Le French Rugby Podcast

We catch up with Clermont's Australian full back Alex Newsome to talk playing under Christophe Urios, nicknames, how to fix the issues in Australian rugby, if he qualifies for Scotland and whether there's a statue of him back home for playing a different sport! We also discuss all the latest action in the Top 14, go over a few transfer rumours and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're back from a good weekend in Dublin, and watching France's final outing fuelled by Guinness and pizza, to pick the bones out of maybe the best Six Nations ever. We discuss France's resurgence and evolution and the tournament as a whole. Plus, we're joined by All Black Brad Weber to chat about settling into life in Paris, the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup, how players don't realise how good they have it in the Top 14, where rugby in the Southern Hemisphere goes from here and much more. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by former England international and ex-Bordeaux, Clermont and Castres coach Joe Worsley to discuss England's epic win over Ireland, break down their new blitz defence and discuss how France will fare against them on Super Saturday. We also discuss his involvement with Georgia at the World Cup, whether they should be included in the Six Nations and how he's trying to bring the Top 14 to more viewers in the UK. Plus, we analyse France's win over Wales, discuss all the Round 5 permutations and selection debates and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Wales international, British & Irish Lion and now Brive back rower Ross Moriarty joins us to discuss his international exile, the chances of a comeback, adjusting to life in France, Courtney Lawes coming to town next season and who's going to come out on top in Cardiff this weekend. He tells us where the game will be won and lost, gives a damning assessment of the 25-cap rule and fills us in on how he ended up in Brive. Plus, we analyse Fabien Galthie's likely team selection, Antoine Dupont's impact on the sevens scene and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by former Italy centre Michele Campagnaro to discuss the controversial end to France's draw with Italy in Lille, whether the kick should've been retaken, Italian improvements and whether they'll get a win or even two in the last couple of rounds. There's a full debrief on what's going wrong with France, discipline issues, attacking struggles, the dangers of a knee-jerk reaction, how it's far from the end of a golden generation and much more. Plus, we have a few transfer rumours, a round-up of the Top 14 action and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Oyonnax, Scotland and British & Irish Lions prop Rory Sutherland for a raw and honest chat about his time in France and the ups and downs of life as a professional rugby player, as well as to pick the bones out of a controversial end to the Scotland v France clash at Murrayfield and look forward to his return to Glasgow. Plus, we discuss potential law changes, France's failings and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by France legend Mathieu Bastareaud to pick the bones out of the battering Les Bleus suffered at the hands of Ireland in Marseille and discuss whether we're going to see a backlash at Murrayfield this weekend. We talk World Cup hangover, media pressure, Posolo Tuilagi and more. Plus, Basta looks back at his France career, tells us what it was like being part of the Galacticos at Toulon, fills us in on his new role at the club and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We look ahead to what many are billing as a title decider already on the opening night of the Six Nations in Marseille and we're joined by Irish-born former France U20 captain Dany Brennan to look ahead to France v Ireland in depth and analyse where it'll be won and lost. Plus, we hear how a night at a beach bar started the success of this generation of French players, discuss whether Dany would consider playing for Ireland in future, get our full Six Nations predictions in and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Perpignan winger Ali Crossdale to hear how he's loving life in the south of France, his views on his former teammate Owen Farrell's switch to the Top 14, whether the RFU will change their selection rules, his time having Eddie Jones looking over his shoulder at the dinner table and much more. Plus, we discuss the climax to the Champions Cup pool stage, the flaw in the system that means the Round of 16 contains a number of pool repeats, we round up a whole host of big transfer rumours and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by the fastest man in the Champions Cup (we're calling it!), Lyon's Thaakir Abrahams, to talk leading the try scoring charts heading into the final round of pool games, swapping South Africa for France, international ambition, whether he's on Rassie's radar, Louis Rees-Zammit's attempt to crack the NFL, living in the culinary capital of France and much more. Plus, we look at who's going to make it through to the Champions Cup knockout stages, discuss Fabien Galthie's squad for the 2024 Six Nations in depth and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Bordeaux attack coach Noel McNamara to discuss his rise up the coaching ranks from a non-rugby background and how he goes about getting the best out of potentially the best backline in world rugby. He talks us through the characters of Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Matthieu Jalibert, contrasts his experiences in Ireland, South Africa and France and tells us what he's learned along the journey. Plus, we look ahead to a huge couple of weeks in the Champions Cup, cast an eye back over the Top 14 action during the festive period and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Scotland full back and Toulouse's new man Blair Kinghorn to hear how life's going at his new club. He fills us in on a whirlwind few weeks, a dream debut, adjusting to life in France, the secret sauce at Toulouse, World Cup heartache, whether this is Scotland's golden generation and much more. We analyse another tough round for French sides in the Champions Cup, discuss Ronan O'Gara's rage and ponder how many Top 14 teams will make it through to the knockout stages come January. Plus, there's a few juicy rumours for Christmas and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Perpignan and Italy fly half Tommy Allan to discuss his return to where it all started a decade ago, Italy's World Cup campaign, swapping Kieran Crowley for Gonzalo Quesada, moving to full back, the emergence of Posolo Tuilagi and much more. Plus, we discuss a slow start for French clubs in the Champions Cup, an epic draw for Bayonne at Thomond Park, what we can look forward to in Round 2 and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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England scrum half Dan Robson joins us to discuss his new life in Pau, whether the regulations for England players plying their trade abroad might change, his own lack of international starts, life under Eddie Jones, initiations, nicknames and much more. Plus, we discuss more woes for Montpellier, some huge transfer rumours and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Scotland scrum half Ben White joins us to fill us in on how he's settling into life in Toulon, the whirlwind of a move after the demise of London Irish, the disappointment of Scotland's World Cup campaign, the different role of a number nine in France, feeling reinvigorated in the Top 14 and much more. Plus, we discuss Richard Cockerill's departure from Montpellier and Bernard Laporte's shock appointment, together with Patrice Collazo and co, the changing role of Raphael Ibanez with France and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Canada international Tyler Ardron fresh from his standout performance in Castres' thrashing of Oyonnax, in which he did a bit of maul surfing that went viral too. We hear about his new contract, life in the Tarn, the lengths he's gone to in order to play for his country, his thoughts on Kingsley Jones, what's wrong with Canadian rugby and how he's hoping to end his career at the 2027 World Cup. Plus, we discuss Patrice Collazo's departure from Brive, Melvyn Jaminet's move to Toulon, Henry Arundell's dazzling debut, Antoine Dupont and co's sevens sabbatical and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We catch up with Stade Francais second row JJ van der Mescht to find out about his journey from South Africa to Paris and dreams of playing for France. He talks us through his relationship with Paul Willemse and desire to follow in his footsteps, as well as the new coaching regime at Stade Francais, life under Gonzalo Quesada last season, the impending initiations for Joe Marchant and co and much more besides. Plus, we discuss all the Top 14 action, there are a host of juicy transfer rumours to go through and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by former Springbok international and South Africa U20 captain Arno Botha to bask in the glory of the Boks' back-to-back World Cup wins and discuss the return of the Top 14 and a new dawn for Lyon. He tells us about keeping Siya Kolisi out of the team when they made their international debuts and about the injury he suffered playing against Johnnie, we chat about what Kolisi will bring to the Top 14, find out who at Lyon lost a bet on the World Cup final and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by World Cup winner, former Springbok Player of the Year and current La Rochelle scrum coach Gurthro Steenkamp to discuss every possible area of the scrum, as well as other less important areas, after South Africa's win over England and to look ahead to the World Cup final against the All Blacks. We also talk French regret, what next for Les Bleus and the changes that are happening. Plus, we chat about the return of the Top 14, the new Nations Championship being ratified and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by France second row Paul Willemse to discuss the epic quarter-final clash with South Africa, as well as his devastating injury on the eve of the tournament and return to fitness now should he be called upon. We delve deep into the key individual contests and tactical battle, as well as discussing everything from Dupont's facial protection to Rassie's light show. Plus, we predict the outcome of the other quarter-finals and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by a man who played a prominent role for Italy at the last couple of World Cups, Michele Campagnaro, to discuss France's massive showdown against the Azzurri to finish off Pool A. We discuss whether Italy's style of play is naive, the psychological impact of the All Blacks defeat, the rivalry between the two teams, the decision to replace Kieran Crowley with Gonzalo Quesada, the future of Italian rugby and Michele's upcoming house move to become Johnnie's new neighbour! Plus, we look ahead to all the games in the final round of the pool stage and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by the oldest player at this year's World Cup (but not the oldest player ever at the tournament!) to discuss that title, the prospect of facing a full noise France side and what needs to be done to ensure so-called Tier 2 nations can see bigger improvements. We also hear about his incredible journey, life with Johnnie in Bayonne, playing in the French regional leagues last season, what it was like to face the All Blacks again, Le Roux Malan's injury and much more. Plus, we look ahead to the next batch of World Cup games and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by former France international second row Bernard Le Roux to discuss the game plan that beat the All Blacks, the mindset, what makes Shaun Edwards' defence special, Uruguay, wrap up the first round of matches and opening ceremony, find out what life's like at Racing under Stuart Lancaster and take a look ahead to the second weekend of the World Cup. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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The wait is over, the hype is almost complete and France's epic clash with the All Blacks is almost upon us as the World Cup on French soil gets set to begin so we're back to guide you through the tournament and all things Les Bleus. We discuss the tactical breakdown of the opening game, France's injuries after a period of such stability, the chance of an implosion, Fabien Galthie's team selection, the Chalureau controversy, strikes, predictions and much more besides. Plus, we discuss the start of the Top 14 season and reveal our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Perpignan hero Jake McIntyre in between beach parties to discuss their win over Grenoble in the access match and the celebrations afterwards, as well as his journey from being Quade Cooper's replacement to France. Plus, we discuss Marcos Kremer's horror red card in the Paris derby, Madosh Tambwe's brilliance, look ahead to the Top 14 semi-finals and we reveal our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Back to back Champions Cup winner and European Player of the Year Greg Alldritt is back with us after a week of celebrating to fill us in on the final, the controversies, the ROG effect, the personal accolade and the celebrations. Johnnie has a couple of apologies and a long list of French cities he's visited with some star names over the past week and we discuss the final round of the Top 14 regular season. Plus, we chat about Cheslin Kolbe's departure from Toulon, assess whether a certain England fly half could be on his way to France and we reveal our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Tristan Tedder joins us to talk saving Perpignan from bottom spot but the possibility of another relegation play-off with a team from PRO D2, his journey from Durban to Toulouse, winning promotion with Johnnie in Bayonne, a massive move to Racing 92 this summer, what Stuart Lancaster has in store for him and much more. Plus, we preview a massive European finals weekend with La Rochelle and Toulon in action, we discuss Brive's demise, player mutiny at Lyon and we reveal our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by former Wasps and current Stade Francais man Paolo Odogwu to discuss his unexpected Parisian adventure. He fills us in on the emotion of Wasps' demise in October, finding his feet in the French capital, what his next move might be, whether he's likely to feature for England or Italy in the near future, his fashion brand and much more. Plus, we chat about the Top 14 action as the regular season builds to a climax, and we reveal our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We chat to Toulon centre Duncan Paia'aua about going from holding tackle bags for the Wallabies to potentially representing Samoa at the World Cup and from a frustrating start to life in France to signing a bumper new deal & rediscovering his love of the sport. Plus, we discuss how Toulon has changed as a club, we look back at the European semi-finals, as well as at the state of play in the Top 14 with three rounds to go, and we reveal our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're back from our mid-season break as Greg gets set for a Champions Cup semi-final showdown with Exeter in Bordeaux. We discuss holidays to New York, Brive and Center Parcs (you can guess who went where!), France's post-Six Nations reflections, the possibility of an All-French final in the top tier of European competition and the issues with Luke Cowan-Dickie's move to Montpellier. Plus, we look at the latest Top 14 transfer rumours and reveal our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Toulouse's USA international prop David Ainu'u to discuss his epic journey from American Samoa to the States to the south of France, the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup, the future of rugby in the US and, of course, the Heineken Champions Cup. He fills us in on how he went from waterboy to pursuing a career in rugby instead of chasing the NFL dream, tells us what needs to happen for rugby to progress in the USA ahead of the World Cup there in 2031 and we chat about how Antoine Dupont can be the superstar to take the sport more global. Plus, we look ahead to all the Champions Cup quarter-finals and there's an insane MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Pau's Australian international full back Jack Maddocks to discuss derby weekend in the Top 14 after they beat Bayonne in San Sebastian, as well as chatting freak injuries, Eddie Jones, the Wallabies, the young uncapped France star who's English qualified and much more. Plus, we have a milestone to mark, we look ahead to the Champions Cup Round of 16 and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by France lock Paul Willemse to look back on the Six Nations campaign. We discuss frontloading the physical preparation, the mistakes in the Irish defeat, the historic hammering at Twickenham off the back of a week off, his view on Maro Itoje, Damian Penaud's new nickname, the player of the tournament, Shaun Edwards' reaction to conceding a try bonus point twice and much more. Plus, we look ahead to a derby weekend in the Top 14, there's more transfer gossip and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Former England and Toulouse fly half Toby Flood joins us to carry out the inquest into one of England's darkest days but also analyse France's brilliance and consider the evolution of a host of players he played with at club level a few years ago. We discuss the English lack of physicality, Borthwick's fly half dilemma, Galthie's emotion, Dupont's global superstar status, how certain players have gone from smoking in the changing room to becoming world beaters and much more. Plus, there's some juicy transfer gossip and probably the least surprising MEATER Moment of the Week ever...

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England international & Toulon prop Kieran Brookes joins us to look ahead to Le Crunch this weekend, analyse the key battles and talk us through his journey in the Top 14 so far. We discuss everything from Coronation Street to losing weight and brutal conversations with Eddie Jones to the realities of starting a family in France. Plus, we ponder Fabien Galthie's selection issues, there's more transfer gossip and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Former Bath and England prop Henry Thomas joins us to talk us through his journey from not having a contract in place a few games before the end of the season before last to becoming a Top 14 winner with Montpellier last season. He discusses feeling like an outsider after suffering a hamstring injury in the first day of training, bizarre pre-season antics, epic celebrations and everything in between. Plus, there are stories on Eddie Jones, Andy Powell, Danny Cipriani and others and we chat about Mohamed Haouas after his latest red card for France against Scotland. There's more transfer and coaching rumours as well and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by former Scotland skipper and ex-Clermont scrum half Greig Laidlaw to discuss Scottish chances in Paris, being in title contention, how the Gregor Townsend era will be judged and whether his next job could be in France. We also chat about the possibility of John Cooney playing for Scotland, World Rugby's eligibility rules and life in Japan. Plus, we round up the Top 14 action and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Grand Slam decider anyone? It may be a bit early but the top two teams in the world go head to head this weekend and we're joined by former Ireland hooker, ex-Grenoble coach and friend of the show Bernard Jackman to unashamedly analyse every angle of the duel in Dublin that could decide the Six Nations title. We discuss French power, Irish accuracy, Shaun Edwards' concerns, the breakdown battle, the scrummaging showdown and everything in between. Plus, there's a tasty Top 14 transfer rumour and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Italy legend Mirco Bergamasco joins us to discuss his new life coaching in France, the good old days of the golden generation of Italian rugby and what we can expect from an invigorated Italy in this year's Six Nations. We talk Lamaro's leadership, Capuozzo's colossal potential and whether Sergio Parisse will get a swansong at the 2023 World Cup, as well as looking at this weekend's game between Italy and France in Rome. Plus, we run the rule over France's chances of defending their title or even winning back-to-back Grand Slams, discuss Fabien Galthie's selection issues and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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After a false start and a fine, Johnnie and Jerome are joined by Toulouse's Australian second row Richie Arnold to discuss brotherly love, being overlooked by the Wallabies, the Giteau law, Eddie Jones' appointment, the lowering of the tackle height in England and the trial that's taken place in France and much more. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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La Rochelle skipper Greg Alldritt is back with us to discuss all things Champions Cup, as well as France's preparations for the Six Nations after Fabien Galthie named his France squad for the tournament. Plus, he's brought a new mate along with him and we catch up with Ireland international Ultan Dillane to find out how he's settling in, how big a decision it was to give up the chance to play at the World Cup, what the fines system at La Rochelle is like and what he's making of his new team-mates. We also discuss Christophe Urios replacing Jono Gibbes in Clermont, look ahead to a crazy Champions Cup Round 4 and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Lyon's leader Jordan Taufua joins us to talk life in the culinary capital of France, their Challenge Cup title, the Top 14 marathon, coaching relationships from Scott Robertson to Pierre Mignoni to Xavier Garbajosa, international ambitions and much more. We discuss his journey from the brink of an All Black cap for years and over 100 appearances and three Super Rugby titles for the Crusaders to a short-lived spell at Leicester and now the captaincy at Lyon and a World Cup to look forward to with Samoa. Plus, we look ahead to the return of the Champions Cup and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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It's been a good festive period in Bayonne and, after five wins and a draw in their last seven games, we catch up with South Africa international back rower Uzair Cassiem to find out how a newly promoted side has made it into the Top 14 play-off places. We get the lowdown on how everything's going in the Basque Country from the influence of Gregory Patat and Camille Lopez to the French Jonny May and the amazing atmosphere of the Stade Jean-Dauger. We also discuss Siya Kolisi's move to Racing 92 next season, what impact we can expect and we have a little bit of advice for the Springbok skipper on life in France...

All that plus we chat about the winners and losers of the festive period in the Top 14 and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Johnnie and Jerome are joined by Manny Meafou to discuss Christmas in Toulouse, from secret santa to the rigours of the festive period for players and coaches. We also discuss Manny's recent French citizenship test, Antoine Dupont's moustache, scrapping with Sale, Tom Curry's on-field chat and much more. Plus, we look at the best of the action from Round 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Marquee signings don't come bigger than this... La Rochelle & France's reigning Heineken Champions Cup & Six Nations winner Greg Alldritt joins the pod for the first of a number of appearances this season. We get the lowdown on France's autumn, Shaun Edwards' impact and the similarities between Fabien Galthie and Ronan O'Gara. We discuss his love affair with the European Cup from an early age, his view on the South African sides joining the competition and talk Christmas plans after a hectic period of non-stop rugby. Plus, we look ahead to Round 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're back with an apology for our short mid-season break and a look at the recent coaching chaos. We discuss whether Eddie Jones could rock up in the Top 14 and, as well as debating his and Wayne Pivac's dismissals, we chat to Bordeaux fly half Zack Holmes about the departure of Christophe Urios, a Christmas party in a chateau, a scooter accident, Matthieu Jalibert's dog and much more. Plus, there's more big transfers from England and Wales to the Top 14 to talk about and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Springbok and Montpellier man Nico Janse van Rensburg, who was in Marseille at the weekend, to discuss the titanic clash between France and South Africa, Wayne Barnes' performance, Rassie Erasmus' tweets and videos and much more. We chat about whether he was tempted to play for France, his experience with the Boks last year and what he needs to do to get back in the squad ahead of the World Cup. Plus, there's some massive news from the Top 14 to digest and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Springbok World Cup winner and current La Rochelle scrum coach Gurthro Steenkamp joins us to look ahead to France's epic clash with South Africa in Marseille. He discusses where the respective front rowers rank among the best in the world, the role of specialist coaches in modern rugby, the evolution of the Top 14, what Ronan O'Gara is like behind the scenes, his ambitions for the future and who will come out on top this weekend! Plus, we've got a few new transfer rumours, there's been a couple of surprises to chat about in the Top 14 and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Jerome Kaino and Johnnie Beattie are joined by former Australia international Joe Tomane to look ahead to France's opening Autumn Nations Series game against the Wallabies this weekend, as well as discuss the possibility of him switching allegiance to Samoa. Jerome and Joe also pick their current combined Australia and New Zealand XV with the news emerging that an ANZAC team could be in line to face the Lions in 2025. Plus, we chat about all the latest transfer gossip, round up all the Top 14 action and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Racing 92 assistant coach Rory Teague to discuss coaching under Eddie Jones with England, his journey to the top job at Bordeaux, the backlash he faced from fans there, how the move to Paris came about, the prospect of working under Stuart Lancaster next season and, of course, the situation surrounding Finn Russell and his exclusion from the Scotland squad this autumn...

Plus, we discuss Fabien Galthie's injury issues, Reda Wardi's moment of madness and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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New Racing 92 winger Christian Wade joins us to talk settling into Parisian life, adjusting back to rugby from American football, his journey to the NFL, the standard of coaching in rugby, the sad situation at his old club Wasps, his England disappointments over the years, the prospect of working with Stuart Lancaster again next season and much more...

Plus, we discuss Fabien Galthie's squad for the Autumn Nations Series, talk Top 14 and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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There's transfer rumours galore on the show this week... are Toulon taking Elton Jantjies, is Dan Biggar off to Brive, who's the latest All Black heading to Toulouse, could Joe Marchant quit Quins for Stade Francais and what on earth has been going on behind the scenes with the Parisians this week?

Plus, we chat to Josh Brennan after his run of starts for Toulouse at the beginning of the season about keeping some giants out of the side, gunning for France selection, whether Ireland might come calling, the possibility of facing his brother this weekend and much more. All that and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're back... with a formal apology for missing the first five weeks of the season but with a massive marquee signing to unveil in order to make up for it! Toulouse assistant coach and double World Cup winner Jerome Kaino has signed on the dotted line to join the pod this season and he gives his view on what Sam Simmonds and Stuart Lancaster can expect when they move to the Top 14 as well as discussing Toulouse's early season form and initiations at the club. We discuss what can be read into the departures of a host of France's assistant coaches after the World Cup and whether Fabien Galthie himself might be tempted away by Japan. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Good things come to those who wait... we're joined by Montpellier hero Paolo Garbisi after a whirlwind of a week involving some epic celebrations and a long drive to join up with Italy ahead of their upcoming internationals! We discuss what it's like to win a first ever Top 14 title for Montpellier in his first season with the club, what the celebrations were like, how he could've ended up in England, the influence of Zach Mercer, keeping Handre Pollard out of the team, the emotional scenes in Cardiff in March, potentially partnering his brother in the halfbacks for Italy, what next for the Azzurri and much more. Plus, there's some massive transfer news surrounding a France international, we look ahead to France's series with Japan and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by the King of Castres, Rodrigo Capo Ortega, who has been at the heart of the club's previous Top 14 triumphs over the past decade to look ahead to the final against Montpellier. We look back on the semi-finals, break down the tactical battle in the final, discuss when the Capo Ortega statue is being built and find out how close he came to leaving the club and moving to the Premiership. Plus, we chat about the Barbarians' win over England, analyse France's squad for the Japan tour and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Bordeaux second row Kane Douglas joins us to fill us in on how the team prepared for their victory over Racing in the Barrages without Christophe Urios for most of the week, the response of Matthieu Jalibert and Cameron Woki after being called out and whether relationships will be mended this week! Plus, we discuss Toulouse's latest win over La Rochelle, Perpignan's triumph in the accession match and look ahead to the Top 14 semi-finals. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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After a frenetic final weekend in the Top 14 regular season, we catch up with one of the key men from surprise table-toppers Castres and the top tackler in the Top 14 this season. Australian second row Tom Staniforth fills us in on his journey from Canberra to Castres, the family environment at the club, how a bunch of battlers go about beating off competition from a host of teams with much bigger budgets over 26 rounds and gives us an insight into what makes a club that often goes under the radar so special. There's also a look into everything that happened on the final day, a look ahead to the Barrages and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We try desperately to join in with the epic looking party in the port at La Rochelle as well as analysing how they managed to prove seemingly everyone wrong and beat favourites Leinster to lift the European Cup. Plus, we discuss Lyon's first major trophy since 1933 and what the fact that both they and La Rochelle came up together from PRO D2 just eight years ago says about French rugby. There's also a revelation about Uini Atonio's tattoo and much more. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by La Rochelle back row Wiaan Liebenberg to chat about his decision to retire from playing at the age of just 29 and the thinking behind it, the journey that's taken him to France, what comes next and the chances of riding off into the sunset with a trophy! A bit of Champions Cup chat and an insight into the cut-throat life of a professional rugby player and the decision-making process involved in when to hang up the boots. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Lyon's player of the match in the win over Wasps that saw them through to a first major final since 1933, Joel Kpoku, joins us to discuss making a big impression early on in his career in France, what went wrong for him at Saracens, international aspirations and much more. We talk Sarries' big dogs, lazy comparisons to Maro Itoje, Eddie Jones, the slower pace of life in France, salary caps and, of course, round up all the European semi-final action. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Toulouse centre Pita Ahki joins us to discuss the drama of the penalty shootout at the Aviva Stadium, whether he'd have fancied taking one, returning to Dublin to take on Leinster and much more. Plus, Benji reveals he was next in line to take a penalty when Leicester beat Cardiff in a shootout in 2009, we analyse all the European action, chat about the prospect of Eddie Jones moving to the Top 14 and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We chat to La Rochelle's South Africa international Dillyn Leyds ahead of the all-French Champions Cup quarter-final against Montpellier to find out about Ronan O'Gara's spikiness, how he ended up in the west of France instead of South West London and his chances of a Springbok recall. Plus, we look at the madness of the Top 14 where still nobody is guaranteed a play-off place with two rounds to go, look ahead to all of the Champions Cup quarter-finals and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by an Englishman in the Pyrenees as Pau fly half Zack Henry talks us through his journey from Rouen in Federale 1 up through PRO D2 and to the Top 14 via a stint at Leicester in the Premiership. We hear how playing under Steve Borthwick at Tigers wasn't the right fit, what Gabin Villiere was like back in his days as a back-up scrum half in the French third tier, how dangerous Chouffe socials can be and what happens when you injure your hamstring and are sent to a faith healer rather than a physio! Plus, Johnnie makes a big prediction about who will miss out on the Top 14 play-offs, we discuss Spain being stripped of their place at the World Cup in France next year and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Benji's back with tales from the back-to-back Kayser derbies between Clermont and Leicester and we discuss the dominance of Top 14 sides in the Champions Cup for a second straight season, unfair criticism of Montpellier, Toulouse's tenacity, what should be done about the red cards and sanctions we're seeing at the moment and how big a job Jono Gibbes has on his hands. Plus, we look ahead to the European quarter-finals and a tight Top 14 run-in with four rounds remaining and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Reigning champions Toulouse clung on to stay in with a shout of qualifying for the quarter-finals, despite being down to 14 men for 70 minutes against Ulster, and we chat to try scorer Manny Meafou about his journey from rugby league to NFL prospect to double winner with Toulouse in double quick time! He tells us about Antoine Dupont buying the forwards dinner, Toulouse's 1000kg pack, the task of filling Joe Tekori's boots and his dream of playing for France rather than the Wallabies. Plus, we look ahead to all of the Round of 16 second legs and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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The guests keep getting bigger, literally, as big Will Skelton joins us to talk Ronan O’Gara v Christophe Urios, the slap, the trilogy against Bordeaux, how he hasn't heard from the Wallabies despite reports he isn't being considered for the series against England, life in La Rochelle, who the team jokers are and wait for it... how he's the smallest of three brothers! Plus, we look ahead to all of the Champions Cup Round of 16 ties and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Another week, another Grand Slam winner... France enforcer Paul Willemse joins us to discuss his role as the only out-and-out second row in the team, the specialist coaching expertise and how it all comes together, the Shaun Edwards effect, his journey from budding Springbok to French hero and how he was completely ignored by the SARU, the struggle to fit into the national team at first, the honour of captaining Montpellier for the first time at the weekend and much more. Plus, we chat about Sergio Parisse playing until he's 40 and bowing out at the 2023 World Cup, Toulouse's quintet of Grand Slam winning replacements and how they could accommodate Jaminet, Capuozzo and Ramos next season and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Grand Slam winner and Six Nations Player of the Championship nominee Greg Alldritt to find out whether the trophy really got lost in the Seine, how the celebrations went down, what it's like being a player in this France setup, the relationship with Fabien Galthie, Shaun Edwards and the other coaches, the brotherhood between the players, his rapid rise from Federale 1 to the national team, how much stick Antoine Dupont got for wearing that yellow dressing gown and much more. Plus, Benji and Johnnie analyse Le Crunch in detail and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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It's crunch time for Fabien Galthie's men as they prepare to face England with a title and Grand Slam on the line in Paris and we analyse all the tactical, personnel and mental battles. Former England international and Toulon and Lyon full back Delon Armitage joins us to give us his insight, as well as to share a few stories on the likes of Bernard Laporte and Mourad Boudjellal from his Champions Cup winning days, and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Former Racing, Bayonne, Wales and British & Irish Lions scrum half Mike Phillips joins us to look ahead to France's trip to Cardiff. He gives us his view on Antoine Dupont, tells us about the Shaun Edwards effect and looks back on his time in the Top 14. We hear about the ups and downs in Bayonne, how Dan Carter helped him meet his wife and about his social media interaction with a French TV presenter. Plus, we get our predictions in for Round 4 and we pick our MEATER Moment Of The Week...

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Benjamin Kayser and Johnnie Beattie are back to go through France's big win at Murrayfield with a fine tooth comb. We discuss how the French are now set up to win away, how Gregor Townsend ignored all of Johnnie's tactical advice and how he bumped into a few of the celebrating France stars in Edinburgh afterwards. Plus, we discuss whether laws need to change after Italy's defeat in Dublin, debate whether Wales or England have anything to worry Fabien Galthie, round up some of the Top 14 action and we pick our MEATER Moment Of The Week...

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We're joined by former Scotland captain and ex-Clermont scrum half Greig Laidlaw to discuss whether the Scots can be the ones to stop this France side and beat them in the Six Nations for a third straight year. We chat about how to stop Antoine Dupont, the physicality advantage of the French, Finn Russell's need to bounce back and the selection issues both sides face. Plus, there's a couple of crazy red cards in the same Top 14 game to mull over and we pick our MEATER Moment Of The Week...

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France are the only team left in this year's Six Nations with their Grand Slam hopes still alive and we're joined by former Ireland hooker and ex-Grenoble coach Bernard Jackman to dissect their win over Ireland. We discuss French physicality, the calibre of coaching, dessert-gate during his time in France and much more. Plus, Johnnie picks himself up after another false dawn for Scotland, Benji gives his view on what's going on in Toulon and we pick our MEATER Moment Of The Week...

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Ireland international and former Racing 92 man Simon Zebo joins us to look ahead to the potentially Six Nations title-defining showdown between France and Ireland and give us an insight into both camps. We look at the changes with Ireland under Andy Farrell and what life is like in camp and analyse where Johnny Sexton might be looking to pick holes in Shaun Edwards' defence, as well as discussing his time in Paris, whether the bromance with Finn Russell is still intact and much more.

Plus, there's a talking point or two in the Top 14 to touch on, including a bizarre Biarritz ending, and we pick our MEATER Moment Of The Week...

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It's Coming Home... or Ramenez La Coupe A La Maison as Benji would say! We preview the 2022 Six Nations, discuss how badly Fabien Galthie's preparations have been affected and what selection headaches he faces but, 12 years on from their last Six Nations triumph, do Johnnie and Benji think it's going to be France's year?

Plus, we look at some of the latest goings on in the Top 14, discuss one of the biggest brawls ever seen on a rugby pitch and pick our MEATER Moment Of The Week...

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Stade Francais skipper Tala Gray joins us to relive the drama of their victory over Connacht by six points to get exactly what they needed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions Cup... and what he said to Wayne Barnes in the aftermath of Tolu Latu's red card! We also talk about switching international allegiance to Samoa and cover all the talking points from Europe, as well as discussing Antoine Dupont's GQ photoshoot and how covet is affecting France's Six Nations preparations. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We're joined by Racing 92 attack coach Mike Prendergast to hear what it's like organising the likes of Finn Russell, Kurtley Beale, Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou and co. We discuss his route to the top, those rumours linking him with a return to Munster, his relationship with Ronan O'Gara, the heartache that's driving Racing on and how they raise their game in Europe. Plus, we analyse the Round 3 action in the Champions Cup and look ahead to who's going to make it through to the knockout stages. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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We catch up with England international Zach Mercer to find out all about the Covid cases in the Montpellier camp, their European ambition, how he's thriving on and off the field in France, being back on Eddie Jones' radar after a chat at a recent Top 14 game and much more. Plus, we discuss the lay of the land in the Top 14 and how the regulations in France are affecting rugby and the Champions Cup. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Benji's back to tell us about his try-scoring exploits in Dubai, Johnnie's navigated travel chaos to make it home for Christmas and we look back on a weekend where politics played its part and Castres were the only French side in action in the Champions Cup. We assess whether the whole of Round 2 should have been postponed as the Top 14 sides wanted, whether there's going to be an asterisk by the name of the winner once more and what's next for European rugby this season. Plus, there's some hot coaching gossip and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Current La Rochelle and soon to be Toulon fly half Ihaia West joins us to discuss the heartache of losing out in two finals last season, the criticism he received, learning lessons under Ronan O'Gara, the contrast in playing style with his head coach, how the move to Toulon came about and the prospect of a switch in nationality after the change in World Rugby's eligibility laws. Plus, we round up all of the Champions Cup action, look ahead to Round 2 and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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France assistant coach Shaun Edwards joins us to discuss where the recent win over the All Blacks ranks in the list of special days he's had as a coach, what it's like working with Fabien Galthie, the need to win something, overcoming the language barrier, Gael Fickou's role as defensive captain, Antoine Dupont's freakish ability, the recent law changes and eligibility ruling and much more. Plus, we look ahead to the start of the Champions Cup this weekend and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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It's December and that can only mean one thing... Santi's coming to town! Fresh from scoring a sackful of tries in Bordeaux's big win away at Racing, Argentina international Santi Cordero joins us to talk about the cultural difference with Exeter, Christophe Urios' coaching methods and wine venture, Matthieu Jalibert's dogs, the Pumas' tough couple of years on the road and the controversial moment between him and Teddy Thomas at the weekend that sparked a big reaction in the French media. Plus, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Double World Cup winner Jerome Kaino joins us to pick the bones out of Les Bleus' biggest ever win over the All Blacks and a potentially seminal victory for Fabien Galthie's France. We discuss his influence on the likes of Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont, the easiest World Player of the Year decision ever, hobnobbing with Neymar and Bond girls and much more. Plus, Benji and Johnnie talk us through their X-rated noises in commentary, their Saturday night in Paris, where the victory ranks in the pantheon of great France performances and I bet you can't guess what our MEATER Moment of the Week is...

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Benji's back with a good excuse for missing last week and tales to tell from his big night out with Rodrigo Roncero, we look at whether Antoine Dupont will win the World Player of the Year award and why front rowers never get a look in! And, of course, we build up to a huge clash in Paris and assess how France go about trying to beat New Zealand for the first time in 12 years. Plus, we may or may not be joined by a double World Cup winner and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Benji was led astray on Saturday night by his Argentinian hero so we've got a former Puma on the show to replace him and there's all the lowdown on Thibaud Flament's dream debut, Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack's combination, whether Fabien Galthié will stick with it against the All Blacks and much more. Plus, a few Top 14 transfer rumours and our MEATER Moment of the Week...

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Johnnie and Benji are predicting big things as France prepare to get their autumn underway against Argentina with Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack in tandem, while we speak to the man who was briefly in charge of Toulon about a turbulent week for the club. James Coughlan, who took charge of the team for the win over Biarritz, fills us in on Patrice Collazo's departure, Franck Azema's arrival and everything in between! Plus, a few big Top 14 transfer rumours and the all new MEATER Moment of the Week.

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We're joined by the cornerstone of Clermont's side over the past decade Fritz Lee this week to discuss the return of Jono Gibbes, how a three-month stint in the Massif Central turned into a nine-year stay, the possibility of turning out for France or Samoa and much more. Plus, we look at the appointment of Antoine Dupont as France captain, chat goal-kickers after Morgan Parra's epic streak of successes and mull over the decline of Patrice Collazo in Toulon...

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Benji and Johnnie are back to dissect Fabien Galthie's France squad for the autumn internationals and give their view on who will make the first choice XV and who will captain the side in Charles Ollivon's absence. Plus, we're joined by former All Black Francis Saili to fill us in on everything going on in Biarritz from whether the club is moving to Lille to naked plane rides and six-figure sums spent on yachts in Ibiza amid their celebrations at the end of last season! Oh and we end the show a man down in mysterious circumstances...

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We're back and who better to help us kick off Season 2 than the King of Toulouse... Big Joe Tekori joins us to talk corner flags, celebrations, gin and tonic kryptonite, being Mr Barbarians, Cheslin Kolbe's departure and whether he has another contract left in him! Plus, we discuss a host of rumours in the Top 14, including whether current France fly half Matthieu Jalibert and former France scrum half Morgan Parra are on the move, and ponder whether Patrice Collazo's days as Toulon coach are numbered...

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We're joined by World Cup winner and now Top 14 and Champions Cup double winner Charlie Faumuina and his ski goggles for the final episode of the season to discuss how good this current Toulouse side is and whether a dynasty can be created to rival or eclipse the great sides of previous generations and, of course, how good the celebrations have been over the past few days! Plus, we discuss the unique history of the Top 14 final and the Bouclier de Brennus, the famous celebrations with the trophy over the years and take a trip down memory lane with Benji and Johnnie. All that as well as a detailed look at the final itself and a look ahead to France's upcoming three Test series in Australia...

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Benji and Johnnie are back to analyse the Top 14 semi-finals and look ahead to whether La Rochelle can exact revenge on Toulouse in the final after losing out to the same opponents in the Champions Cup showpiece last month. Plus, we chat to former France back row Antonie Claassen after he played the final game of a long and illustrious career in Racing's semi-final defeat.

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We're joined by the newly crowned King of Biarritz, Steffon Armitage, as he prepares to catch a flight to Ibiza after slotting over the winning kick at goal in a sudden death penalty shootout against bitter rivals Bayonne to win promotion to the Top 14. We also chat about what that means to both Basque clubs, take a look at the Barrages in the Top 14 and look ahead to the semi-finals...

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Johnnie and Benji are back to reflect on a crazy final day in the Top 14 regular season and one of them might be a bit smug after predicting exactly what order the top six would finish in! We dissect all the late drama, look ahead to a Paris derby in the Barrages and a Basque derby for a place in next season's Top 14 and we catch up with Perpignan's Piula Fa'asalele, fresh from the beach bar, to find out how the party's been going after they were promoted back to the big time at the weekend...

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Benji and Johnnie are back to look ahead to a frantic finale in the Top 14 regular season where almost every game has something major riding on it and there are a host of different permutations, all of which viewers in the UK can now watch on Premier Sports after we teased that news last week! We get their predictions on who will make the play-offs, who will get into the Champions Cup for next season and who will finish second bottom and be in the dreaded relegation play-off. Plus, we discuss the move of Alexandre Ruiz from referee to defence coach at Montpellier and Benji doesn't hold back...

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Benji and Johnnie are back to analyse all the action from the first French double in the Champions & Challenge Cups since 1997, including Benji's eye witness account of Levani Botia's red card offence, and we're joined by a newly crowned European Cup winner with an incredible tale to tell. Toulouse's Thibaud Flament joins us how he's gone from fly half in the Loughborough University 5th team to second row in a Champions Cup winning side in double quick time! Plus, there might just be some news on the Top 14 returning to UK screens...

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We're back with a comprehensive preview of the upcoming all-French Champions Cup final and a look at whether Montpellier can make it a French double in terms of the two European trophies for the first time since 1997! We discuss Toulouse's injury concerns, La Rochelle's rise, who has the edge in terms of talent, power and coaching and Benji gets deep about how much it means after coming so close to lifting the European Cup but losing out in five finals...

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Bordeaux's Australian international second row Kane Douglas joins us to chat about the pressure of the battle to make it into the Top 14 play-offs, as well as the extent of the Covid crisis at the club, Christophe Urios' quirks and much more. Plus, we hear Benji and Johnnie's experiences of what makes the play-off race in France so special and sets it apart from every other league in the world...

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Benji and Johnnie return to look back on more French domination in Europe as we discuss La Rochelle's physically and tactically dominating Leinster and chat to Perpignan's former Clermont and France back rower Damien Chouly about what makes Jono Gibbes special...and get a bit of dirt on Benji in the process! Plus, we dissect Toulouse's win over a hamstrung Bordeaux and look at how many of the current France side would make it into Warren Gatland's Lions Test XV...

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Johnnie and Benji are back to look ahead to the French dominated Champions Cup semi-finals and we're joined by former Toulouse prop and European Cup winner Census Johnston, who thinks it's Toulouse's title to lose. We hear just how intense Guy Noves was, what the Toulouse way meant for the forwards, more on Joe Tekori's now infamous reputation and how Census is now more French than Benji! Plus, we discuss whether Bordeaux will be able to take the field against Toulouse because of their recent positive Covid tests and what shape they'll be in if they do, there's a look at why Jono Gibbes is swapping La Rochelle for Clermont next season...and could Benji be joining him back at the Stade Marcel Michelin?

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