PODCAST · sports
HG Rugby
by Huw Griffin
Telling rugby's untold stories by meeting people, analysing data and starting conversations
Episodes
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How Champion Teams Are REALLY Built ft. Gainline Analytics
How To Build A Champion Rugby Team ft. Gainline Analytics. I was joined by Gainline Analytic's Simon Strachan to learn the lessons of champion sides such as Leinster & Toulouse. With the Champions Cup once again upon us, we investigate how the best teams in the world use their resources and build...
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The WRU Ruined My Friday - Keystone Report Breakdown
The keystone report is what the WRU are using to justifying killing a men's region in West Wales - does it really answer all our questions? Stay tuned for outtakes as a members only video on my YouTube & Substack this Thursday! Get YouTube Membership:...
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Welsh Rugby Finances... Am I Going Mad?!
Breaking down the interview given by the Welsh Rugby Union's Chief Financial & Operating Officer Gavin Marshall and contrasting it with CEO Abi Tierney's interview on the same topic. Where do they align, where do they differ and what questions are we left with at the end? Get YouTube Membership:...
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Our Greatest Night! | Wales vs South Africa WXV Vlog
I headed to Cardiff to watch Wales Women take on the Springboks of South Africa in WXV Global Series 2026. What I thought could have been the latest painful episode of the Welsh rugby experience turned out to be our greatest ever performance. Listen to the sounds of the evening as the women of...
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Asian Rugby Is A PROBLEM ft. Steve Noble
Japan’s Comeback & the Rise of Hong Kong China: this week on the HG rugby podcast I am joined by Asia Rugby 247 journalist Steven Noble to get his insight on the state of Asian rugby, with reference to the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup. Is Eddie Jones plotting another World Cup miracle with the Brave...
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Can Australia Rejoin Rugby's Superpowers? ft. Brett McKay
Can the Wallabies of Australia shock the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks? This week I was joined by rugbypass columnist and podcaster Brett McKay to understand how Australia are trying to become a rugby union superpower once again We look back on their 2026 campaign so…
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Toulouse Exodus Accelerates... And It Was Totally Predictable | Rugby Transfer Review
I am aware of the intermittent clicking noises, this is due to me recording with a new software which has some teething issues. I twill be fixed for the next episode! Stories explored in this month's dedicated rugby transfer podcast: Toulouse exodus French budgets revealed ROG & Borthwick extend…
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Why Losing Hurts New Zealanders So Badly ft. Distracted Sports
I was joined by Tony O'Sullivan from the 'Two Cents Gets Distracted' podcast to get the Kiwi angle on the New Zealand All Black's defeat to the Springboks of South African in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour. We dove into how the loss has affected the psyche of All Blacks fans back in New Zealand…
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When America Almost Joined The URC | Mini-Documentary
When America Almost Joined The URC - revisiting the attempts to get USA teams into the United Rugby Championship: Who wanted it, what were the pros, what were the cons, and why didn't it happen? In this documentary, I draw on historical evidence and contemporary sources to understand the nuance…
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Why Signing Lots Of Players Is Bad: Rugby Transfers Special
As club rugby fans, we are conditioned to believe that the more signings our team makes, the better. Take a quick glance at the replies to rugby clubs on social media during the off-season and you will see dozens of supporters asking for updates on recruitment. Is this right, though? Should rugby...
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What's Going On With Argentina? ft. Frankie Deges
Why are Argentina so inconsistent in rugby union? capable of defeating the All Blacks, Springboks, or British and Irish lions, Los Pumas have won just one of their last seven test matches. Many people, however, think their coach Felipe Contepomi is working on a plan - a plan that could see them...
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What French Rugby Is Getting So Right ft. Bernard Jackman
outtakes from by podcast with Bernard Jackman. Birch shares his insight on how France manages to create a commercially successful and appealing rugby product that no other nation appears capable of doing. He then gives his thoughts on how Toulouse maintain their status as the world greatest rugby...
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Wales Has Turned on the WRU, This Can't Continue. ft. Nicks Johnston
Has the Welsh Rugby Union finally met its end? I was joined by one of my favourite people, rugby governance expert Nicks Johnston, to analyse the recent escalations against the WRU. Influential Welsh business people such as Rob Regan and Hayley Parsons have demanded the current leadership of Abi...
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Rugby Coaching: Science or Art? ft. Ben Pegna
a second instalment of my chat with rugby coach Ben Pegna. We discuss what it takes to be an elite rugby coach - is it a science, or an art? Ben draws on his experiences around the world, what he has learned from top coaches and compares some renowned international head coaches to answer this...
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Why Henry Pollock Must LEAVE Northampton Saints, Ramos Toulouse Exit Explained | Rugby Transfer Review
Link to my substack: https://substack.com/@hgrugby Link to my YouTube: https://youtu.be/DBzxxNsFnOc Welcome back to the Rugby Transfer Review! My monthly podcast series covering the rumours, regulations, confirmations and controversies in the world of Rugby Union. In this episode I cover: Henry...
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Inside the Incredible Rugby Cultures of South Africa & new Zealand ft. Ben Pegna
South Africa and New Zealand - the Springboks and the All Blacks - the Greatest Rivalry. Plenty is spoken of their rugby tactics, their strengths and Weakness on the pitch, but what about behind closed doors? What are South Africans and New Zealanders really like as cultures really like, both in...
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Hong Kong Heroes, USA Invincible! ft. Joe Santamaria | Tier 2 Touch Point
episode 3 of my mini-series bringing you all the latest from Tier 2 rugby as the Nations Cup played out its second weekend of fixtures! - this time I was joined by my friend Joe Santamaria. How did Hong Kong shock Uruguay and is this the moment to panic for Uruguayan rugby? How did USA see off...
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Chilean Rugby is a PROBLEM ft. Raimundo Martinez & Inaki Ayarza
Exclusive interview with Chile's Raimundo Martinez and Inaki Ayarza! In this episode of the HG Podcast I get a fascinating and unique insight into Chilean rugby courtesy of two of their biggest stars who tell me all about their sporting origins in South America and the latest events from the...
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Portugal & Spain Inflict Nations Cup Pain! Ft. Rugby TTL | Tier 2 Touch Point
episode 2 of my mini-series bringing you all the latest from Tier 2 rugby as the Nations Cup played out its second weekend of fixtures! - this time I was joined by my fried Carl from @RugbyTTL How did Spain & Portugal inflict big wins over Tonga and Canada? Are Georgia finished as a T1 contender...
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Watching Fiji's Darkest Moment | Matchday Vlog
What's gone wrong with the flying Fijians? I took a trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool to watch Fiji take on England in the Nations Championship 2026. After being humiliated 8-73 by the English, I wanted to know the reasons why. Was it the payers? The coaches? The off-field…
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Chile's Rise Continues, Uruguay Rattle Georgia! | Tier 2 Touch Point
Welcome to a new min-series for the July tests! Covering the nations cup: the Tier 2 international rugby competition containing USA, Canada, Uruguay, Chile, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong China, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Georgia, Samoa and Tonga. This week, I focus on the South American might of Chile and...
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Are The Barbarians Still Relevant In 2026? | Mini-Documentary
Are the Barbarians RFC still relevant in 2026? For this mini-documentary I took a trip to Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) to watch the Barbarians vs Wales in June 2026 to see if the famous rugby team still mattered. I watch both the men's and women's teams take on the Welsh to see what the…
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15 Rugby Champions In 15 Minutes!
link to the members only video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hXGWUrycjz8 leagues not mentioned because they are still ongoing or not started yet: WER Super W Super Aupiki NPC Currie Cup follow me on twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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Can France Finally Prove Themselves The Southern Hemisphere? ft. Bernard Jackman
Bernard Jackman joins me to discuss the prospects for Antoine Dupont and France as they head down to the Souther Hemisphere for the July tests and the Nations Championship. We discuss if Dupont's position in the France team is under threat from the likes of Maxime Lucu and where France truly lie…
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My PROBLEM With Bath Rugby. | Mini-Documentary
I don't get Bath Rugby Club. In this video I will use highlights and analytics to explain why they shouldn't be as good as they are and what really makes them such a competitive rugby team (spoiler: Finn Russell helps). I’m going to investigate this bizarre contradiction of numbers verses…
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The Greatest Rugby Match You Forgot: Barbarians vs All Blacks 2009 | Mini-Documentary
The story of the forgotten Barbarians vs All Blacks game of 2009: how one of the strongest Barbarians teams of all time defeated New Zealand at Twickenham. Including the reflections of Bryan Habana, who scored a hat trick on the day and funny easter eggs from the Kiwi broadcast Full interview…
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DEBATE: Is A British & Irish League In Rugby Inevitable Or Impossible?
Back with a bonus where I tackle a topic! this week it's the dreaded/desired British & Irish league: are we closer than ever to it happening or is it still the realms of fantasy? I consider the possibilities with the help of Will Kelleher. Follow me on Twitter: https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby...
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English Rugby's Fight For Survival Explained ft. Will Kelleher
I was joined by @thetimessport journalist Will Kelleher to talk about the English PREM Rugby: the off-field and on-field changes that are turning the league into something new, the reasons for those changes and the risks they bring along the way. We use highlights and analysis to bring the...
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The English PREM Salary Cap Doesn't Work, Here's Proof...
Breaking down the PREM Rugby salary cap report for 2024/25. Watch the video version by heading over to my YouTube channel and hitting the 'join' button! PREM Report Substack: https://thepiraterugby.substack.com/publish/post/199629107?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fscheduled PREM Report Itself:...
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Why Cheslin Kolbe To Stormers Is A Game Changer & World Rugby's USA Plans Escalate | Rugby Transfer Review - May 2026
Women's Six Nations Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-198430148 My Insta: https://www.instagram.com/huw.griffin/ The topics I cover in this podcast: Kolbe to Stormers Scarlets transfers latest St Helens drama Lowe to leave Leinster? Nohamba to Sharks World Rugby's Six Year Plan Learn…
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The Rugby Stat Pundits Love But Coaches Hate: Defence Analysis Explained | Mini-Documentary
In this mini-documentary I name the misleading rugby stat that pundits and fans love but defence coaches hate. With the help of writers, analysts and coaches, I explain the nuance of defending in rugby, what people are getting wrong and the tactics teams use to mask defensive weaknesses. The…
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How Much Do French Rugby Clubs REALLY Spend? - LNR Financial Report Explained
Link to the substack here Link to the report here In this special episode I break down the French CCCP financial report for the 2024/25 season: how much money was earned how much money was spent who made the biggest profit who made the biggest loss the mysterious special products... Follow my...
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Inside Rugby's Online Content Creation Machine ft. Natasha Coyle
How Social Media is Changing Rugby Union Forever! + Women's Six Nations 2026 Debate From viral try celebrations to player controversies, social media has completely transformed the world of rugby union. In this video, we dive deep into the impact of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X…
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Where Will Ardie Savea Go? & Why I'm Sick Of Welsh Rugby Rumours | Rugby Transfer Review - March 2026
My Moana Pasifika Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/thepiraterugby/p/the-unpublished-vol2-the-worry-with?r=2nk5sv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web This month's Rugby Transfer Review investigating the potential impact of Moana Pacifica's demise on the rugby transfer market and what next for...
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Super Rugby: Fading Power Or Glimpse Of Union's Future? ft. Rugbycology
Unlock the real story behind Super Rugby’s struggles despite its massive influence on the sport of rugby union. From Super Rugby Pacific 2026 to its ripple effects on Test rugby, club competitions, and the future of the sport in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere — deep insights every…
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How Irish Rugby Saved Itself ft. TheRugbyGirl
Irish Rugby 2025/26 Season – The Ultimate Breakdown! The 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season is heating up, and Ireland’s four provinces are delivering thrilling rugby once again. In this video, we dive deep into how Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connacht are performing this season – from...
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What Is Wrong With Leinster This Season? | Mini-Documentary
Do Leinster Suck Now? In this video I took a trip to Dublin to find out for myself. spoke to Leo Cullen, Tommy O'Brien and Leinster journalists to get an insider view on the team's struggles this season. After winning the 2024/25 URC title in style, Leinster have had a mixed campaign. From the...
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Why Is Rugby Union So Posh? ft. The Rugby History Project
Why Is Rugby Posh? This week I was going by Hattie from The Rugby History Project to answer that very question. We dive into the origins of the sport, its roots in the English private school system, and the role colonialism played in the game's growth across the globe. We then ask the question if...
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The Man Breaking Rugby's Biggest Transfer Stories ft. Neil Fissler
This week on the HG Rugby Podcast I was joined by rugby transfer expert and journalist Neil Fissler of RugbyPass. He told me his journey in rugby, how he finds transfer stories, what is really happening with Andy Farrell in Ireland and his thoughts on Steve Borthwick's England. We even get an...
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Behind The Scenes At URC Basement Battle | Scarlets vs Zebre Audio Vlog
Taken from my vlog on WRRAP YouTube Scarlets vs Zebre Parma | United Rugby Championship Round 13 | Full Match Highlights & Reaction (2025/26)Watch the action as Scarlets secured a crucial bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma in this basement battle at Parc y Scarlets! The Welsh side ran in six...
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Doping Scandals, Coach Sackings & Shock Defeats - Is Georgian Rugby Falling Apart?
I was joined by friend of the show and Rugby Europe expert Carl Dawson to review the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship and explain what on earth is going on with Georgian rugby? We also get the latest on Portugal's shock Rugby Europe Championship win, what the latest is with Spanish rugby and get…
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Have Italy Actually Improved This Six Nations?
Italy have just fallen agonisingly short of their best ever Six Nations campaign by losing to Wales in Cardiff. The Azzurri had never won three games in a single tournament before and letting this chance slip is a cruel end to what has been one of the best seasons in Italian international rugby...
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SPECIAL: Antoine Dupont's Salary Cap Controversy Explained | Rugby Transfer Review
TOP 14 Finances substack: https://thepiraterugby.substack.com/p/where-french-rugby-teams-get-their Salary cap video: https://youtu.be/SpP4-a-4gdg?si=HSAXHWNeYmlGTlia Jaminet Affair video: https://youtu.be/KHeLl0ktxXQ?si=yHifQklBgIR29TVY All eyes may be on Les Bleus’ thrilling Men’s Six Nations...
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A Balanced Take On Gregor Townsend's Scotland Legacy ft. Kevin Millar
In this podcast I was joined by Glasgow statistician and writer Kevin Millar to tackle the hottest topics in Scottish rugby. Kevin explains how South African Franco Smith has made such a positive impact at Glasgow Warriors and the traits that make them such a brilliant team. We then turn our...
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How Scott Robertson's Sacking Sparked A Chaotic Chain Reaction... | Rugby Transfer Review - January 2026
In this months rugby transfer review we will cover: scrum halves headed to France the ripples of the NZ coaching conundrum who could replace a Welsh region in the URC Follow https://x.com/rugby_hub on twitter for all you rugby transfer updates! TOP 14 Digest Podcast Audio Links! Apple...
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Behind The Scenes At A Champions Cup Match! | Northampton vs Scarlets Audio Vlog
I go behind the scenes at the Scarlets trip to play Northampton Saints at Cinch Franklins Gardens in the Investec Champions Cup. Includes interviews with Josh Macleod, Nigel Davies, Phil Dawson & Fraser Dingwall. #scarlets #Wales #northampton #saints #championscup #highlights #vlog #review…
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What Are The Stormers Building This Season? | Mini-Documentary
In this documentary I explore the rebuild at the Stormers that has seen them go from goof troop to title contenders. Along with insights from Damian Willemse and John Dobson, I will be using Opta's stats to break down the tactics and reveal the secrets of the Cape Town giants. I will also be deep...
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Why France Have DROPPED Damian Penaud… | TOP 14 Digest
LINK TO NEW AUDIO PLATFORM: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NGCYndQuXbXthxgmuPKQG Huw and Maz are back to discuss the rumours that Penaud is off to defend Greenland on his own, the rest of the French squad for the 6 Nations and how French teams faired in round 4 of the European Cups. #FrenchRugby...
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Is France's European Domination Ending? | TOP 14 Digest
We are still working on our new audio platform, a few admin issues causing delays unfortunately! As soon as it's set up you will be the first to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Get YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@HuwGriffinRugby/featured...
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Headed For Disaster? - Inside Rugby's Chaotic Boardrooms ft. Nicks Johnston
This week on the HG Rugby podcast I was joined by rugby governance expert Nicks Johnston to learn how sporting governance works and what challenges those governing rugby union are currently facing. Nicks explained to me what governance is and how different countries go about their rugby…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does HG Rugby have?
HG Rugby currently has 256 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is HG Rugby about?
Telling rugby's untold stories by meeting people, analysing data and starting conversations
How often does HG Rugby release new episodes?
HG Rugby publishes regularly with 256 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to HG Rugby?
You can listen to HG Rugby on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts HG Rugby?
HG Rugby is created and hosted by Huw Griffin.
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