In this episode of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper celebrate France's historic win at the Olympic Rugby Sevens, starring Antoine Dupont's game-changing performance and the supportive crowd at Stade de France. They recap the final match against Fiji, discuss Dupont's contributions, and the lively celebrations that followed. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the French women's Rugby Sevens team and concerns about rugby's grassroots development in the UK. Additionally, there's a reflection on notable player transfers like Lee Halfpenny and Owen Farrell, and an interview with former England international Graham Dawes, who shares his memories and insights into rugby at various levels. Unmissable! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

This episode of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosted by Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper, covers a variety of topics including Véronique’s time in Monaco and Cannes, a mention of the book 'Boys of winter' by Laurence Dallaglio and Owen Slott, and a detailed discussion of the French rugby sevens team's performance in the Olympics. The hosts also discuss the Top 14 and Vannes's upcoming match against Toulouse. Additionally, the podcast features an engaging conversation with Graham Dawe, a notable rugby coach, about his career, his global travels, looking after young Lawrence Dallaglio and Kyran Bracken, his insights on the professional game and the next generation of rugby players. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper, focus on recent European Rugby matches, including the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarterfinals. We cover various games, highlighting La Rochelle's close win against Stormers, Bordeaux's victory over Saracens, and look ahead to upcoming quarter finals, including Bordeaux's first-ever quarter final against Harlequins.  We discuss team strategies, player injuries, and the performances of key players. Additionally, we pay tribute to French rugby legend Andre Boniface, we reflect on the implications of a proposed World Championship Cup for the rugby calendar, and briefly touches on the ongoing Six Nations tournament for women. The engaging conversation captures the excitement of European rugby while honouring the sport's heritage.

00:00 Introduction
00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Podcast
00:27 Recap of Last Weekend's Rugby Action
00:53 La Rochelle's Narrow Victory Discussion
03:30 Bordeaux's Upcoming Challenge and Team Updates
07:30 Toulouse's Dominance and Upcoming Matches
10:55 La Rochelle vs. Leinster: The Titanic Battle
16:24 Remembering Rugby Legend Andre Boniface
18:24 Women's Six Nations and Domestic Rugby Updates
20:45 Looking Ahead: European Cups and World Championship Cup Rumours
22:13 Closing Remarks and Goodbye

Rugby Friends,  a short and sweet 25 mins episode this week (just like me;-) about the exhilarating battle happening in the Top 14 right now and the latest news about French Rugby. Mike talks about his forthcoming book "Hard men of French Rugby" and meeting with Guilhem Guirado which will feature in chapter 2 of his book and bumping into Lawrence Dallaglio at the Stoop and explaining to me what the Gents etiquette are all about. LOL!!!
Enjoy, French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, with Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce, the Rugby podcast with the gallic twist. 

Rugby friends, Rugby Legend, Philippe Saint Andre is now back to being Director of Rugby for Montpellier and looking forward to the Challenge cup final with his stellar team. Philippe reminisces his best rugby memory and living and coaching in Gloucester and Sale too. Mike and I review the Euro weekend and the catch-up games for the last few games in the season 2021 of the Top 14. Crouch, bind, and set! Enjoy our  Episode of French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Rugby podcast with the gallic twist (and with a strong French accent);-)? You've been warned. Subscribe now to be one of the first to listen to the podcast.

More French and European Rugby news about the oval ball on French Rugby Connections Podcast with Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce, all in 30 mins! ENJOY the Welsh and the French Rugby banter, and yes we do talk about sheep, snails, and frogs too....Oh la la.

This week, we focus on Le  Crunch at the Women's six nations.  You will not believe how forceful and vigorous the Elite women Rugby players are on the pitch. England vs France final at the 6 women's six Nations will be live this Saturday, on BBC 2 at 2 pm. It will be a feat of grit and brutality and a  massive cracking game. France has to win to repair their last-minute loss last year against Les Roses. Emily Scarattt told me that after playing for Les Bleues, she feels like she's been run by a bus. Mike and I review the  Top 14 too which has been hit (encore une fois - another time again) by Covid 19, but we're nearly at the end of the season and it will be completed. A fierce battle at the top and at the bottom and in the meantime, in the Pro D 2, Vannes or Perpignan will be the team to get into the Top 14. I'm from Britanny ...so you know which team I support. Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the Rugby podcast with the Gallic twist!

BonjourFriends! RUGBY CONNECTIONS Podcast is here! Mike Pearce and I review the Champions Cup, 6 Womens' s Nations Cup, Top 14, and David Beresford who wrote a book "Brothers in arms" about his love for French Rugby Legends from the 70s and 80s takes me back to memory lane on a journey full of French Regional history and lots of wine and epicurean delights. Enjoy!

A very happy rugby weekend if you are ....French! I have a great chat with Mailys Traore, Loosehead prop, with 21 caps for France, on how she got into Rugby,  her love of being an egg chaser for Stade Toulousain and Les Bleus, and which character of Game of Thrones, she identifies with the most. Mike and I review the French teams who played last weekend, with a few controversies thrown in with Bordeaux Begles vs Bristol Bears and the cancellation of Toulon's game against Leinster. We talk about that opening game of women's 6 Nations in Vannes between France and Wales and the opportunities for women rugby to grow, pending additional investments from the different unions. Enjoy French Rugby Podcast, the Rugby Podcast with the Gallic and European twist!

I am delighted this week to speak with  Serge Betsen who shares briefly his thoughts about Les Bleus and Women's 6 Nations on French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. As promised, Mike Pearce sings "Flower of Scotland" (he's Welsh and he can certainly sing in tune) and Veronique and Mike provide the latest concise rugby news on Top 14, the women 6 Nations, and the European  Championship. French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist! 

I have a chat with Gavin Hastings aka Big Gav,  a two-time British & Irish Lion who appeared in three World Cups and in the Five Nations between 1986 to 1995. Gavin reminisces about his rugby memories playing against Les Bleus from his debut in 1986 in Murrayfield to the world Cup in 1995.  He was also pivotal particularly in Scotland’s impressive 1990 Grand Slam. Furthermore, he also shares his thoughts about the final 6 Nations game, in which his son, Adam is a finisher. Unmissable! Veronique is over the moon regarding France and Wales game but understandably, Mike is still reeling from Wales's cruel defeat at Stade de France last Saturday but on Friday, he'll wear his brand new Scottish Jersey, Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

Did you know that  Scott Quinnell's name, Welsh Rugby Legend is of  French origin (yes, from quenelle which is the name of an egg-shaped dish - True! )? Scott tells us how he fell in love with French Rugby in the heyday of Jean Pierre Rives, shares his thoughts about France vs Wales game, and recalls his time playing against Les Bleus.

Let's not forget that Scott Quinnell is the son of legendary Wales flanker Derek, Quinnell who made a name for himself as a gutsy, world-class No.8 at a time when the game in Wales was struggling. His Test debut came against Canada in 1993 but it was against France in 1994, as Wales were on their way to the Five Nations title, that he announced himself with a stunning solo try.  And the rest is history. You will enjoy our chat with Scott which was insightful and fun too.

Mike and I preview also the 6 Nations, the Top 14, and the RWC 2023 phenomenal success of selling out 310 000 tickets in less than12 hours. No escape for a French Rugby Lesson from me and you will all learn a new rugby word by listening to the French Rugby Connections Podcast, the Rugby Podcast with a Gallic Twist!

ON FRENCH RUGBY CONNECTIONS this week! LE CRUNCH. Are you ready for it?
Yann Delaigue, 20 caps reminisces the last time won against England in  2005 and his thoughts about Saturday's game. I also got a quote from Dimitri Yachvili , now Consultant at France Televisions about Le Crunch. Mike Pearce and I review the latest European and rugby news. Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the rugby podcast with a gallic and European Twist.

 

This week,  Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper on the French Rugby CONNECTIONS  podcast  discuss the upcoming big weekend of the Champions Cup, focusing on the last 16 matches involving eight French teams. Specific attention is given to the game between Toulouse and Racing 92, with Toulouse favoured due to their strong line up despite Racing 92's challenges with player availability. Other matches such as Bordeaux against Saracens, La Rochelle's travel to South Africa to face the Stormers, and Lyon's difficult task against the Blue Bulls are highlighted. The conversation includes analysis of player injuries, team strengths, and predictions for the matches. The discussion also touches on the impact of foreign players in the Top 14, the current standings and recent performances of various teams, and a brief mention of women's rugby, specifically the French Women's Six Nations team's performance. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist.

00:25 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection

00:36 Previewing the Champions Cup Weekend

01:02 Spotlight on Toulouse vs Racing 92

01:25 Injury Updates and Team Strategies

03:43 Other Key Matches to Watch

06:05 La Rochelle's South African Challenge

09:05 Predictions and Surprises

10:36 Recap of Last Week's Top 14 Action

16:26 Looking Ahead: Transfers and Talent

19:20 Closing Remarks and Women's Rugby Update

Veronique Landew talks with TMO, Rowan Kitt, arguably the most recognizable Television Match Official (TMO) in world rugby (Rowan Kitt, also called  "Kitty" by Wayne Barnes,) when looking to clarify a major officiating decision). In this episode, Rowan Kitt will provide his thoughts on the refereeing in the Wales England game at the Guinness 6 Nations last weekend at Twickenham, how the officials prepare pre-match and what is the best and worst thing about being a TMO. Veronique and Mike Pearce review the latest Top 14 games (only 3 games this weekend) and the various venues where the RWC 2023 will take place in La Belle France. Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the rugby podcast with a Gallic and European twist.

I had a great car ride with Ben Cohen, who was moving, philosophical, and recounted great stories of the rudimentary "toilets" used on the victory bus and the day he met Prince Harry stark naked! We talk about the rugby coaches who have inspired him and put him on the right track, after the tragic death of his beloved father.  He channeled all his energy and anger into becoming the best winger in the world. Now retired, he's making the world a better place now through his Stand Up Foundation which fights Bullying and homophobia. Mike Pearce, my co-host then talks about the 6 Nations, Top 14, and the latest rugby news pertaining to the rugby world. Enjoy French Rugby Connections, the Rugby podcast with the gallic and European twist! 

Where there's a will, there's a way!

Six Nations leaders France will be without captain Charles Ollivon for Sunday's match against Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus along with four other players. A total of 11 France players from the 23 that faced Ireland in round two have now contracted the virus.

Veronique Landew from the French Rugby Connections podcast elaborates on the following topics in 4 minutes!

* How big a blow is this for the French squad?

* Is there any risk that the game against Scotland this weekend won't go ahead?

* 11 Years since France won the Six Nations, they're leading the table after a perfect start to this year's competition, what does this do for their chances?

More episodes and chats with Dan Luger, Iain Balshaw, Antonie Claassen, Serge Betsen, Andrew Mehrtens, Olivier Magne, Thomas Lombard, Philippe Sella, Rory Teague, Max Malins, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Abdel Benazzi, and Simon Gilham on FRENCH RUGBY CONNECTIONS and TOP 14 and European games review with Co-host Mike Pearce. (link below) 

https://linktr.ee/FrenchRugbyConnections

Enjoy!

French Rugby Connections, The rugby podcast with the Gallic and European Twist.  
To consume with no moderation;-)

Dan Luger, MBE, former RWC 2003 Cup Winner entertained me with his stories of his rugby road leading to the RWC 2003  as well as camaraderie forged during “Table tennis” games and boxing matches between Austin Healey and  Brian O'Driscoll during the 2001 British and Irish Lions Tour. He highlights the importance of being prepared post-rugby and rubbing shoulders with royalty (no, not Mike Tindal ;-)l) with Prince Albert of Monaco. UNMISSABLE!  Mike and I review this incredible 6 Nations weekend, especially if you’re French or Welsh and the Top 14. I crack a really bad joke and I teach a new rugby word on that episode. Enjoy! French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Rugby podcast with a Gallic and European twist.

It's not every day that you have a Rugby World Cup Winner and a British and Irish Lions former player on your podcast. Ian Balshaw, MBE comments on the prowess of Les Bleus and the off day for England at the opening of the 6 Nations weekend,  reminisces his Rugby days in Bath, Leeds, Gloucester, lifting that iconic world cup in 2003 and his love of playing for Biarritz and his French life. He has now gained dual nationality so can support both England and France;-). An insight and enjoyable chat to listen to! Mike and I review the 6 Nations, Top 14 and we finish off with the ritual French lesson and rugby joke. ENJOY French RUGBY CONNECTIONS. The rugby podcast with a Gallic and European flavour!

This week, I'm predicting Les Bleus squad (Nearly correct except for 3rd row & 13, 14) and I have an enthralling chat with Antonie Claassen from Racing 92 about his Rugby days in South Africa and in France at Brive, Castres, and Racing 92. He recalls his best rugby memories, speaking French with Finn Russell, and reflects on the importance of being prepared for life post-rugby. Mike and I also preview the 6 Nations and Top14 and thanks to my weekly French Rugby tuition, he will soon become fluent. Enjoy French Rugby Connections Podcast, the rugby podcast with a Gallic and European flair! 

This week, we talk about the 6 Nations official launch in which Mike and I took part and conversed with the 6 Nations team head coaches & their captains.  I have a chat with Thomas Lombard, former Racing Metro, Stade Français, and Worcester Warriors player about his rugby days in France and in England, and his current role at the head of a TOP14 club, in a challenging charged Covid era. He was also capped 13 times with Les Bleus! French Rugby Connections Podcast finishes with the ritual French lesson and Rugby joke. Enjoy! 

Kris Chesney recalls his time playing with Philippe Sella, Francois Pienaar, Michael Lynagh as a young Rugby player at Saracens and being mentored by Jason Leonard when he started playing for Barking at 18 years old. When he left Saracens to play for Toulon in 2009, he had played 338 games for Saracens. Life at Toulon was a dream and he lived by the beach and played with people like Bakkies Botha, Simon Shaw and Jonny Wilkinson.   
Mike and I talk about the latest news about the 6 Nations, Top 14, and as usual, we finish with a French lesson and a rugby joke (this time, even worse than usual). Enjoy French RUGBY CONNECTIONS Podcast! The Rugby podcast with a gallic twist.

A quick review of the selected French squad this week and reasons why the 6 Nations tournament will happen, whatever the cost. Mike and I review the Top14, in which only 5 teams competed last weekend and we both share a joke and I teach more useful expressions to use in French rugby. Enjoy! Vive Le Rugby!

UNMISSABLE!  What an honour it was for me to chat with Abdelatif Benazzi, who won 78 caps and scored 9 tries for France as a lock and back-row player. From Morocco to France, where he played with his rugby idol, Philippe Sella, in Agen to Saracens, his rugby career was sensational. He played in three World Cups for France and was part of the French squad that beat the All Blacks in the RWC semi final’s epic game, with Fabien Galthie, Olivier Magne, Christophe Dominici, etc. Mike and I will talk about the 6 Nations, the Heineken European, and the Top14, of course. We finish with my French lesson and another Rugby joke because we all need to have a laugh, rugby friends:-).  Enjoy!

In this episode of the French Rugby Connection podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the latest developments in the Top 14 rugby tournament. The conversation highlights the tight competition for playoff places, with only seven weekends left in the season. Special attention is given to Stade Francais and Toulouse, with Toulouse's Romain Ntamack returning from injury to play against Pau alongside Antoine Dupont. The episode also covers the broader league standings, the looming relegation of Oyonnax, potential promotions from the Pro D2 league, and the impact of player movements between clubs. Additionally, it touches on the Six Nations Women's tournament, the retirement of referee Mathieu Raynal, and the imminent start of the European Championships. The inclusion of details on the performance and rankings of other teams in the league, as well as discussions on key players and upcoming matches, provides listeners with a comprehensive update on French rugby.

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection Podcast

00:32 Top 14 Rugby League Updates and Predictions

01:05 Discussion on Teams and Player Performances

03:31 The Battle for Promotion and Relegation

04:02 Looking Ahead: Next Season's Top 14 Start Date

09:51 Six Nations Women's Rugby Highlights

12:45 Referee Retirement and the Importance of Language in Rugby

18:45 The English-French Connection in Rugby

20:26 Closing Remarks and Au revoir

Who remembers the Xmas film from Richard Curtis "Love Actually"? European rugby is so similar and getting so complicated right now with covid, internal politics, and transfers. In this episode, Mike and I narrate the European Champions cup, including the "Toulongate" & because it's Xmas, you will be spoiled with some dreadful Xmas Rugby jokes. Have a Joyeux Noel, behave;-) & enjoy your rugby shirts & Lynx's presents from your other halves. 
Speak to you all of you, next year, on FRENCH RUGBY CONNECTIONS! 

On this week's episode on French Rugby Connections Podcast, you can listen to Veronique and Mike's frank and uncensored point of view on the French RWC's draw, the European Cups, and concussion's matter. Our weekly rugby guest couldn't make it at the last minute but will be there next week.  Instead, here is a comment from charismatic Jean Dujardin on why he likes rugby. “It's synonymous with courage. It's about commitment, fraternity as well. Jean was present a the draw of the Rugby World Champion in Paris, on Monday. Enjoy! 

This week, we review the good, the bad, and the ugly part of Le Crunch and how rugby doubters should never EVER underestimate Les Bleus! Champions Cup is back on and we give you predictions on the teams likely to win their games during this first European rugby fest weekend. I also have a great interview with Lionel Quenardel,  PE & Rugby teacher at Diderot College in Massy, near Paris and who has trained Sekou Macalou, Cameron Woki & many other players. He works as a volunteer in an association, called "Rugby Recycling" that recycles rugby balls into handbags, key rings, sports bags, etc for the benefit of the "Serge Betsen Academy" which helps underprivileged children in Cameroon. INSPIRING & a great choice f you want to buy meaningful rugby-related presents for your dearest! We end the podcast with a French Rugby words refresher lesson and not one, but two Rugby jokes. Lucky you, rugby friends;-)

Another episode, another French Rugby Legend, this time Oliver Magne is our Rugby guest! Hear his thoughts about the Golden years of Rugby when he played in the Semi-final in 1999 against New Zealand and the Crunch in RWC2003, when France lost against England.
Mike and I review the Autumn Internationals and the Top 14 and it's exam time for French rugby words for Mike. Vive le Rugby! ENJOY!

In this week's episode, we pay tribute to  Christophe Dominici "Domi" who was a true Rugby legend and will be sorely missed by the French and Global Rugby family.  I have a great chat with Rory Teague, a former Bristol and Gloucester Player who played in France for Limoges, Aurillac, Grenoble and took on new coaching roles at Saracens, The RFU, and Bordeaux Begles.  Mike and I also review the Autumn Internationals and the top 14.Enjoy learning another French rugby word and Veronique cracks another dreadful "Rugby joke" again....sorry;-). Enjoy! 

Serge Betsen is our Rugby guest and reflects on his rugby days playing for Clichy, Biarritz, Les Bleus, and Wasps and explains how Les young Bleus have progressed under the French coach, Fabien Galthie et al. Mike and I review the Top 14 & Autumn Internationals for Men and Women.  As usual, you will learn a new French Rugby word and Veronique finishes with one of her "terrible" rugby jokes. Vive Le Rugby!

Unmissable! I had an insightful and moving chat with Philippe Sella reminiscing his time playing for Les Bleus and playing for Saracens at the beginning of the professional rugby era, with Michael Lynagh, Francois Pienarr, and learning English with Kieran Bracken on his drive to the training ground. Mike and I review the Top 14, share the latest Rugby News and we finish with a terrible Welsh and Rugby joke, as usual.
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to be one of the first to listen to our podcast.

Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce discuss how much Les Bleus have progressed under the French coach, Fabien Galthie et al and review the final round of the Six Nations for men and women. Mike reminisces about the first time he met Fabien Galthie and the philosophical answer he gave to Mike’s question. We also cover the latest Top 14 games, and we finish not by one, but 2 Rugby jokes & French Rugby words & a James Bond question. Enjoy! Vive le Rugby! Long live to Rugby!

Episode 9 trailer: Les Bleus are fast becoming la crème de la crème
You can listen the full episode on Apple Podcast or Spotify.

What a beautiful win for France! Great match to prepare against men in Green, on Saturday. My co-host and I  preview the 6 Nations games & le Top 14 too on French Rugby Connections with Veronique Landew & Mike Pearce, the Rugby podcast with a Gallic twist🇫🇷!  Vive le Rugby!

The episode discusses the last 6 Nations game played by Les Bleus, focusing on France's performance, highlighting the team's defensive issues and celebrating their ultimate victory. It also covers Sean Edwards' critique of the French team's defense, praises young players' contributions, and reflects on the overall tournament. Furthermore, the discussion includes France's strategic changes and the impact of discipline on the team's performance. This episode  also covers rugby-related news, such as Billy Vunipola's transfer to Montpellier, the anticipation around the women's Six Nations, and updates on the French Top 14 league, focusing on team rankings and upcoming matches.  Enjoy the French rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair!

Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce are joined by Jamie Cudmore Canadian former Rugby player,  who looks back on playing in four Rugby World cups, his time spent in the Top 14  & Pro d 2 clubs such as Grenoble, Clermont, and Oyonnax and let's not forget Wales too,  Llandovery RFC, and the Scarlets. Jamie looks ahead at how much Rugby is growing in popularity in Canada and in recent years he’s become a strong advocate for player welfare, speaking out about concussion awareness.  UNMISSABLE! Veronique and Mike then review the European Cup and le TOP 14. French Rugby lesson and a Welsh rugby joke to finish off this episode.  ENJOY!

They both have a go at picking their Ireland XVse

On this week's podcast, we'll preview the Heineken and Challenge Cup and the Top 14. Veronique is joined by a Rugby Legend, Andrew Mehrtens to discuss his experience playing for the All Blacks, and then moving to Europe and playing for Harlequins, Toulon, Racing 92 and finally Beziers. "Mehrtz" shares his thoughts about what is great about French Rugby and what it needs to do to become an even better game, but keeping its French flair. UNMISSABLE! Vive le Rugby!

French Rugby Connections Podcast with Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce is back this week with a bang. We cover Top 14, French Rugby Politics, RWC2023 & Veronique has a chat with Anthony Hill former Australian Rugby player who played in France and worked for Michael Cheika, in the Wallabies coaching staff from 2014 to 2019. And as usual, we finish with a French lesson and a rugby joke. Long live Rugby! Vive le Rugby!  #Unmissable

Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce discuss last week in European Rugby, including the news regarding French Rugby Elections, Covid 19, and a major milestone from a rugby personality. Veronique is joined by Simon Gilham, Rugby Brive President, who provides an overview of what it means to be President of a TOP14 during this challenging time and how much he loves being the Brive Rugby Club President! Unmissable! We’ll look ahead at the TOP 14 games and we’ll finish with a French lesson and a "bad" rugby joke. Enjoy

Bristol Bears Full back Max Malins is the special guest and joins Rugby French Connections Podcast in what will be a huge occasion as Bristol have reached the Challenge Cup semi-final for just the second time, and their only previous appearance at this stage was a 51-27 defeat by Pau in 1999/2000.

Mike Pearce and Veronique Landew look ahead at the semi-final between Exeter vs Toulouse, as well as the Racing 92 vs Saracens European cup, while also looking back at the weekend's Champions Cup quarters.

Chris Baumber from Lincolnshire, who now lives in France, will explain why he fell for Stade Toulousain and reasons for their success. 

French Rugby politics and Bernard Laporte will be dissected by Mike Pearce.

Enjoy!

On this week's episode, we'll review weekend 2 of TOP14 games, (full of surprises again!) and we'll offer our take on the European Rugby Champions Cup. You'll find out the real job of Pilou Pilou from Toulon and of course, you will learn a new French Rugby word & a bit of Cantona's philosophy - (Ooh Ah Cantona) about Sports that applies to Rugby too. 
Enjoy! 

Review of the 1st the Top 14 opening weekend  & what's in store for 2nd Weekend, followed up with interview with Hayden Thompson-Stringer, (ex Saracens) who now plays for Brive, as Loose Head Prop about what life is all about when playing for a Top 14 rugby club. The podcast will finish off with the ritual French rugby lesson & international news, with Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce.  Unmissable!

French rugby is finally back*! 
*Podcast only lasts 32 mins!

Are you ready for it?

• What’s been happening to French Rugby in the last 182 days since it came to a sudden halt because of Covid-19!
• Top 14 update
• When is the European Rugby Champions Cup going to start again?
• French Lesson from Veronique
• Mike Pearce and his NEW book about "The French Hard Men of Rugby"

Vive Le Rugby! 
Long live Rugby! 

In this edition of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, host Véronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper dive into the passion and anticipation surrounding the upcoming French and English rugby match, aka Le Crunch in Lyon.  With the French team unchanged and confidence high after a victory in Cardiff, a win for LES BLEUS should be on the cards, or will it?  Key player Nolan Le Garrec, stepping in for Antoine Dupont, is spotlighted for his extraordinary performance and potential. The conversation also taps into the broader landscape of the Six Nations Championship, discussing other teams' performances, player fitness, and strategies. Attention shifts briefly to the Top 14 league dynamics and upcoming player transfers, with a side note on the culinary delights of Lyon, setting the stage for a weekend of intense rugby action and national pride for his ultimate 6 Nations weekend! 
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

00:00 Opening 

00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection

00:29 Recalling Last Year's Crunch Match

00:48 Anticipation for the Upcoming Game

01:31 Team Strategies and Player Highlights

01:44 Analyzing Past Matches and Team Dynamics

02:37 Spotlight on Nolan Le Garrec

04:35 The Essence of French Rugby and Upcoming Challenges

04:52 Strategic Shifts and Player Performances

07:42 Previewing the England vs. France Match

09:47 Discussion on Player Selections and Predictions

19:05 Top 14 League Updates and Player Moves

23:30 Six Nations Championship Predictions

25:50 Closing Remarks and Aurevoir

The hosts of the show, Veronique Landew, and Bill Hooper discuss new additions to the French rugby team, which are expected to lead to an exciting new lineup for the upcoming game against Wales. They speculate about the performance of fresh players like Nolan Le Garrec and Emmanuel Meafu, as well as the returns of Julien Marchand and Greg Aldritt. The hosts also anticipate the debut of Leo Barré and Nicolas Depoortere, who recently performed phenomenally in other games. Beyond the French team, we also delve into the dynamics of the other upcoming Six Nations games, making predictions based on current team forms. In addition, they talk about the Top 14 and how teams are faring in the tournament. The energetic return of Romain Ntamak and the unfortunate injury of Kalusi are also discussed in the light of their respective teams.
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair.

00:05 Introduction and Welcome
00:33 Discussion on New Players and Lineup
02:16 Insights on Player Performance and Expectations
04:20 Predictions for Upcoming Matches
06:51 Reflections on Team Dynamics and Strategy
07:44 Analysis of Player Selection and Team Spirit
08:46 Preview of Upcoming Games
15:20 Review of the Top 14  Matches
20:45 Closing Remarks and Aurevoir

In the episode of the French Rugby Connection podcast,  Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the performance of the French Rugby Team during their recent Six Nations match against Italy. They talk about each part of the game, including an analysis of the performance, shortcomings, and potential improvements needed. Furthermore, they touch on some technical problems related to the team and predict some upcoming matches. The episode also covers updates from Top 14 Rugby and injury updates and suspension of key players.
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Recap of the French Rugby Match Against Italy

00:40 Analysis of the French Team's Performance

01:57 Discussion on the Impact of Absent Players

05:17 Exploring the Role of Coaching and Strategy

06:43 Predictions and Expectations for Upcoming Matches

07:50 Reflections on the Current State of French Rugby

17:07 Insights into the Top 14 Rugby League

20:59 Closing Remarks and Farewell

In this episode, Veronique Landew and  Bill Hooper discuss the recent French rugby victory and analyse the game. They talk about the performance of the French team, areas of improvement, and upcoming matches.
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the podcast with the gallic twist!

00:19 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Review of the French Rugby Team's Performance

01:01 Analysis of the Game's Highlights

03:25 Discussion on Areas of Improvement

07:45 Reflections on the Controversial Disallowed Try

10:01 Looking Ahead: Future Matches and Predictions

16:08 Insights into the Upcoming Top 14 Games

17:06 Antoine Dupont's Debut in Canada

17:54 Conclusion and Farewell`

🔥 Get your rugby fix with the French Rugby Connection podcast! 
Join us as we dissect France's recent defeat and discuss the changes in their lineup for the upcoming game against Scotland. Rugby fans, this is a podcast you don't want to miss. Listen now! 

Enjoy the French Rugby Connections, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

On the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, we review mostly, the 6 Nations opening weekend starting  with the belated " world cup finale"  that should have happened in Paris, between France vs Ireland, but instead will take place in Marseille ;-).

·        The French squad and latest addition of Posolo Tuilagi to the bench

·        Predictions for the opening round of games

·        Round up of latest Top 14 actions

Enjoy the French rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair!