Players Podcast

Our guest on Episode 9 of the Players Podcast is one of the foremost sports scientists and researchers in Rugby...and a man with a lot of views on the mechanics and politics of our game.  Dr. Ross Tucker is a sports scientist and researcher, currently working alongside World Rugby on how to reduce concussions, head impacts and the possibility of reducing the tackle height.  In a fascinating chat,...

With 111 international caps, Marco Bortolami is one of the true legends of Italian Rugby. The former second row, who played his club rugby across Italy, France and England, was Italy's youngest ever captain at just 22, scoring a famous intercept try against the All Blacks. With strong views on how Italy can grow the game, Marco spoke to the Players Podcast about the challenges for the Italians, wh...

Rugby League often battles Rugby Union in Australia for audience and fans, TV ratings, sponsorship and newspaper column inches in one of the most competitive sporting markets in the world. In Episode 7 of the Players Podcast, we speak to Ian Prendergast, CEO of the Rugby League Players Association. Often on the front pages as much as the back pages, we spoke to Ian – a former AFL player – about th...

New Zealand's Melodie Robinson is one of the legends of women's Rugby and since she hung up the boots in the early 2000s, she's made a name for herself on TV, broadcasting pitchside for Sky NZ at International matches and Super Rugby games. But it wasn't always easy - Mel faced fierce hostility as she attempted to break into the male-dominated world of Rugby coverage. Speaking to the Players Podca...

If a picture speaks a thousand words, INPHO's Dan Sheridan has told millions of stories. One of the world's top rugby photographers, he has travelled the world with Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, capturing some of the classic moments in the modern game.   The affable Dubliner, who was brought into the job by INPHO boss Billy Stickland, has built a camaraderie and rapport with some of the...

"A professional rugby player is what you are...not who you are" It's not all champagne and limos for professional players and Australian flanker Beau Robinson is living proof. The blonde back-rower never had it easy and had to fight for everything he's earned. He's as straight up in his interviews as he was with ball in hand and has no problem calling it like he sees it. Winning one cap for the Wa...

One of the legends of the game, Isa Nacewa's career spanned almost every position in the backline as well as both hemispheres. Now busy in the finance industry in Auckland, Isa talks about the lessons he's brought into his working life from Rugby, looks back on his career, talks about the messages he has for young players coming into the game, the many benefits of Players Associations and the best...

Rob Vickerman is one of the game's colourful characters - the Yorkshire man played the 15s and 7s version of the game, leading England 7s at one stage, but was forced to retire through injury at the age of just 29. As well as Rugby commentary, Vickerman now puts his efforts into workathlete.com where he uses his experience from sport to help businesses develop their staff for high performance. In...

Blaine Scully is our guest on the first episode of the Players Podcast, which looks at the stories behind our players. Blaine is not only the captain of the USA National side but is also the Chairman of their Player's Association. He has some interesting thoughts on what it takes to grow the game in America, creating pathways for the next stars of the sport but also how he'd like to change the ter...