DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

Martin Devlin, Tony Johnson and Jamie Wall react live to Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad naming. They break down the four new caps, Ardie Savea’s appointment as captain, Kyle Preston’s surprise selection and the biggest omissions, including Du’Plessis Kirifi and Noah Hotham. Jamie reports from the squad announcement in Feilding, while Martin and Tony debate the strongest starting XV for the o...

Clarke Laidlaw and Jono Gibbes join the captains upstairs for a press conference before the ultimate decider at the Cake Tin. We break down the massive lineout battle, the return of Jordie Barrett, and what it takes to banish past heartbreak and secure a title. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Tupou Vaa'i during the Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Sat...

The Grand Final is locked in. Special guest Ross Karl from the Aotearoa Rugby Pod joins us in the studio to preview the blockbuster Hurricanes vs Chiefs decider. We break down why Jordie Barrett is the complete package, look at the brutal loose forward styles clash, and debate who claims the All Blacks Number 10 Jersey on Monday. IMAGE CREDIT: Hurricanes Jordie Barrett during the Hurricanes v Blue...

The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final is officially locked in for an absolute blockbuster matchup in Wellington. Ollie Norris joins Marty on the show to review their devastating semifinal performance against the Crusaders. We look at his recovery from surgery, the scrum tactics needed to stop the Hurricanes, and how the squad is channeling past heartbreak to chase the trophy. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Ol...

The teams are officially locked in for the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final at the Cake Tin. We break down the massive squad announcements, including the scary loose forward depth of the Chiefs. Plus we head to the Sky Tower to chat with the newly crowned Super Rugby Player of the Year, Quinn Tupaea. 00:10 - Squad Reactions 05:55 - Quinn Tupaea Press Conference 18:40 - Wrap Up Learn more about your...

Former All Black Ants Strachan joins Marty to preview an incredibly highly anticipated Super Rugby final between the top two high-flying teams. We dive deep into the kicking strategies, the set-piece proficiency under sour weather conditions, and why the Hurricanes' loose forwards have the edge. Plus, Ant delivers a passionate reflection on his own All Blacks selection and weighs in on the ruthles...

It’s grand final week, and the Rugby Roundtable is fired up. John Day and Mark Watson join the show to pick a winner in the blockbusting Hurricanes vs Chiefs decider. We debate whether the Chiefs can break their four-final losing curse, analyze why the Blues' defensive system completely imploded down the stretch, and lock horns over whether Beauden Barrett a spot in Monday’s All Blacks squad annou...

The two absolute best teams have made the grand final, and Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Marty to unpack a sensational weekend of semifinal results. We dive into the massive debate surrounding Cam Roigard's controversial "sportsmanship" try against the Blues, analyze Damian McKenzie’s masterclass performance against the Crusaders, and look ahead to the ultimate selection showdown in Wellington. I...

We are locking into a massive breakdown on the state of the women's global game. New Zealand Rugby’s Hannah Porter joins the desk to address the worrying pipeline leak between high school and senior women's rugby. We talk handling England’s club-dominated model, the radical 15-week shift for Super Rugby Aupiki, and an historic double-header in Johannesburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

The Chiefs are into another Super Rugby final after a massive semi-final win over the Crusaders in Hamilton. Jamie Wall was there for DSPN as the Chiefs produced a stunning first half, putting 40-plus points on the Crusaders and defending with serious grit after the break. Jono Gibbes praised his side’s problem-solving under pressure, while Tupou Vaa’i called the performance “bloody awesome” after...

We are digging straight into the million-dollar question regarding the health of global rugby pathways. Irish rugby journalist Caolán Scully joins Jamie to explode the myths surrounding Ireland's central contracting model. We track the financial squeeze forcing James Lowe to Japan, rate Clayton McMillan’s tough debut season at Munster, and explain why the All Blacks hold the ultimate psychological...

We are diving straight into the high stakes Super Rugby semifinals. Nigel Yalden joins the studio to break down whether Jono Gibbes has the European experience to push the Chiefs past their final hurdle hurdle. We analyze Damian McKenzie shaking off his head knock, audit the All Black bolter credentials of Isaac Hutchinson, and explain why Friday night's clash with the Crusaders is pure appointmen...

The Rugby Roundtable is completely locked in for a brutal semifinal weekend. Mark and John join the desk to unveil our 2026 All Black bolters and debate whether Brad Shields deserves the midweek captaincy in South Africa. We pull the rip cord on the absolute collapse of the Blues, expose the structural flaws in the current playoff system, and break down Tony Brown’s massive early appointment. IMAG...

The Super Rugby semifinals are here, but unfortunately, every single Australian team is watching from the couch. Australian Rugby Commentator Sean Maloney and Brett McKay of the 8/9 Rugby Podcast join the show for a brutal, no-nonsense reality check on the state of the game across the Tasman. We break down the structural failures of the competition, lineout crises, and the massive international se...

Martin and Jamie dive into a massive qualifying finals mailbag to address the feedback surrounding Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley's appearance. We look at the verified data showing double-digit crowd growth across New Zealand stadiums, break down why the All Blacks still outrate the Warriors on Sky, and analyze how to manage Ardie Savea's massive workload. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

We're checking in with one of the real standout stars of the Crusaders as the team heads into a massive knockout clash at Te Kaha. Leicester Faingaʻanuku joins the show to chat about his radical positional shift into the loose forward pack. We look at his stint up north in France, the mental challenge of juggling two completely different positions, and what it takes to stop a dangerous Blues outfi...

We are officially strapped in for the Super Rugby qualifying finals. Martin Devlin sits down for a couple of massive, back-to-back exclusive interviews with Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss and Brumbies assistant coach Ben Mowen. We talk mental warfare, handling iffy weather, and why the regular season counts for absolutely zero once the do-or-die footy kicks off. IMAGE CREDIT: Reds coach Les K...

Hurricanes assistant coach Cory Jane joins the show ahead of their massive sudden-death quarter-final against the Brumbies in Wellington. We tackle the fallout from the heavy Crusaders loss, why the squad is ignoring the favorites tag, and how a brutal preseason strategy built around their 22-meter defense is paying off. Plus, we hear why Ruben Love is tracking toward a world-class future. IMAGE C...

It’s qualifying finals time! Martin and Jamie break down the stats and structures for the massive three-match schedule. We look at the top-form Hurricanes locking down key talent, the massive front-row injury headache threatening the Crusaders’ fortress, and a historic 1990s punch-up. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi during the Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium Waika...

Let’s be honest, people love to paint a negative picture about crowd sizes, but the numbers tell a very different story. Martin sits down for an exclusive chat with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley as the competition heads into the finals. We dive into the double-digit attendance growth across New Zealand, how the game outrates the Warriors on Sky, and the ongoing government funding battles for Super R...

It's Roundtable time on DSPN, and we are laying down the 34 names for our All Blacks side. Martin, John Day, and Mark Watson don't fanny around with these three tests, debating the 19-15 forward split and why Dave Rennie needs to see this team under load before facing South Africa. We break down the front row anchors, settle the loose forward mix, and explain why a stint in the northern hemisphere...

Martin Devlin and resident rule expert Jeff the Ref sit down with a glass of water—or vodka—to dismantle the most glaring officiating moments from the weekend. We call out the complete lack of forward pass calls from assistant referees after 16 rounds of Super Rugby. Plus, we look at reckless head-on-head contact and why warnings need to be completely banned heading into the qualifying finals. IMA...

Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Marty to break down the three massive qualifying finals this weekend. We tackle the Hurricanes’ strategic "rest vs rust" choices against the Crusaders, break down the Brumbies' horribly inconsistent form since their 50-point statement win, and look into the breaking rumors of a potential lifeline for Moana Pasifika. IMAGE CREDIT: Blues Eli Oudenryn during the Chiefs...

It’s mailbag time and we are ripping into your hottest takes. We address the terrifying culture of schoolboy steroid use in South Africa and whether those artificial gains actually stick around in adulthood. Plus, we debate the real cost of losing South African franchises, the looming dread of Scott Barrett’s massive injury layout, and a radical hybrid bench strategy that could transform the All B...

Martin and Jamie back up after a chaotic 24 hours to preview a high-stakes Round 16. We delve into the Ashley Klein Origin red card controversy and explain why it’s a massive advertisement for rugby’s 20-minute red card rule. Plus, we break down the hammer blows hitting Christchurch with Scott Barrett out for surgery, Will Jordan’s recurring calf nightmare, and the departure of Rob Penney. Learn m...