The Rugby Inheritance Podcast

Using extracts from all the interviews we have conducted, we have put together a special episode examining the idea of 'What it takes to be an England Rugby player'. Focusing on the way resilience, commitment, perseverance and hard work plays such a key role in developing a young athlete, this episode explores how the sport's best performers got to the top. Listen to Chris Ashton, Tom Wood, Freddie Burns, Alex Goode, Mark Wilson and Jonny Wilkinson discuss moments in their career when it was tough, and how they found themselves overcoming obstacles to achieve their dreams. Adversity can often breed the qualities needed to be very successful and here are England Internationals describing how difficult it was for them to become the players they became. A great listen for anyone thinking success is easy to come by and an especially crucial listen to any young person looking to become a professional athlete.

Recorded live in front of a packed Captain's Lounge at Kingsholm, Jonny Wilkinson gives Sam Roberts and Ed Slater a rare insight into the way he played the game. He talks about growing up, his formative years with Newcastle, the move to Toulon and a decorated England career, which saw him win the Rugby World Cup in 2003. This is an indepth and fascinating interview revealing exactly what Jonny was dealing with and how, over time, he has come to realise what rugby has given him. He leaves Ed a superb piece of memorabilia to auction and relays one story to the Cherry & White faithful that has them smiling from ear to ear. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

It might be a name you don't recognise, but in rugby's inner circles, Mike Penistone is regarded as one of the game's great coaches. Having coached around the world, Mike was perhaps most influential in the Leicester Academy in the early 2000s and he continues to practice the art of coaching well into his 70s. In this episode, not only do we get truly unique and touching insights into Ed's career, but we also receive some incredible coaching tips to take with us into our worlds. Mike gives some invaluable pointers as to how to get your point across, explains where most coaches go wrong and leaves behind a very personal gift for us to auction to raise fund for the #4Ed cause. It is another wonderful episode along our Rugby Inheritance journey. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Having played for over a decade for one of the most successful clubs in English Rugby, you would think that Sam Harrison's Rugby Inheritance would be relatively standard; it is anything but. This interview reveals a man who wrestled with his place in professional sport, struggled with addiction and is only now coming to terms with the amount of different things that rugby gave him. This is a sensitive, poignant and revealing insight into a career which saw him win trophies, yet always feel somewhat unfulfilled. This is a tender, revealing and at times, emotional interview and we are indebted to Sam for sharing his thoughts with us, even though, as he says in his own words, he hasn’t quite worked it all out yet. This interview does deal with sensitive issues and if you would like more information about dealing with and talking about alcohol addiction please visit - www.drinkaware.co.uk This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Mark Wilson is an extraordinary athlete and stand-out rugby player. Having come through junior rugby with the likes of Penrith, Kendall, Tynedale and Blaydon, Mark Wilson ended up playing over 200 times for Newcastle Falcons. In this episode, he opens up about his personal journey, his favourite memories, his most painful moments and what he hopes he's left behind for those coming through. It is a very touching and honest appraisal of what he feels the game has given him and at the end, he donates a very personal gift for us to auction in aid of the 4Ed cause. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Sarah Hunter is England's most capped rugby player and her legacy in the Women's game is hard to beat. In this enlightening episode, Hunter shares her story: from a seemingly innocent introduction to the game at primary school, through to winning the World Cup in 2014 and going on to make more appearances for her country than anyone else. A proud Geordie, Hunter describes some of the resistance she met along the way, the heartbreak of losing the 2021 Final and her new role, coaching the Red Roses at the beginning of a new era. This episode is typically candid and revealing, and Sarah leaves behind a very special and poignant gift for us to auction for the #4Ed cause. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Who better to have on our podcast ahead of a Rugby World Cup than someone who is regarded as one of the best referees the sport can offer? Luke Pearce has officiated on the world stage for many years and has an onfield persona that so many people admire. In this podcast, it is very easy to see why he commands the respect he does. Affable, knowledgable, self-deprecating and honest, Luke fills the time he has with us with an insight and appreciation of the sport of rugby that very few other people have. He also leaves us with (hopefully!) two pieces of unique memorabilia for our auction. It all adds up to another incredible episode! This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Joining us for this episode is one of the world's most famous coaches: Stuart Lancaster is regarded as owning one of the best rugby minds and this interview delves into how he came to be, what rugby has taught him along the way and what he hopes he has achieved in the game. He reveals personal triumphs and fondest memories, how he comes to terms with what he refers to as 'the scars' from the sport, and how he hopes he has left his mark on the hundreds of players he's looked after. From Leeds Academy to England at a home World Cup, onto an incredible seven years Leinster; he also gives incredible insight into the challenges he faces at his new club in France, Racing 92. This is a rare discussion with one of rugby's masterminds and he leaves behind a very special piece of memorabilia for our auction. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Described by many as the best centre to play in a Springbok shirt, Jean de Villiers joins us for a beautifully engaging episode of Rugby Inheritance. He talks about highlights and lowlights; beginnings and endings; who he loved to play alongside; and who he thought was the best to play against. We go back to the Paarl of his youth and hear about the game of touch rugby that took him out onto the field; one that is still going forty years later! We talk knees, Bakkies Botha and chasing shoplifters in your flip flops. This episode is full of insight and advice that you are unlikely to hear anywhere else. And to top it all, wait until you hear what he leaves behind for us to auction. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

One of the most popular Scottish Rugby Internationals in the last twenty tears, Greig Laidlaw has a fascinating rugby story that has taken him all around the world. In this episode, find out what drove him as a youngster; who his rugby idol was; and which Scotland hero is lovingly referred to as 'The Spaceman'. Discover which French club he could have played for before signing on with Clermont; the cultural differences he has discovered being out in Japan; and, crucially, what is next for Greig after he retires from playing. He also leaves behind a special piece of rugby memorabilia for us auction. It all makes for another fantastic episode of Rugby Inheritance. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Chris Ashton is possibly the greatest try scorer English rugby has ever seen. In this episode, we catch Chris at his most open. He reflects on his upbringing, schooling, how he moved codes, and his incredibly influential relationship with his father. He talks about getting it wrong, getting it right, how he came to terms with being a pantomime villain and how he feels he still has something to give the rugby world. We talk Martin Offiah, Louis Rees Zammit, having dinner with Mourad Boudjellal, and pulling Alesana Tuilagi's hair. Chris is one of the most misunderstood players in the modern game and this interview goes a long way to reveal what his character is really like: reflective, determined and generous. He also leaves behind a truly unique piece of rugby memorabilia. He was a joy to have on the show. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Matt Hampson is an extraordinary human being. Cruelly injured by a rugby accident in 2005, Matt was left paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe unless he was on a ventilator. But as a promising young prop forward in the Leicester Tigers Academy, rugby had given him a will to win and a desire to overcome any obstacle. He set about turning his disadvantage into something magical and in 2021 was awarded an OBE for voluntary and charitable service. His 'Hambo' Foundation continues to go from strength to strength and he provides some much-needed space and support for those in similar situations to himself. An inspirational listen, this episode documents Matt's journey and what he has come to represent in the game. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Billy Twelvetrees has become one of the most recognisable players of English Rugby in the last 20 years. He has spent 17 seasons playing over 350 games, been capped by England, ventured on to a winning Lions tour and captured the minds and hearts of everyone who has watched him play. This episode is a beautiful adventure: we dive into Billy's childhood journey; his hopes and fears; his obsession with Adidas Predator boots; his unrivalled dedication to the sport of rugby and, most amusingly, his appetite for the most complex of practical jokes. Another unforgettable episode of the Rugby Inheritance Podcast, complete with an exceptional piece of sporting memorabilia, which will be available for you to bid on. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Quite simply, one of the greatest rugby forwards of the last twenty years. Paul O'Connell played for arguably the finest Munster side ever, won Grand Slams with Ireland and went on three successive British and Irish Lions tours. In this very special episode, Paul talks in wonderful detail about his career, what he owes the sport of rugby and how he is trying to make the transition into coaching. He also leaves behind a very poignant message alongside his piece of memorabilia for auction. This is an incredible hour in the company of a genuine rugby legend. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Revered as one of the most competitive and uncompromising players in the modern English game, Tom Wood has enjoyed incredible success with Northampton Saints and England. Speaking to him in this episode, we learn all about East Midlands rivalry, what childhood advice he still lives by, and which of his enduring rugby memories is the strongest. An honest and pragmatic individual, this episode uncovers a huge amount about what drove his fantastic career, and it shines a light on what it takes to be regarded as a great player. He also leaves us an unforgettable piece of rugby memorabilia from the greatest rugby club of them all. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Ed Slater and Sam Roberts talk to the inimitable Freddie Burns about his own 'Rugby Inheritance'. Burns' journey is long, full and extraordinary, from the minis at Avon Rugby Club to Super Rugby in Dunedin, New Zealand. With typical self-effacing humour, Freddie takes us through his very best stories: the pain and anguish of the bottom through to the euphoria and joy of the top. He also leaves behind a unique piece of memorabilia for our Rugby Inheritance 4Ed Auction. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

Alex Goode is one of England's most popular rugby players. Having enjoyed a 17-year career with Saracens, he is not far away from retirement and in this podcast, he talks very candidly about his rugby journey, his mental health struggles and just how much the game of rugby has given him. From humble beginnings in Cambridgeshire's mini rugby festivals to being crowned European Player of the Year, Alex's inheritance is tremendous. He leaves us a wonderfully poignant piece of memorabilia to auction in aid of Ed's campaign 4Ed, details of which will be forthcoming. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here

In the first episode, Sam Roberts talks to Ed Slater about what he feels is his rugby inheritance. Ed talks openly and honestly about his rugby journey, what he feels he has been given along the way, and what he hopes will be his rugby legacy. It proves to be a perfect opening to what will be a fascinating series. This podcast is produced in association with George Davies Turf - find out more here