This episode of the French Rugby Connection Podcast, hosted by Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper, discusses the upcoming Top 14 final between Toulouse and Bordeaux Bègles (UBB) in Marseille.
The hosts reflect on the recent semifinals, highlighting the critical match moments and player performances, including La Rochelle's struggle with red cards. They delve into the strengths and weaknesses of both finalists, speculating on the potential outcomes and key player impacts. The episode also touches on notable player transfers and provides updates on the French national team's summer tour to Argentina, emphasizing the inclusion of uncapped players. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the gallic flair!

In this episode of the French Rugby Connections Podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the upcoming semi-final matches in the French rugby Top 14 league. Tonight's highlight is the clash between Toulouse and La Rochelle in Bordeaux, a match steeped in recent history as the teams have met in numerous finals over the last five years. Key team selections and player performances are analysed, with predictions made for a tight contest. The podcast also covers the match between Stade Français and Bordeaux Bégles, highlighting team strategies and key players. The hosts give their predictions for the outcomes, discuss broadcasting options for fans, and tease an upcoming interview with a former rugby player.
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair!

French Rugby Connections: Brittany Adventure and Top 14 Excitement

In this episode of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss Bill's upcoming trip to Brittany to watch Vannes play Grenoble for a chance to enter the Top 14. They reflect on the significance of this match for the clubs, especially Vannes, which has never reached this level. The episode details the current Top 14 standings with major upcoming matches that could affect final positions. They also touch on the recent impressive win by Toulon and the challenges ahead for other teams seeking top six positions. Additional highlights include Richie Arnold's suspension, potential transfer news involving Stuart Hogg, and memories of legendary rugby player Johnny Wilkinson. The hosts conclude with a discussion on French success in Rugby Sevens and a nostalgic comparison of Antoine Dupont and Gareth Edwards' careers.
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
03:08 Upcoming Rugby Matches and Predictions
03:44 Top 14 Standings and Key Matches
06:42 Player News and Updates
10:20 Rugby Sevens Highlights
12:39 Rugby Legends and Memorable Moments
15:21 Conclusion and Farewell

Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the recent exciting events in French rugby, particularly Toulouse's tense win against Leinster. They analyse key moments and players, including Thomas Ramos, Richie Arnold, Jack Willis, and Antoine Dupont. The episode covers Toulouse's top status in the Top 14, the intense competition for playoff spots, and the upcoming Pro D2 final between Vannes and Grenoble. Additional topics include TV rights deals and player moves, with a side note on Breton cultural traditions.
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

French Rugby Connection: Toulouse vs Leinster Pre-Match Preview

In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper dive into a detailed discussion about the upcoming European Champions Cup final between Toulouse and Leinster. They analyse team strengths, key players, and tactical decisions, including the surprising selection of Blair Kinghorn over Thomas Ramos. The hosts also reminisce about previous cup victories, particularly Toulouse's history, and assess Leinster's form and strategies. Additionally, other rugby news including the Top 14 standings, playoff updates, and an engaging story about ticket demand for the Pro-D 2 semi-final match are covered. The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on their recent meeting at a the first grassroot game where Veronique finally met face-to-face her co-host Bill Hooper and rubbed shoulders with a few rugby royalty.

00:00 Intro music

00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection Podcast

00:43 Previewing the European Champions Cup Final: Toulouse vs Leinster

01:37 Diving into Toulouse's European Rugby Cup History

04:29 Analyzing Team Strategies and Player Selections

14:41 Predictions and Final Thoughts on the Upcoming Match

17:17 Rugby Updates Beyond the European Champions Cup

21:54 Closing Remarks and Personal Anecdotes

This edition of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosted by Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper, delves into the upcoming European Rugby semi-final featuring Toulouse against Harlequins. As Harlequins prepares for their first European Cup semi-final, we share our predictions on game outcomes, including a focus on the final potentially being Toulouse vs. Leinster. We also cover the Top 14 and Pro D2 rugby standings, with an emphasis on teams like Perpignan rising unexpectedly, player transfers, and management changes in various clubs, specifically noting Simon Gillham stepping down as chairman of Brive.

00:00 Introduction
00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Connections Podcast
01:09 The Upcoming Toulouse vs. Harlequin Showdown
02:41 Team Lineups and Key Players
06:48 Match Predictions and Strategies
12:16 Anticipation for Other Matches and Final Thoughts
16:55 Top 14 League Rankings and Player Movements
23:16 Farewell and Final Reflections

This edition of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosted by Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper, delves into the latest happenings in French rugby. The episode kicks off with a recap of the game between Toulouse and Exeter, where Toulouse's impressive performance led them to score nine tries and secure a spot in the semi-finals. The conversation shifts to discuss another nail-biter between Bordeaux Begle and Harlequins, with Harlequins narrowly winning. We touch upon the performance and expectations of various teams in the European Cup and the Top 14, highlighting the tight scores and the fierce competition for the playoffs. The episode features a special mention of Kieran Bracken's motivational speech at Veronique's workplace , emphasizing the importance of mental preparedness in sports and how Sir Clive Woodward's investments in his team covering all aspects of the game and financial rewards paid off and helped the England team win the RWC in 2003. It concludes with insights into the upcoming games, including a big match at the Vélodrome de Marseille between Toulon and Toulouse, and anticipates an exciting weekend of rugby.

00:00 Opening music
00:24 Welcome to the French Rugby Connections Podcast
00:51 Recap of Toulouse vs. Exeter Game
03:59 Analysis of Bordeaux Begle vs. Harlequin Game
09:26 Top 14 League Discussion and Predictions
19:50 Kyran Bracken's speech and Rugby Management Evolution
28:49 Au Revoir

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