The Rugby Wrap

This week, we do what no sane person would do - we re-live the Force's game against Moana Pasifika. It was too distressing for Heath Tessmann to even consider, so he stayed away.

With the Super W starting this week, we catch up with Western Force Wallaroo Michaela Leonard to chat about the women's program at the Force, why it's attracting players from all over the world, and who the smokey is to win the comp. Plus the Mail Bag and Heath Tessmann.

Odd that Heath Tessmann can't make his own podcast but the CEO of the Western Force can get there early. Great to hear Niamh O'Connor's thoughts about the Force, where things are at, and what needs to be done to restore people's love of rugby. 

Great to catch up with Melbourne Rebels GM and former Wallaby, Nick Stiles, to talk a bit of rugby. Plus a review of Super Rugby Round 1 with special guest, Heath Tessmann.

We kick off season 5 with Western Force coach Simon Cron; an absent Heath Tessmann; and a new sponsor in leapstrategies.com.au  Simon speaks about the Force's strengths and weaknesses, how he'll judge the season, and some of the positives in the West. 

In this first and final episode of our Summer Edition series, we catch up with Aussie 7s star, Isabella Nasser, to get her thoughts on the Perth Sevens and what's in store in the lead up to Paris. Season 5 of the Rugby Wrap winter edition with MItch Hardy, Heath Tessmann and a brand new sponsor, launches Thursday February 22.

In the final episode for 2023, we record early to review the RWC, chat about Eddie and ask 'where to from here?' Wallaby #735 Mitch Hardy proposes a very interesting way to choose the next coach and we give the mail bag one last run. 

We put down the Aperol Spritz and Baguettes just long enough to share our thoughts on the World Cup, the Wallabies and the potential winners. Recorded live in Bordeaux.

This week, Wallaroo Michaela Leondard expands on the recent social media post highlighting the inequality between Australia's senior men's and women's teams, plus we look at the RWC warm up matches and the club Grand Finals.  Plenty to get your teeth into.

A very honest chat with Daniel Herbert, wallaby #715 and RA board member. Hear his views on why the current system is broken, the need for centralisation, and his thoughts on the infamous third tier. Plus Mitch questions the timing of the Australia A game v Portugal.   A bumper episode.

It seems everyone has an opinion on the Wallabies. We're no different.  Plenty of good stuff and plenty of questions as well.

A new competition structure for rugby in Perth has been proposed. Rugby WA President John Welborn explains. (Apologies for the poor sound. You think we'd have it right after more than 100 episodes, but sometimes it just doesn't happen.)

A quick review of the Super Rugby Pacific final and a look at the Wallabies squad. Plus the airing of some gripes. Really, it's bit of everything except Mitch Hardy.

If you sometimes forget the true meaning of 'grassroots', have a listen to Dean McKee from Wests-Scarborough RUFC. A great man who loves club rugby.

Out of 10, what score would you give the Western Force's 2023 season? See how you compare with coach Simon Cron, as he chats through the year that was and discusses what they'll build on for 2024.

Great to have former Wallaroo Bec Clough pop in for a chat about all things rugby. Nice to have Heath Tessmann pop in, too.

We catch up with special guests Carlo Tizzano from the Western Force and Heath Tessmann from The Rugby Wrap. It's a big week.

This week we celebrate our 101st episode by jumping on the Hunter Wildfires bandwagon and catching up with coach Scott Coleman. A great rugby man. Plus the mailbag and some other juicy bits.

In this, our 100th episode (which we only realised once we finished), we look at the 96 week banning for referee assault and Mitch Hardy shares his opinion of Reece Tarpine's premature celebration.

Heath Tessmann thinks all his Christmases have come at once as we catch up with Western Force forwards coach, Jimmy Duffy, to breakdown the set piece. Mitch Hardy pretends he knows what they're talking about then Mick has a rant in the mailbag. Not a bad ep.

New Rugby WA CEO Simon Taylor talks about rugby in the West.  He's a good get. Plus the usual stuff we do when Heath Tessmann doesn't make it.

Every wondered what an elite athlete like Heath Tessmann does before a big game? Tune in to find out as we take a light hearted look at the week in rugby.

Rising star Jeremy Williams talks about life at the Western Force and settles the argument about whose fault it is when the lineout goes awry. (Without spoiling the surprise, let me just say Heath Tessmann disagrees.) Unfortunately Lachie Swinton's 7 week ban hadn't been announced when we recorded or we would have gone in much harder.

We catch up with Western Force star Martha Mataele to talk about her team's first win in SuperW since 2019 and we question some of the decisions rugby makes about scheduling. Thanks to Mitch for dragging himself out of his sick bed! #toughwinger

Former Wallaby Tim Horan dissects the first Wallabies squad and we raise the topic of the mid season draft. Is it the time?