DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

Editor-in-Chief host Duncan Garner joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall on the DSPN today! We're tearing into Duncan’s controversial Listener piece claiming New Zealand rugby is officially broken. From the 40 schoolboys pinched by the Warriors program to the empty stadium seats at marquee games, we sit down for a brutal, honest look at our national sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

Our resident whistle-blower Jeff McGregor returns for another edition of Jeff The Ref ahead of international referee Ben O'Keeffe rolling into the studio. We’re drilling into the controversial refereeing moments from the weekend, including the bizarre Hurricanes quick-tap, and why grassroots sideline behavior has reached an all-time low. IMAGE CREDIT: Angus Gardner during the Hurricanes v Highland...

The Rugby Roundtable is back to tackle the state of the game as the round robin wraps up. Mark Watson and John Day join the show to break down the emergence of new young talent like Lucas Casey and Anton Segner, while sounding the alarm on the worrying decline of the competition. We talk private equity, slashing franchises, and the massive injury blows defining the playoffs. IMAGE CREDIT: Hurrican...

One round to go in the Super Rugby round-robin and the playoff picture is absolute chaos. Martin and Jamie dive straight into the numbers, breaking down the Hurricanes’ record-breaking run of 50-plus point games and their insane 11 bonus points. We look at the genius coaching innovation behind Leicester Faingaʻanuku playing at seven, whether Sevu Reece has just played his way back into the All Bla...

Tony Johnson joins Martin straight after calling an absolute crackerjack of a match between the Crusaders and Chiefs. We break down the incredible atmosphere in Christchurch's new stadium, look at the brutal calf injury concerns for Will Jordan, and question why Dave Rennie sees Leicester Leicester Faingaʻanuku as a winger when he’s currently playing flanker. Plus, we address the excruciating disa...

It’s Friday and the mailbag is completely overflowing. Martin and Jamie dive headfirst into your best comments from the week, tackling everything from the real physics behind that forward pass drama to why the All Blacks rely so heavily on veteran experience for a massive tour to South Africa. Plus, we uncover some mind-blowing tackle stats comparing Super Rugby to the URC and officially validate...

Selecting an All Blacks side always gets people talking, but picking a midweek touring squad for South Africa is a whole different beast. Rugby journalism veteran Nigel Yalden joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall to lock in a 15 to face the Stormers. We debate everything from the Richie Mo'unga eligibility drama to the wide-open race for the number six and thirteen jerseys. Image Credit: All Blacks...

South African Rugby Journalist Brenden Nel joins us to hit back at the inflammatory headlines targeting the back-to-back world champions. From uncovering the true operational logistics behind South Africa's drug testing reduction to breaking down the tragic weights-loss cocktail that sidelined Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Brenden plays open cards on the actual facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Brad Shields joins the DSPN studio to talk about the Hurricanes’ flying season, his incredible global rugby journey, and what it’s really like to navigate life-changing overseas contracts. We dive deep into the brutal physical load of modern Super Rugby, the changing dynamics of team culture, and whether the All Black jersey remains the ultimate motivation for young Kiwi stars. Learn more about yo...

We tackle a packed (extra) mailbag following our recent Roundtable debate about Magic Round vs Super Round. Are Warriors fans getting a bit too ahead of themselves, or is the NRL genuinely leaving Super Rugby in the dust? We break down the real TV viewing figures from Sky, look at why Eden Park never looks full, and explain why the All Blacks still sit on a completely different level. Learn more a...

Our resident whistle-blower Jeff McGregor joins us live from Manila for another unfiltered edition of Jeff the Ref. We break down the absolute head-scratchers from the weekend, including Ben O’Keeffe’s early "freebie" warning, the highly controversial forward pass that gave Fehi Fineanganofo his record-equalling try, and why the current tackle laws are rewarding dangerous play through pure luck of...

The numbers from the NRL's Magic Round are undeniable, but do they tell the full story? We look beyond the scoreboard to break down the massive divide between Rugby League's organic tribalism and the corporate, polished script of Super Rugby. From the Warriors taking over Brisbane to the cavernous reality of our local grounds, we ask if rugby has simply treated fans with disdain for too long. Lear...

Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall go rapid-fire through six hot takes from the rugby weekend. We break down why the Blues’ shellacking at Eden Park proves they aren't championship material, the heartbreaking Achilles injury to Caleb Tangitau, and why Australian rugby teams are a complete puzzle. Plus, we look at the hype around Zach Lomax and slam a ridiculous bonus point rule in the Northern Hemispher...

Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin to dissect a seismic Round 14. We drop the analytical hammer on the Blues' defensive collapse and credit the Hurricanes' high-IQ tactical masterclass at Eden Park. Plus, we look at Damian McKenzie's brutal injury protocols, debate the staggering $2,400 cost for a World Cup final seat, and pay tribute to Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings. Learn more a...

From titanium plates in jaws to the "river of piss" at Athletic Park, we’re diving into the brutal, messy, and honest side of rugby. We address your feedback on Gilbert Enoka’s return, the ongoing Richie Mo'unga eligibility saga, and why New Zealanders need to stop being so insular about the Northern Hemisphere game. Plus, a radical idea for the Bledisloe Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

The man behind the All Blacks' mental fortitude for over two decades is back. Gilbert Enoka joins us to discuss his return to the management team under Dave Rennie and why leadership is about who you are, not where you sit. We dive into the "No Dickheads" policy, the challenge of winning versus losing environments, and how the All Black jersey remains the ultimate multiplier for talent. Learn more...

The Mo'unga debate isn't going away. We dive into the "wide gulf" between Dave Rennie’s plans and New Zealand Rugby’s eligibility rules. Is it time to "push the eject button" on archaic paperwork and pick our best 23 for the most important series in 50 years? Plus, we break down Sir Graham Henry’s return and why Rennie is hunting for "brutality" over Instagram highlights. Learn more about your ad...

We welcome Irish rugby royalty Bernard Jackman to the show for a proper deep dive into the state of the game. From Rieko Ioane’s positional shift at Leinster to why Super Rugby is falling off the radar in the North, we cover it all. Bernard gives us the inside word on Andy Farrell’s impact and what the All Blacks can expect when Ireland heads south. Image Credit: Highlanders Timoci Tavatavanawai d...

Jeff McGregor from Web Wonks joins Martin to dissect a controversial weekend of Super Rugby officiating. We’re talking Marcus Playle’s "shocking" night in Brisbane, the Reds’ post-match fury, and why Angus Gardner is setting the standard for referees. Image Credit: Chiefs George Dyer in action during the Reds v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Friday, 8 May...

The All Blacks management group opened the doors at NZR HQ, and we were there to see what the Dave Rennie era actually looks like. From the shock return of Sir Graham Henry as a selector to the "conundrum" of Richie Mo’unga’s eligibility, there is plenty to unpack. Martin and Jamie break down the injury concerns, the midfield puzzle, and why Brodie Retallick won't be heading to South Africa. Learn...

Leicester Fainga'anuku’s move to flanker has gone from a "roll of the dice" to a genuine tactical revolution. We break down the Crusaders' dominant defensive win over the Blues and discuss why Leicester's hybrid skills make him the ultimate All Black weapon. Plus, we audit the refereeing controversies from Brisbane to Dunedin and look at the Under-20s' gritty draw in South Africa. Image Credit: Hi...

We dive back into the mailbag to tackle the biggest calls in Kiwi sport. Martin and Jamie break down the Ruben Love hype, the "boring" winning culture of Auckland rugby, and why everyone needs to calm down about the All Blacks. Plus, we look at the logistics of Super Round and whether Steve Hansen should start narrating bedtime stories for anxious fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

Jamie Wall joins the starting lineup full-time as we tackle a massive Round 13 in Super Rugby. We’re looking at the fallout of Cam Roigard’s "significant" injury and whether the Hurricanes have the depth to stay top. Plus, the horses are returning to Christchurch for a sell-out clash against the Blues. We ask if home euphoria is enough to save the Crusaders' season or if the Blues will shut down t...

Rugby legend and dual All Black/England international Jamie Salmon joins Martin to break down the widening gap between the two hemispheres. We dig into why the Top 14 is becoming the world’s powerhouse, the "Erasmus model" for player selection, and whether Super Rugby still prepares Kiwis for the brutality of Test matches. Plus, a look ahead to the ultimate litmus test: the All Blacks' upcoming to...

Crusaders and All Blacks great Daryl Gibson joins us to celebrate the opening of Christchurch’s new roofed stadium. We dive deep into the state of Super Rugby, why Daryl finds himself watching the Top 14 for excitement, and his bold plan for a "relaxation" of the overseas selection rules. Plus, we talk All Black identity—can the team move away from "copying other nations" and return to the innovat...