Beefy & Beaumont 'Old Boys New Balls!'

Sir Ian Botham and Sir Bill Beaumont

Cricket legend Sir Ian Botham and rugby icon Sir Bill Beaumont team up for 'Old Boys New Balls!' — the podcast where two old mates swap tales from the dressing room, chew over the big issues in sport and throw in a few unexpected curveballs along the way.

From glory days on tour to how sport has changed, from larger-than-life teammates to life after the final whistle, no subject is off limits. Sometimes serious, often irreverent, always honest — it’s sport as you’ve never heard it before.

Join Beefy and Bill — plus an all-star line-up of amazing guests — for stories, banter, and a fresh take on the games they love.

Contact: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com

Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts

Artwork by wearepure.net

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

14 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes14

Newest first

Tuesday · 56 min
14. James Botham & Josh Beaumont: Old Boys' sporting dynasty
The Old Boys show off the young guns keeping their family sporting legacies in rude health... In this Family Edition, Ian is joined by his grandson, James Botham — the Wales international — and Bill Beaumont’s son, Josh Beaumont, who carved out a successful club career of his own. Together, they share candid stories from life in professional rugby: the injuries, the pressure, the politics, and the relentless drive to keep going. You’ll hear how changing pitches have affected player welfare, why club finances and selection rules matter so much, and what it takes to build a lasting career in a game that demands everything. Along the way, the conversation turns to iconic tours, memorable personalities, and the lessons passed down through rugby families. If you love honest sporting insight, family legacy, and behind-the-scenes rugby talk, this episode is packed with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 13 · 1 hr 12 min
13. Nigel Owens: The code word is Trigger not Del Boy!
A hilarous episode this week as one of the most recognisable rugby union referees Nigel Owens joins us. Nigel talks us through his career highs such as officiating at the World Cup, what happened when his dad met Prince Harry and did Bill get away with stealing his taxi? An intriguing insight into Nigel's views on TMO and Video Refereeing across other sports - and the attempt at a TMO code work with Derek Bevan that didn't quite go to plan! Nigel is the first guest in a new series that will be released each Tuesday, please help to support the show with a rating and review. We also want to hear from you - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 6 · 32 min
12. Series 2: Beefy & Bill return talking Stokes, World Cup, Question of Sport & more
Bill and Ian return for a whole new season, with weekly episodes with some of the biggest names in sport, politics and culture joining us. We kick things off with Beefy's reaction to Ben Stokes dramatic retirement from international cricket and Bill shares his thoughts on the current England rugby union team heading to the new Nations Championship. Plus we talk the demise of Question of Sport, the football World Cup, dressing room culture and is the current cricket schedule simply too demanding? We also want to hear from you - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 5 · 49 min
11. Pat Cummings: I thought my career was over at 20
Australia captain Pat Cummings joins us this week to discuss how he masterminded the 2025 Ashes success. Beefy and Pat compare how the players of today celebrated it compared to his era! We also discover how his playing career nearly ended before it started and discuss what is next for Test cricket. Thanks to all our listeners since we launched late last year, we have some really exciting guests and announcements in the pipeline, so please leave us a rating and review if you like the show. We also want to hear from you - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 26 · 50 min
10. Jackson Warne: I looked at Dad as Superman
Shane Warne was one of the greatest cricketers and characters the sport has ever seen. This week Beefy and Bill are joined by his son Jackson, who talks about the work being done to remember the Australian 'King of Spin' and to share his own personal memories of his father. From his preference of fast food over fancy restaurants, to working behind the bar in a Bristol pub AND hitting a hole in one at Augusta! Thanks to all our listeners since we launched late last year, we have some really exciting guests and announcements in the pipeline, so please leave us a rating and review if you like the show. We also want to hear from you - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 12 · 39 min
9. George Ford: Best mates with your competition
Bill and Beefy are back for the first time in 2026 and they're joined by a bonafide modern day England rugby union legend. With over 100 caps and counting, the oval ball is in the blood in the Ford family. George reveals what it was like growing up surrounded by sport, his close friendship with Owen Farrell and the media narrative around their supposed rivalry. Plus the fly-half debates the Rugby 360 plans with Ian making a case for it strengthening the sport and his views on the upcoming Six Nations and his future with the England squad. AND Ian reveals how he played cricket on a rugby pitch while also making his panto debut! Thanks to all our listeners since we launched late last year, we have some really exciting guests and announcements in the pipeline, so please leave us a rating and review if you like the show. We also want to hear from you - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 21, 2025 · 18 min
8. Beefy & Bill's pre-Christmas catch up
Bill and Ian have a catch up before Christmas and you may not be surprised what the main topic of conversation is! Ian has some strong views on the Ashes and why England have been such a disaster. We're now a video podcast too, you can watch each episode on YouTube as well as listening on all your podcast platforms, We want to hear from you too - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 8, 2025 · 41 min
7. Allan Border: Living with parkinsons
With Beefy down under, it's an opportunity to catch up with old friends and Ian's relationship with former Australia captain Allan Border goes a long way back. From rivalries on the field to a great friendship off it, Allan reveals why living with Parkinsons disease isn't holding him back. We of course have to discuss the latest from the Ashes, but you'll be pleased to hear the conversation quickly turns to happier times! Bill Beaumont is back in rainy England and shares some strong views on eye gauging and the Rugby World Cup draw too. We're now a video podcast too, you can watch each episode on YouTube as well as listening on all your podcast platforms, We want to hear from you too - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 19, 2025 · 50 min
6. Brett Lee: Edgbaston defeat was my favourite Ashes match
With all eyes on the first Ashes test, Bill and Ian are joined by former Australia fast bowling legend Brett Lee. From his memories of the 2005 epic series (and what did Freddie Flintoff say to him?), to the art of being a fast bowler - AND how he ended up jamming with Mick Jagger, Robbie Williams, Asha Bhosle and starring in Bollywood movies! Brett also lifts the lid on his rivalry and friendship with Shoaib Akhtar and.... Piers Morgan. Plus of course we look ahead to the first Test in Perth this weekend. We're now a video podcast too, you can watch each episode on YouTube as well as listening on all your podcast platforms, We want to hear from you too - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 11, 2025 · 43 min
5. Merv Hughes: Why England won't win the Ashes
While Bill is back in England, Ian is in Australia for the Ashes and is joined alongside his old rival and great friend Merv Hughes. From spotting the early signs of a superstar in Shane Warne to tales from some classic series in the 80's and 90's, Merv lifts the lid on why he thinks England won't win the Ashes this year and Beefy pleads with England to review their preparations. Plus 'don't mention the fishing trip'. Bill does... And Merv reveals all about the moment Beefy was nearly fed to the sharks! We're now a video podcast too, you can watch each episode on YouTube as well as listening on all your podcast platforms, We want to hear from you too - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 4, 2025 · 56 min
4. Alastair Campbell: Martin Corry wanted to lay me out
They may not share the same political views (as we soon find out!) but Alastair Cambell does have a lot in common when it comes to his shared love of sport with Beefy and Bill. The 'King of Spin' lifts the lid on what it was like to be a part of the 2005 Lions squad, how Steve Thompson nearly discovered the next Prime Minister before anyone else and an infamous Clive Woodward initiated team-talk that had Martin Corry wanting to 'lay me out'. Plus what happened when Campbell took Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson to watch Burnley at Hartlepool and which Championship football team is Ian starting to follow? We're now a video podcast too, you can watch each episode on YouTube as well as listening on all your podcast platforms, We want to hear from you too - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Follow us on 'X': @oldboysnewballs PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 28, 2025 · 56 min
3. Jonathan Davies: How do we save rugby?
Jonathan Davies represented Wales in both codes - rugby union and rugby league as well as Great Britain AND a Question of Sport alongside Ian Botham and Bill Beaumont (poor bloke). Reflecting on the current state of rugby both domestically and on the international scene, what Wales need to improve and what makes South Africa so good, Jonathan also reminisces about his time as a player, how he handled Aussie 'sledging' and his days on A Question of Sport that included scooping up elephant poo at Chester zoo! We're now a video podcast too, you can watch each episode on YouTube as well as listening on all your podcast platforms, We want to hear from you too - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on 'X' & Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Keep an eye out for our new YouTube channel too, with video versions of each episode. PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 20, 2025 · 57 min
2. Piers Morgan: Brett Lee broke my ribs
Our very first guest Piers Morgan joins Beefy and Bill where for once the questions are turned on him! From breaking ribs when facing the bowling of Brett Lee at the MCG, to Tony Underwood's failed attempt to psych out Jonah Lomu, Piers shares memories of his sporting passions cricket, rugby and football. Piers lifts the lid on his friendship with President Donald Trump, while Ian and Bill get serious to look at protection for players in rugby union and how big a blow is the loss of captain Pat Cummings for Australia in the Ashes? We're now a video podcast too, you can watch each episode on YouTube as well as listening on all your podcast platforms. We want to hear from you too - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on 'X' & Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont Keep an eye out for our new YouTube channel too, with video versions of each episode. PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show - leave us a review too as it helps to boost our ratings! Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 8, 2025 · 45 min
1. Old Boys New Game
After months of planning, episode one is here! Bill is back from the Women's World Cup Final and Beefy is preparing to head out to the Ashes. How can we build on England's success at Twickenham and why does Ian think England are under-prepared to face Australia? It's not all serious though, Bill reveals why Beefy poured a pint on someone's head in one of their first social gatherings, why a mobile phone in Dickie Bird's pocket almost got Ian and Allan Lamb in hot water and memories of partying with Elton John and meeting Nelson Mandela. We want to hear from you - got a question for Beefy and Bill? Agree or disagree with anything they've said? Email us at: hello@beefyandbeaumont.com Follow us on Instagram: @beefyandbeaumont PLEASE like and subscribe if you enjoy the show. Artwork by wearepure.net Produced by Shine Talent Management & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.