup. Tinds talks about a heavy week or so down under after his jungle experience, we see the return of 'Japan Alex' as Hask and Tinds go to town on him after one G&T too many and we find out about Hask's stand-up escapades, would he jack it all in to be a comic - you bet he would if the cash was right! We also find out the amount it would take for Hask never to speak publicly again - a crowdfunding page has already been set up!

BONUS Episode: After his appearance on the show earlier this week Payno sat down with the brilliant Wayne Barnes to find out about the man behind the whistle. We find out his favourite ground and his childhood hero, if he still gets nervous and why Richie McCaw and John Smit are the best players he's refereed. We hear of a 'Tea Tour' around Samoa with the late great Peter Fatailofa (it wasn't tea they were drinking!) and about Wayne's love for musicals and amateur dramatics!

Just weeks after THAT game in France and THOSE tweets from Rassie Erasmus the brilliant Wayne Barnes joins Payno and Ben Keyser to talk about the backlash on social media in the aftermath of that Springbok defeat and how it's affected him and his family. He reveals that he cancelled the planned half-time celebration at Twickenham in recogonition of his 101 caps and whether he wants to carry on being a referee or not (SPOILER: He does!). It's not all serious though, we find out what his karaoke song is, if his picture is still in a New Zealand urinal and how he and his team escaped from the Principality after the World Cup QF win by France over the All Blacks in 2007.

The Lord of the Jungle, Tinds has returned from Australia so we had to get his thoughts on a tumultuous 10 days or so in English rugby with the Eddie Jones' sacking. In the 3rd of our GB&R: The Breakdown Tinds reveals why he thinks Jones was sacked, Hask is still fighting in Eddie's corner and Payno explains why we didn't have the counter balance to David Pembroke on last week's explosive show. Hask gets on his soapbox (again...) to rant about the media and Payno crunches the numbers, almost sending the boys into a spin!

And there he goes. Eddie Jones’ 7-year tenure as England Head Coach came to an end today. So, Payno spoke with the Australian’s right hand man, David Pembroke, who was texted by Eddie during the show! Pembroke launched a broadside against some of the English media, said that there was no ‘unrest’ in the England camp and that Eddie will be gutted to not take this group of players to the World Cup. Payno also speaks to the returning Hask, who pays tribute to the “best” head coach he’d ever had and both look ahead to a new era under Richard Cockerill and perhaps Steve Borthwick.

A slightly different offering for you today as Payno is joined by Wales and Lions legend Jamie Roberts to discuss Wales moving on from Wayne Pivac and going back to the heralded former head coach of twelve years, Warren Gatland. Jamie runs the rule of Pivac's tumultuous three-year tenure, looks ahead to Gatland's second stint with the World Cup just 10 months away and he talks about of the state of the game in Wales as players face an uncertain domestic future.

A huge show as Payno and Hask have their say on England’s poor Autumn Nations Series display. Hask defends his old boss in Eddie Jones and says he is still the right man to take the team to the World Cup. Vice-captain Ellis Genge joins the boys and gives his verdict on England’s results, has his say on the rumours of player unrest in the camp and talks about his move back home to Bristol. Payno and Hask are also joined by former Scotland winger Kenny Logan who pays tribute to his former teammate and great friend and a true rugby legend, the indomitable Doddie Weir, who sadly left us over the weekend after a courageous battle against MND. They talk about Doddie the player - the “mad giraffe”, Doddie the prankster who tormented Jim Telfer and Doddie the amazing campaigner who did so much good work for charity. If you want to donate to Doddie’s MND foundation head over to: https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/

Payno, who’s feeling rather tender after the World Rugby Awards in Monaco, is joined by Hask and former World Cup winning Springbok Bob Skinstad in the studio where they congratulate our very own Ellis Genge and Emily Scarratt for their inclusion in the Dream Teams of the year. They hail 100-cap Owen Farrell and look back on England’s draw with New Zealand, asking if Marcus Smith did the right thing in kicking the ball out at the end of time. Bob runs the rule over Rassie Erasmus and his controversial tweets and has a strategy to revolutionise professional refereeing. Hask recounts the time he was used as a hitman against the Georgian pack in a training session and offers to be Eddie Jones’ henchman in the USA if the England Head Coach leaves for the Eagles top job post the World Cup, and, we find out why Bob is known as the Patrick Swayze of South African rugby!

The show goes on tour, well, sort of! Payno heads to England training HQ at Pennyhill Park to chat to [vice] captain Jack Nowell about the team’s rebound win over Japan at the weekend, Jack’s leadership status within the team, his thoughts on Ellis Genge’s new responsibilities and looks ahead to the All Blacks this weekend. They review Tinds’ budgie smugglers in the Jungle and also chat about the atmosphere at international grounds, no Hask you can’t DJ! Elma also welcomes Mo Hunt back into the fold, & the girls break down the Red Rose’s heartbreaking loss in the World Cup final on Sunday.

With Tinds hosting spiders on his head in the Jungle, Payno and Hask are joined by Scarlets and Wales legend Jonathan ‘Foxy’ Davies to break down an intriguing weekend in the Autumn Nations Series. The trio discuss the defeats for Wales and England and ask; why is Twickenham so quiet on match days? Hask comes up with a foolproof plan to improve the atmosphere on game day at HQ, so of course it involves him DJing and taking centre stage! We also get the latest from the Women’s World Cup in Aotearoa as the Red Roses make it to the final to face the Black Ferns, who dramatically scraped past the heartbroken French. There’s the return of Bin Juice and the boys make their predictions for this weekend, with Payno making some particularly rogue selections. Grab your exclusive NordVPN Deal by going to nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby . You’ll get a huge discount on your plan and 4 additional months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!

Ahead of his stint in the jungle, the lads caught up with Mike to discuss his fears and feelings before heading to Australia. We also give him a call sign to let us know that he is thinking about the dream team. I'm a Celebrity gets underway Sunday 6th November.

With Hask away and Tinds in the Jungle, for once it’s a proper rugby show as Ben Kayser and Shane Horgan join Payno in the studio. The boys break down the intriguing Japan/New Zealand game with Shane suggesting that international teams are no longer scared of the All Blacks. They look back at Australia’s win over Scotland discussing Finn Russell’s absence and the effect it’ll be having on Blair Kinghorn, and, Ben recalls a couple of amazing stories about Sergio Parisse and the late great Christophe Dominici. They talk about Ireland and France’s status as the two best teams in the world and preview all of this weekend’s Autumn Nations Series games. We also get the latest from the Women’s Rugby World Cup with The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby’s Elma Smit who speaks to Wales flanker Alisha Butchers after they were knocked out of the tournament by the Black Ferns. Grab your exclusive NordVPN Deal by going to nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby . You’ll get a huge discount on your plan and 4 additional

Just the three in the studio and it is a veritable topic tombola as the boys discuss a mini-injury crisis for Eddie Jones’ England ahead of the Autumn Nations Series games and if Ellis Genge could be England’s next captain. They chat about training methods and if players do too much pre-game - of course Hask says they do. We get the latest from the Women’s World Cup with Red Roses’ Bryony Cleall and look ahead to Scotland vs Australia, asking why Finn Russell has been dropped from the squad. Hask reveals an amazing Chris Robshaw story after the former England captain announced his retirement and we delve into the murky life of a lower level Championship rugby player in our new feature, Bin Juice. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

The boys have their say on Wasps going into administration and England’s squad for the Autumn Nations Series games. They are also joined by an absolute bonafide legend in both rugby codes - Shaun Edwards. He’s amassed 54 medals in his glittering career as well as 36 caps for Great Britain and another 3 for England, he’s a Man-of-Steel winner and captained Wigan in the crushing of Bath in the Cross Codes Clash. As a head coach he’s won the Premiership and Heineken Cup with Wasps, as the best defensive coach around he’s been on a Lions tour and won 5 Six Nations titles including 4 Grand Slams. We hear about the game that haunts Shaun the most, if he'd ever like to coach England one day, his karaoke skills and about the time he once used Hask’s head as an actual punch bag! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/goodbadrugby Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Former Worcester and England flanker Matt Kvesic joins the boys to go through exactly what happened in the final days at the now defunct club. We also link up with The Good, The Scaz and The Rugby’s Elma Smit to look at the Red Roses chances down under, as the tournament gets underway.

Lions, Wales, Wasps and Waikato legend Warren Gatland is with us this week to share insights into his coaching philosophy and skilfully evade questions about what’s next for him in his celebrated career. We also get his take on the All Blacks’ ‘slump’ and Gats reveals some of the hilarious mind games he’s played (and won) over the years. Leadership, working with Shaun Edwards and remembering Hask’s early days at Wasps are also on the agenda. The boys also look ahead to the Rugby World Cup, getting under way this weekend, in New Zealand. For more information about An Evening with Warren Gatland... Swansea - https://www.swanseagrand.co.uk/article/17323/An-Evening-with-Warren-Gatland-CBE Cardiff - https://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/whats-on/speakers/an-evening-with-warren-gatland-cbe/ Llandudno - https://www.visitconwy.org.uk/whats-on/an-evening-with-warren-gatland-cbe-at-venue-cymru-p453261 Aberystwyth - https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/talks-spoken-word/evening-warren-gatland

Season three kicks off at Tindall Towers, joined by the newest member of the Haskell family, three-week old Bodhi, and some other exciting new additions. New signing, Jonathan ‘Fox’ Davies and seasoned veteran Ben Kayser join the boys for the season opener in what’s been a busy summer of GBR recruitment, with two other new faces on the roster. (Don’t worry, the Baby Rhino’s re-signed, too.) Twelve months out from RWC 2023 the international rugby landscape is top of the agenda. But we also look in detail at matters closer to home following some of the big news and bad business that has beset domestic rugby in England in the off season. A note. We planned to put this launch episode out a couple of weeks ago, but following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, we decided to postpone, so we’re not quite as up-to-do date as we usually would be. Bernard Foley can breathe a sigh of relief. Normal service resumes next week.

Ahead of the official launch of Season Three, the boys are back for a special episode of reflection, to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen. Tinds gives some insight into the last few weeks and the boys reflect on her incredible life of duty. Episode One of Season Three will be available at the usual time tomorrow (Wednesday).

It's the final episode of the season & Alex, Hask and Tinds are joined by the BBC's Ukraine Correspondent, James Waterhouse. This may seem random for this podcast, but Waterhouse used to play rugby in the Championship for Rotherham and Esher… and has since jacked it all in for a career in Journalism. They reminisce about James’ days on the pitch and learn about the reality of life in Ukraine & the resilience it takes to report on the front line.

Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada, and New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan, aka the Scottish Hammer, are with Alex, Hask and Tinds this week for a GB&R with a difference. They talk about their respective journeys to the NFL, from London and Inverness, in fascinating detail. Efe was trafficked to the UK, fostered and then worked in bingo hall before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. There is a rugby link with Jamie - he dreamed of playing rugby for Scotland before making the transition to American Football.

With Alex away it’s left to Hask and Tinds to steer the ship. They are joined by Hask's old teammate, the former Northampton and England back-row Tom Wood. Having just retired the boys discuss what's in store for him after rugby, a particularly pertinent subject on this week's show given Ryan Jones' dementia diagnosis. Unusually there's plenty of on-field chat, too, after Ireland’s historic and transformative series win in New Zealand. We also break down the rest of the action across the Summer Tours, focusing on England's win against the Wallabies and Eddie Jones' fan engagement skills. 

The northern hemisphere have turned it around in the latest leg of the summer internationals. Lots to discuss on the pod this week, as the Welsh and Irish teams cement themselves in the history books. Alex, Hask and Tinds are in the studio again, joined by George Gregan who reflects on his experience under Eddie Jones, playing for the Brumbies and how he nearly lost the Wallabies to a river of crocodiles.

George Kruis is with us to look back on his career - a journey that started on the wing and ended up in the engine room at Saracens, England and in Japan. So why now for retirement, when he can still perform at the very highest level and backheel conversions with the best of them? And after a bruising weekend in the southern hemisphere, we try to figure out the way back for the home nations who have a lot to do.

International summer rugby fills the next few weekends, so the boys take a look ahead to what's in store. They start with England who take on a rejuvenated Wallabies. The Eddie Jones’ era was just getting underway the last time England toured Australia in 2016 and you may remember - he barely mentions it - but our very own Hask won man of the series. The boys turn back the clock and relive some of those stellar performances and also pick a 23-man World XV squad, made up of the four travelling home nations and the southern hemisphere giants.

Pass the paracetamol as Alex and Tinds are joined by a refreshed Freddie Burns and Richard Wigglesworth following their Premiership title win over Saracens and the celebrations since. Freddie talks us through his climactic drop goal, reveals how at one stage he was almost done with rugby and considers who should play him in the inevitable movie, while Richard explains why this victory was extra special, even compared to the many others he has won. The guys also give us a rundown of their team-mates and take us inside a weekend that's included (many) pints, double denim and Wiggy's hunt for chicken nuggets. Elsewhere, Tinds and Alex discuss England's loss to the Baa-Baas, the squad named for the tour of Australia and give their starting 15 for the first Test.

Saracens take on Leicester at Twickenham this weekend as the Premiership draws to a close. Alex and Tinds are joined by Ben Kayser and ex Saracens lock Al Hargreaves as they discuss what this game means for both teams. Tinds catches 15 minutes with Richard Cockerill to talk Baa-baas, a young England team and Tigers' bid for the trophy.

One of the all-time greats, Zinzan Brooke, is on the sofa this week with Alex and Tinds. We get the inside track on Tinds’ royal weekend at the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, before diving into the man who’s seen it all in a career spanning the amateur and professional eras. He explains how summer touch helped shape the All Blacks stylish rugby in the 80s and talks about what it was like to win the World Cup before reporting back to work as a plumber. Jonah Lomu crops up in conversation (of course he does), so do 40-metre drop goals (of course they do) and then there’s that famous Zinzan mullet, a conversation starter if ever there was one.

Jack Nowell joins the Hask, Tinds and Alex at the Plymouth Pavillions on their live tour. Cornish pride, England debuts, and when team building goes wrong are on the cards. As well as an update on Jack’s recovery, they also discuss the changes being made at Exeter Chiefs to make sure they’re back at their best next year and Eddie Jones’ plans for Jack this summer.

Tinds, Hask and Alex are in Birmingham at The Alexandra Theatre, ahead of another night on stage. They’re joined by one of Hask's former coaches, Lee Blackett; now Head Coach at Wasps. They discuss his journey from the Championship to the Premiership and the fastest try the league's ever seen, as well as what it really takes to let players go and what he’s pushing for next season. Hask also takes a trip down memory lane & heads back to Northampton for a bonus interview with Dan Biggar, to chat all things Saints, Wales and what's left to achieve now he's a centurion.

What better way to spend a Sunday morning in Swansea than with Alun Wyn Jones. He joins Hask, Tinds and Alex to reflect on a stellar career and look ahead to what’s still to come. Is there much more he can achieve? One hundred and fifty caps to his name, an Ospreys, Wales and Lions legend. Just a World Cup then…

Legendary England hooker, Steve Thompson, joins Hask, Tinds and Alex on their live tour at The Liverpool Empire Theatre. The boys discuss Steve’s hugely inspirational battle with early onset-dementia and his close shave with suicide, his new book and his now rusty World Cup medal. Steve also gets into some of the wild times with Hask and Tinds back in their playing days, including one particular postgame celebration in Dublin involving a very famous golfer. It’s not too late to get tickets to see the boys live. Go to: https://goodbadrugby.com/livetour/ Warning – this podcast discusses suicide & suicidal feelings.

The boys are finally off on their UK tour and already a little dusty from a few nights on the road. Hask has barely slept, Tinds is losing his voice, and Alex is attempting to hold it all together as usual. This episode comes from the stage of the empty Empire Theatre in Liverpool where the boys reflect on the best moments from the opening night in Sheffield with Dylan Hartley. He opened up about his time under Eddie Jones as England captain, as well as all the bans and indiscretions in between. Hask, Tinds and Alex also discuss the Red Roses Grand Slam, and Chris Ashton’s try scoring record.

This week the GB&R team speak to Bath and England prop Beno Obano about his new documentary series Prep To Win, which takes the viewer behind the scenes at Harlequins. He reveals how it came about, why rugby must broaden its appeal and the moment he knew he had something pretty special on his hands. Elsewhere, we get the inside story on the big fight...No, not Fury-Whyte...Payne-Curzon! The lads also pay tribute to Emily Scarratt after her 100th England cap and wonder what could be named after Hask following his induction into the Wasps Hall of Fame.

Just like Jack Nowell, grassroots rugby clubs are off on tour & so are the GB&R boys… so what better excuse to relive the best tours of times gone by. Hask, Tinds and Alex compare their wild time in Japan in 2019 with the shambles of the tour dubbed ‘Tinds’ stag do’ by the media in 2011, and the chaos of the unprofessional tours before that. Handcuffs, poo and ferry diving are all on the agenda.

The gang are all here as Alex, Hask and Tinds are reunited for the first time in a few weeks. Also back with them is the Rhino Bambino himself, Leicester and England's Ellis Genge, fresh from his club's Champions Cup win at Clermont. They chat about that and Ellis gives his thoughts on England's Six Nations campaign and criticism of Eddie Jones. Also in this episode, the team pay tribute to Tom Smith, Ellis discusses meeting Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and why he's up for having football managers in rugby and he explains why he celebrates his team-mates' tries more than his own. Plus there's chat on the women's Six Nations, an unusual way of increasing your testosterone and which of the guys played the following in their school play: Knuckles, the Demon Headmaster, an Ugly Sister and a washer woman.

Hask and Tinds are having a mid-season break, so Shane Horgan joins Alex in the studio for this intimate episode. They break down Ireland’s development under Andy Farrell and assess Ronan O’Gara’s ambitions at international level, possibly even (gasp) with England. In his absence, Hask also provides a bonus interview with legendary sprinter Michael Johnson about his award-winning audio docuseries, Defiance: A History of Protest in Sport.

Tinds takes the reins this week as Hask and Alex take a well earned holiday. Lucky for us, he’s brought in the big guns, in the form of Ben Kayser and the woman who heads up The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby, Elma Smit. Anti-Eddie Jones sentiment is still rife, so enter Alex Spinks, the Mirror’s Rugby Correspondent, for a spicy debate about Eddie's future at England and the media’s responsibility to hold him to account. And… the Women’s Six Nations is back with a bang - so, to whet your Six Nations appetite all over again, and look ahead to Le Crunch 2.0, and the World Cup beyond it, Red Roses returnee, Emily Scarratt joins the squad for a preview.

It’s the morning after the night before in sunny Paris and the boys are joined by their favourite Frenchman, Ben Kayser, overlooking the Tuileries Garden. Super Saturday did not disappoint, with Josh Adams’ generosity, France’s utter dominance and Italy’s last gasp try to win their first Six Nations match in 12 years. But where does this leave each nation 18 months out from the World Cup? The boys take a look at the state of play and look ahead to their return trip to France next year.

Alex, Hask and Tinds travel to Bannockburn RFC in Scotland to host a live show with Scottish legends, Lisa Martin & Tommy Seymour. In this bonus episode, the boys are on the road to celebrate the return of grassroots rugby, on Vodafone’s Lions Legacy Tour, at a rugby club where veterans and serving members of the armed forces are uniquely celebrated and welcomed.

Only England stand in the way of France’s first Grand Slam in 12 years, so who better than Ben Kayser to join the boys in the studio to look ahead to the big Paris showdown on Super Saturday? That’s a rhetorical question, but there are so many questions ahead of this one: will France be rattled by their close encounter in Cardiff? Do England really have the game to go head-to-head with Les Bleus at the Stade de France? And if they lose, where does that leave them a year out from the World Cup? Keeping 15 players on the pitch will certainly help England on Saturday night… so, unsurprisingly the red card which defined their clash with Ireland is also up for debate.

Ireland make their way to Twickenham this weekend for the penultimate round of the Six Nations. Rugby royalty, Sir Rory Best, joins Hask, Tinds & Alex to look ahead to the final couple of rounds, dissect Ireland’s performances so far & relive the glory years… James also sits down with the man staking his claim to England’s right wing, Max Malins, to hear about prep for the weekend & a certain darts championship in Bristol.

The boys head back to the studio this week to debrief on the drama of Round 3 of the Six Nations; they unpick uncontested scrumgate, French flair, Youngs’ 115 and Sinckler’s half-century. Be prepared for dad chat, with Baby Haskell on the way, and Alex enjoying his own impression of a certain ‘Bad Boys’ character far too much.

This week Hask and Alex are joined by Ben Kayser and Ryan Jones for a live show at The Globe, Marylebone. Does The Six Nations need a shake up? Has Italy proven itself? Elma Smit, host of our sister show The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby, joins the boys to make the case for South Africa.

Join the boys on the road this week through the streets of Rome! Recorded over three locations, Alex, Hask and Tinds get in amongst the fans and enjoy the incredible atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico.

After a brilliant first round of the Six Nations, the boys are back together to break down each of the three games, and discuss some of the stand out performers, notably Finn Russell and Mack Hansen.

With the Six Nations looming, Alex, Hask and Tinds discuss the things they love about the oldest international rugby tournament in the world. They cover each of the team's strengths and weaknesses, what it's like playing the away games, and why magic can happen at the Principality Stadium.

What are the worst things you can do on the rugby pitch? Stamping, striking, gouging, headbutting? All these offences - and more - are in the dock as Alex, Hask and Ben play judge and jury and set about ranking the sport’s worst crimes. Most of these transgressions have faded out of the modern game, so Hask and Ben look back on their own time at the coalface, and Alex delves into the archives, to work out what deserves a slap on the wrist, and what is simply the lowest of the low. They also reflect on a couple of heavy episodes dissecting the international game, and get Ben’s perspective on the state of the game en France.

Hask and Alex dig a little deeper into the state of the game this week, with two guests who know more than most about what goes on inside rugby’s corridors of power. The former CEO of World Rugby, Brett Gosper, and ex-CEO of Quins and Melbourne Storm, Mark Evans, help the boys get to the heart of the many challenges facing rugby union’s administrators, including participation, TV rights, laws, the calendar and, of course, the club versus country debate.

It’s a very busy studio this week, as Tinds, Ellis and Alex try to nail down what rugby’s trying to be and where it needs to get to. They’re joined by the President of Roc Nation, Michael Yormark, the sharpest dressed person to have ever graced the pod, and the man leading the charge to create superstars within the game. Dragons Rugby owner, David Buttress and Newcastle Falcons owner, Semore Kurdi are also on hand to discuss the salary cap, marquee players, TV deals, financial partners, the impact of covid and ultimately how rugby needs to change to continue to grow; which gets a bit fiery at times. And of course, they get into Ellis’ reasons for heading home to Bristol at the end of the season.

Richie McCaw sets a high bar for the new year as our first guest in 2022. He relives many of the memorable moments from his stellar career, and reveals how the best players develop the mentality and resilience to not only get to the top but also stay there. Back-to-back World Cup wins as captain of the All Blacks, helicopter rescues after the earthquake in 2016 and his newfound passion for adventure racing are just some of the topics that get Hask giddy.

Grab a turkey sandwich and your chrimbo jumper, and join the boys as they relive 2021’s best episodes and the most hilarious moments on the pod this year. Featuring a royal baby born on the bathroom floor, the biggest baby born in Zimbabwe, Dombrandt’s whip, Marler’s chopper, Dan Carter’s hair, BOD’s Monday Night Club, Greenwood’s lucky socks… and who could forget the force of the 70s cop duo, Pivac and Hansen…

No shortage of festive flair in the tinsel-decked studio this week as Alex, Hask and Tinds put on their best Christmas suits and chill out with a gin and tonic (or two) alongside Ben Kayser. This episode is all about listeners' questions - some are random and some are even about rugby - but if you want to know the club the boys would have one more game for, or which brand Hask would change his name to, or how Tinds fared when he met the Queen for the first time, then dive in. It’s Christmas chaos GBR-style: plenty of laughter and love.

Alex and Tinds caught up with Eddie Jones at Pennyhill Park this week. They chatted about leadership, inspired by the England head coach's new book, and also looked at the future of Rugby and the promising young talent in the England set-up.

Leinster and Ireland legend Shane Horgan joins Alex and Tinds back in the studio this week to discuss his incredible career and look ahead to the Heineken Champions Cup. Northampton Saints take on Racing 92 at Franklin's Gardens on Friday, kicking off a weekend of big games featuring the best club sides in Europe.

Alex, Hask and Tinds travel to Dungannon RFC in Northern Ireland to host a live show with Ireland legends, Gill Bourke and Tyrone Howe. In this bonus episode, the boys are on the road to celebrate the return of grassroots rugby, on Vodafone’s Lions Legacy Tour. Gill relives some of her best moments in an Ireland and Baabaas jersey, and the team take a look at the state of the Irish Women's game. Tyrone also reflects on his unique rollercoaster of a professional career which culminated in a Lions cap, while James recalls one of the most ridiculous and quite frankly unbelievable stories from his trip to New Zealand in 2017.

Ellis Genge brings his mate Freddie Steward to meet Alex and Tinds this week. They celebrate Freddie’s sensational player of the match performances against both Australia and South Africa, and hear how his feet are firmly grounded living in student digs in Loughborough, listening to 80s disco. They also get into Leicester Tigers’ phenomenal start to the season, the culture of the club and Ellis’ leadership.

Alex, Tinds and Hask head to Twickenham ahead of England vs South Africa for a behind the scenes trot around HQ. They chat about all things game day; the prep, the characters, the emotion, the speeches, and of course, the fans. Tinds and Hask have never been so buzzed for an episode, so much so they threatened to come out of retirement... They also look back at the final weekend of Autumn Nations action, and the quality we’re witnessing in Northern Hemisphere teams this season.

Alex, Mike and James are back with their team of the week in association with Amazon Prime Video after an enthralling final weekend of Autumn Nations action. Who makes the cut, who doesn’t……and why has everyone got bad hair?

Bryan Habana and Dylan Hartley join Alex and Tinds at The Prince in Fulham to look ahead to England and South Africa’s first clash since the World Cup Final two years ago. We all know how that ended - but have England kicked on since then? They’re just as unpopular, apparently, so we find out why everyone hates England, and remind ourselves of one of the greatest head-to-heads of all time: Habana vs a cheetah. partypoker tournament T&C's: 18+. Full T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. Take time to think. Play responsibly.

Alex and Mike select a XV from this weekend’s Autumn Nations Series, in the second of our special shows with Amazon Prime.

Tinds, Alex and Ben have left the comfort of the studio in favour of The Prince, in Fulham. They’re joined by one of their favourite podcast guests, Jack Nowell, who gives them the lowdown on his Cornish pub, going on tour with Exeter and his work with Red Bull. The boys also look back at the weekend that was on the pitch and look ahead to what could be; with very little help from Jack who hasn’t watched a single Autumn International.

In the first of our Autumn International special shows with Amazon Prime, Alex and Mike select a team of the week from the latest round of fixtures. As you can imagine, there wasn't a lot of agreement between the pair!

Alex and Hask are joined in the studio at long last by their brother in arms, Ben Kayser, to talk to one of the greatest front rows to grace the scrum. Tendai Mtawarira, more commonly known as Beast, talks the boys through his journey to the top; moving to South Africa from Zimbabwe with next to nothing, almost having the Bok jersey ripped away from him forever, all before becoming one of South Africa’s greats. They touch on World Cup glory, the genius of Rassie Erasmus and some serious squat and bench press stats.

Alex, Hask and Tinds travel to Westbury RFC in Wiltshire to host a live show with Jason Robinson and Emily Scarratt. In this bonus episode, the boys are on the road to celebrate the return of grassroots rugby, on Vodafone’s Lions Legacy Tour. They talk about their grass roots memories, the volunteers that shaped their experience, career highs with the Lions, and the prospect of a women’s Lions tour; amid the carnage of a hundred strong Westbury audience.

The one and only Sonny Bill Williams drops in for a chat with Alex and Hask this week. The offload king, whose recent retirement has led him back to the boxing ring, reflects on his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to household name. We relive some of the unforgettable moments from an unforgettable career - but we also delve deeper. SBW explains why he went off the rails early on in his career, how finding Islam changed his life, and talks about his greatest achievements off the pitch.

James and Alex are celebrating Tinds’ birthday without him this week, as they get down to business with Quins Number 8, Alex Dombrandt. They relive the fairy-tale that was Harlequins’ premiership winning season last year, discuss the highs and lows of university rugby and look ahead to his hopes for the Autumn Nations Cup and beyond, with England.

Tinds and Alex are a man down this week, as Hask has an early season break to rest his back. The pair are joined by Tinds’ '03 World Cup centre partner, Will Greenwood. Obviously, no conversation between the duo is complete without reliving the glory days on and off the pitch, but Will also opens up about the tough stuff; from struggling to find peace in retirement to the pain of losing a child.

In this special bonus episode, Hask, Tinds and Alex have swapped the comfort of the studio for the wild west of the Moonshine Saloon in central London. Ahead of the The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Poker Night, Tinds puts his high class poker skills on the line, while Hask relives some classic away day card games at the back of the bus. Join the boys on Monday 11th October for the online tournament… and don’t miss the opportunity to win a PS5 by knocking Hask out (of the tournament, not by actually knocking him out). Register for the tournament here: https://bit.ly/3AjSB3E partypoker Promotion T&Cs: 18+. Eliminate star bounty to win PS5 prize. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. Please play responsibly.

The boys are back for a brand new season! Alex, Mike and James are joined by a very chilly Ellis Genge who tells them all about his appointment as Leicester Tigers captain and their promising start to the season. The trio also make predictions for the Premiership title race, talk all things Rugby Championship and look ahead to a new year of GB&R. partypoker Promotion T&Cs: 18+. Eliminate star bounty to win PS5 prize. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org. Please play responsibly.

Alex and Mike are in the studio for an end of season review this week. The final Lions Test, the future of the infamous tour and the legend of Morné Steyn are all on the menu. The boys also reflect on the greatest moments on the pitch this season, the things they really want to see next season, and their favourite podcast episodes and guests so far.

Ellis Genge is back in the studio with Alex and Hask this week to look ahead to the final Test. The boys are joined by Premiership winning Harlequins line-out coach, Jerry Flannery, who has a unique insight into the Springboks camp and the mindset of the coaches; having worked alongside Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber at Munster. England camp is also on the menu, as Ellis reflects on his summer as captain and the joy of Marcus Smith’s call up. 

Alex and Hask are joined in the studio by South African legend, World Cup winner and comeback king, Bob Skinstad. They dissect the game and get into the minds of the players and the coaches; but not before Skinstad treats the boys to some biltong and relives the highs and the lows of life as the first ever professional rugby player in South Africa.

No Alex this week which means Hask and Tinds are steering the good ship GBR. They’re ably assisted by Simon Shaw to look back on his glittering career with club, country and The Lions. He reflects on the magnitude of the '97, '05 and '09 tours, the glory years at Wasps alongside a young and hungry Hask and playing alongside the world’s greatest players at Toulon.

The great Brian O’Driscoll is on the show this week, joining Alex, Hask and Tinds to give his take on the Lions in South Africa. He also reflects on the key moments that shaped his reputation as a world class operator on and off the pitch - from hat-tricks in Paris to hangovers in Queenstown. We also find out what it’s like to share a room with Mike Phillips, a boxing ring with Austin Healey and a fairway with Tiger Woods.

Alex and Mike are joined by Bath legend, Jeremy Guscott, to talk all things Lions; the '97 series clinching drop goal, South Africa's prospects in this year's tests and the intel he happily gave to the Lions that he wouldn't give to England.

Alex, Hask and Tinds are back together in studio for the first time in ages as The Good, The Bad and The Rugby's Lions coverage steps up a notch. They're joined by the former Lions and Wales captain Sam Warburton who reveals a side to his character that many might not have seen during his playing days. He reveals what drove him on as a player and talks openly about the agony and ecstasy of life at the elite end of professional sport. He also sheds light on his developing (and promising) career in front of the camera, while providing unrivalled insight into what the Lions will face in South Africa. Plus, after one of the most memorable matches in Premiership history, the boys break down Quins' unforgettable win in THAT final against Exeter.

The one and only Joe Marler is back with bang as he joins Alex, Hask and Mike to reflect on an amazing few days on and off the pitch. The Harlequins and England prop became a father for the fourth time last week before flying into Bristol to star in his side's epic Premiership semi-final win. This is not an episode to miss, as Marler reveals, in his own unique way, how Quins turned things around at Ashton Gate from 28-0 down.

Pens and notepads at the ready for Alex, Hask and Tinds this week because class in session with the Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson. He talks about their upcoming Premiership play-off semi-final against Exeter, how the use of psychology gives his side an advantage, and he reveals what he learned from Eddie Jones, Mark McCall and Brendan Venter. Meanwhile Hask tells of a messy trip with his dog to an exclusive getaway and did Tinds put in a word with his grandmother-in-law for Emily Scarratt's birthday honours gong. 

Alex and James play host to the 2021 Rugby Professionals Association Awards - presented by Pickstar - rewarding the very best of English rugby from the previous season. We have all the winners and losers from the big night, and every gong, from the Sanlam Young Player of the Year prize, to the recipient of the RPA's Blyth Spirit Award (who just happens to be one of our favourite guests from the annals of GBR). And if that wasn't enough, we also induct two more players into the RPA's Hall of Fame. Get your gladrags on and enjoy one of the game's biggest nights with us. 

Alex, James and Ellis are joined by the Exeter Chiefs’ Number 8 Sam Simmonds for a rib tickler of an episode. They talk about his call up to the Lions and living his best life in the south-west, while Ellis and Hask reveal the most serious dressing downs they have ever received from coaches.

Alex, Hask and Tinds pick a more-than-respectable England XV for the summer and wonder what life would be like with either Kyle Sinckler or Ellis Genge (or both) as England captain(s). They also put their own spin on the newly-branded England A-side, now known as England Binjuice, or England ‘P’, as will become clear.

Ben Kayser and Toulouse great Yannick Nyanga join Alex and Tinds for this bonus episode previewing tomorrow's Heineken Cup Final. They examine the roots of Toulouse's famous brand of rugby and look at where Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle side might find an edge on the biggest day in the club's history. Might it be in O'Gara himself? This episode is brought to you by Heineken.

It's all aboard the good ship Leicester this week as Alex, Tinds, Ellis and Ben look ahead to their European Challenge Cup Final against Montpellier. Ellis discusses how the team has improved under Steve Borthwick and reveals his unusual route to the club. Tinds reminisces about the legendary Tigers side of the 00s, and why just walking out at Welford Road was fraught with danger. And Ben muses on why things eventually fell apart. Plus, Ellis looks back on his omission from the Lions. And if that wasn't enough, you can find out how to win a pair of tickets to the Heineken Champions Cup Final, and maybe get to watch the match with the GB&R team.

Alex, James and Mike are joined by the Northampton and England star Courtney Lawes to chat about his surprise - his words, not ours - call up to the Lions. Together they discuss 2017 in New Zealand, injuries and South Africa 2021, obviously. Less obviously they delve into the world of social justice. 

In a special bonus edition, Alex and Ben are joined by the Springbok legend Bryan Habana to reveal the nominees for European Player of the Year. Together they drill down into the shortlist, look ahead to the Challenge Cup and Champions Cup Finals, and get a South African view on the task faced by the British and Irish Lions this summer. 

Alex is finally allowed to pick the subject matter for GB&R and so he sets James and Mike the simple task of picking the greatest British and Irish Lions 15 of the professional era. Together the three of them stumble their way through what they believe is the best team - made up of great Lions performers - to win a one-off test match. Who makes it......who are the big omissions.....and who will never speak to Tinds and Hask again after this? 

Alex, Mike and James welcome arguably the most popular man in rugby to GB&R this week: the physical performance manager for Wales, he’s been on the last three Lions tours - and will be on his fourth this summer - and he’s known simply by a pair of alter egos: Bobby Boucher and The Rope. He is the legendary Paul Stridgeon and together they talk wrestling Graham Rowntree, paragliding, the upcoming Lions tour, healing powers, and why he's beloved by players around the world.  

This week Alex, James and Mike take on a simple task: pick their 36-man squad for the Lions tour that includes a starting 15, a captain and a player of the series. Together they ruminate, cogitate and contemplate a myriad of names, line-ups and variations on a theme to try and select a group of men capable of taking down the Springboks on their home turf. This is the definitive GB&R Lions team for 2021 full of well reasoned debate and one or two surprises. 

Alex and Ben are joined by one of the greatest players in European rugby history as Ireland legend Ronan O'Gara drops in from idyllic Ile de Re to talk La Rochelle, nerves, the cult of the modern player, and how affected he was by some of the lows in his career. Plus he discusses who he'd pick at 10 for the Lions and what he'll do if Stade Rochelais win the Heineken Cup. 

Alex and Mike cross codes with one of the greatest players to ever play rugby league - the legendary Kevin Sinfield - in one of the most powerful episodes yet. Together they talk marathons, Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir and the power of friendship. Plus, signing a contract aged 13, making your debut three years later, and almost giving it all up to come to Union. 

Alex, James and Mike are joined by Wayne Pivac to talk about Wales's Six Nations victory, dealing with pressure, and THOSE curtains. Together they dig into the heart of the Welsh sporting psyche, go behind the scenes on a remarkable turnaround, and shine the light on a couple of key men. And there's reflections on a life lived in the New Zealand police, roaming the streets looking for bad guys with Steve Hansen, and the transferable skills from detective to international rugby coach. 

Alex, James and Mike welcome Ellis back from England duty as they go on a deep dive into what went wrong for Eddie Jones's team during the Six Nations. Ellis reveals the levels of racism and the death threats that he received during the competition, James asks if it's really all worth it, and Mike looks back on a fantastic game in Paris, ahead to a tournament denouement on Friday, and reveals something very, very special that happened on Sunday night. 

Alex is joined by a happy Englishman, a sad Frenchman and a relieved Irishman as Mike, Ben and the Premiership's most decorated player, Geordan Murphy look back at a fascinating penultimate round of the Six Nations. They also assess where the competition will be won and lost this weekend, and drill down into what really went wrong at Leicester for the former Tigers Director of Rugby. 

Alex, James and Ben are joined by the newest addition to the GBR team: World Cup winner and former World Player of the Year Emily Scarratt. Together they discuss Emily's new show, the postponement of the Women's World Cup, and the introduction of a Women's Lions team. And they look ahead to this weekend's Six Nations with Le Crunch at the forefront, and James tells us exactly what Eddie Jones and England have been doing since defeat to Wales. 

In a very special edition of GBR, Alex, James and Mike are joined by one of the greatest to ever play the game: Dan Carter. Together they look back on his astonishing career, deep dive into how the All Blacks turned it around after defeat to England in '03, reflect on World Cups good and bad, and look back to an incredible night against the Lions in 2005. Plus: hanging out with Tom Brady, admiring Jonny Wilkinson and friendships with Hask and Tinds. It's Dan Carter. 

Alex and Mike are joined by a new member of the GB&R team: Mr Ben Kayser. Together they get stuck into the French renaissance (rugby instead of art), look at what makes Antoine Dupont tick, ask whether the French public are falling back in love with the game, and assess how the influx of foreign number ten's into the Top 14 influenced the talent at the position for Les Bleus. All that plus a tribute to Dan Carter, and a look ahead to Round 3 of the Six Nations. 

Alex, James, Mike and Ellis look back on a fascinating weekend of Guinness Six Nations action. Ellis pulls no punches with his reaction to Matt Dawson's opinion on Owen Farrell, the boys get deep into the meat of the breakdown rules following the injury to Jack Willis and the sending off of Zander Fagerson, and we ask whether free-flowing-France are the most beautiful thing in the game. 

Alex, James and Mike talk about actual rugby as they look back on an eventful first round of the Guinness Six Nations. Together they reflect on Scottish success, French flair and a Welsh win, deconstruct why England got it so wrong, and ask whether the USA might offer more than Italy moving forwards. 

In a rather unique episode of GBR, Alex and Ellis are joined by a disappointed Jack Willis to talk about missing out on the Six Nations squad.......only to discover a few hours after recording that Sam Underhill is out and he's in. So we all come back for a re-record with a jubilant Jack Willis: quite literally two shows in one as the trio look ahead to the 6N, talk about what really happens in camp, discuss business opportunities, career threatening injuries, Joe Marler, and the role analytics plays in the modern game. 

Alex and James are joined by arguably the best winger in world rugby: Toulouse and South Africa star Cheslin Kolbe. Together they go deep on his troubled childhood - escaping drugs, gangs and murder in Cape Town - to his father's abilities as a centre, and what went through his head when Pieter-Steph du Toit gave him that pop pass with seven minutes left in the 2019 World Cup Final. It's thoughtful and emotional in a manner in which only GBR can deliver. And if that wasn't enough, Tinds drops by for a canter round the course of the latest news, including a Lions update. 

Alex and James are joined by a true legend of the game: 127 caps for the All Blacks, including 52 as captain, and one of only 20 men to win two World Cups - the one and only Kieran Read. Together they talk about learning from Richie McCaw, what it takes to lead the Kiwis, the responsibility that comes with that position, and the feeling of winning a RWC in that iconic black shirt. They also discuss the Lions in 2017, Ken Owens, and whether Romaine Poite's decision could have been different at the end of that third test.

Alex and James are joined by Mako Vunipola for a rare and intimate insight into the life and times of the England and Lions prop. Together they talk Billy, brotherly differences, growing up in Wales, and life at Saracens with no games to play. And they reflect on boarding school days, family ties and whether Mako really could make a drop goal in the last minute of a World Cup Final. 

Alex and James are joined by one of the greatest players of a generation - David Pocock - for an amazing and wide-ranging conversation. The trio talk bird books, walking away from the game, escaping the horrors of Zimbabwe, and the obsession that leads to the very top of the game. In an incredible episode, the former Australian captain opens up for the very first time on what drove him on, and what happens when you're prepared to sacrifice everything you've worked for because of what you believe in. From 450 sit ups a day to PTSD, World Cup Final disappointments to THAT tackle in Brisbane, it's one of the very best episodes of GBR, with a very special guest.  https://rangelandsrestoration.org/ www.davidpocock.com/shop

To tide you over between Christmas and New Year, Alex is joined by Luke Cowan Dickie, Shaunagh Brown, Zander Fagerson, Lewis Ludlam, Alex Corbisiero, Brad Shields and Hask and Tinds to answer some audience questions on a whole range of subjects from beards and roommates, to controversial tackles, favourite Spice Girls, terrible chat, Lions highlights, and the pedestrianisation of Norwich's town centre. Happy New Year from all at GBR! 

Alex, James and Mike are joined by an extraordinary plethora of guests for a Christmas extravaganza: British and Irish Lions, members of the Royal family, Uncle Bryn, Ryder Cup legends, World Cup Winners, stand-up comedians, try-scoring wunderkinds, home nations captains, referees, pop stars, cross-code giants, a vicar, Henry Slade's breath, an England star in a personalised thong, and a Clapham Falcon in a pear tree. It's the Yuletide Zoom call to beat all Yuletide Zoom calls as the gang celebrate Christmas the only way they know how: chaotically, and with plenty of laughs. 

Alex and Mike are joined by the former Canada and Clermont lock Jamie Cudmore, and the England World Cup winner Kat Merchant for a very powerful edition of GBR. Together they discuss their ongoing battles with multiple, career-ending concussions in the wake of the news that Steve Thompson has been diagnosed with early onset dementia. From migraines, anxiety and convulsions to an aversion to bright lights and loud noises, how are today's players coping with the increase in head injuries, and what can be done to make the game safer moving forwards? 

Alex, James and Ellis look back on the Autumn Nations Cup Final and reflect on the negative image of England's play, the mindset of Owen Farrell, and what really happens in the Beaumont Room. There's golfing disasters, frightening honesty over the Matera reinstatement, and Tind's jumps on and drops a bombshell. 

Alex, Mike and James are joined by Ben Kayser for a hugely emotional episode to reflect on the death of the legendary French winger Christophe Dominici. They share reminiscences of the Stade Francais star, look inwardly at whether they've done enough for struggling teammates in the past, and discuss what happens when the cheering stops. 

Alex, James and Mike discuss the second round of action in the Autumn Nations Cup, there's some royal news, the wonderful Susie Dent drops in bringing wisdom and decorum, and Dan Leo joins the boys to talk about threats on his life, corruption, exploitation and his new documentary: 'Oceans Apart - Greed, Betrayal and Pacific Island Rugby' on Amazon Prime. 

Alex, James and Mike set the world straight, (well, James does), on the Georgians, the new series of The Crown and how it's gone down at Chez Tindall, the Baabaa's potential punishments, and the beautiful Pumas. Plus there's a 'shvili' and 'dze' debate, and a full round-up of the opening games from the Autumn Nations Cup where Tinds shows actual love for Ireland. 

Alex and Mike are joined by a true legend of two games - Jason Robinson - for a wide ranging and hugely emotional conversation about dominating two codes, regrets, religion, racism and being left out in the cold. Plus, what really happened the night before the 2003 World Cup Final, and the importance of a good teacher. It's 90 minutes you won't want to miss. 

Alex and James are joined by the newest member of TGTB&TR team as Ellis Genge signs on full time. They discuss England's Six Nations win, strawberry laces, melted candles and how they'd look to change the game to make it more of a spectacle. Ellis also takes James to task over Thierry Dusautoir, there's broken toilets, new cap sing-a-longs and a party barn! 

Alex is in Bermuda for the World Tens, but hops off his surfboard long enough to join James and Mike to discuss the fallout from the Barbarians cancellation after breaking Covid-19 rules. Hask defends the players and questions the strength of the BaaBaa's bubble. There's also tributes to David Pocock and Alun Wyn Jones, a DJ request, a discussion around 'Baxter' and the England job, and the boys pick a Six Nations winner.  

Alex, James and Mike are joined by Exeter's Jack Nowell to talk through the Chief's dramatic Heineken Champions Cup win against Racing 92, and discover what happened on the night out that followed. Plus, who's got a hyperbaric chamber and why, who bought night vision goggles, and what on earth is Stuart Hogg putting on his legs. All that plus a live Zoom audience and Kyle Sinckler's wardrobe toilet. 

Alex and James play host to the 2020 RPA Awards Show, live from their living rooms. It's a smorgasbord of interviews, excitement, laughter and tears as the best of the best from across the men's and women's game are rewarded for their outstanding contributions at the prestigious black tie (or t-shirt or pyjamas) event. Hear from some of the biggest names in World Rugby as they collect their gongs, and chew the fat in the usual TGTG&TR style.  Text RESTARTRUGBY on 70085 to donate £5.  Each text costs £5 + one standard rate message. Please find below a link to donate via the RPA's JustGiving page: https://donate.justgiving.com/donation-amount?uri=aHR0cHM6Ly9kb25hdGUtYXBpLmp1c3RnaXZpbmcuY29tL2FwaS9kb25hdGlvbnMvODQ4YjUyMmZhZjAwNGZjYjhmNTQyZmE5YWQzMmM5Yjc=

Ahead of the 2020 Heineken Champions Cup Final Alex, James and Mike turn back the clock to discuss what it's like to win the tournament and argue the best games, the most iconic players, the best away trips, and the greatest nights out. Full of fantastic stories, incidents, private jets, Clément Poitrenaud, Subaru Impreza Turbo's, nightclubs in rural Italy, noogies and reminiscences about the great Anthony Foley, this is an edition not to be missed. 

Alex, James and Mike are joined by the former England and Lions loosehead Alex Corbisiero as he comes to terms with the return of cancer,  just over a year after being first diagnosed. In a truly inspirational and remarkably upbeat 90 minutes, the guys discuss the power of dads, fear of death, THAT try, coming to terms with a failing body on and off the field and why you converse with absolutely everyone in the chemo room. Plus there's tributes to Chris Robshaw and Brad Barritt, and to the fortitude of Joe Marler. 

Alex and James are joined by one of the very best to have played the game over the past decade, Leinster and Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, to talk Irish rugby, credit ratings, the mental stress of leadership, critical dads, Soldier Field, what exactly James called Johnny and why Nigel Owens was so offended by it. 

Alex, James and Mike put the rugby world to rights as they discuss superstars, Saracens, semi-finals, and locked out spectators. And then ahead of publication of his autobiography, James reveals for the first time what really happened with Martin Johnson and Stuart Lancaster at consecutive World Cups, the nightmare of the New Zealand maid, the infamous Altitude Nightclub incident and how he almost killed Rory Best. "I'll save that for the book" just became a reality. 

Alex and Mike welcome the Scotland captain Stuart Hogg to The Good, the Bad and the Rugby to talk pressure, walking away from the game, dinner with JK Rowling, George Best, Finn Russell, and the accident that changed his life forever. And he reveals why he almost end up in The Sport of Kings. 

Alex, James and Mike are joined from Wellington by arguably the greatest center of all time in double World Cup winner Ma'a Nonu. Together they discuss Owen Farrell's tackle, creamed rice pudding, the pressure of being an All Black, pineapple chunks, being humble, and what it was like to live next door to James. Oh, and THAT try! 

Alex and James are joined by the former England and Northampton captain Dylan Hartley for a fascinating discussion on leadership, pain, coffees with Eddie Jones, the pressures of captaincy, and what happens when your face and voice don't fit. And the boys discover why Hask is atop a kill list. 

Alex and Mike are joined on episode three by England's most capped player Jason Leonard, to talk golf carts, old farts, World Cup wins, baths and blowing up granny. He also discusses what it really means to be a British and Irish Lion and why he's the goat. In more ways than one. 

Alex and James are joined on episode two by the England number 8 Billy Vunipola for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation about why he felt he let himself down at the 2019 World Cup and his complicated relationship with brother Mako. They also discuss faith, vulnerability, slapping George Kruis and why losing to South Africa in the final was a great thing to happen to him. And he springs a major announcement!

The boys are back in town - different church, same choir - for episode one of The Good, the Bad and the Rugby. To kick it all off Alex, James and Mike are joined by the England head coach Eddie Jones for a wide-ranging discussion about the game, childhood, characters, the secret to great coaching, relaxation and why Joe Marler is his Dennis Rodman. 

Coming soon, a new show from James Haskell, Mike Tindall and Alex Payne. It's The Good, the Bad and the Rugby.