Amateur Rugby Podcast

My guest this week is USA 7’s Head Coach - Mike Friday. This interview was recorded in April of 2024 and we talked about the development of young, elite players in England. We talk about how the demands have changed over the years, the pros and cons of different pathway systems, and why English players don’t seem to get enough game-time. Mike has a huge amount of experience of coaching young elite players, including his two sons Harrison and Lucas. This is a fascinating episode - I hope you enjoy. LINKS Mike Friday on Twitter @MikeFriday09 Mike Friday - Episode #8 on The Amateur Rugby Podcast - https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/8-mike-friday/ Sporting Excellence Group - https://sportingexcellencegroup.com/ Sport Ed Ex - https://www.sportedex.com/rugby/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is former rugby player, now rugby promoter - Dan Tanner. This interview was recorded in April of 2024 and we talked about the remarkable tale of how Dan got into rugby, and what it was like to be a rugby nomad. We talked about playing in Canada, the incredible end-of-season tournaments and the challenges facing Rugby Canada from the grassroots to the National Team, before finishing talking about 99Social and how Dan is helping to promote and grow the game in North America. This is a brilliant episode full of fun stories and deep insight into the current Canadian rugby landscape - I hope you enjoy. LINKS Dan Tanner on Instagram - @pintsandscrums Rugby Canada - https://rugby.ca/en The Axemen Rugby - https://www.axemenrugbyclub.com/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Rugby Union player and Rugby League fan - Andrew Foster. This interview was recorded in March of 2024 and we talked about Foz growing up in League country, what it’s like to take a bunch of southern softies to the Challenge Cup Final, thoughts on player recruitment and retention in lower teams and what it’s like as a teacher to play alongside one your students. We also spoke about Foz’s son, Rycroft - who is sadly no longer with us having passed away last year after being diagnosed with the incredibly rare Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. This is a raw insight into parental bereavement. Foz shared this with the hope of helping others. This is a truly meaningful episode - I hope you enjoy. LINKS Andrew Foster on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-foster-tougher-minds/ Andrew Foster on Twitter - @andrewfoster101 Andrew Foster on Instagram - @andrewfoster101 Rycroft Forever - www.RycroftForever.com Rycroft Forever on Instagram - @rycroftforever Rycroft’s Rugby Rumble - https://www.ocrfc.co.uk/rycrofts-rugby-rumble/ Stem Cell donation - https://www.anthonynolan.org/ Old Colfeians RFC - https://www.ocrfc.co.uk/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is former Harelquins and Worcester winger - Sam Smith. This interview was recorded in March of 2024 and we talked about Sam’s rapid rise into the pro ranks, the perilous spiral he routinely found himself in when his form dipped, dealing with harsh criticism and living with Joe Marler! We discussed the trials of retiring young and losing your identity, post-rugby entrepreneurship, self-work and a new passion for helping others in transition. This is a deep and insightful view under the skin of Pro rugby - I hope you enjoy! LINKS Sam Smith on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-smith-coaching/ Sam Smith on Instagram - @thisisthechangingroom - https://www.instagram.com/thisisthechangingroom/ Blackheath RFC - https://blackheathrugby.co.uk/ Esher RFC - https://www.esherrugby.com/ Harlequins - https://www.quins.co.uk/ Worcester Warriors - https://warriors.co.uk/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

With the Six Nations now complete, I spoke with Simon Elkinson about all the fixtures from the final weekend. The battle for the wooden spoon in Cardiff where Wales tackled Italy. Saturday late afternoon in Dublin as Ireland took on Scotland. And grand finale in Lyon as France took on England. LINKS Simon Elkinson on Twitter - @OnsideRecruiter - https://twitter.com/OnsideRecruiter Simon Elkinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonelkinson/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

With the middle weekend of the Six Nations now complete, I spoke with Simon Elkinson about all the fixtures. The surprisingly wild encounter in Rome where Italy beat Scotland. Saturday late afternoon at Twickenham as England put and end to Ireland’s back-to-back Grand Slam hopes. And finishing up with the crazy, Wales versus France from Cardiff. LINKS Simon Elkinson on Twitter - @OnsideRecruiter - https://twitter.com/OnsideRecruiter Simon Elkinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonelkinson/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

Despite it being a rest week, I’ve still got some awesome Six Nations content for you. Former podcast guest (and coaching partner of mine at Old Colfeians) Phil Greenaway jumped in to lend his expert analysis on what is going on with England’s attack. LINKS Phil is available for consultancy services. For anyone interested please visit the website - https://pgreenawayltd.com/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

With the middle weekend of the Six Nations now complete, I spoke with Simon Elkinson about all the fixtures. The surprisingly close encounter in Dublin where Ireland overpowered Wales. Saturday late afternoon at Murrayfield for Scotland versus England. And finishing up with the epic, France versus Italy from Lille. LINKS Simon Elkinson on Twitter - @OnsideRecruiter - https://twitter.com/OnsideRecruiter Simon Elkinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonelkinson/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

Despite it being a rest week, I’ve still got some awesome Six Nations content for you. Former podcast guest (and coaching partner of mine at Old Colfeians) Phil Greenaway jumped in to lend his expert analysis on why James Lowe’s left peg is such a weapon, but we start with the 6 reasons why Wales are so goddamn hard to beat! LINKS Phil is available for consultancy services. For anyone interested please visit the website - https://pgreenawayltd.com/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

With the second weekend of the Six Nations now complete, I spoke with Simon Elkinson about all the fixtures. The tense affair in Edinburgh where Scotland lost to France. Saturday late-afternoon at Twickenham for England versus Wales. And finishing up with Ireland versus Italy from sunny Dublin. LINKS Simon Elkinson on Twitter - @OnsideRecruiter - https://twitter.com/OnsideRecruiter Simon Elkinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonelkinson/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

With the opening weekend of the Six Nations now complete, I spoke with Simon Elkinson about all the fixtures. The incredible opening game in the Orange Velodrome in Marseille where Ireland took on France. Saturday lunchtime in Rome for Italy against a new-look England. And finishing up with Scotland looking to end their Cardiff draught with a win against a youthful Wales. LINKS Simon Elkinson on Twitter - @OnsideRecruiter - https://twitter.com/OnsideRecruiter Simon Elkinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonelkinson/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

With the opening match of the Six Nations just hours away I spoke with Simon Elkinson about France vs Ireland. We chatted about selection, psychology, and key match-ups and hang around till the end to hear our score predictions. LINKS Simon Elkinson on Twitter - @OnsideRecruiter - https://twitter.com/OnsideRecruiter Simon Elkinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonelkinson/ BUY ME A BEER Does what it says on the tin - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is former Welsh Universities fly-half and Beach Rugby Wales founder, Ashleigh Walters. This interview was recorded in January of 2024 and we talked about how Ashleigh fell in love with rugby after attending a Wales fixture. How he got started in the game, originally playing hooker, before moving to fly-half. Appearances for Wales Universities and a 3-year stint in France where he played against Stade Francais! We also discussed Beach Rugby Wales - How it got started, where it is now and a ton of fun stories along the way - I hope you enjoy! LINKS Ashleigh Walters on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-walters-2a154114b Beach Rugby Wales - www.beachrugbywales.co.uk Beach Rugby Wales on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BeachRugbyWalesSwansea Beach Rugby Wales on Instagram - @BeachRugbyWales - https://www.instagram.com/beachrugbywales Beach Rugby Wales on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@beachrugbywales8957 Beach Rugby Wales Tickets Beach Rugby Wales on Twitter - @BeachRugbyWales - https://twitter.com/BeachRugbyWales Ellis Genge (shirt No.2 - 3:08-3:17) - https://youtu.be/0pP1K_CpQhU?si=BGKuIkviHWyxF45L BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

With the Six Nations on the horizon, I spoke with Simon Elkinson about the squad selections for each nation. How are the teams shaping up, are there many changes and are they likely to change playing styles? LINKS Simon Elkinson on Twitter - @OnsideRecruiter -https://twitter.com/OnsideRecruiter Simon Elkinson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonelkinson/ PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

The rugby-hating Kiwi - Luke Hoben - #140 My guest this week is self-confessed, rugby-hating Kiwi…. Luke Hoben. This interview was recorded in January of 2024 and we talked about what it was like growing up ambivalent to rugby in New Zealand, going to New Zealand’s top rugby school, reflections on watching a single All Blacks test and meeting All Blacks whilst running the rugby club bar in Otago Uni. I give Luke a fun test of some All Blacks trivia and he returns the favour with a quiz of his own. There are a ton of great stories in this episode - I hope you enjoy this different perspective! LINKS Auckland Grammar - https://www.ags.school.nz/sports/rugby/ Otago Uni - http://www.ourfc.co.nz/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Forgeside RFC Chairman, Geraint Reynolds. This interview was recorded in January of 2024 and we talked about Geraint’s playing days in the front-row, what it was like to tour South Africa and the challenges of having to retire at a young age. We then discussed Foregeside’s incredible idea to create a Community Garden on a spare piece of land that was not being used. It has become an award-winning centre of the community and they have even recruited new players as a result. There are a ton of great stories in this episode and some incredible value too - I hope you enjoy! LINKS Forgeside RFC - https://forgeside.rfc.wales/ Forgeside RFC on Twitter - @forgesideRFC - https://twitter.com/ForgesideRFC Forgeside RFC on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForgesideRFC Forgeside RFC on Instagram - @Forgeside_RFC - https://www.instagram.com/forgeside_rfc/ Forgeside RFC on TikTok - @Forgesiderfc - https://www.tiktok.com/@forgesiderfc Forgeside RFC on YouTube - @Forgesiderfc - https://www.youtube.com/@forgesiderfc6406 Forgeside Rugby Community Garden on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForgesideRFCGarden Forgeside Rugby Community Garden on Twitter - @forgeRFCGarden - https://twitter.com/ForgeRFCGarden BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is my former Esher RFC teammate, Jamie Gibbs. This interview was recorded in November of 2023 and we talked about his time at Hartpury and how it shaped his club career, a fantastic and fun time at Esher RFC where he grew as a player within a strong group of scrum-halves, a short, ill-fated spell with Ealing Trailfinders, before finding the love again at Richmond RFC with their refreshing community feel. Jamie then shares his experience of playing and coaching for Stow-on-the-Wold RFC and becoming a viral sensation. There are a ton of great stories in this episode and some incredible value too - I hope you enjoy! LINKS Jamie Gibbs on Instagram - @JamieGibbs9 - https://www.instagram.com/JamieGibbs9/ Stow-on-the-Wold RFC - https://www.stowrfc.com/ Richmond RFC - https://www.richmondfc.co.uk/ Ealing Trailfinders - https://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/ Esher RFC - https://www.esherrugby.com/index.php BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is Dragons pathway coach Huw Jones. This interview was recorded in November of 2023 and we talked about running challenges and the psychology of distance running. I asked Huw about what it was like growing up in a Welsh rugby family and how playing was therefore inevitable. We talked about Huw's early days in the game, playing alongside some future legends. We then moved on to coaching where we discussed the challenges of coaching groups where the standard can vary greatly, how to enjoy coaching in the modern game and some lessons from coaching elite youth players with the Dragons DPP. There is a ton of great insight in this episode - I hope you enjoy! LINKS Huw Jones on Twitter - @HuwJones_ - https://twitter.com/HuwJones_ Huw's fundraiser - https://uk.movember.com/mospace/350334 Dragons Rugby - https://dragonsrfc.wales/ Llantrisant RFC - https://llantrisant.rfc.wales/ Pontypridd RFC - https://www.ponty.net/ Ystrad Rhondda RFC - https://ystradrhondda.rfc.wales/ BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

Experience the highs and lows of this year's Great Rugger Run as I ran a million metres for MND from the West of Wales to the West Country. LINKS The Great Rugger Run website The Great Rugger Run on Twitter @RuggerRun The Great Rugger Run on Instagram @thegreatruggerrun The Great Rugger Run on Facebook @thegreatruggerrun Picadilly One - https://www.piccadillyone.com/ Renouf Wealth Management - https://renoufwmltd.co.uk/ Griffin Dale - https://griffindale.co.uk/ BUY ME A BEER Does what it says on the tin - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

My guest this week is elite S&C coach - Chris Tombs. This interview was recorded in November of 2023 and we talked about Chris' rugby beginnings in South Africa, how and why he got into Strength & Conditioning. We delved into the history of S&C within rugby and Chris' reflections on his time with Leicester Tigers during a legendary era. Chris shares stories about the top players he coached at Cardiff Rugby, his adventure to coach in Seattle in Major League Rugby and his thoughts on the rugby landscape in the USA. We finish by discussing Chris' role within the SW7 Academy and he offers some sound S&C advice for the average amateur rugby player. This is a really fun and valuable episode - I hope you enjoy! LINKS Chris Tombs website - http://www.christombs.com/ Chris Tombs Instagram - @christombs71 - https://www.instagram.com/christombs71/ SW7 Academy - https://www.sw7academy.com/coaches/chris Leicester Tigers - https://www.leicestertigers.com/ Cardiff Rugby - https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/ Seattle Seawolves - https://seawolves.rugby/ PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) PODCAST KIT Everything I use to create, edit and produce this podcast can be found on my Creating a Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/creating-a-podcast/) page. SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way then there are plenty of options on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.