In this Episode, Carl and Matt Merritt delve into the world of rugby, focusing on the growth of women's rugby, the challenges it faces, and the importance of community and accessibility in the sport. They discuss Matt's journey into rugby journalism, the economic implications of rugby viewership, and the need for better analysis and coverage. The conversation highlights the significance of innovation in rugby events and the impact of coaching changes on player development, particularly in women's rugby. They conclude with thoughts on the future of rugby broadcasting and the role of social media in engaging fans. In this conversation, Carl and Matt Merritt delve into various aspects of rugby, focusing on commentary engagement, broadcasting rights, and the growth of women's rugby. They discuss the need for more engaging commentary, the future of rugby broadcasting, and the importance of global TV rights for women's rugby. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Welsh rugby, the state of women's rugby in Ireland and Scotland, and predictions for the upcoming Premier Women's Rugby (PWR) season.

In this episode, Darragh Coyle shares his journey in rugby coaching, discussing his experiences in both Ireland and Australia. He highlights the differences between the Irish and English rugby systems, the importance of funding and collaboration, and the challenges faced in the All-Ireland League. Darragh emphasizes the need for player accountability, leadership, and the significance of investing in relationships within the sport. He also reflects on the growth of women's rugby and the potential for further development in the All-Ireland League.

In this episode of Rugby Through The Leagues, the hosts discuss the kickoff of the new rugby season, analyzing the performance of the Petersfield team in their first match. They reflect on the challenges faced during the game, including fitness and decision-making issues, while also looking ahead to upcoming matches and the overall expectations for the season. The conversation highlights the importance of teamwork, coaching strategies, and player development in grassroots rugby.

This weeks conversation revolves around a rugby match between Newbury and Swindon. The hosts discuss the physicality of the game and the challenges they faced. They also talk about the upcoming season, their goals, and the importance of player adaptability. The conversation touches on the club's history, the rebuild process, and the need for social memberships and new players. The hosts also mention their plans to visit other clubs and share their experiences on the podcast.

The conversation covers various topics related to grassroots rugby, including charity games, pre-season friendlies, team structure, sponsorship, mental health, and youth development. The hosts discuss their experiences at Millbrook and Gosport rugby clubs, as well as their interactions with the Flaming Unicorns, a team focused on promoting men's mental health. They also mention upcoming games and events in the rugby community. Millbrook Rugby Club is focused on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for players of all levels. They prioritize community engagement and have seen significant growth in their women's section. The club aims to provide equal opportunities for all players and offers free games and discounted memberships to encourage participation. They have a strong social aspect, with regular events and a welcoming clubhouse. The club is financially stable and has plans to tap into the youth system in the future. Their main goal for the season is to see their first team promoted.

Lexi Chambers, a wheelchair-dependent athlete, is embarking on a challenge to wheel from John O'Groats to Land's End in a rugby relay. She aims to raise awareness for women's rugby and inspire others to get involved in sports. Lexi shares her journey of becoming wheelchair-dependent and her passion for rugby. She has set multiple world records in wheelchair racing and has trained extensively for her current challenge. Lexi's support crew includes her coach and fellow rugby players. They have planned the route carefully, ensuring accommodations and necessary supplies along the way. Lexi shares the stops along her journey and invites people to come and support her. She mentions the clubs she will be visiting, including Ross Sutherland, Glasgow Warriors, Carlisle Cougars, and more. Lexi also talks about the significance of each club keeping a rugby ball signed by the previous team and passing it on to the next team. She emphasizes the importance of connecting grassroots and professional rugby to allow people to fall in love with the game. Lexi discusses the challenges faced by women's rugby and the need for more exposure and support. She mentions the positive impact of social media and the role of local clubs and mainstream platforms in promoting the game. Carl suggests implementing initiatives like discounted tickets for kids to make the game more accessible and attract new fans. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in promoting women's rugby and growing the game. The lack of publicity and marketing for the women's game is highlighted, with a focus on the need for players to have individual brands and identities. The conversation also touches on the importance of schools in closing the gap and introducing more young people to the sport. The role of social media in promoting the women's game is discussed, as well as the need for more awareness and dispelling of myths surrounding the sport. The conversation concludes with a discussion of Lexi's upcoming world record attempt and her plans for future challenges. Lexi discusses her plans to document her wheelchair journey across the UK, including live tracking and daily videos. She talks about the challenges of wheeling in different weather conditions and the importance of finding the right gear, such as waterproof gloves. Lexi also shares her training routine, which includes marathons, track sessions, and gym workouts. She mentions her desire to walk again and potentially wear a prosthetic in the future. The conversation ends with a discussion about promoting Lexi's journey and supporting her cause.

In this episode, Oli Curry shares his rugby journey and the challenges he faced as a player. He discusses the importance of weight in the game and how it affected his career. Oli talks about the pressure to meet certain weight requirements and the impact it had on his performance. He also highlights the opinionated nature of rugby and the reliance on coaches' opinions. Despite the challenges, Oli persevered and found success in his career. In this part of the conversation, Oli Curry discusses his experiences with different rugby clubs and the control and lack of enjoyment he felt in the professional rugby environment. He talks about the weighing rituals and the pressure to conform to strict training and lifestyle protocols. He also shares stories about the culture and atmosphere at Bedford Rugby Club, where there was less focus on control and more emphasis on building a strong team culture. Oli reflects on the challenges of being a young player in the rugby system and the importance of playing the game and getting coaches on your side. The conversation highlights the lack of investment and support for lower-level rugby clubs and the negative impact it has on the sport. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is criticized for its focus on the elite level and neglecting grassroots and championship teams. The defunding of the championship and the lack of promotion and relegation have widened the gap between the Premiership and lower divisions. The conversation also touches on the perception of rugby as a dangerous sport and the need to promote the positive aspects of the game. The importance of investing in culture and community at the grassroots level is emphasized.

Tom Blackburn, Director of Rugby at Rugby Navy, discusses his rugby journey and the development of Navy rugby. He highlights the importance of performance-based selection and the need for a larger player pool. Tom also mentions the improvements made in the Navy rugby system, including professional training camps and a focus on strength and nutrition. He discusses the challenges faced by the women's team and the efforts to close the gap with the army. Tom emphasizes the role of external coaches and the allocation of budget for coaching support. He also mentions the strong development of the under-23s team and the affiliation with clubs like US Portsmouth and Devonport Services. In this conversation, Tom Blackburn discusses his role as the Director of Rugby for the Royal Navy Rugby Union and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. He talks about the importance of character over talent and the goal of developing players both on and off the field. Tom also mentions the various teams the Navy plays against, including civilian clubs and university teams, and the scouting process to identify new talent. He emphasizes the need for adaptability and flexibility within the team and the importance of building a strong team culture.