Best Japan Rugby Podcasts (2024)

1
Inside Rugby's Business: Craig Fenton on NZ Rugby and its growing connections with Japan 47:28

3h ago47:28

47:28

Craig Fenton is Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby Commercial and joins us to discuss the connection between New Zealand Rugby and Japan. Japan has a long history of supporting New Zealand rugby in ways that are not well known and recently that relationship has seen an uptick in visibility through increased numbers of players and coaches coming t…

1
S5 Ep3: Jonny May in France 55:20

2d ago55:20

55:20

This week, we take you to one of the most prestigious events in French rugby – La Nuit du Rugby in Paris. Often referred to as the "Oscars of French Rugby," this glamorous night celebrates the most thrilling moments and standout performances from the past season. With an increasing number of English rugby stars heading to France, we sit down with n…

1
S5 Ep2: Season Kick-off with GBR & Friends 1:14:54

7d ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Join us live at Underbelly Boulevard Soho for the exciting launch of the new season with The Good, The Bad & The Rugby team, featuring special guests Jon "Fox" Davies, Shane Horgan, and Rory Lawson. In this episode, we dive into hot topics like the rumoured British and Irish League. We preview the URC, the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership and discuss …

1
S5 Ep1: Cheika Maaaaaate! 1:03:05

11d ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Payno and Hask kick off Season 5 with a banger as they dive into the extraordinary career of Michael Cheika, heading up to Leicester to meet the Premiership’s biggest off-season signing. Cheika’s coaching journey spans the globe, with stints in Italy, France, Ireland, Australia, Japan, Argentina, and even Lebanon’s national rugby league team. In th…

1
From Vine to Victory: Small scale winery secures distributor and wine award in Japan with Stephanie Henderson-Grant 35:02

4d ago35:02

35:02

In this episode of the Jandals in Japan podcast, hosts Jayne and Catherine discuss various topics from the current rice shortage in Japan to the unique process of wine distribution with guest Stephanie Henderson-Grant, Managing Director of Ataahua Wines Limited in New Zealand. Stephanie shares her journey from working in the wool industry to establ…

1
Season One Wrap 0:29

2M ago0:29

0:29

Crosscontinentals is going on a summer break. The show will be back with season two: expect more great guests and more in-depth conversations about straddling multiple cultures. If you’d like to be notified when the second season starts, subscribe here, or follow on Instagram: bit.ly/3NDZI0iBy Momoe

1
S4: Johnny Fisher - Boxing's Next "World-Class Prospect" | The Lock-In 37:55

2M ago37:55

37:55

Tune into "The Lock-In" with James Haskell as he chats with heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher, the man Eddie Hearn calls Fisher a "world-class prospect". The history graduate played a bit of rugby at Exeter University but admits he'd rather trade punches than be hoisted in a rugby line-out. Get the scoop on his training, nutrition, and of course fami…

1
Which International Gridiron League is the Best? 1:39:33

2M ago1:39:33

1:39:33

From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY Our Greg St. James is also the host of the Gridiron Japan podcast, and sits down with his cohost, John Gunning, of Inside Sport Japan, to chat with quarterback Aaron Ellis, of Japan's X-League's Dentsu Caterpillars, to talk about his…

1
New Zealand Seafood in Japan with Jason Plato, Sealord 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

Jason Plato is the General Manager for Sales at Sealord. Jason recounts his very unique bootcamp-like early experience of joining a Japanese bank as a new recruit which has been invaluable to him in his career. He also shares insights into Japan's seafood market, including the importance of preparation in business dealings, cultural nuances, and th…

1
Bonus: Modeling, Rugby, and Addiction in Japan 59:08

2M ago59:08

59:08

Franciszek Ślusarczyk’s move to Tokyo at the age of seven marked the beginning of a turbulent period in his life, during which he worked as a fashion model, flunked out of schools, and developed a drug habit. He had difficulties growing up in a place where he felt different, and it took him years to find balance and stability. We discussed: Moving …

1
S4: GBR Reacts: Ireland beat the Boks | England come close in NZ | Wales fall short to Wallabies 51:27

2M ago51:27

51:27

As Ireland beat World Champions South Africa, GBR reacts to the big games of the weekend with Mike Tindall, Shane Horgan & Jon "Fox" Davies. GBR Reacts is sponsored by Continental Tyres.By Folding Pocket

1
Doppelganger DJs 44:21

2M ago44:21

44:21

Leo Yamane thought of himself as unique, but in his 20s, he came across someone who shared many of his rare traits. This meeting was the start of a DJ duo consisting of two Leos, both Japanese-Polish, both raised in Germany, and both playing house music. We discussed: Leo meeting Leo The discomfort around being marketed in Poland as “DJs from Tokyo…

1
Back On The Air! 1:08:11

2M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

From the 55 Yard Line is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY Greg, now back from America and settled back in over in Japan, dusts off the controls in the studio, and gathers the crew to talk about what has been happening in the WNBA, NWSL, CFL and the other leagues, including the UFL, since l…

1
Partnerships in Education: New Zealand and Japan collaborations with Misa Kitaoka 52:18

2M ago52:18

52:18

Misa Kitaoka is the Director of Education at Education New Zealand (ENZ) in Japan. She shares her experiences and insights into fostering educational exchanges between New Zealand and Japan. Misa highlights the role of lifelong learning and the changing dynamics of Japanese education that will surely influence what education exchange between New Ze…

1
S4: GBR Reacts: All Blacks v England | Australia v Wales | Springboks v Ireland 49:27

3M ago49:27

49:27

Following an action-packed weekend of international rugby, Alex Payne catches up with Mike Tindall, Jon “Fox” Davies, and Shane Horgan to analyse the weekend's events. Season 4 is sponsored by Continental TyresBy Folding Pocket

1
S4: GBR Reacts: Jack Willis at the double 32:05

3M ago32:05

32:05

Hask is joined by Jack Willis following Toulouse's victory in the Top 14. After the collapse of his previous club Wasps, Jack has achieved great success, winning two Top 14 titles and the Champions Cup. We delve into Toulouse's 3-day celebration, his England Exile, and the possibility of him joining the Lions Tour in 2025. Season 4 is proudly spons…

1
Looking for Answers in Japan 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

Emilia Okada grew up with people who didn’t look like her. Standing out made her curious about the Japanese side of her family, and when she was 17, she traveled to Tokyo to get to know them. We discussed: Finding answers to long-standing questions during Emilia’s first trip to Japan Childhood in Sweden Attracting attention in Poland Emilia’s mom’s…

1
SHN Presents: This Day in Sports History - SHN Trailers 2:56

3M ago2:56

2:56

When Football Is Football is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. HIGHLIGHTED SHOW: THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports H…

1
S4: James Haskell does Tour de France 41:19

3M ago41:19

41:19

Hask heads to Monaco to delve into the secrets of the Tour de France, the pinnacle of cycling. Joining forces with 2018 Tour champion Geraint Thomas and ex-Ineos Grenadiers captain Luke Rowe, they delve into topics like mental toughness, proper nutrition, flicking, and the dreaded saddle sores. This podcast covers all the bases! Season 4 of The Goo…

1
S4: GBR Reacts: Japan v England 33:06

3M ago33:06

33:06

International rugby is back! Payno, Tins, and Jonny May share their thoughts on the first weekend of the Summer Tests, discussing Japan vs England and Barbarians vs Fiji. And don't miss Mike Tindall's take on the Boks' first appearance since lifting the World Cup. Season 4 of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby is sponsored by Continental Tyres.…

1
S4 Ep46: Kyle Sinckler | "I let the country down" 1:18:46

3M ago1:18:46

1:18:46

Payno and Tins welcome Kyle Sinckler and Jonny May to GBR HQ for the last studio show of the season. Both players can't wait to play for the Barbarians this weekend before heading off to France with their new club contracts. In a rare interview Kyle opens up about falling out of favour with England, but he still has ambitions to wear the Red Rose a…

1
Come to Poland! 48:22

3M ago48:22

48:22

Brothers Yasuhito and Masato Hayashi were born and raised in Japan. Masa was the first one to move to Poland. When Yasu went to visit him, little did he know, he would not be going back to Japan. Nowadays, they both live in Toruń, and their enthusiasm for Poland is so infectious, it prompted their childhood friend to follow them from Tokyo. We disc…

1
S4 Ep45: Hask Is Back! 1:01:54

4M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Payno and Tins are reunited with the Hask. Its our original combo - the ready salted of pods. Hask bleeds green, black and yellow following Northampton's epic triumph at Twickenham and we pick an England Team to take on the All Blacks on July 6th… Marcus Smith or Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell or Ben Spencer? International rugby is just around the corner…

1
Bonus: Academic Research on Multilingualism 45:16

4M ago45:16

45:16

Sayuri Hayakawa, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Oklahoma State University, studies the role of language on how people make decisions. She talks about her research findings and their practical applications. She also answers listener questions. We discussed: The physical differences in brains of multilinguals and monolinguals Tips for learning …

1
S4 Ep44: Finals and Farewells 1:02:22

4M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

On this week’s show Alex, Tins and Jonny May are joined by Tom Wood who captained Northampton to Premiership glory 10 years ago. We preview highly anticipated final between Saints and Bath, which is completely sold out. As we bid farewell to Courtney Lawes from English rugby this weekend, our lads also take a moment to honour the incredible contrib…

1
Thriving Creatively in California 43:38

4M ago43:38

43:38

Vicky Inoue grew up in Stockholm, but never felt at home there. It wasn't until she moved to LA that she found a place that put her at ease. Vicky is a poet, and her multicultural background often features in her works. We discussed: Vicky’s journey that led her from Stockholm to Los Angeles Finding dating much easier after moving to California Goi…

1
2024 CFL Preview 1:32:37

4M ago1:32:37

1:32:37

From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY Greg and Dave are joined by Don and Heath of the Third Down Gamble podcast for the second year in a row to preview, here in the third week of the preseason, the upcoming CFL season. We start in the far east with defending Grey Cup ch…

1
S4 Ep43: Ben Earl - England's High Flyer 1:06:45

4M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Alex, Tins and Jonny May are joined for a Bank Holiday episode by the Saracens and England flanker Ben Earl. The foursome talk golf, snooker, recovery, Lions ambitions, England under Eddie Jones, personal development, Zak Crawley, and how being around the alphas at Sarries helped Ben grow as a player and a person. They also dig into a fascinating C…

1
Ep.119 Japan Rugby League One Final 14:26

4M ago14:26

14:26

Welcome back to the Japan Rugby Weekly Podcast! I'm Doug the translator, and this week I review the Japan Rugby League One Semi-finals and the Promotion-Relegation Battles before previewing the Final for the 2024 season! I also breakdown what every team in the promotion relegation battles needs to do to get promoted/stay in their division for anoth…

1
S4 Ep42: The Champions Cup Final Preview 1:15:42

4M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Alex, Tins and Will Greenwood are together to discuss the Investec Champions Cup Final between Toulouse and Leinster - but why has Will got his guns out? They discuss where the game will be won and lost, who has a bigger point to prove and which team is like a Ferrari. The guys also speak to Jonny May ahead of his final game for Gloucester in the C…

1
Integrating Japanese Practices at Work in Germany 42:34

4M ago42:34

42:34

At the beginning of her career, Asako Klimkiewicz spent three months in a hospital because of work-related burnout. She combined lessons from that experience with various Japanese cultural elements to excel at her current job in Germany. We discussed: The sometimes troublesome, sometimes funny situations that happen in Germany as a result of Asako’…

1
Ep.118 Japan Rugby League One Semi-finals 19:07

4M ago19:07

19:07

Welcome back to the Japan Rugby Weekly Podcast! I'm Doug the translator, and this week I preview the Japan Rugby League One Semi-finals and the Promotion-Relegation Battles! I also discuss the recently announced Japan Brave Blossoms training Squad. Thanks so much for all the messages and sorry if I cant get the eps out consistently! We hope to cont…

1
S4 Ep41: LIV Rugby - Coming Soon? 1:16:24

4M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

On this week’s show we are joined by Mark Foster, a former Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs winger. He is now Senior Vice President of Finance at LIV Golf - the tournament backed by one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds in the world. Golf is one of many sports that has seen significant investment from Saudi Arabia. Rugby is yet to have a big bite o…

1
Is It June Yet? 1:16:12

4M ago1:16:12

1:16:12

From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY Please pardon the audio difficulties. In this episode, Dave, Fran and Greg, on a Mother's Day in Japan, sit down to talk spring football with the Arena Football League Ponzi scheme beginning its implosion, and the United Football Lea…

1
Tackling Japan: Rugby Legends Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith on life in Japan and playing for Toyota Verblitz 55:22

4M ago55:22

55:22

Join us for a face to face interview with Toyota Verblitz players Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith. The boys share their insights into the deep-rooted respect within Japanese culture and sports, and how these athletes navigate their lives on and off the field in Japan. Plus, hear their personal journeys from small-town New Zealand to the internation…

1
S4 Ep40: Rugby’s Greatest Unions: Gethin Jenkins & Adam Jones 1:13:25

5M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Gethin Jenkins ‘Melon’ and Adam Jones ‘Bomb’ are 2 modern greats. Both test centurions who won 3 Six Nations Grandslams together for Wales. This accolade puts the Props in the same company as Sir Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies and the late JPR Williams. Both represented the British & Irish Lions, both are now coaching, but inbetween were involved in…

1
Ex-Yakuza Dad and Kick-Ass Mom 44:42

5M ago44:42

44:42

Tom Mori's childhood sounds like a nail-biting, action-packed thriller. When he was only a few years old, he and his mom ran away from his dad, who was a former gang member, and lived in small towns around Fukuyama. This was just the start of his journey that spanned two continents and involved learning Scouse. We discussed: Tom's ex-yakuza dad Lea…

1
Spring Football Review 1:20:13

5M ago1:20:13

1:20:13

From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY Fran, Dave and Greg are back to discuss the impending failure that is the new version of the Arena Football League, as it struggles with franchise losses in just its first week. They then discuss the United Football League, which is …

1
S4 Ep39: Champions Cup Semi-Finals Preview 1:15:44

5M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Alex Payne is joined by Ben Kayser, Shane Horgan and Will Greenwood to preview one of the biggest weekend’s in the rugby calendar. It’s the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals. How can Harlequins and Northampton Saints beat Toulouse and Leinster? Our expert panel give their views. The lads also reflect on their own experiences of reaching European f…

1
Bonus: European-Japanese Who Went Viral 49:54

5M ago49:54

49:54

Joshua Thomson was born in Japan and spent most of his life there, but his looks make him stand out. His videos, in which he shares his unique perspective, have gained him a large online following. We discussed: Joshua’s path to becoming an online content creator Differences between Japanese and Western humor Joshua’s multi-generational history in …

1
S4 Ep38: Jonny May, Genge, Hask - Unfiltered 1:06:26

5M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

On this week’s show James Haskell is joined by his former England Rugby teammates Jonny May and Ellis Genge. Jonny gives an update on his preparations for life post-rugby as he becomes a firefighter for the day. Gengey is flying high after the Bristol Bears record Gallagher Premiership win at the weekend. We also get an update from Ellis on club/co…

1
Peeling back the layers of the fresh produce market in Japan with Jessica Tisch 55:23

5M ago55:23

55:23

Jessica Tisch, Japan Country Manager for Freshco, joins us to share the lay of the land in the fresh produce sector in Japan. We traverse the topics of the “biggest lake in Japan”, Lake Biwa to candid conversations with Kansai taxi drivers. In this episode, we “peel back the layers” of this market in Japan. As the Country Manager in Japan, Jess sha…

1
Tapestry of Cultural Influences 39:42

5M ago39:42

39:42

Julia Okuyama spent most of her life in Japan, but whenever she goes to Poland, she finds that she can express another side of herself that usually stays hidden in Japan. These multiple parts weave their way in and out through various aspects of her life, from learning languages to raising children. We discussed: Julia’s father’s move to Poland in …

1
The UFL- Reality vs. Perception 1:04:59

5M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

From the 55 Yardline is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. EPISODE SUMMARY With Fran on assignment and covering the UFL for OurSportsCentral.com, Dave fills in Greg on what he is missing with the league and puts to rest his doubts about the viability of the league, at least for the short-term. They also rem…

1
S4 Ep37: England Head Coach Steve Borthwick 1:01:40

5M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

The England head coach Steve Borthwick joins Payno and Hask where the guys find out about the man behind the badge. We hear of how his experiences as a club and an international player have shaped how he deals with everything that comes with having the top job in English rugby. Season 4 is sponsored by Continental Tyres…

1
S4 Ep36: Rugby's Best Party - Hong Kong SVNS 51:44

6M ago51:44

51:44

The Good, The Bad & The Rugby record a special podcast from the greatest party in rugby - the Hong Kong Sevens. Alex, Hask and Tins are joined by special guests: Rob Vickerman, DJ Forbes, David Campese, and former England Footballer David James. Season 4 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.By Folding Pocket

1
Barking up the right tree! The K9 Natural success story of selling premium pet food in the Japan market 38:36

6M ago38:36

38:36

We dive into the fascinating world of pet ownership and dog trends in Japan with our guest, Takayuki Ichikawa, from K9 Natural, a premium New Zealand pet food product being sold in the Japan market. Takayuki shares insights into the growing humanization trend for pets in Japan, where they are treated as valued family members. We also explore the su…

1
Polish Hip Hop as Window Into Generation 42:13

6M ago42:13

42:13

Natalia Emi Hirai was born and raised in Japan, but she used to frequently visit her grandmother in Poland, and that’s where she came across Polish hip hop. Her interest in this type of music grew into a passion that she pursues to this day. She wrote a book on the topic a few years ago, and she’s working on another one coming out this year. We dis…

1
S4 Ep35: Alex Gray - Gladiators, NFL & Me 1:03:51

6M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Hask is joined in studio by his former Stade Francais teammate Ollie Phillips to help interview Alex Gray aka Apollo from Gladiators. Alex has had a varied and wonderful career that's taken him from England U20 captaincy, to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Now he has a starring role in the smash hit remake of Gladiators. In the week that Louis Re…

1
S4 Ep34: Rugby’s Greatest Unions: Guscott & Carling 1:09:02

6M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

“Rugby’s Greatest Unions” returns with England's formidable centre pairing of Jeremy Guscott and Will Carling. Starting 44 times together, between 1989 and 1996, they would win 3 Five Nations Grandslams. Season 4 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.By Folding Pocket

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Japan Rugby Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide