Talkin' Ruggers

The Talkin' Ruggers Podcast

We are Talkin' Ruggers with the biggest names in the rugby industry... 🏉

Telling their stories, giving you their professional advice on how to work in rugby, and ultimately putting the rugby world to rights! 🤝

NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY for your commute to training 🗓️

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26 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 1 min
English

Episodes 26

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S1 · E27
Tuesday · 32 min
EP27: Blindside Box - From £100 to +500 Rugby Jerseys before turning 18, Harvey McNamara
🏉 Starting a business at 13 with just £100 and five rugby jerseys isn’t your typical entrepreneurial journey. Fast forward a few years and Harvey McNamara is now running The Blind Side Box full time, with around 500 jerseys in stock and ambitions to build something much bigger than a vintage rugby shirt business. In this episode of Talkin’ Ruggers, we sit down with Harvey to discuss how he turned a simple rugby jersey mystery-box idea into a growing business, the challenges of sourcing authentic vintage shirts, and what it takes to build a brand from scratch while still at school. But The Blind Side Box is becoming about much more than selling jerseys. Harvey explains his ambitions to bring rugby, fashion and content creation closer together, working with players, creators and rugby archives to tell the stories behind some of the game’s most iconic shirts. We also get into rugby kit culture, vintage designs, club heritage, creator collaborations and why bringing new audiences into rugby is so important for the future of the game. 💬 In this episode: Starting The Blind Side Box at 13 with just £100 Growing from five jerseys to around 500 in stock How creator collaborations helped kickstart the business The challenges of sourcing and selling vintage rugby shirts Turning a jersey business into a rugby media brand Working with Welsh rugby archives and Liam Williams The best vintage rugby shirts and iconic club designs Why rugby, fashion and fan culture belong together Building a community around rugby content and clothing What’s next for The Blind Side Box 🎙️ Subscribe to Talkin’ Ruggers for more conversations with the players, coaches, creators, entrepreneurs and personalities shaping the world of rugby. #Rugby #RugbyJerseys #Entrepreneurship
S1 · E1
October 20 · 41 min
EP26: Rugby Buddy - What It Takes to Become an Elite Rugby Player, Charlie Hodgson
🏉 Former England international Charlie Hodgson joins Talkin’ Ruggers to discuss his journey through professional rugby and the lessons he’s learned about performance, coaching and player development. From the evolution of the professional game to the importance of mental skills, Charlie explains why self-awareness, resilience and understanding your own process are essential to becoming a better rugby player. We also discuss goal-kicking under pressure, supporting young players through setbacks, how coaching philosophies have changed, and what the future holds for rugby development. Whether you’re a player looking to take your game to the next level or a coach looking for new ways to develop your team, this episode offers practical insight into the mental side of rugby and the pursuit of continuous improvement.
S1 · E25
October 13 · 1 hr 4 min
EP25: Will Findlay - The Art of S&C Coaching
🏉 From Norfolk to Leicester Tigers, Will Findlay’s rugby journey has taken him from playing the game to helping develop the next generation of athletes as a strength and conditioning coach. In this episode of Talkin’ Ruggers, Will shares the lessons he’s learned from working around elite rugby environments, why coaching is about far more than physical development, and the importance of patience, communication and emotional intelligence when working with young players. We also get into Will’s personal experiences with OCD and mental health, the importance of breaking the stigma around seeking help, and how he’s channelled his experiences into charity work and community initiatives. A conversation about rugby, coaching, personal development and using the game to make a difference beyond the pitch.
S1 · E24
October 6 · 50 min
EP24: Tomiwa Agbongbon - Champ Rugby's TikToker
From county rugby to playing professionally for Leicester Tigers, Tomiwa Agbonbon has taken a pretty unique route through the game — and now he’s building an entirely different career through social media as TikTok Tommy. In this episode of Talkin’ Ruggers, Tomiwa talks about his rugby journey, from starting out at New Hall School and making the move to Loughborough, through to breaking into professional rugby and experiencing life around Premiership players. We also get into how TikTok and content creation have changed his life, why consistency and authenticity matter more than trying to be perfect online, and how young rugby players can use social media to build their own personal brand. We chat about the changing culture of rugby, the personalities helping make the sport more entertaining, the influence of players like Joe Marler, regional identity in rugby, and what the future could look like as the sport continues to embrace digital media. Topics include: professional rugby, Leicester Tigers, county rugby, TikTok, content creation, personal branding, rugby culture, social media and advice for aspiring rugby players and creators.
S1 · E23
September 22 · 54 min
EP23: Rugby Reality – How to Bounce Back From Rugby Setbacks, James Naylor
James Naylor from Rugby Reality has taken a pretty unconventional route through the rugby world — from grassroots rugby in North Yorkshire to university rugby, Loughborough, and eventually representing England Sevens. 🏉 In this episode, James talks openly about the setbacks, rejection and challenges that have shaped his career, and why resilience is so important when things don’t go to plan. We get into the realities of chasing professional and international rugby, the importance of university rugby as a development pathway, and how the journey is rarely as straightforward as it looks from the outside. We also chat about balancing playing rugby with content creation, using social media to share the journey, and why having something beyond rugby can be valuable for both your personal brand and your mental wellbeing. James also shares his ambitions for the future, his thoughts on rugby development and coaching, and why enjoying the game and staying connected to the rugby community should never get lost along the way.
S1 · E22
September 15 · 1 hr 2 min
EP22: The Two Customisers - Designing Boots for Rugby's Biggest Stars, Henry & Alex
Henry and Alex — the two customizers — are bringing art, culture and storytelling into rugby through their unique custom boot designs. 🎨🏉 What started as a passion for rugby and creativity has grown into collaborations with professional players and major brands, creating personalised boots that tell stories far beyond what happens on the pitch. In this episode, we get into how their journey began, the process behind designing custom rugby boots, and what goes into creating something that genuinely represents an athlete’s personality, heritage and interests. We also discuss their experiences navigating university rugby, professional pathways and building a brand through content creation. From working with players like Marcus Smith to collaborating with brands such as Canterbury, Henry and Alex explain how they’re using art, social media and storytelling to create a different kind of connection between players, fans and the game. We also look at the future of rugby culture, sports marketing and how creativity could help rugby reach new audiences. 🎨
S1 · E21
September 8 · 1 hr 12 min
EP21: Rugby With Amy – The Future of Rugby Is on Social Media, Amy Humphries
Amy Humphries, better known as Rugby With Amy, has gone from playing the game to building a career around making rugby entertaining online. 🏉 After discovering rugby through grassroots sport, Amy’s playing career was eventually disrupted by concussion — but rather than stepping away from the game, she found a new way to stay involved through content creation. In this episode, we chat about the evolution of rugby on social media, why personality and authenticity are becoming more important than polished production, and how finding a niche can help creators stand out. We also get into building communities, growing personal brands, collaborating with players and clubs, and the opportunities social media can create for rugby. Amy shares plenty of practical advice for anyone looking to start creating content, from overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there to simply being consistent and asking for opportunities. 📱 A conversation about rugby, content creation, women’s rugby, personal branding, community and where the game goes next.
S1 · E20
June 30 · 1 hr 18 min
EP20: Code 15 – From Nike to Building Rugby’s Next Big Brand, Scott Smith
Scott Smith has spent his career designing products for some of the biggest names in sport, including Nike, ASICS, and Canterbury. Now, he’s bringing everything he’s learned into his own venture: Code 15 — a rugby lifestyle brand built on heritage, quality, and storytelling. In this episode, Scott shares his journey from rugby player to product innovator, reflecting on how the game has shaped his career both on and off the pitch. We dive into what goes into creating world-class sports apparel, the influence of rugby culture on product design, and the lessons he learned working with some of the biggest brands in the industry. We also explore the vision behind Code 15, the importance of authenticity and exclusivity in rugby branding, sustainable product design, and where Scott believes the future of rugby fashion is heading. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of the world’s biggest rugby brands, this is the episode for you.
S1 · E19
June 23 · 46 min
EP19: Bok On Tour / Off The Pitch – Taking South African Rugby to the World, Darian Ducci
Darian Ducci is the creator behind Bok On Tour and Off The Pitch, two platforms helping rugby reach new audiences through storytelling, social media, and behind-the-scenes content. In this episode, Darian shares his rugby journey from South Africa to the UK, discussing the influence of coaching, school rugby, and the culture that makes South African rugby so unique. We explore how he built his platforms, the challenges of creating rugby content, and why passion and consistency are essential for anyone looking to grow an audience. We also dive into player access, media restrictions, the role of social media in modern rugby, and why better storytelling could be one of the keys to growing the game globally. Along the way, Darian gives fascinating insights into South African rugby culture and how content creators can help rugby connect with a new generation of fans.
S1 · E18
June 16 · 1 hr 18 min
EP18: Kick IQ – The Science of Goal Kicking, Dylan Kay
Dylan Kay is the founder of Kick IQ, a rugby kicking coach and content creator helping players better understand one of the most important — and misunderstood — skills in the game. In this episode, we dive into Dylan’s journey from rugby player to specialist coach, how he built Kick IQ through content creation, and why enjoying the game is still the foundation of long-term success. We also get into the technical side of goal kicking, discussing different kicking styles, common mistakes, mental approaches under pressure, and the practical adjustments players can make to improve their accuracy and consistency. Whether you’re a goal kicker, coach, or rugby fan, this episode is packed with insights to help you see the game differently.
S1 · E17
April 7 · 52 min
EP17: ChaPow – Chasing Professional Rugby Across the World, Charlie Powell
Charlie Powell is a rugby player and content creator who has taken his career across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, gaining a unique perspective on the global game. In this episode, we break down his journey through different rugby systems, the differences between Premiership and Championship rugby, and what sets cultures like New Zealand apart. Charlie shares insights on rugby pathways, mentality, and skill development, as well as the importance of enjoying the process and controlling what you can. We also dive into how he’s documenting his journey through content creation, why personality matters more than ever in modern rugby, and how players can use their platform to grow within the game.
S1 · E16
March 31 · 47 min
EP16: P Sports - How Social Media Is Changing Rugby, Alex Pearce
Alex Pearce, founder of P Sports, has been around rugby since a young age — but his journey into the industry took a very different route. From reselling vintage clothing to building a brand through social media and rugby content, Alex has grown one of the most recognisable pages in the space. In this episode, we break down how he built his platform, why authenticity and personality drive growth, and what actually works on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. We also get into personal branding, sports marketing, and how rugby can use content and “star power” to reach new audiences.
S1 · E15
March 24 · 54 min
EP15: Harrison Trains - Growing Rugby from the Grassroots, Harrison Gould
Follow Harrison here - https://www.instagram.com/harrisontrains/ Harrison Trains is a rugby coach and grassroots advocate on a mission to improve grassroots rugby from the ground up. In this episode, we dive into simple, effective ways to level up your game — from rugby training tips and nutrition advice to building better habits that actually translate onto the pitch. Harrison shares his approach to rugby coaching, why overcomplicating things is holding players back, and how focusing on the basics can drive real rugby development. We also explore the importance of player retention, strong rugby community environments, and how coaches can create cultures that keep people in the game long-term. On top of that, we get into how Harrison has built his presence through social media rugby content, using it to educate, grow his brand, and reach more players than ever before. If you’re a player, coach, or just someone who cares about the future of rugby culture, this episode is packed with practical insights you can actually use.
S1 · E14
February 17 · 1 hr 7 min
EP14: Finlay Reith - How Content is Changing Rugby, Finlay Reith
Follow Finlay here... https://www.instagram.com/finlay_reith?igsh=cnV6dG05emhraW9t Finlay Reith went from casual rugby fan to full-time content creator in the professional game. In this episode, we unpack his journey into rugby media, his transition from university to working at RugbyPass, and what really goes into building engaging rugby content today. Finlay shares insights into player access, content strategy, and why social media is now essential for growing the sport. We also discuss the importance of community, why players need to embrace their platforms, and how rugby can expand its reach through smarter, digital-first thinking. A conversation about media, momentum, and pushing rugby forward.
S1 · E13
February 3 · 56 min
EP13: Robbie Gillett - The South African Rugby Storyteller, Robbie Gillett
JOIN MY SIX NATIONS FANTASY LEAGUE - https://fantasy.sixnationsrugby.com/m6n/#welcome/register?sponsor_player_code=o5zymrc&league_id=187372 Rugby has always been more than just a game for Robbie Gillette. Growing up in South Africa, he was immersed in one of the most intense and iconic rugby cultures in the world — where schoolboy rugby, family influence, and larger-than-life role models shape players long before they step onto a senior pitch. In this episode, we chat about Robbie’s journey from South African rugby environments to becoming a respected content creator in the global rugby space. We dive into how storytelling and authenticity have helped him build trust with his audience, why consistency is everything when it comes to content, and how engaging with the rugby community has been central to his growth. We also discuss the unmatched atmosphere of South African schoolboy rugby, the role of content creators in preserving and sharing rugby culture, and why the future of the game depends on embracing digital media, innovation, and the voices growing the sport beyond the pitch.
S1 · E12
January 21 · 52 min
EP12: Josef Webber - How to be a Rugby Influencer, Josef Webber
In this episode, we sit down with Josef Weber — rugby influencer and strength & conditioning coach — to unpack his journey from a shy young lad finding his feet in the game to becoming a recognised voice in modern rugby culture. Josef opens up about his early experiences with rugby, the pressures that come with performance expectations, and the mental health challenges that often sit behind both elite sport and social media. We talk about the balancing act of being present online while still enjoying the game for what it is, and why authenticity matters more than ever in a world driven by numbers, algorithms, and opinions. The conversation dives into how social media has changed the way rugby is consumed, the creative process behind building engaging content, and how to handle online criticism without letting it define you. Josef also shares his thoughts on the future of rugby, why enjoyment is at the heart of performance, and how digital platforms can be used to grow the game — rather than distract from it. A powerful listen for players, coaches, creators, and anyone navigating rugby in the social media age.
S1 · E8
January 13 · 1 hr 1 min
EP11: CURVA - Building the Future of Rugby Training, Luca Feser
Luca Feser is the founder of CURVA, a new rugby gym app designed to give players tailored, position-specific training in a sport that’s too often stuck in one-size-fits-all thinking. Coming from a corporate tech background, Luca has brought structure, data, and a fresh mindset into rugby — without losing sight of what actually makes better players. In this episode, we talk about why rugby has developed a toxic obsession with size, how holistic athlete development (physical, mental, and technical) is key to long-term performance, and why structure in training actually creates freedom and creativity on the field. Luca breaks down how CURVA allows players to log sessions, track progress, and stay connected with coaches, while also sharing why mental health and psychology deserve far more attention in rugby environments. We also dive into how technology and data analytics can improve both performance and fan engagement, why rugby already has an incredible product that’s poorly marketed, and how passion and persistence are essential when trying to move the game forward. A must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone interested in where rugby is heading next.
S1 · E10
Dec 16, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
EP10: The Rugby T - Chasing The Pro Dream Through Social Media, Tiarnan Neville
Tiarnan Neville — better known as The Rugby T — has one of the most international rugby journeys you’ll come across. Growing up playing rugby in Hong Kong, before moving through Ireland, England, and Canada, Tiarnan has experienced the game across multiple cultures, systems, and levels — all while chasing the ultimate goal of earning a professional contract. In this episode, Tiarnan breaks down how his upbringing in Hong Kong shaped his approach to the game, the realities of transitioning into UK university rugby, and what the current rugby landscape looks like in Canada. We talk openly about the pressures of playing fly-half, dealing with injuries, and the role good coaching and strong community play in developing players at every level. We also dive into how Tiarnan has used social media to build a personal brand alongside his playing career — sharing the positives, the challenges, and the realities of putting yourself out there in modern rugby. From online criticism to creating opportunities through content, this episode gives a real insight into how the game is evolving both on and off the field. If you’re interested in playing rugby around the world, building a personal brand as a player, or understanding where the modern game is heading, this one’s well worth a listen.
S1 · E9
Dec 9, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
EP9: Old Novo - Nike Rugby's Ex Global Product Manager, Matt Dehaty
Old Novo is one of the freshest names in the ever-growing rugby fashion industry. Matt Dehaty, the founder, quit his job at Gymshark and drew on his experience as Global Product Manager for Nike Rugby to launch a brand for fans who want something a little more stylish than a replica match jersey on game day. In this episode, we get into how growing up in the sporting hotspot of the North East shaped his career, how to break into the sports industry, and how the game of rugby can be elevated both on and off the field. Matt’s journey — and the Old Novo brand — is rooted in connection and community. What began as an idea to bring ex-players together through a lifestyle brand has grown into something much bigger: a movement built on authenticity, brotherhood, and the shared identity that makes rugby special. With his marketing background and deep understanding of rugby culture, Matt has shaped Old Novo into a brand modern fans actually want to wear, blending tradition with fresh innovation. We dive into how Matt transitioned from player to brand-builder, why authenticity sits at the heart of great branding, and how rugby has the potential to evolve into a full lifestyle sport. We explore community engagement, how audience behaviour drives product development, and why passion and energy are non-negotiables in sports marketing. We also talk about the challenge — and opportunity — of evolving rugby apparel for a new generation while staying true to the culture that built the game.
S1 · E8
Nov 25, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
EP8: Andrew Forde - The Biggest Unknown Name in Rugby, Andrew Forde
If you’ve watched a rugby highlight compilation on YouTube in the last decade, chances are it came from Andrew Forde — but if you walked past him in the street, you’d never know it. Andrew has amassed hundreds of millions of views across his channel without ever stepping in front of the camera, shaping how fans experience the game through cinematic editing, storytelling, and world-class highlight reels. Andrew didn’t follow the traditional rugby media route. He started making highlight mixes as a passion project, teaching himself editing from scratch and slowly building a channel that became the go-to spot for rugby comps online. In this episode, we chat about how Andrew built one of the biggest rugby channels on the internet, how he researches, organises, and archives the game to create his professional-level compilations, and what it really takes to grow on YouTube in a sport where copyright is a constant battle. We also talk about how the rugby community can benefit from more accessible and engaging content, why consistency and fan engagement matter, how video games could help rugby reach a wider audience, and why promoting the sport beyond the pitch is essential for its growth. Follow Andrew on Instagram 👉 @andrew_forde Watch his YouTube channel 👉 Andrew Forde

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