Professional rugby is at its collective global peak, and our spelunking rugby mountaineer panel has it all succinctly navigated for you in an unimaginable 24 minutes. #WWE "God" (turned rugby advocate) John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend George Hook and King Gift Egbelu's proxy/host Matt "Money" McCarthy do the heavy lifting, so you don't have to.…

We are joined by Section Paloise and soon to be Dragons Australian Second Row Steve Cummins, to discuss all things Pau: from Sam Whitelock mentoring the club's electric youngsters, to chance encounters with rowdy Brits in the city's bars. There's also the small matter of a Top14 final to digest, as Toulouse secure their 23rd Bouclier de Brennus in …

Which position needs a player for Zebre and Benetton ? How will be the Top14 ( spoiler : WE LOST BUT HAPPY FOR ANGE ) AND MUCH MORE ON FDR PODCAST Welcome to the Fratelli d'Rugby Podcast! Join us as we dive into the world of Italian rugby, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant future of the sport in Italy. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new t…

This episode of the French Rugby Connection Podcast, hosted by Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper, discusses the upcoming Top 14 final between Toulouse and Bordeaux Bègles (UBB) in Marseille. The hosts reflect on the recent semifinals, highlighting the critical match moments and player performances, including La Rochelle's struggle with red cards. Th…

"I want my face on The Rugby Odds." - M. ZuckerbergNEW YORK, NY - After calamitous chaos on the set, with panelists disappearing/reappearing, this week's The Rugby Odds is especially entertaining. It's also the start of a joke that's writing itself: "A Nigerian in Brazil, a Texan in D.C., & an impatient Scotsman walk into a New Yorker's rugby studi…

HOUSTON, TX - The mercury continues to rise, as do Major League Rugby teams nobody picked for the postseason. At the top of the table, however, stands one of the preseason favorites, the Houston SaberCats. Heyneke Myer, their Director of Rugby with the stellar CV/resume, is the main reason MLR Weekly rated them so high. In this exclusive with Matt …

With the denouement to the French rugby season nearly upon us, we dissect two cracking semi-finals in Bordeaux, including THAT headbutt from Reda Wardi and how it is linked to Rob’s haircut. With Stade Toulousain and UBB progressing to the Final, we preview Friday night’s game at the Stade Velodrome. There's also a preview of the updated France squ…

In this episode of the French Rugby Connections Podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the upcoming semi-final matches in the French rugby Top 14 league. Tonight's highlight is the clash between Toulouse and La Rochelle in Bordeaux, a match steeped in recent history as the teams have met in numerous finals over the last five years.…

NEW YORK, NY - This week's The Rugby Odds has fire. What else could one expect with WWE Hall of Famer/turned rugby advocate John Bradshaw Layfield and host Matt McCarthy doing business while having to keep/break the peace between Irish legend George Hook and Glaswegian Steve Lewis, King Gift Egbelu's proxy.INCLUDED:32-28 RecordThe Titanic & RugbyGl…

CHICAGO, IL - After a sizzling (literally) week with a zillion (figuratively) story-lines, the most poignant of the off-field events was the dismissal of Chicago Head Coach Sam Harris. In an exclusive with MLR Weekly, CEO/GM James English addresses that, as well as the direction, expectations and course for the Hounds going forward.ALSO INCLUDED: -…

It's heartbreak in the Isere as Grenoble are pipped in the Access Match, whilst Montpellier live to fight another day. The Barrages are done, with La Rochelle saving their best 'til last to tee up a Friday night feast under the lights against Toulouse, whilst UBB cruise past an increasingly ramshackle Racing 92. Rob dips into his spreadsheet to dis…

A lot of beers and ciders during the weekend and it's time to celebrate the FDR URC SEASON AWARDS. News from the summer tour calls up Zebre future Development and victories Conundrum Benetton future Challenges and Consistency Welcome to the Fratelli d'Rugby Podcast! Join us as we dive into the world of Italian rugby, celebrating the rich heritage a…

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Pigs are flyin' by the MLR Weekly corner office windows. Snowballs are being thrown in Hades. Democrats and Republics are hugging. AND... the NOLA Gold are in the playoffs! That's right, for the first time in 7 seasons there is a different feeling in The Big Easy and the only GM in NOLA's history - Ryan Fitzgerald - talks about th…

It's all about them up-north this week, as Vannes make history securing their first promotion to the Top14, sparking wild scenes in the changing rooms of Toulouse and the ports of Brittany. The Top 6 are confirmed as we look ahead to the Barrage, and can Grenoble spring an upset and overturn the Montpellier Madness in the access match? 00:00 - 01:5…

French Rugby Connections: Brittany Adventure and Top 14 Excitement In this episode of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss Bill's upcoming trip to Brittany to watch Vannes play Grenoble for a chance to enter the Top 14. They reflect on the significance of this match for the clubs, especially Vannes, w…

NEW YORK, NY - This week's The Rugby Odds took a different path at the head of the show. One you'll want to see, re diversity, or the lack thereof - and the byproduct of under-utilizing a plentiful resource. From there, George Hook joins WWE Hall of Famer/turned rugby advocate John Bradshaw Layfield, King Gift Egbelu's proxy Steve Lewis and host Ma…

Zebre and the king of Goose step Trulla in the game until the 67' Benetton ready for the Bulls in SA Calls Up for the AZZURRI summer tour Q&A from the youtube live chat Welcome to the Fratelli d'Rugby Podcast! Join us as we dive into the world of Italian rugby, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant future of the sport in Italy. Whether you're a…

MADRID, SPAIN - What does USA 7s have to do with a MLR Weeky show? Potentially plenty. With that, USA Men's 7s Head Coach Mike Friday covers a wide range of topics including:-7s players in Major League Rugby, -Synergy between USA Rugby, -Utilizing the MLR's Anthem franchise-The ability to go from 15s to 7s-Expectations for the Olympics-Poor Format …

The Top14 is back and we review an absolute cracker between La Rochelle and a half-cut Toulouse at le Stadium on a Super Sunday where Toulon hammered home their title credentials. The ProD2 Final is upon us after two breathless semi-finals and it's heartbreak for Narbonne in a historic first Nationale Access Match as Jerome Bosviel's redemption arc…

Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the recent exciting events in French rugby, particularly Toulouse's tense win against Leinster. They analyse key moments and players, including Thomas Ramos, Richie Arnold, Jack Willis, and Antoine Dupont. The episode covers Toulouse's top status in the Top 14, the intense competition for playoff spots, and …

NEW ORLEANS, LA - It's hot. So are the NOLA Gold. Red-hot and on 4-game winning streak. One big reason for that has been the stellar play of Taniela Filimone, a budding star. We learn more about him and his story on MLR Weekly, via his chat with Matt McCarthy.ALSO INCLUDED: -John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning-Bryan Ray of Americas Rugby News-Picks o…

COSTA RICA - With all that's going on in rugby, we needed some help. To the rescue came vacationing WWE "God" & rugby advocate, John Bradshaw Layfield, who enlisted his proxy/caddy Steve "The Lizard" Lewis, to offer insight and insults from his Costa Rican lair. Along with Irish legend George Hook, King Gift Egbelu (Rugby's Yogi Berra) and host Mat…

The Sharks bite in London vs Gloucester Toulouse, Dupont and the Champions Cup Pani's Injury : Who's the fullback this Summer ? Welcome to the Fratelli d'Rugby Podcast! Join us as we dive into the world of Italian rugby, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant future of the sport in Italy. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the game, our pod…

The Rosbifs dissect an astonishing Champions Cup final: Rich finds out whether Rob found it all a bit underwhelming, Toulouse add their 6th star, sparking city-wide celebrations for the ages. Meanwhile, Grenoble march on and Beziers confirm their place in the Pro D2 semi finals. There’s a first ever Pro D2/Nationale access match to chow down on, th…

French Rugby Connection: Toulouse vs Leinster Pre-Match Preview In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper dive into a detailed discussion about the upcoming European Champions Cup final between Toulouse and Leinster. They analyse team strengths, key players, and tactical decisions, including the surpr…

NEW YORK, NY - The Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals are here at long last, so too is the Japan Rugby League One final. Super Rugby is gearing up for its post-season in fine fashion and the NRL has some key matches this weekend as well. With that, The Rugby Odds panel of #WWE "God" (turned rugby advocate) John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend G…

NEW YORK, NY - If you're in the Big Apple and you're a rugby fan, you are likely to stop at the Pig N Whistle on West 36th Street. It could be to watch rugby, or to get to a happy place amongst the bustle. You may even run into a rugby star or honcho, to boot. Alan Gilpin, CEO of World Rugby, is a honcho's honcho. He's a big deal. He's also refresh…

Welcome to the Fratelli d'Rugby Podcast! Join us as we dive into the world of Italian rugby, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant future of the sport in Italy. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the game, our podcast brings you the latest news, in-depth analysis, and inspiring stories from the Italian rugby community. We'll explore the jo…

The Rosbifs are back to review a pivotal round of Top14 action as the table begins to take shape. We preview what could be one of the all time Champions Cup Finals between Toulouse and Leinster and discuss the travails of following arguably the most dramatic round of PROD2 action ever via dodgy streams, whether you're a fan or a coach. Nice hit the…

QUINCY, MA - As the Major League Rugby season flies by, injuries mount, and depth is put to the test, (as is our MLR Weekly staff). When you're the reigning champs, though everyone is gunning for you. The New England Free Jacks are dealing with that now, as their injured list of stars grows. Head Coach Scott Mathie talks about navigating though it …

NEW YORK, NY - Professional rugby is humming toward the post-season globally, The Rugby Odds is right in tune, thanks to our eclectic panel of #WWE "God" (turned rugby advocate) John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend George Hook, King Gift Egbelu (rugby's Yogi Berra) and host Matt "Money" McCarthy. 24 magnificent minutes.INCLUDED:$$ 66-51 $$Hook’s #1…

Rob is back from his latest trip to Beziers, Perpignan and Prades with tales of scorching scenery, scintillating rugby and straight-up sunburn. We discuss all the latest updates from the Top14 as the usual suspects soar and others falter. There's a full preview of the last full round of ProD2 fixtures after another incredible week at both ends of t…

CHICAGO, IL - There are only certain cities that a man called "The Butcher" can hail from... Chicago is on that short list. Dylan "The Butcher" Fawsitt, formerly of Rugby New York and presently with the surging Chicago Hounds, tops that list. Meanwhile, he remains one of Major League Rugby's most prolific try-scorers. Host Matt McCarthy and Fawsitt…

NEW YORK, NY - More no-holds-barred, enlightening rugby entertainment from WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend George Hook, King Gift Egbelu & host Matt McCarthy.INCLUDED:49-32 RecordPremiership into URCHook: Kiwis Rep Leinster at Croke Toulouse & DupontBlues vs Canes JBL vs Buffalo Glasgow to Beat BullsGreatest Name: Manly Sea E…

The Rosbifs are joined by Agen lock Zak Farrance to discuss all things ProD2, from intensive eating at Oyonnax, to getting red carded by an away crowd and the pressures of Phillippe Sella peering over your shoulder. We review a Champions Cup classic between Toulouse and Harlequins and the epic events in Nationale, and there's some trophy diving ser…

This edition of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosted by Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper, delves into the upcoming European Rugby semi-final featuring Toulouse against Harlequins. As Harlequins prepares for their first European Cup semi-final, we share our predictions on game outcomes, including a focus on the final potentially being Toulou…

WASHINGTON, DC - The nation's capital (USA, that is) was teeming with rugby players. Oddly enough, those in Major League Rugby weren't part of the group. Old Glory, DC was in Utah playing the Warriors in another MLR match with a wild finish. But the CRC 7s was in town - and it was great. You'll see glimpses of it in this MLR Weekly. You'll also hea…

NEW YORK, NY - With WWE "God" John Bradshaw Layfield dealing with mere mortal internet issues, his rugby proxy, Steve Lewis, acts on JBL's behalf in the first part of The Rugby Odds. Meanwhile, Irish legend George Hook, King Gift Egbelu (rugby's Yogi Berra), and Matt "Money" McCarthy hold the fort, while John pops in and out. [Ahem]... It all makes…

It's Champions Cup Semi-Final week, and with the feeding and watering needs of the travelling Harlequins faithful in mind, the Rosbifs run through their recommendations for a belting weekend in Toulouse, including a couple of potential detours to the Nationale Barrage games. After Clermont prove they can still mix it with the best in the league and…

MIAMI, FL - With that Wasps-to-the-MLR rumor, upsets and breaking news circulating around Major League Rugby, it's been a busy week. You're busy, too, so MLR Weekly sifts through it for you, while introducing Miami Head Coach Jose "Cochi" Pellicena. There's also injury news out of the Eastern Conference, and John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning and Br…

NEW YORK, NY - Another epic week of global rugby has its share of Hot Button Topics and The Rugby Odds eclectic panel of WWE Hall of Famer (turned rugby advocate) John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend George Hook, King Gift Egbelu (Inventor of Words) and host Matt "Money" McCarthy are on the case, navigating, giggling and opining on the topics below…

Inspired by efforts of those partaking in the London Marathon the previous day, Rob embarks on a similarly torturous journey through the winding backstreets of the French JIFF rules, and the knock-on effect on the sharp end of the Top14 season. We recap all the weekend's action including an agonising defeat for Bayonne in France's premier division,…

This edition of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosted by Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper, delves into the latest happenings in French rugby. The episode kicks off with a recap of the game between Toulouse and Exeter, where Toulouse's impressive performance led them to score nine tries and secure a spot in the semi-finals. The conversation s…

DALLAS, TX - Remember those Dallas Jackals that could barely score tries, let alone win a match? We do. But those days look to be long-gone as the Jackals now have some serious bit in them. To talk about their hard-earned success is Attack Coach [Offensive Coordinator} Nate Osborne, who's been a Head Coach for NOLA and D.C....Also in this MLR Weekl…

NEW YORK, NY - A whirlwind week of GREAT rugby wasn't without controversy, and The Rugby Odds weighs in on all, while offering opinions and picks via our eclectic panel of WWE Hall of Famer (turned rugby advocate) John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend George Hook, King Gift Egbelu and host Matt "Money" McCarthy - in just 23 entertaining minutes.INCL…

Returning from Costa Rican exile and the Stade Chaban Delmas respectively, the Rosbifs are back to ask, Quins, what have you done?! Our man on the ground by the Garonne reports on a startling reverse for UBB at the hands of sunburnt south-west Londoners as La Rochelle's hopes of a hat-trick of titles fade to Leinster. Stade Toulousain look inspired…

Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper, focus on recent European Rugby matches, including the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarterfinals. We cover various games, highlighting La Rochelle's close win against Stormers, Bordeaux's victory over Saracens, and look ahead to upcoming quarter finals, including Bordeaux's first-ever quarter final against Harle…

NEW ORLEANS, LA - What does a guy have to do to get broadcasters to say his name right? Come on MLR Weekly, that's what. And while clearing up the butchering of his name may not be a big deal to Teofilo "Ed" Fidow, we're making it so. Other than Fidow Name-Gate, the soft-spoken Samoan 7s & 15s star talks about the move from defunct Rugby New York t…

We discuss a pulsating weekend of Champions Cup action and preview the best weekend in the rugby calendar: the Quarter Finals of the Champions Cup. Will any of the sides manage to pick up an away win? We also dissect the latest from Pro D2 and hear about what the hell is going on at the top of Nationale. In this week’s extraordinary Petit-Fours, we…

NEW YORK, NY - If you're a rugby fan, this is GREAT time of year. With the unprecedented availability to watch matches - everywhere - and so much to choose from - you can't possibly keep up on your own. No worries, The Rugby Odds has you covered. WWE Hall of Famer (turned rugby advocate) John Bradshaw Layfield, Irish legend George Hook and Matt McC…