French RUGBY CONNECTIONS with Veronique Landew & Bill Hooper – Details, episodes & analysis

Join Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper on the latest episode of the French Rugby Connection podcast. This week, they delve into the recent and upcoming international matches, team compositions, and standout performances. Key highlights include discussions on Fabien Galthié’s surprising selections, the return of Charles Ollivon, and Toulouse's domination against Toulon. The hosts also cover the impact of star players like Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos, and speculate on Billy Vunipola’s potential move from Montpellier. Get an in-depth analysis of the top 14 teams' standings and performances. Tune in for expert insights and a passionate recap of French Rugby! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:35 Weekend Rugby Highlights
02:09 French Squad Updates
06:40 Upcoming Matches and Predictions
10:02 Top 14 League Recap
22:17 Player Transfers and Contracts
25:47  Conclusion and Au Revoir

Welcome to this week's episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast with Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper! We reflect on Pau's thrilling win over Toulouse, taking them to the top of the Top 14 standings. We break down the weekend’s matches, including Pau vs. Racing 92, Mont de Marsan vs. Perpignan, and the hotly anticipated Toulon vs. Toulouse clash. Dive into the latest squad updates from Fabian Galthié for the upcoming internationals, highlighting the exciting new talent in the French team. We also remember the legendary Andre Herero's contributions to French rugby and his lasting legacy. Don't miss our in-depth analysis and predictions for the upcoming fixtures! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Match Recap: Poe vs. Toulouse
02:48 Top 14 Standings and Highlights
05:03 Upcoming Matches and Predictions
12:25 French National Team Selections
20:36 Pro D2 Updates
21:46 Tribute to Andre Herrero
23:14 Closing Remarks

THE Top 14 Final Showdown: Bordeaux vs. Toulouse  vs. Bordeaux Bègles

In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, hosts Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the highly anticipated Top 14 final between Bordeaux Bègles and Toulouse. They delve into the teams' form, key players, and tactical strategies. With a comprehensive review of both squads and predictions on the outcome, this episode is a must-listen for rugby enthusiasts eager to hear expert analysis on this epic rematch. Join Veronique and Bill as they cover all the vital aspects leading up to the big game and share insights on the players and teams' journey to the final. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist!

00:00 Introduction 
00:38 Top 14 Final Preview
06:42 Team Lineups and Key Players
08:28 Match Predictions and Analysis
16:42 Rugby News and Updates
17:32 Conclusion and Farewell

Toulouse is still at the top but is likely to lose their pole position as their key players will play in the autumn internationals, starting on 5th November! Tom Dickson and I review the moment of madness that gripped Reda Wardi which will prevent him now to join Les Bleus and the controversial red card handed out to Castres in the game against Toulon....and we have more news about wheelchair rugby, rugby league (yes;-) and the winner of the Gold trophy from the Oscars of Midi Olympique. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flavour.

Another exciting week in the top 14 with a few surprises. Toulon low score against La Rochelle but Toulouse is still on a winning streak!  In the meantime, in the training camp in Marcoussis, 42 players have been selected in preparation for the Autumn internationals with 9 Toulouse players in that squad (the usual suspects). Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair!

Listen to the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast to find out if the Top 14 is slowly morphing into football...What happened at Stade Francais last week wasn't very "rubylike" and Tom Dickson and I are really hoping it was an a one off. On the Pro D2 side, finally my Breton team, Vannes is at the top and we are pleased for the win of the French women's rugby against South Africa too, but next time, Les Bleus versus their nemesis, England. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair!

It's still early days in the Top 14 after 5 weekends of rugby, but Toulouse is still at the top, to the delight of my co-host, Tom Dickson, Toulouse aficionado, but it's already very tight.  We review last week's wins prediction and which teams might win this weekend. Also, there are only 337 days until the world cup starts in France but only 3 days to wait for the Women's Rugby World cup in South Africa! Will  France finally manage to get some silverware? Enjoy the French Rugby Connections podcast, the podcast with the gallic flair!

This week, The Rugy award night aka la nuit du rugby took place in Paris, in which the English Zach Mercer won the award for the best Top14 player and Antoine Dupont as the best international player. Quelle surprise....not! We review the top 14 and Pro D2 and talk about the latest Rugby news and Tom's homage to Jonny Wilkson on his roof. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the podcast with the French flair!

This is a very succinct episode as Tom Dickson was on a wine tasting event with Didier Lacroix, Stade Toulousain CEO and French Rugby league vice-president. It's all about French rugby connections;-). Apologies for the sound quality.  We talk briefly about the top 14 next matches,  ranking, and last weekend's games; Tom also summarises the Pro D2 too.  On another note, Tom tells us about his old school, Winchester College which apparently "invented "rugby before Webb Ellis picked up that ball at his rugby school. Every day is a school day when you listen to the French Rugby Connections podcast! The French rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair! 

This week,  we talk not only about French rugby, but also about anthems that will or could be played for the next 6 Nations tournament (that's what happens when your co-hosts are Welsh and Franco/English...;-). Mike Pearce is back and Tom Dickson shares his joy of seeing Antoine Dupont work his magic for Toulouse last Saturday and his tip on getting some RWC tickets - Disclaimer: No guarantee though and luck still plays a big part in getting tickets due to the high volume of demand. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, podcast with the French flair!