Best Glorious Rugby Podcasts (2026)

1
Wrapping Up 2025 33:15

20d ago33:15

33:15

Episode Notes In our last episode of the year, we cover a couple OGDC signings and the news around the league. We'll be off the next couple weeks and be back in your feeds in the new year. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spa…

1
The Best of 2025 1:41:39

9d ago1:41:39

1:41:39

What a year it’s been. A huge thank you to all our incredible guests for joining us and sharing their stories. The kōrero throughout 2025 has been raw, real, uplifting, entertaining and inspiring. In this bonus Best of episode, we revisit some of our favourite moments from the past year, featuring Samantha Hayes, Matt Watson, Tami Neilson, Eru Kapa…

1
How do we explain 2025? Stuff’s Explainer Editor Lloyd Burr is here to, well, explain. Plus brioche buns, niche quiche and being 'unclaimed treasure' 1:16:39

17d ago1:16:39

1:16:39

For the final episode of the year, I thought it fitting to invite someone whose job is literally to explain things, and ask him to put it all into context. Not all of it is good news, but it’s important we reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly in this tumultuous world. Fear not, though - award-winning journalist, good friend and Stuff’s Explain…

1
How three days at business school saw Ella Monnery become one of New Zealand’s biggest singing voices - and how she’s overcoming self-doubt in her solo era 1:06:36

24d ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Ella Monnery is the voice of Christmas in the Park, belts out bangers at Synthony, and takes the main stage at Rhythm and Vines — but it’s only this year that she has focused on her solo career. With the support of her partner - producer and rapper Kings - she’s stepping confidently into a new phase. From The Voice Australia to a nine-month cruise-…

1
MLR 2026 is on Schedule 42:48

27d ago42:48

42:48

Episode Notes The big news is the release of the MLR schedule and what it means for Old Glory, but there have also been a bunch of player announcements and the drawing of RWC 2027 pools, making this a packed episode. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rug…

1
Can you imagine playing George Washington 700 times in one of the world’s biggest musicals? Matu Ngaropo tells all about Hamilton (the musical, not the town) 1:14:11

1M ago1:14:11

1:14:11

The aura of Matu Ngaropo hits you straight away, which is why it’s easy to see how he’s one of those performers who can do it all - and do it all well. Matu works across film, television, and theatre. He took on one of the biggest roles of his career when he landed the part of George Washington in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, performing across Au…

1
New Direction for the League 37:14

1M ago37:14

37:14

Episode Notes Old Glory has brought in a new player and the league has brought in new leadership, and it looks like there's a new schedule on the way. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Ki…

1
Niki Bezzant on 'menowashing', ageism, and her mission to empower midlife women to become vibrant, kick-arse old ladies 1:01:23

1M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Niki Bezzant never set out to become New Zealand’s “menopause woman”, but the journalist, author, and speaker is really leaning into that title now. It was the Healthy Food Guide founding editor’s own experiences that made her realise how little support there was for women. Today we cut through the bullshit and hear how brilliant Niki is at helping…

1
A New Loosehead for Thanksgiving 30:25

1M ago30:25

30:25

Episode Notes Old Glory has added a new loosehead prop so we talk about how that position is shaping up, including an update on Jack Iscaro in France. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Ki…

1
Nude Paul, Yacht Paul, Gin Paul, The Chase Paul, Breakfast Paul, Palm Springs Paul: Get to know who Paul Henry really is 1:42:33

2M ago1:42:33

1:42:33

Almost everyone has an opinion on Paul Henry. Good or bad, people have certainly made up their minds about one of the country’s best-known broadcasters. But should we pump the brakes on always thinking about his time on Breakfast? Is there more to Paul Henry than those controversial one-liners from way back when? The new The Chase New Zealand host …

1
Weirdly Optimistic 32:14

2M ago32:14

32:14

Episode Notes Signings continue to roll in, the Eagles picked up a needed win, and World Rugby is shaking up the international calendar. But the league still exists and John is feeling weirdly optimistic. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hou…

1
Claire Turnbull on burnout, food battles and taking back control of our brains (aka GET OFF YOUR SCREENS!) 1:21:09

2M ago1:21:09

1:21:09

Claire Turnbull is a nutritionist, best-selling author and professional well-being speaker. What makes Claire so powerful is her lived experience. This isn’t some self-proclaimed “guru” pushing an agenda - Claire cuts through the shit and tells it like it is. She cares because she’s been through it too: navigating disordered eating, dyslexia, depre…

1
Houston, We Have a Stadium 54:10

2M ago54:10

54:10

Episode Notes Old Glory DC continues sign quality young Americans and also finally confirmed their home stadium for 2026. However the news from around the league is darker. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @ru…

1
From 'useless' to unstoppable: René Heyde’s remarkable journey from trauma to Commonwealth Games glory - and beyond 52:35

2M ago52:35

52:35

René Heyde left his 14th school in Year 12 after a teacher told him he was “useless”. He wasn’t. He was a kid surviving a traumatic childhood, just trying to find his way. A few years later, after a chance ride through the streets of Christchurch, René was wearing a New Zealand jersey at the 1974 Commonwealth Games - and bringing home a bronze meda…

1
Utah Goes Down 45:23

2M ago45:23

45:23

Episode Notes Another MLR team has pulled out of the league, leaving just 6 teams. We discuss that, before getting into Old Glory signings, Scotland blowing out the Eagles, and beer running out in Chicago. Also, AKP nails another signing. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby …

1
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on RWC heartbreak, why the Black Ferns are so special, and what life after rugby might hold - from hairdressing to midwifery and babies 1:07:40

2M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

She never set out to be the greatest rugby player of all time - she was just a little girl who loved sport. We’re lucky that girl was Portia Woodman-Wickliffe - a trailblazer for women’s rugby here in Aotearoa and across the world. At 34, she’s the top try-scorer in New Zealand rugby history, but that’s never been her “why”. We talk equality in spo…

1
Big Name In, Big Name Out 43:51

2M ago43:51

43:51

Episode Notes We talk about the good news and the bad news, a promising young player joining and a keystone player leaving. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor fo…

1
How Lisette Reymer became an accidental war correspondent 1:09:00

2M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Award-winning journalist Lisette Reymer is Stuff’s senior correspondent and author of No, I Don’t Get Danger Money. Lisette spent three years as Newshub’s Europe Correspondent - and it’s fair to say what she witnessed and covered during that time is almost hard to comprehend. Eight trips to Ukraine during the war, Donald Trump’s indictment, the Oct…

1
Finally, Some Player News! 29:23

3M ago29:23

29:23

Episode Notes Teams have finally started announcing player signings, Old Glory included, and Jack Iscaro got his first start in the Top 14. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole …

1
Teacher and writer Sara Qasem on being Palestinian and living with grief after losing her father in the March 15 terror attacks 1:32:26

3M ago1:32:26

1:32:26

Sara Qasem is a Palestinian teacher and writer who immigrated to Aotearoa at a young age and is now based in Ōtautahi. In 2019, Sara lost her father, Abdelfattah, who was killed at the Al Noor Mosque by an Australian far-right terrorist who opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch - killing 51 people and injuring dozens more. Through spoken word …

1
2026 is Happening! 45:03

3M ago45:03

45:03

Episode Notes Old Glory teased but didn't pull through on their venue change, MLR released a statement announcing that the 2026 season is happening, and also announced dramatic changes for domestic players. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy H…

1
Veteran activist Tāme Iti on racism, te reo Māori, protesting, and how art saved his life 1:27:39

3M ago1:27:39

1:27:39

For more than five decades, Tāme Iti has been at the forefront of the pursuit of Māori rights in Aotearoa. From being silenced from speaking te reo as a child, to finding strength in protest and tackling challenges head-on in remarkable ways, he has never stopped questioning the status quo. Tāme is as well known and respected for his art as for his…

1
Homegrown Player goes Abroad 39:55

3M ago39:55

39:55

Episode Notes There's a lot to discuss this week with a potential change of venue for OGDC, Jack Iscaro heading to France, R360, Barbies, and more. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsc…

1
Jon Bridges on the rising distrust in the media, being a middle-aged man in lycra, and the correct use of an apostrophe 1:17:34

3M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

I hope Jon Bridges takes this the right way when he reads it - he’s genuinely one of the good guys in New Zealand media. With a television career spanning more than three decades, the comedian-turned-producer of some of the country’s biggest shows says it’s largely down to him saying “yes” to the jobs people ask him to do. And who in the Gen-X/elde…

1
AJ to MLR? 37:40

3M ago37:40

37:40

Episode Notes A thankfully light news week gives us time to talk about the Women's RWC final, TRN+ shutting down, AJ MacGinty's future, and the continued expansion of Super Rugby Americas. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spa…

1
Rebecca Nelson: from street busking to singing for King Charles and being shoulder-tapped by the Navy - and the All Black who thought she was miming 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

Today’s guest shares an incredible story of never giving up on what you love. Rebecca Nelson is practically on speaking terms with King Charles, having wowed him with her singing voice five times. Most of her gigs - from performing the national anthem at Gallipoli to entertaining a sell-out, rugby-mad crowd at Twickenham - grew out of her time busk…

1
The Odds are Improving 38:09

3M ago38:09

38:09

Episode Notes A lot is still uncertain in Major League Rugby, but some things are starting to settle. We go over the latest rumors and dig into what it all might mean for OGDC. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter:…

1
Slingshot founder Annette Presley on helping young women, ambition, Telecom battles and the cost of success 59:09

4M ago59:09

59:09

This week, we meet tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Annette Presley. Annette started her first business at 24, co-founded one of New Zealand’s earliest internet providers, Slingshot, took on Telecom in the early 2000s (and won), and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and women. Her latest mission? To …

1
David Kirk: The state of rugby, search for a CEO and the future 57:43

4M ago57:43

57:43

On this episode, Murray talks to former All Black captain, now chairman of the New Zealand Rugby board, David Kirk. Deaks and David discuss the state of the game in New Zealand, his impressive CV and what it brings the role of chairman and also his thoughts on the way forward for rugby. He also gives an update on the hunt for a CEO and whether that…

1
Good News and Bad News 46:07

4M ago46:07

46:07

Episode Notes The Eagles qualified for the World Cup with a spirited win over Samoa, but chaos has returned to MLR. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorio…

1
Matt Watson’s painful epiphany that changed the course of his career - and what he’d do to overhaul New Zealand’s commercial fishing industry 1:26:26

4M ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Today’s guest is probably the most famous fisherman in all of Aotearoa. Matt Watson only ever wanted to fish, and the kid who used to drag his dinghy up a steep boat ramp for the hour-long walk home has turned his passion into a remarkable career. Matt is such a brilliant storyteller that you’ll be hooked on this one (see what I did there). But tru…

1
A Quarter of a Billion Dollars 48:28

4M ago48:28

48:28

Episode Notes With the Women's Eagles out of the World Cup and without a head coach, the Men's Eagles prepare for a pivotal matchup with Samoa, and World Rugby announcing a quarter of a billion dollar investment in the American rugby market, we have a lot to get through this week. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter H…

1
Dame Jacinda Ardern on leadership, religion, kindness, the state of the world, and Rhythm and Vines 57:54

4M ago57:54

57:54

It's taken seven years of asking (I'm very patient), but I finally get to sit down with our 40th Prime Minister, Dame Jacinda Ardern. She's beaming in from the other side of the world, but we manage to squeeze in just under an hour to discuss her book, A Different Kind of Power, which is enjoying success across the globe. We discuss her leadership …

1
Precariously Perched Eagles 36:48

4M ago36:48

36:48

Episode Notes With both Eagles still technically in contention for advancing in their respective tournaments, we break down how long their odds are and what they need to do to get there. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Space…

1
Dillon Boucher: Basketball in his DNA, Steven Adams and rebuilding the Breakers 46:23

4M ago46:23

46:23

On this episode, Murray talks to former Tall Black, turned basketball administrator, Dillon Boucher. Deaks and Dillon talk about the key moments from his player career - from getting dropped by the Breakers to finding winning culture in Australia. As an administrator Dillon has worked for Baskeball New Zealand as CEO and is now back at the Breakers…

1
Meet Val Smith – New Zealand’s most-capped athlete and two-time lawn bowls world champion 1:13:07

4M ago1:13:07

1:13:07

When you talk about (or even Google) celebrated athletes in this country, rugby players usually come up first. But I want you to meet New Zealand’s most-capped athlete, who has played an astonishing 667 international matches for her country. She is Val Smith, one of New Zealand’s most successful lawn bowls athletes. She’s a two-time world champion …

1
Simon Cross - How OGDC Will Take the Next Step 53:11

4M ago53:11

53:11

Episode Notes Simon Cross joined us to talk through the 2025 season, what the team needs to do to take the next step, Old Glory's draft picks, and how the league rules around rosters are changing for better or for worse. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA…

1
Trailblazing drum and bass artist MC Tali on how her fighting spirit drives her past all the people who say no: 'Proving people wrong has always been satisfying' 1:16:16

5M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

This week, we're with the trailblazing drum and bass star, award-winning vocalist, MC, producer, composer, music mentor and author - MC Tali, aka Natalia Sheppard. The girl from rural Taranaki became Aotearoa’s - and one of the world’s - first drum and bass MCs, despite coming up against an industry and people who told her she couldn’t. We will pro…

1
Draft Day Comes Again 38:47

5M ago38:47

38:47

Episode Notes With 8 teams still left in the league, we go over some names to watch in the draft before covering the upcoming Rugby World Cup and Pacific Nations Cup action. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @r…

1
Dame Julie Christie: 37 years of TV, from reality shows to documentaries, and the power of never taking ‘no’ for an answer 1:24:31

5M ago1:24:31

1:24:31

Dame Julie Christie remembers the first show she made back in 1988 as if it were yesterday. Her passion for making television is just as strong 300-odd shows later. Her eyes nearly roll to the back of her head when we mention the title "reality TV queen" that’s often thrown around to describe her, but there’s no denying Dame Julie was a global lead…

1
Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy - MLR and Old Glory in 2026 56:40

5M ago56:40

56:40

Episode Notes With the league now down to 8 teams, we caught up with OGDC owners Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy about what's been happening and what lies ahead for bit the league and the team. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter…

1
Somatic sexologist Morgan Penn is on a mission to educate about consent - and shares the deeply personal reason why 1:21:38

5M ago1:21:38

1:21:38

Morgan Penn is the guest I've been most intimate with (you’ll find out how and why - how’s that for a teaser?). A lot has happened since we last spoke, but Morgan is still out there, openly sharing her journey and educating others. She believes we were never properly taught to value our bodies - and that feeling comfortable in your own skin is one …

1
Joseph Parker: The story behind his success and the wait for a title fight. 36:34

5M ago36:34

36:34

On this episode, Murray talks to kiwi heavyweight boxing sensation, Joseph Parker. For the first time 14 years, Deaks and Joseph meet to discuss how Joseph got into the best shape of his life, why he's waiting for a title fight and how many years he thinks he's got left in the ring. Murray Deaker has been interviewing the biggest names in sport for…

1
Country music queen Tami Neilson on carrying both joy and sorrow, touring with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, and music vs politics 1:24:09

5M ago1:24:09

1:24:09

Tami Neilson’s just back from touring the US with her now-dear friend Willie Nelson - and Bob Dylan (yes, you’ll get the tea on what that was like...). She’s also released her latest album, Neon Cowgirl, and shares some truly stunning stories about how it came together - particularly how she’s recently learned to carry both joy and sorrow, in life …

1
Rumors Become Reality 48:44

5M ago48:44

48:44

Episode Notes A lot of swirling rumors became confirmed reality on Wednesday, forcing us to re-record the podcast. It's a tumultuous time in the league, so we had a lot to cover. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitte…

1
Guy Montgomery on cracking Australia, the terror of success, making spelling bees funny, and Sex and the City 2 1:30:58

5M ago1:30:58

1:30:58

Guy Montgomery has absolutely nailed it. The Billy T and Fred Award-winning, Logie-nominated comedian, writer, and television host is responsible for making spelling bees funny, doing podcasts long before most (and doing them well), and cracking into Aussie television. He's one of Aotearoa’s most internationally successful comedians, but he's back …

1
Thunder and Lightning 36:10

6M ago36:10

36:10

Episode Notes Lightning delays aside, the USA double header on Saturday was a rousing success. We dive into the matches and their implications, and also take a tangent into college rugby. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spac…

1
Outward Bound CEO Malindi MacLean is 'obsessed' with getting kids offline and outdoors. Hear how she plans to do it. 1:15:22

6M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Today’s guest is Malindi MacLean, the first woman to lead Outward Bound as CEO. She took on the role while seven and a half months pregnant - and shares the many challenges that came with it. Malindi is also the co-founder of B416, a movement calling for a minimum age of 16 for social media in Aotearoa. Remarkably, she’s never had social media hers…

1
DC Takes Center Stage Again 35:51

6M ago35:51

35:51

Episode Notes A frustrating start to the men's Eagles international season neverless sets up an exciting doubleheader in DC this weekend. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Wr…

1
EJ Barnes on growing up with 'freak of nature' dad Jimmy Barnes, finding her own voice, and working with Phil Rudd 45:21

6M ago45:21

45:21

EJ Barnes is the proud daughter of Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes. In this fascinating episode, she reflects on growing up in a family where music always came first - joining her first band with her siblings at just six years old. And what was it really like having Jimmy Barnes as your dad during the wild years of the ’80s and ’90s?…

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