The Lekker Rugby Pod!

Get ready for a thrilling showdown as France takes on Ireland in Dublin! This could be the biggest match of the year, with the championship on the line. Can Ireland secure an unprecedented third consecutive win, or will France disrupt their streak? Harry Jones gives his expert preview, breaking down all the permutations, the stakes, and what’s at play for both teams. Don't miss this intense ru...

Bulls fans are head-mad and stomach-sick after a derby debacle, made even more painful by Evan Roos emerging as the hero of the Cape. MW's press conference questions prompted the most candid and insightful reflections from Jake White and John Dobson, following yet another spellbinding North-South contest, this time played in a flood. Harry delves into the reasons behind the chaos and celebrate...

MW Welman and Harry Jones pay tribute to rugby legend Steven Kitshoff, who is forced to retire due to a critical neck injury. They reflect on his impactful career and Harry reads the poetic ode he has written in his honor. The conversation also explores the Springbok depth chart for their alignment camp, and bids farewell to three Irish stalwarts, marking the end of an era.

Get ready for some electrifying developments in the rugby universe! In this video, MW Welman dives into the latest shock movements shaking up the rugby world. First, we've got Handré Pollard making a sensational return to the Bulls. Then, Felix Jones is back with the Springboks, promising to inject fresh energy into the team. And the rumour mill is buzzing with speculation about who will take the...

Spanning twenty time zones, former Springbok flyhalf turned defensive coach Andre Pretorius (who says tens cannot defend?) shows us the key pictures from the third round of the Six Nations, taking a hard look at what the well-oiled Irish attack does as well as the brand new Welsh system. Harry joins Andre in analysing the round, with insights as to how Wales found their groove, where Scotland went...

Across the globe, from Toronto to Turin to Tokyo, thousands of talented South African rugby players showcase their skills. Yet, only a select few receive the coveted WhatsApp message from Rassie. What distinguishes these elite players from the rest? Which traits and playing styles catch the eye of the selectors? MW and Harry dig into the larger context and ponder how even superlative talents like...

In this video, Harry and MW break down the upcoming third round of the Six Nations rugby tournament. They delve into the anticipated close match between France and Italy and highlight the significance of the Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland, noting England's progress and Scotland's injury issues. Additionally, they discuss Fabien Galthie's misunderstanding of the 7-1 bench tactic, p...

Harry ventured into enemy territory as he traveled to Ireland to witness firsthand the prowess of the Springboks' new archenemy. He discussed his observations with MW, while both of them carefully sidestepped the 500-pound Blue Bull in the room! Their conversation delved into the fierce rivalry, the intricate process of building teams, the critical elements that make or break a match, and broa...

Rivalries are the lifeblood of sport, from neighbouring clubs to professional to Test rugby. What are the foundations of those enmities; both real and built by marketing? How have they shifted? The forever North-South derby will never wane, but at Test level, new foes and unlikely friendships can grow. Harry and MW delve into how the hell they both came to be cheering England to beat France.

Nobody studies rugby more than Jared Wright of Planet Rugby. In this special episode, Harry becomes an interviewer, joining MW in learning the ins and outs, twists and turns and consequences of Round 1 of the Six Nations as all the sides regroup and do battle again this week in Italy, Scotland, and England. Will an upset emerge? Or there a clear top three of the six?

The conflict between club and country, leagues and Tests, has never been more intense. European super clubs now rival the depth and skills of national sides, but the vast majority of fan interest and financial support remains with Test rugby. The Six Nations stands out as the most successful annual tournament in rugby due to the depth of its rivalries, straightforward design, and the close proximi...

In a very special Episode 48, Harry Jones and MW Welman welcome Huw Griffin from HG Rugby to explore the significance of the 6 Nations and why South Africans should pay more attention to it! Each team is dissected in detail by these rugby masterminds, and they make a few surprising predictions!

In a sobering assessment of the weekend’s drama, MW and Harry contemplate the way injury can change lives in a second and what Rugby must do to take care of his own. The guys also dig into the tough Jukskei Derby and its fallout, the debacle in Dublin and the Sharks' rising fortunes.

Another weekend of European rugby, more domination by French super clubs, filled to the gills with Test players, pleasing their rabid fans, and making the club versus country balance of power ever more ambiguous. What drove this phenomenon, how do Irish and French, Kiwi and Saffa models differ, and should we be worried about the immediate future impact of South African struggles to make the final...

In the first Lekker Rugby Pod episode of 2025, Harry Jones and MW Welman delve into the Harry Index, a weekly ranking of the world's top rugby clubs. The Harry Index, created by Harry Jones, evaluates clubs based on a blend of subjective insights and objective metrics, providing a comprehensive view of the global rugby landscape. As South Africans continue to hold prominent positions both as playe...

Welcome to our in-depth analysis of South Africa’s rugby powerhouses: the Bulls, the Stormers, and the Sharks! Join renowned rugby fixer Harry Jones and former Springbok André Pretorius as they meticulously dissect the recent performances of these top-tier teams.🔍 In This Episode:- Detailed performance reviews of the Bulls, the Stormers, and the Sharks- Tactical insights and game-by-game breakdow...

In Part One of an exceptional episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, rugby aficionado Harry Jones teams up with former Springbok and current Japanese coach, André Pretorius. Together, they delve into the art of watching rugby like an expert. Discover their preferred vantage points, learn how they engage with other spectators, and gain insights into their in-depth game analysis. This episode offers a uni...

Join us in this special episode as Harry Jones takes a holiday in the mountains, where inspiration struck at the peak of his climb. While enjoying the breathtaking views, Harry came up with a brilliant solution to the Bulls' problems! Don't miss out on this exclusive insight from high above the valleys. Tune in to hear Harry's innovative ideas and see how his mountain-top revelation could change t...

Join us as Harry Jones and MW Welman delve into their 2025 wishlist, sharing their insights and hopes for the rugby world. This episode is jam-packed with thoughtful reflections and exciting predictions, as we compile a wishlist for each key aspect of the game. First up, we'll explore our wishes for the Springboks, discussing potential victories, standout players, and the kind of spirit we hope to...

Join die-hard Stormers fan Harry Jones as he gives his immediate reaction to a nail-biting game that was on a knife-edge until the final whistle! Feel the thrill as Harry shares his elation about the Stormers' incredible climb up the URC table after a tough and well-fought victory over the Sharks. Dive into the jubilation and relive the key moments of this unforgettable match!

How do you sum up a year like 2024? It was a rollercoaster of mostly highs, a few lows, some very big shocks, and loads of fun! Join MW and Harry as they evaluate the year, hand out awards, and celebrate one of the best Bok (if not Bulls) seasons in recent history. Plus, they’ll be sharing some witty insights on the URC! This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Do SA clubs have any realistic chance of winning two European cups in one season? The resource gap, diaspora of stars, and assistant coach migration conspire to create an uphill battle. MW and Harry dug in and Harry ends up more bullish than the Pretorian.

Join former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer as he reflects on his illustrious rugby career, achieving his ultimate goal of coaching the Springboks! In an insightful conversation with MW Welman, Heyneke shares the highs and lows of his journey and his thoughts on today's rugby scene, including the current state of the Springboks. Heyneke is also a key figure in the annual George TENS Sport and Lifest...

Looking for the ultimate wrap for 2024? MW and Harry take apart several facets of the Springbok season, the wider world of finance and help you see what could be coming in 2025! Don't miss this closing chapter of the Lekker Rugby Pod's first season!

Are we ready to put the magnificent and nearly perfect Bok season of 2024 to bed? Not quite. MW asked Harry to opine on the end, the plot, the subplot and the superlatives of this tough year, with an eye on the meaning of the awards, the risks of complacency, how to go forward and profit more from this golden age, and how we should see this wild ride.