The Big Jim Show

Gordon Smart is a former deputy editor of the Sun and now broadcast journalist. From Noel Gallagher to Vinnie Jones and Bono to Amy Winehouse, he has stories for days from the heady world of showbiz but also candid reflections on the fine line that's trodden between those in the public eye and the media and a fascinating personal back story to boot... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Gustard is a former England assistant coach who has also coached at Saracens, Harlequins, Benetton and now Stade Francais. He discusses life under Eddie Jones, the potential for central contracts to solve some of English rugby's problems, cultural differences coaching abroad, the genuine hatred between Saracens and Harlequins and how that affected his time at the latter and much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wayne Pivac is a Six Nations and PRO12 winning coach but most recently he was replaced as Wales boss after home defeats to Italy and Georgia. He discusses when he knew his time was up, the move made to bring Warren Gatland in, the ongoing contract situation in Welsh rugby, his view on what should happen with the regions, how Scott Robertson's actions are ruffling feathers in New Zealand and what the future holds for him... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Groves is a British boxing world champion. His bouts against Carl Froch, in particular, were huge deals and he sheds light on how they were made and fought, including how he promoted himself at times. Plus, he discusses how he went from being willing to die for the cause to putting someone in a coma and then knowing that his time was up but not before becoming a world champion... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lewis Ludlam is Northampton captain and has played a key role in the England back row in Steve Borthwick's opening couple of games in charge. It hasn't always been plain sailing, though, and we discuss how close he came to giving up the game not so long ago, as well as how much of a voice players should have in the modern game, the involvement of Netflix in England camp at the moment, what Borthwick's regime is like and comparisons with Ardie Savea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dean Richards is a Leicester and England legend, the man who gave me my first contract and arguably saved my life. From working in the police to having them visit the Tigers training ground regularly and being approached about the England job to bouncing back from the bloodgate cover up, his career has had plenty of ups and downs and there might be a chapter or two left to be written... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seb Negri is an Italian international with a fascinating back story. We discuss fleeing his home in Zimbabwe, coming through the Hartpury production line, earning back respect for Italian rugby, the leadership of Michele Lamaro, the stardust of Ange Capuozzo, Kieran Crowley's regime and much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawrence Dallaglio is a World Cup winner and leader of men. From tragedy in early life to triumph in 2003 and beyond, his is a story of passion, dedication and never losing perspective. We discuss the highs and lows, how to make the transition after the end of your playing career, why he didn't go into coaching, the media and much more. Plus, he tells us what went wrong for Eddie Jones, what England fans can expect from Steve Borthwick, why Owen Farrell shouldn't be captain and there's a controversial selection at fly half in his all-time England XV... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greig Laidlaw is one of Scotland's greatest ever captains and knows a thing or two about Calcutta Cup clashes. We look ahead to the encounter between England and Scotland at Twickenham this weekend, as well as discussing project players, captaincy, the relationship between Finn Russell and Gregor Townsend, who the next Scotland coach might be, life in Japan, how much he has left in the tank and what the future holds for Mr Greig... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Powell is known as one of the biggest characters rugby has ever seen but there's more to him than meets the eye. He has stories for days and shares some special ones from Lions tours, playing in France and his time with Wales under Warren Gatland, driving a golf buggy down the M4 is just the starting point, but there's also reflection on alcohol, gambling issues and much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billy Vunipola has been one of the most high profile rugby players in the world for the past decade and isn't short of an opinion or two. We discuss England disappointments, Eddie Jones, Steve Borthwick, the Saracens salary cap scandal, injury woes and personal struggles, criticism from former players, the state of the game and whether a lucrative move could be on the cards for him, while reminiscing a bit about the good old days too... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Big Jim Show - brought to you by Scotland rugby legend Jim Hamilton and featuring some of the biggest names in rugby, sport and the entertainment business... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.