The Bonus Point Rugby Pod
by Tj Olsen
The Bonus Point is a sporting podcast based predominately on the game of Rugby Union. This podcast provides a platform to athletes, coaches & other individuals to share their story, experiences in the game & spark important conversations regarding topics/issues in the world today.
Episodes
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Earning Your Spot & Earning The Weekend - Episode 82 w/ Sean McMahon
From Aussie Sevens to the Melbourne Rebels on a minimal contract, and now over in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath - Sean McMahon’s journey is a story of making the most of an opportunity and becoming impossible to ignore. Sean joins us to discuss his rise to the Wallabies, the move to Japan and…
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Episode 81: Baltimore Buzz, NPC Stars Return & Wallabies’ 11-Man Miracle
Fresh off an unforgettable trip to Baltimore — and battling a bit of post-travel sickness — I’m recapping a genuine rugby bucket-list experience: the All Blacks and Springboks in the United States, historic attendance at MT&T Bank Stadium, incredible access to the teams, and what an event of that...
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All Blacks Selection Chaos Before the Springboks w/ Dane Sherratt (Kick On Rugby) - Episode 80
In Episode 80, Tj is joined by Dane Sherratt from Kick On Rugby to break down New Zealand’s strong tour start, including the win over the Stormers and the 54–0 result against the Sharks, before the final pre-Test audition against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. TJ and Dane also unpack the Springbok...
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Greatest Rivalry Is Here: Stormers v All Blacks - Episode 79
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour is officially underway as the All Blacks open their South African campaign against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town. In Episode 79, I break down the Stormers team and the biggest storylines heading into the match — including senior Stormers debutant Yaqeen Ahmed at...
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Hurricanes Rewrite the Script - Episode 78
The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season wrapped with a statement as the Hurricanes crushed the Chiefs in a record-breaking final, and we break down exactly why they were the best team in the competition. From the key stats and standout performers to the breakout stars forcing their way into the All...
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The Search For An Edge - Episode 77
In Episode 77, we break down a massive week in rugby, starting with the Super Rugby semi-finals, the big selection calls, and how the Australian teams have fared across the season. We also look at the launch of Super Rugby Aupiki and the exciting wave of new talent coming into the competition. In...
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Building the Eagles (w/ Rob Hammerschmidt & Scott Ferrara) — Episode 76
In Episode 76, we’re diving deep into the state of USA Rugby with Rob “The Hammer” Hammerschmidt and Scott “The Big Guy” Ferrara from the Rugby Rant podcast. With the Eagles set for a huge summer of Test rugby, we break down the upcoming Nations Cup fixtures, talk through who should be in the 23...
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The Man in the Middle (w/ Caleb Greaves) - Episode 75
If you’ve ever yelled at a ref… this episode might change your perspective. Or probably not as its a regular occurance amongst rugby fans. In this episode, we sit down with Caleb Greaves, a referee with 12 years of experience across five different associations and a current official in the North...
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Upsets Everywhere – Chiefs, Force & Drua Shake Super Rugby - Episode 74
In this episode, we break down a massive weekend of Super Rugby filled with upsets, tactical shifts, and standout performances. We dive into the Chiefs knocking off the Hurricanes in a top-of-the-table clash, including where the game turned tactically and how Wallace Sititi made a huge statement…
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Full Circle (From Razor to Rennie: All Blacks) - Episode 73
Dave Rennie’s All Blacks era begins, and we’re diving straight into the deep end.In this episode of The Bonus Point (recorded live at Three Weavers Brewing Company in Inglewood CA), Tj is joined by Alfonso Horomia (Pig Athletic - Rugby Heads Podcast) to break down one of the biggest coaching...
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Opening Whistle (Super Rugby Week One Review) - Episode 72
Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 delivered upsets galore—Highlanders shock Crusaders, Moana Pasifika conquer Drua in Lautoka, Chiefs steal one at Eden Park, plus big Aussie wins. We break down the key moments, a new segment "3, 2, 1's" for standout players, my Round 2 fantasy squad and tipping for…
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Crafting Rugby Stories That Stick (Chat w/ Ella Ferguson) - Episode 71
In this episode, I sit down with Ella Ferguson, content creator and journalist to talk about her journey into the world of rugby media and storytelling. Ella shares how she turned a passion for the game into a career capturing its modern side — from working with players and building digital...
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Building Scotland’s Future: Sione Fukofuka - Episode 70
The Bonus Point Rugby Podcast kicks off 2026 with a massive guest — newly appointed Scotland Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka. Host TJ Olsen sits down with Sione to unpack his journey from Brisbane State High to international coaching stints with Australia, the USA, and now Scotland. They dive...
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All Blacks Season Review w/ Jamie Wall - Episode 69
Episode 69 of the podcast features an insightful conversation with rugby journalist Jamie Wall, renowned for his deep knowledge and years covering the All Blacks and global rugby. Jamie shares his journey into rugby journalism, highlighting his work covering the All Blacks since 2017 and dives…
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EOY Tours Squads Announced!! Ep 68
We catch up with Rob "The Hammer" Hammerschmidt (The Rugby Rant) to discuss the EOY tour squads for: All Blacks Wallabies All Blacks XV We have included a sneak peak into the Rugby Rant's Podcast where we spoke about R360...a new and bold competition full of innovation. Is this new competition...
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USA Qualify For RWC 2027 | Ep 67 w/ Jason Emery
Jason Emery (Maori All Blacks, Old Glory DC) joins the show to chat about USA Rugby qualifying for the RWC in 2027, The upcoming Bledisloe Cup tests in the Rugby Championship & the Women's RWC finals.
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Ep 66 - Cup Fever: Grabbing Glory on Every Continent
This episode is dedicated to the passing of my dad Steve. We are chatting about all the cups that are up for grabs: Pacific Nations Cup The Rugby Championship Women's Rugby World Cup
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Episode 65 - Test Match Footy Is Back
This weeks episode were chatting about: All Blacks vs France British & Irish Lions vs Wallabies Kalyn Ponga to union!??
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Episode 64 - Chiefs OR Crusaders!!??
We unpack a lot on this weeks podcast. Super Rugby Pacific Finals (Chiefs vs Crusaders) British & Irish Lions vs Argentina Wallabies Squad Ardie Savea off to Japan in 2026 Premiership vs Super Rugby You wont wanna miss this one!!
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Episode 63 - The Playoff Picture
We are back to chat all about playoff footy!! On this episode, here is what is on the cards: First Half Segment - Super Rugby Quarter & Semi Final Picture Second Half Segment - Ngani Laumape signs with Moana Bonus Point Segment - Who should be the Wallabies captain for the B&IL Tour??
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Episode 62 - Growing the game
On this weeks episode we are joined by Samantha Lovett (@samloverugby) who is a a freelance digital content creator specializing in enhancing the global appeal of rugby through engaging and innovative content. She has worked with World Rugby, Guinness Six Nations, LA Sevens, etc and she is taking...
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Episode 61 - IRFU 7's Program Gone!!??
On this weeks episode we have on old friend join the show to chat about: Our starting Wallabies XV (is Noah & Joseph are out due to injury) IRFU scrapping their 7’s program ANZAC Test Match - Top 3 players we'd want to see Super Rugby Pacific - Round 14 picks
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Episode 60 - Moana Pasifika, PNC & the Lions Squad!!??
On this weeks episode, Jeremy Lardner (Dua Moana Podcast) joins us to chat about: Moana Pasifika The Pacific Nations Cup The British & Irish Lions Squad
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Episode 59 - What a RD1!!
Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific did not disappoint...and we have a lot of things to chat about!! Our show will feature: Lightning Quick Recap - Round 1 Tj & Guest James Tesoriero (Rugby Director for St Aloysius' College & former Randwick Colts Program and Pathways Manager) chat about: 1st half...
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Episode 58 - Super Rugby Pacific Kickoff
Super Rugby Pacific has returned and so has TBP for 2025. We chat with Joe Basser (former Melbourne Rebels Academy, Rugby New York & Anthem RC player) and got his opinion on: Biggest signings in the offseason Our top 4 teams for this season Super Rugby Fantasy picks for round 1
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Episode 57 - The Razor Era (All Blacks Squad 2024)
The Razor Era is officially here!! I catch up with Tevita in Santa Barbara so we can chat about: All Blacks in 2024 & the pecking order Missing Players (Snubs OR Valid??) Upcoming Games
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RFCLA Fan Pod - Ep 2 w/ Jason Emery
On this weeks episode, we catch up with Jason Emery who brings a wealth of experience skill. We get to learn about Jason's career, his move to LA and his thoughts about the double header game this weekend: USA vs Canada (Womens) RFCLA vs Freejacks
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RFCLA Fan Pod - Ep 1 w/ Dane Zander
Welcome to the first episode of the RFCLA (Major League Rugby) Fan Podcast. This segment is to bring more news & local content for the passionate LA Rugby fans as well as bring more awareness about our professional team. Tune in and we catch up with Dane Zander (formerly w/ Queensland Reds) to…
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Episode 56 w/ Sam V
We are back for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season and starting the year off strong. We get to catch up with 2 time Best Pacific R&B/Soul Artist winner (Pacific Music Awards) & die hard Hurricanes fan - Sam V. We get Sam's thoughts on the kiwi teams in the upcoming season as well as who he…
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Episode 55 w/ James Semple (New York Iron Workers)
On this weeks episode we got to catch up with Head Coach of the New York Iron Workers (Major League Rugby) - James Semple. James has both a strong playing (Counties Manukau, North Harbour, Utah Warriors) & coaching background (Waikato Women, Auckland Blues, Utah Warriors, New York) & he's taken…
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Episode 54 - Out With The Old, In With The New
Ok everyone, strap yourselves in because on this week's episode we chat all about: - Brad Thorne leaving the QLD Reds - RTS heading back to the Warriors (NRL) - The Chiefs remaining undefeated - Super W Semi Finals
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Episode 53 w/ Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu
On this weeks episode we got to catch up with current Black Ferns & Waitomo Chiefs Manawa player - Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu. Arihiana is one of the few players lucky enough to be contracted with the NZR for the 2023 season and she gave us an amazing insight into: Counties Manukau Heat (Farah…
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Episode 52 - Clash Of The Titans (ft. Orene Ai_i)
This week we're lucky to be joined by 03 Super Rugby champion, 05 IRB 7's player of the year & true legend of game...Orene Ai'i. Rens got to chatting all about his recent reunion with the 03 Blues championship team, what he thinks about Super Rugby over the past couple of rounds & also NZR...
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Episode 51 - The Comeback Kids
The Bonus Point Rugby Podcast is back and we're PACKED TO THE BRIM with some amazing special guests!! Check out our first episode of the year including: Michael Mau'u (Moana Pasifika) Sione Helu (Pig Athletic Club) Josh Hyde (Northland Rugby Club) Darryl Keith (Dallas Jackals - President of the...
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Episode 50 - End of Year Tours (Oct 20th)
On this weeks episode, the crew are back at "Since 86" Studios to chat all about the passing of Sean Wainui, the upcoming tours for the All Blacks/Wallabies + the recent signings for the Moana Pasifika & Fijian Drua teams.
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The Bonus Point - Rugby Championship Wrap Up (Oct 14th)
The All Blacks were the victors of the Rugby Championship....but who had the most successful campaign? Tune in to hear our thoughts.
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The Bonus Point Podcast...RETURNS!! (Aug 12th 2021)
After a long hiatus, the crew is back and we're ready to talk all about the MLR, the Waratahs fate under new coach Darren Coleman, the LA Giltinis & the Bledisloe Cup. Tune in at 6pm PST to listen/watch us live as we dive into all those topics.
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Super Rugby (April 27)
This week Tj, Hala & James are back to break down all the action in Super Rugby AU/Aotearoa & also talk about the first ever Super Rugby women's match between the Blues & Chiefs. What does this do to the landscape of women's rugby in New Zealand? Tune it to find out.
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MLR (April 27)
The boys are back after a week off to chat everything MLR. We break down all the action from: ATL vs NOLA LA vs SD UTAH vs HOU We also chat about the former Irish captain Rory Best joining the Seawolves coaching staff. Don't miss out on this one!!
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The Bonus Point - Super Rugby (March 28th)
The boys are back to talk all about Super Rugby AU/Super Rugby Aotearoa, the firing of Rob Penney (Waratahs), Chiefs first back to back win in a while & what we think of the Wallabies squad named yesterday.
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The Bonus Point - Super Rugby (March 21st)
The boys are back to talk all about Super Rugby AU & Super Rugby Aotearoa.
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The Bonus Point - MLR (March 21st)
Week 1 of the MLR season is in the books and we get to talking about all the action over the weekend. Plus we talk about former 7's player & Super Bowl champion Nate Ebner on his return to rugby and trying to compete for an olympic jersey.
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The Bonus Point - MLR (March 14th)
The Bonus Point is back with its MLR Rugby series talking all about the rugby in North America. We talk all about the return of the MLR in it's 4th season + the coaches and teams we like this season!!
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Super Rugby Recap (March 13th)
This week the crew is back to talk everything Super Rugby. We talk First Nations Week (Super Rugby AU), the Chiefs losing streak & breakdown all the gameplay from both Super Rugby AU & Super Rugby Aotearoa. Don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Youtube for our livestreams.
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Super Rugby Recap (March 2nd)
Join Tj & Hala as they recap Both Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby AU. Plus talk about potential dark horses in the women's world cup now that it has been postponed to March 2022.
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Super Rugby Recap (Feb 23rd)
Super Rugby AU 2021 is now in the history books and there was some amazing action played in round. Join Tj, Hala & James for a breakdown on everything that happened in round 1 and everything to look forward to with Super Rugby Aotearoa kicking off next week!!
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The Bonus Point - Season 2 Debut (2021 - LIVESTREAM)
We are back and our first episode of 2021 was recorded live in front of a live studio audience (aka social media). We started off with a bang talking about the MLR (ft. The Rugby Index), Super Aotearoa & Super Rugby AU. Plus our Bonus Point segment involved us selecting who we thought should be…
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Last Week In Rugby (12/10/20) - LAST EPISODE OF 2020
This is our last episode of 2020!! On this weeks episode we have new Maori All Blacks player Matt Skipwith Garland join us to talk about the epic Māori All Blacks vs Moana Pasifika game. We also talk about the conclusion of the Tri-Nations series...and close out the year by talking about what we...
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Last Week In Rugby (12/03/20)
This is our second last episode for 2020!! On this weeks episode we talk about the Conclusion of the Mitre 10 Cup, the final match up between the All Blacks & The Pumas & the impact Tier 2 rugby Nations could have on the game with some little changes.
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Last Week In Rugby (11/24/20)
The Bonus Point is back again and we've got a lot to talk about!! Check out this weeks episode as we analyze the Australia vs Argentina match, who we think is going to win the Mitre 10 Cup and a great double Bonus Point segment you don't want to miss out on - - - - Maori AB's vs Moana Pasifika &...
About this show
The Bonus Point is a sporting podcast based predominately on the game of Rugby Union. This podcast provides a platform to athletes, coaches & other individuals to share their story, experiences in the game & spark important conversations regarding topics/issues in the world today.
Hosted by
Tj Olsen