The Future of the Game - Mark Evans Chats to Jim Hamilton

Dublin was a sea of red and the lads are back dissecting the start to the 2025 Lions Tour as Argentina shock the tourists in Dublin, the Lions’ first tour-opening loss since 1971. Jim, Goodey and special guest Bernard Jackman break down where it went wrong despite dominant stats, from lineout woes and tippy-tappy rugby to Farrell’s punchy post-match comments. There’s chat on subs, back-row balance issues, and whether we’ll see Old Testament Faz emerge this week. Plus, big praise for Argentina, chaos in the England v France B-team clash, and the debut of “Keyboard Captains” as we read out some of the week’s fan comments. Settle in and make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strap in for a very special extra episode as we dish out the silverware in our 24/25 Rugby Pod Awards Show. Jim, Goodey and Producer Rob enter into a mass debate as we hand out honours for: Breakthrough Player of the Year  Coach of the Year  Alpha of the Year (testosterone levels were checked) Top Lad  (the good bloke award, basically) North vs South: who ruled world rugby this year? 🌍 and loads more, so settle back. Enjoy and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was Finals weekend with Bath ending a 29-year wait to lift the Premiership title and complete the treble, while Leinster blow the Bulls away to finally get their hands on the URC trophy. Jim, Goodey and Biggs break it all down, from electric guitars, Finn v Pollard, to yellow card drama and Leinster getting the monkey off their back we're chatting through it all. With Lions camp kicking off, the lads also look at what key combos Farrell might test. Plus, Farrell returns to Sarries, the Prem gets a rebrand, and Rob gets some money from Red Bull to fix Newcastle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Pod, Jim and Goodey unpack a blockbuster weekend of semi-final action across the Prem and URC. Leicester edge Sale in a tense encounter, sealed by a wonder try, while Bath blow past Bristol with a second-half blitz led by the Bath Bomb Squad. Leinster break their knockout curse to book a URC final spot against the Bulls and their monster front row. Plus, we break down a proposed new global franchise league: is it the future of rugby or just another failed experiment waiting to happen? Plenty other news, chat and opinions as usual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Rugby Pod, we're diving into a chaotic weekend of URC quarter-finals as the Sharks knock Munster out via a controversial shootout in Durban, and Glasgow smash through the Stormers to set up a semi in Dublin. We debate the gamesmanship antics from Jaden Hendrikse that had players and fans riled, and whether rugby is edging into football territory. We also look ahead to the URC semis, discuss whether Leinster are vulnerable, and preview a massive South African derby. In the Prem, the playoff picture is locked in as Bristol run riot, Sale hold firm, and it’s farewell to Gloucester and Jim’s Saracens. Plus, lots of other news, including whether Farrell is coming back to the Prem? Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices