Explore every episode of the podcast French RUGBY CONNECTIONS with Veronique Landew & Bill Hooper
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticipating Impact: Les Bleus Squad's Preparation & Round 8 & 9 - TOP 14 | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:25:47 | |
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! | |||
| Top 14 battles at the bottom & at the top! | 25 Oct 2025 | 00:24:00 | |
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! | |||
| THE Top 14 Final Showdown: Bordeaux vs. Toulouse vs. Bordeaux Bègles | 28 Jun 2025 | 00:18:10 | |
THE Top 14 Final Showdown: Bordeaux vs. Toulouse vs. Bordeaux Bègles | |||
| Top 14 - The ugly side of the Red card in round 8 | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:30:45 | |
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. | |||
| Toulouse at the top & au revoir et merci Laure Sansus | 20 Oct 2022 | 00:24:04 | |
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! | |||
| This is not soccer.....or is it? | 13 Oct 2022 | 00:23:52 | |
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! | |||
| Top 14 Prediction and the Women's Rugby World Cup | 06 Oct 2022 | 00:31:33 | |
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! | |||
| Oh, What a rugby night! | 29 Sep 2022 | 00:28:13 | |
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! | |||
| Summer wine rugby! | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:21:29 | |
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! | |||
| Toulouse is back on top & tip on getting RWC tickets (maybe...;-) | 15 Sep 2022 | 00:30:47 | |
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! | |||
| Et voila! The French rugby CONNECTIONS is back! | 08 Sep 2022 | 00:27:15 | |
One year to go! The countdown has started! Are you ready for the RWC 2023 in France? Join us for a quick summary (only 26 mins) of the Top 14 and Pro D2 too on the French rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. This week, Veronique is joined by Toulouse rugby aficionado Tom Dickson who deep dives into the game between Stade Toulousain against Bordeaux and shares some amazing rugby stories too (with a few names dropped for good measures...;-). Enjoy the French rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French and British flair! Vive l'entente cordiale! | |||
| It's a wrap & Xavier Brissard, author of the art of the war of rugby | 01 Jul 2022 | 00:32:30 | |
This is the last episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast for season 2 and we've had a ball...pun intended, sharing the latest French Rugby news, from the top 14, the Heineken and Challenge cup, the 6 Nations, and Les Bleus, of course. Mike Pearce, finally provides more details on his book "Les Bleus Brothers", perfect for your summer holiday and I have the pleasure to speak with Xavier Brissard, who has written an excellent and thought-provoking book called "The art of the war of rugby". Enjoy the French RUGBY CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair. | |||
| Destination ...Finale! | 23 Jun 2022 | 00:23:37 | |
The Top14 competition started on 4th September and will finish in style in le Stade de France in Paris. Mike Pearce and I preview the final between Castres and Montpellier and we pay homage to the final game of a special rugby friend, Monsieur Guilhem Guirado! We share with you the latest Rugby news and we discuss the FUN CRUNCH aka the Barbarians game at Twickenham last Sunday, | |||
| Breaking a Sweat: Semi-Finals and Sunburns in the top 14 | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:22:10 | |
Join Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper in this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast as they discuss the upcoming Top 14 semi-finals, including Toulouse vs. Bayonne and Union Bordeaux Bègles vs. Toulon. Listen to their detailed analysis, predictions, and insights into players' performances. The duo also delves into recent rugby news, including financial issues in Perpignan, and the France A vs. England XV game. Don't miss out on the latest happenings in French rugby and predictions for the thrilling semi-finals in Lyon. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist! | |||
| "English" Connections at Castres & Les Barrages | 09 Jun 2022 | 00:17:10 | |
The Top 14 season is officially over after 26 epic French rugby weekends! Mike and I give you a very quick review of this ultimate French rugby weekend and the latest rugby news regarding transfers, retirements, new jobs, and women's rugby in under 20 mins! Veronique has Covid and needs to look after her vocal cords. | |||
| French rugby in all its glory & Eric Champ (Part 3) | 02 Jun 2022 | 00:40:38 | |
Done and dusted! The Challenge and the Heineken Cup have been won by two French Rugby clubs and this weekend, both winners will meet in the very tight Top 14 last weekend of rugby before the playoffs aka "Les Barrages". Hear our thoughts on these hard-won European cups and what's in store in the final Top 14 weekend! Finally, you can listen to the final part of my chat with Eric Champ, kindly translated by Tom Dickson! Eric champ is philosophical and funny and made me laugh on a few occasions while recounting some anecdotes. You will enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTiONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair! | |||
| Allo, Allo ici Toulouse with Tom Dickson | 20 May 2022 | 00:26:43 | |
Tom Dickson, English and French rugby friend from Stade Toulousain and highly valued translator in previous episodes with Fabien Pelous, Yannick Jauzion, Denis Charvet, and Eric Champ joins me in previewing the penultimate weekend of the crazy Top 14! Not a boring competition for sure, this year! | |||
| European Cup French Style and Eric Champ (Part 2) | 12 May 2022 | 00:32:53 | |
It feels good to be French when you're a rugby aficionado, following the phenomenal win from Toulouse against Munster and Racing 92 at the Stade de la Defense versus Sale! This week, you can also listen part 2 of my chat with former Bleus Eric Champ (42 caps), about his time as a rugby player and owner of the Toulon club and his thoughts about its current owner. Piece of warning, this week's French rugby lesson is getting arduous! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair! | |||
| CHAMPagne! Eric Champ is on The French Rugby CONNECTIONS! | 05 May 2022 | 00:35:57 | |
Back with a bang! After a 4 week hiatus, the FRC is back on and the Top 14 is going mad, i.e. the points difference between the top 7 teams is minimal! Eric Champ is my guest this week (episode 1) and he reminisces that QF in 2011 against Les Anglais. but he would love to have a pint with Mickey Skinner 30 years later. Mike Pearce and I review the Top14 and I rant over the six Nations Women final..... | |||
| Tik Tok Top 14 Time | 01 Apr 2022 | 00:19:25 | |
Only 5 more weekends of Top 14 rugby before the playoffs and the fight will be fierce as the race to the top 6 couldn't be tighter! Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce summarise the Top 14 as it stands and we deep dive into the Tik Tok 6 Nations! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French Flair! | |||
| Jean Pierre Rives (part 2) & Les Bleus are finally Grand Slam Winners! | 25 Mar 2022 | 00:37:05 | |
Done and Dusted! Bravo les Bleus for your epic 6 Nations Grand Slam win! I also chat with twice grand slam winner, Jean Pierre Rives about his life post-rugby as a painter and sculptor and his involvement with the creation of the French Barbarians with Jacques Fourroux in 1979 and the rest is history! Mike Pearce, my co-host provides great stats about the 6 Nations, shares his sorrow about the Welsh Rugby situation, and updates us on the Top 14. Not long now until the semi-final! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair! | |||
| Casque D'or aka Jean Pierre Rives & Les Bleus Grand Slam Conquest | 17 Mar 2022 | 00:36:20 | |
This week with Jean Pierre Rives, nicknamed Casque d’Or – Golden Helmet – Rives was the star of French rugby in the 1970s and 1980s and became French captain | |||
| Bread of Heaven for Wales or third time lucky for France? | 10 Mar 2022 | 00:26:47 | |
On this episode, we preview from a French and Welsh point of view that Pivotal game! Will it be third time lucky for Les Bleus or could the men from Wayne Pivac create a big upset? Mike Pearce, my co-host goes back to memory lane where his love of Rugby started 52 years ago, when he first saw a valiant Welsh rugby team play on TV and the rest is history. Unmissable! French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair! | |||
| Cardiff showdown and Denis Charvet (part 2) | 03 Mar 2022 | 00:29:53 | |
Mike Pearce and I review THAT phenomenal 6 Nations match between Wales vs France and what's been happening in the top 14 too. Your French rugby digest in 30 mins this week! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair! | |||
| French Top 14 Playoffs and Predictions & Au revoir Owen Farrell | 14 Jun 2025 | 00:18:00 | |
Join Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper as they dive into an exhilarating weekend of French rugby on the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. This episode covers the intense Top 14 playoff matches, including Toulon vs. Castres and Bayonne vs. Clermont, and a crucial clash between Grenoble and Perpignan. Additionally, they provide updates on major transfer news, highlighting Owen Farrell's return to Saracens and Louis Carbonel's move back to Toulon, along with important upcoming international fixtures for Les Bleus. Don't miss out on all the thrilling rugby insights and expert analysis! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist! | |||
| Denis Charvet (Part 1) & Les Bleus vs Scotland | 24 Feb 2022 | 00:34:08 | |
Mike Pearce and I preview the pivotal match between Scotland against France. The last time, Les Bleus won at Murrayfield during the 6 Nations was in 2014, so payback time! I chat with another former international phenomenal player from the 80s and 90s, the talented and humble Denis Charvet about his rugby days, and I finish with the ritual French lesson! Enjoy the French Rugby Connections Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair! | |||
| Le "Green Crunch" & Franck Mesnel, part 3 | 11 Feb 2022 | 00:34:59 | |
Review and preview of the 6 Nations and especially THAT game between the two strongest teams in the northern hemisphere, France and Ireland by Moi, Veronique Landew, and my co-host, Mike Pearce. We also discuss what's going wrong at Toulon and I finish my chat with the humble and magnificent former French International and co-creator of Eden Park luxury leisurewear, Franch Mesnel. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Gallic Podcast with the French fair. | |||
| Franck Mesnel, playing in 3 World Rugby Championship & against England (part 2) | 04 Feb 2022 | 00:46:50 | |
Franck Mesnel recalls the crazy years or "the Showbizz years" when rugby was still amateur and facing Les Anglais in the QF in the Rugby World cup in 1991. He recollects how on the back of a bow tie, he created a business with his teammate, Eric Blanc. Fast forward to2022, Mike Pearce, my co-host, and I preview the 6 Nations and Les Bleus: will they finally win the 6 Nations this year? Enjoy French rugby CONNNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair. | |||
| Franck Mesnel, a perfect French gentleman (part 1) | 27 Jan 2022 | 00:36:45 | |
This week, I have the immense privilege to speak to one of the best fly-half and Centre in the World, Franck Mesnel. He reminisces of his younger days playing rugby and the incredible "Show Biz" memories of playing with Eric Blanc, Jean Baptiste Lafond, Philippe Guillard, Brett Gosper, etc. My co-host, Mike Pearce and I review the "Euro Covid-plagued cup "and to finish off, I teach Mike a new Rugby word as part of my ritual and unmissable French lesson. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair! | |||
| Euro Fest 2022 | 14 Jan 2022 | 00:14:57 | |
In this week's short episode, Mike Pearce and I preview the European Championship games and we share with you the latest news regarding the top 14 and the Pro D2 rankings. As usual, I finish with my French rugby "lesson" and this time, Mike raised his "Welsh" beret....Lol Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the French podcast with the Gallic flair. | |||
| Happy 6 Nations & Yannick Jauzion (part 3) | 07 Jan 2022 | 00:24:05 | |
Games are still back on as far as we are aware and Bordeaux is still topping the Top 14! The 6 Nations are just round the corner and I can't help myself recalling THAT spell-binding game between France vs Wales last year to Mike... We both review the numerous and high-profile transfers and I chat with Yannick Jauzion, former Bleus (73 caps) and Toulouse player about his life after rugby and his thoughts about Les Bleus success in the last few years. Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair! | |||
| Bonnes fêtes & Yannick Jauzion (part 2) | 29 Dec 2021 | 00:22:42 | |
On French Rugby CONNECTIONS, listen to part 2 of my chat with Yannick Jauzion, 73 caps playing with Les Bleus, and 12 years spent with Stade Toulousain. Regarding the Top 14, it was a brief rugby weekend as only 3 games were played last weekend, because of the new Covid variant. Enjoy French rugby CONNECTIONS with moi, Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist, | |||
| O Scrum all ye faithful & Yannick Jauzion (Part 1) | 23 Dec 2021 | 00:28:50 | |
On the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, this week, I chat with International Centre and former Toulouse player, Yannick Jauzion about his phenomenal try and that win against the All Blacks in the RWC in 2007 and also the "not so great match" playing against Les Anglais in Telstra Park in 2003 in the RWC semi-final . Part 1 is unmissable and more rugby chat for next week with Yannick. Mike and I discuss the European Cup difficulties and preview the Top 14. Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair. | |||
| It's getting viral! | 17 Dec 2021 | 00:20:45 | |
An early Xmas present has arrived for the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast! We have reached the grand number of 10,000 listeners! A big thank you to all of our listeners as it means a lot to us! In this episode, we review the European Cup weekend and Mike comes up with some really interesting rugby stats from the first round. All quiet-ish on the French Rugby front except for the Omicron Covid variant which threatened to spoil the rugby European cup. Hopefully not! Enjoy the French rugby CONNECTIONS with Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce, the Rugby podcast with the gallic flair and je ne sais quoi:-) | |||
| European Rugby is back! | 10 Dec 2021 | 00:18:28 | |
Mike and I preview the first Heineken and Challenge European 2021 tournament and focus our attention on Bordeaux vs Leicester and Cardiff vs Toulouse. ONLY 18 MINUTES LONG THIS WEEK! We discuss the players "to watch "in this competition. Enjoy this concise and joyful episode of French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the Rugby podcast with a gallic twist and French flair. | |||
| Top 14 Last Weekend Thrills before les barrages (play offs)! | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:20:01 | |
French Rugby CONNECTIONS: Top 14 Weekend Thrills and Key Updates | |||
| Fabien Pelous on French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast! | 04 Dec 2021 | 00:44:37 | |
I speak with France's most capped player, Fabien Pelous, The lock who made 118 appearances for Les Bleus and He captained his country 42 times and won four Five or Six Nations grand slams in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2004 and the Heineken Cup with Toulouse in 2003 and 2005. Fabien never won the World Cup, although he made it to the final in 1999, losing to Australia after a memorable 43-31 semi-final victory against New Zealand. He reached the semi-finals twice in 2003 and 2007, both times losing out to England. He talks about the semi-final in the Telstra Stadium in 2003 against England, his friendship with Christophe Dominici, and his opponent, Martin Johnson, and more. I would like to say a BIG Thank you to my Franco-British friend, Tom Dixon who kindly translated my chat with him. | |||
| Sean Fitzpatrick on Les Bleus vs All Blacks game & his love affair with France | 19 Nov 2021 | 00:34:07 | |
Sean Fitzpatrick is our guest on French Rugby CONNECTIONS and previews the epic game between Les Bleus vs the All Blacks on Saturday. He recalls his time playing in France in the same team as Philippe Saint Andre and the famous battle of Nantes. Double dose of French lessons for Mike Pearce and we provide our thoughts on the must-watch game in Stade de France on Saturday. Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair | |||
| Kyran Bracken, on winning the RWC in 2003 & Saracens days with Sella, Pienaar & Lynagh | 14 Oct 2021 | 00:35:54 | |
Unmissable! Kyran Bracken is eloquent, loquacious, and reminisces with great fondness the wild initiations games that he had to take part in Glasgow, teaching French to Philippe Sella and how great and solid the England team was in 2003. He reflects on Rugby used to be played and its changes since the professional era and the use of ....mobile phones too;-). Mike and I review the Top 14 and latest French rugby news. Apologies for the sound quality in the second part, put the blame on my Welsh co-host. Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby Podcast with the French je-ne-sais quoi, and French Flair! | |||
| Beret raising galore in the Top 14! | 07 Oct 2021 | 00:24:03 | |
This week, the episode is short and sweet (just like me;-) containing a summary of the Top 14, and Mike and I preview this weekend's games too. French lesson about essentials on how to order a beer in French before a rugby game. No rugby guest this week, as I experienced technical difficulties during my chat with my mystery guest but he'll be back next week! French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist! | |||
| Aussie Legend, David Campese joins the podcast! | 01 Oct 2021 | 00:44:03 | |
Finally, mystery Rugby guest, David Campese aka Campo is on French Rugby CONNECTIONS. Charming, direct, and a great storyteller about his phenomenal career and playing against Les Bleus. He also shares his thoughts about the Modern Rugby and RWC2023! Mike Pearce and I also review the Top14, and there is a BRAND new section to the French Rugby Lesson. Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with a gallic twist! | |||
| Top 14 & Mystery Australian Player (for next episode;-) | 25 Sep 2021 | 00:18:24 | |
Mike and I review and comment, the 3rd day of the Top 14 on this episode. Last weekend was highly charged and with ups and downs for some French teams. This weekend will be a cracker as there are lots at stake! French Rugby lesson included in this episode, but our Rugby guest was unable to be there due to work commitments but will be there and squared next week:-). Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Rugby podcast with the gallic twist! | |||
| Luke Pearce, International Referee all the way from Australia (& with a bit of French thrown in) | 17 Sep 2021 | 00:22:54 | |
This week, this episode is a short and sweet episode (just like me;-), with no Mike Pearce.....but instead I converse with Luke Pearce about the travails of becoming one of the talented International referees at such a young age: 33 years old and the importance of speaking French when officiating a European game in order to create better connections and a smoother communications style with rugby teams on the pitch. This episode lasts 23 mins and I can guarantee you will enjoy it . French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Rugby podcast with the gallic twist! | |||
| We are Back!!! French Rugby CONNECTIONS Season 2 with Veronique Landew & Mike Pearce | 10 Sep 2021 | 00:21:12 | |
Rugby Friends, Mike and I are back ! You will be served a quick overview of the Top 14, the latest news about French Rugby, and a bit of a banter *really ;-). All in 20 mins. Enjoy! | |||
| Speak to you next season & I chat with Christian Califano, former Bleus - part 2! | 04 Jul 2021 | 00:32:22 | |
Last episode of Season 1 of French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. Enjoy the Rugby stories narrated by Christian Califano, about his fiercest opponent in the England Team, playing for The Blues in New Zealand with Shaun Fitzpatrick, etc...and completing the Paris Dakar! | |||
| "Like a Deja vu: La Rochelle vs Toulouse" final & Christian Califano - Part 1 - Former Bleus & Toulouse player! | 23 Jun 2021 | 00:47:53 | |
I have a chat with the loquacious Christian Califano (part 1) aka Cali, 72 caps for Les Bleus, 6 French Championships, and Heineken Cup, winner. A true French Rugby Legend who reminisces about his best rugby memories playing for Les Bleus, Toulouse for 10 years and in the UK for Saracens and Gloucester. He shares some great anecdotes about Thomas Casteigneide, Martin Johnson, and his illustrious former French teammates. Mike Pearce and I then review the semi-finals and we predict the finalist of the Top 14....Very tough though as both teams have lots of qualities. ENJOY, French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. Next week, part 2 with Cali will resume and will relish us with his rugby experience playing in New Zealand and much more! | |||
| Bordeaux-Begles's Triumph in the European Cup and Vannes' Last Stand! | 31 May 2025 | 00:21:52 | |
In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, join Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper as they passionately discuss a thrilling recent game that saw Bordeaux dominate Northampton Saints with a fast-paced and attacking strategy. The hosts commend the stellar performances of players like Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert, and Damian Penaud and review the game's critical moments and tactical insights. They also delve into the post-match altercation between Jefferson Poiraud and Henry Pollock and discuss the disciplinary actions taken. Additionally, the episode covers the current standings and key matches in the Top 14, the Challenge Cup results, and the potential return of Owen Farrell to the English Premiership. Tune in for expert analysis and predictions for the weekend's pivotal matches. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist. | |||
| This is not soccer ...;-) & then there were 4 - Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Toulouse & Racing 92, La | 17 Jun 2021 | 00:19:39 | |
A FIRST! French Rugby CONNECTIONS episode under 20 mins! Enjoy with Moi, Veronique Landew, and Mike Pearce from the English Riviera, La cote D'azur Anglaise talk about the play-offs, the semi-finals, the access game won by Biarritz and a bit of ....Welsh football. Nearly the end of the season for the TOP 14 and....for the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. The ONLY Rugby podcast with the French Gallic twist between a French woman and a Welsh Rugby Journalist! | |||
| Emile Ntamack & Romain Ntamack: Like Father, Like Son | 10 Jun 2021 | 00:49:54 | |
So much passion and wisdom with Emile Ntamack about his time playing for Les Bleus, with Sella, Blanco, Benazzi, Galthie, Dominici, Castaignede, et al, and his time at Stade Toulousain and lifting the first Heineken Cup in 1996. Of course, we talk about his son, Romain who is currently extremely busy and focused and preparing for his next game. Mike Pearce is back from East Sussex and we relive the Heineken and challenge cup and we review the last weekend's games and the forthcoming ones. Enjoy French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the Rugby Podcast with the Gallic twist, with all the latest FRENCH RUGBY NEWS, | |||
| Bruce Reihana, former ABs, Northampton, Bordeaux & back to France & insight into the TOP 14 with Robbie Nock | 03 Jun 2021 | 00:47:26 | |
I have a great time chatting with Bruce Reihana, Rugby Legend, about his career in New Zealand, Northampton, and Bordeaux and coaching for Bristol Bears, his best rugby memory, and about his new role at Montpellier. I really liked how he compares rugby strategy with a chess game! What a great and true metaphor. Robbie Nock, an erudite rugby commentator joins me too to provide me with an insight into the final weekend of the Top14 and Pro D2 before the playoff and all the scenarios that may happen for some mid-table teams, should they lose or win. SO THRILLING! UNMISSABLE! French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist. | |||