Championship Clubs Podcast

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 11 | Morgan Strong

April 05, 2024 08:21 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MB

Delighted to be joined this week by Ampthill skipper, Morgan Strong after the Mob's historic victory over Ealing Trailfinders last weekend. The Welshman talks need for consistency from Mark Lavery and Paul Turner's side as they try to climb higher up the table before the season's conclusion. Elsewhere, Ross and Charlie preview this weekend's HUGE round of Championship action which includes four Friday Night Lights fixtures including the top-of-the-table clash between Cornish Pirates and ...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 10 | Sir Ian McGeechan

March 22, 2024 09:29 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MB

Delighted to be joined by rugby royalty this week as Doncaster Knights' Consultant Director of Rugby, Sir Ian McGeechan, joins us on the pod. Following the news this week that Doncaster remain the only Championship club with eligibility to go up to the Premiership, Sir Ian talks minimum standards, eventual promotion ambitions and his opening few weeks at the Knights. As usual, Ross Hancock and Charlie Beckett round off the show with a look back at the recent action in the second-tier whi...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 9 | Megan Seward

March 08, 2024 13:36 - 24 minutes - 34.4 MB

Delighted to be joined for our International Women's Day podcast by broadcaster, Megan Seward who was the Communications Lead for Gloucester-Hartpury Women in their title winning campaign last season. She joins Ross Hancock and Charlie Beckett to talk all things Championship Rugby ahead of her lead commentary debut on Sunday as Cornish Pirates take on Ampthill.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 8 | Will Rigg

February 08, 2024 10:48 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MB

The latest in the long conveyor belt of Championship to higher, Exeter Chiefs' new centre, Will Rigg join us to talk his first week at Sandy Park. Elsewhere, Ross and Charlie Beckett give their mid-season review as well as previewing this weekend's fixtures and the upcoming involvement of Ealing Trailfinders in the Premiership Rugby Cup Semi-Finals.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 7 | Full Champ Resumption

January 19, 2024 15:19 - 19 minutes - 27 MB

As we prepare for the first full round of Championship Rugby in 2024, regular favourites Ross Hancock and Charlie Beckett discuss all the latest from English Rugby's second tier - including recent state of the league updates and all five games this coming weekend.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 6 | State of the Game

January 11, 2024 12:44 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MB

After another statement from all 11 Championship clubs dropped on Wednesday 10th January, we catch up with the Non Executive Director of the Championship Clubs Committee, Simon Cohen to discuss the current state of the game. The former longstanding CEO of Leicester Tigers, Cohen shares his thoughts on the current second-tier structure as well as hopes for the future across the game at all levels.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 5 | Ross, Charlie & Gully

December 15, 2023 15:35 - 44 minutes - 60.9 MB

A bumper issue to kickstart the Festive period! After some shock results in Round 6, and more intriguing battles to follow this weekend, Ross and Charlie conduct their usual preview / review as we begin to look towards 2024 and the business end of the season. As a special Christmas treat, we've also got the return of pod original, Ben Gulliver to talk a little bit more about the second-tier and potential next steps for the game as a whole.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 4 | David Williams

November 10, 2023 16:12 - 26 minutes - 36.6 MB

Delighted to be joined this week by Nottingham's greatest try scorer throughout their illustrious history, David Williams. One of the Championship's most deadly finishers, the man affectionately known as 'Cheese' talks his time in the second-tier and hopes for a big campaign this time around. Elsewhere, Ross and Charlie debrief on recent results and look ahead to the upcoming action which includes the solitary fixture of Bedford Blues v Hartpury University on Remembrance Weekend.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 3 | Ross & Charlie

October 19, 2023 12:16 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MB

No rest for the wicked because as soon as the Premiership Rugby Cup pool stages draws to a close, the Championship league season is upon us! It's set to be another cracking second-tier campaign and we're back with a preview show, as well as further chat on the sad demise of Jersey Reds. In addition, head across to our Instagram account for chat from all 11 clubs!

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 2 | Ross & Charlie

September 22, 2023 14:47 - 20 minutes - 28.2 MB

After two stunning rounds of Premiership Rugby Cup action, which saw big wins against top-flight opposition for Jersey, Ealing and Coventry; Ross and Charlie are back to talk all the latest news from the Championship! And..... spoiler alert! Charlie reveals his next destination having agreed a deal to remain in the second flight of English rugby for a little bit longer....

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 4 | Episode 1 | Billy Twelvetrees

September 08, 2023 14:20 - 1 hour - 87.5 MB

We're back for the 23/24 Championship league & cup campaign and we're kicking off with a bumper episode to get back into the swing of things! As well as previewing an exciting first round of Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures, and creating our 'Summer Signings XV', we're delighted to be joined by former Bedford, Leicester, Gloucester now Ealing utility back, Billy Twelvetrees. A huge champion of the second-tier following his successful stint at Goldington Road, Billy tells us his thoughts on...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 | Episode 18 | Harvey Biljon

May 15, 2023 14:54 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MB

It's been a fascinating second-tier campaign which concluded in appropriate and dramatic fashion last Saturday as Ealing retained their Championship Cup title with a 35-31 victory over Jersey Reds. Ahead of that game, and just as Jersey were boarding the plane to the mainland for the last time in the 22/23 season, we were fortunate enough to speak with Jersey Director of Rugby, Harvey Biljon to talk a captivating campaign and first crown for the Islanders. Congratulations again to Jers...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 | Episode 17 | Title showdown and relegation battle

April 20, 2023 10:07 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MB

The penultimate round of Championship fixtures which comes this weekend is set to be HUGE with two live stream games and massive connotations at both ends of the table to resolve. We've lined-up a bumper episode to suit the occasion with voices associated to all four of the teams most in the spotlight this weekend as Jersey Reds host Ealing Trailfinders in a title decider and London Scottish face Richmond in a potential relegation showdown. As well as that, there's four other mouth-water...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 | Episode 16 | Charlie Beckett

April 14, 2023 08:52 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MB

After a short sabbatical, Ross Hancock and Ampthill skipper, Charlie Beckett are back to discuss all the latest from the second tier including the HUGE game at Goldington Road on Saturday as Bedford Blues attempt to halt Jersey Reds' title charge.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 | Episode 15 | Simon Halliday

March 08, 2023 10:11 - 42 minutes - 57.8 MB

Championship Clubs Committee Vice Chairman and now Ealing Trailfinders Strategic Advisor, Simon Halliday joins us to talk all things second-tier including the following: - Ealing Ospreys merger - Trailfinders promotion case - Future of the elite game The former England international and ex chairman of European Professional Club Rugby joins host Mike Casey to give a fascinating insight about the state of the English game and Championship Rugby's potential role moving forwards.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 | Episode 14 | JJ Dickinson

February 16, 2023 18:11 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MB

Fresh from an emphatic set of results throughout January, Ross Hancock is joined by Caldy skipper JJ Dickinson to talk all things Championship Rugby including the latest on Worcester/Wasps, promotion/relegation and this weekend's fixtures.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 | Episode 13 | Richie Williams & Joe Byrnes

January 27, 2023 10:40 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MB

Bumper episode this week! With the National One title race hotting up with a spot in next season's Championship at stake, we've caught up with Cambridge Director of Rugby, Richie Williams to discuss all the current goings on in the third tier ahead of a pivotal round of fixtures with the promotion contenders all squaring off tomorrow. We've also been joined by this season's Championship live stream commentator, Joe Byrnes who chats with Ross Hancock and Ben Gulliver about the need for mo...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 | Episode 12 | Full full round of action in 2023

January 13, 2023 10:49 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MB

Ampthill skipper Charlie Beckett joins Ross Hancock to discuss all the current talking points in Championship Rugby as we prepare for the first full weekend schedule of fixtures in 2023 - including 2nd v 3rd as Coventry host Jersey Reds. There's also time for a reflection on the recent Festive fixtures, a look towards the future and a potential league restructure, as well as many more topics of discussion surrounding the second-tier.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 | Episode 11 | Robin ’Bomber’ Hislop

December 31, 2022 10:25 - 36 minutes - 50.7 MB

The final Championship Clubs Podcast of 2022! Michael Casey is joined by former Rotherham Titan and Doncaster Knight, Robin 'Bomber' Hislop who discusses his time in the second-tier as well as a tumultuous last few months having signed for Saracens after his time at Wasps came to a frustrating end. Thank you for your continued support to the pod. A Happy New Year from all the team and we look forward to bringing you more exciting new content in 2023.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Series 3 | Episode 10 | Will Biggs

December 23, 2022 14:25 - 28 minutes - 39 MB

Founder of online programme platform, Zeoon and Coventry hooker Will Biggs joins Ross Hancock and Ryan Robinson to preview an exciting round of festive action which includes table toppers Ealing v Jersey on a free live stream this Christmas Eve.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Series 3 | Episode 9 | League action resumes

December 03, 2022 09:57 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MB

After a sabbatical, Ben Gulliver is back to join Ross Hancock and discuss all the latest talking points in Championship Rugby as league action resumes this afternoon - including a free live stream of Pirates v Ealing.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Series 3 | Episode 8 | Mid Term Report

November 11, 2022 11:48 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MB

Ampthill skipper Charlie Beckett joins Ross Hancock to discuss everything that has happened in Championship Rugby and Championship Cup action so far this season in a special 'Mid Term Report' special. A first victory of the campaign for London Scottish last time out, the exciting battle coming up between the two league pace setters and all this weekend's fixtures are on the agenda as the pair discuss the latest from the second-tier.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Series 3 Episode 7 | State of the Game: The Champ Rugby View

October 25, 2022 17:15 - 45 minutes - 62.2 MB

Following two Premiership clubs entering administration, Worcester Warriors and Wasps, we hear from some leading voices within the Championship about the current state of affairs in English rugby. Michael Casey is back to host and is joined by Bedford Blues COO, Gareth Alred; Cornish Pirates CEO, Rebecca Thomas and Coventry CEO, Nick Johnston. Every topic currently making the national rugby headlines helps compose an insightful discussion about the sport we all love, including offering s...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 Episode 6 | Round 6 preview.

October 21, 2022 12:45 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MB

Ahead of what we anticipate being another exciting round of Championship rugby action, now regular contributor and Ampthill captain Charlie Beckett joins Ross Hancock to discuss the latest from the second tier - including a review/preview of fixtures and results.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 Episode 5 | Charlie Beckett

October 07, 2022 14:04 - 28 minutes - 52.6 MB

Ahead of another pulsating round of Championship fixtures, Ampthill captain Charlie Beckett joins Ross and Gully to talk all things in the second tier.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 Episode 4 | Harry Sheppard

September 23, 2022 11:56 - 36 minutes - 66 MB

Freshly back from injury and returning to Championship action, current London Scottish and former Bedford fly-half, Harry Sheppard joins Ross and Gully to discuss all the latest from the second flight. From still harbouring Premiership ambitions to loving life in the Championship, we've got it all covered as Sheppard takes us through his career and the personal battles that have seen him get to where he is today. Ross and Gully also review the past two rounds of fixtures which saw Caldy ...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 Episode 3 | New Season Looms

September 09, 2022 12:24 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Ahead of the new Championship campaign beginning this evening, Gully and Cornish Pirates' Ross Hancock give an overview on the 12 competing clubs.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 Episode 2 | Mark Evans

September 05, 2022 15:32 - 48 minutes - 88.1 MB

Mark Evans joins us on the latest episode of the Championship Clubs Podcast, as we countdown to the highly anticipated 2022/23 campaign, to give us his view on the future of the second tier. Former Director of Rugby and CEO at Saracens and Harlequins, Evans has over 30 years' experience at the top of the game with similar roles at Western Force, Global Rapid Rugby and Melbourne Storm. On the eve of his announcement as CEO of the new Super Rugby franchise, Fijian Drua, we catch up with him...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 3 Episode 1 | Matt Cairns

August 03, 2022 16:54 - 29 minutes - 54.7 MB

As we close in on the 2022/23 Championship campaign, learn more about the newest members of the second-tier, Caldy RFC, with Head Coach Matt Cairns joining Mike and Gully to discuss all the latest updates from the club.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Series 2 | Episode 14 | Leon Lloyd

June 17, 2022 09:27 - 35 minutes - 65.9 MB

A lot has been made in the past week of the number of Premiership rugby players left without a contract following the 2022/23 campaign, with over 100 looking for a new club ahead of the new season. In the Championship, there isn't the level of support as seen in the top-tier with less resources and access to a support network looking at potential options and transition. Former Leicester, Gloucester and England wing Leon Lloyd has created a company, Centrum Solutions, to try and bridge th...

Championship Clubs Podcast - Jim Hamilton

May 30, 2022 13:24 - 1 hour - 57.5 MB

Our first feature length episode for a good few months sees big Jim Hamilton join Mike & Gully to talk all things #ChampRugby as everyone quickly turns their attentions to the upcoming 2022/23 Championship season.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Full Back

May 04, 2022 15:48 - 10 minutes - 18.7 MB

It's the last induction into the 2021/22 Team of the Season and it's a bumper episode to round off a fantastic two weeks of announcements! Another challenging one with four really worthy candidates up for selection and a split decision from our panellists making it one of the hardest inclusions to decide upon. In the end, it's a third inclusion for Doncaster Knights as their rising Welsh star gets in following two stellar performances against the champions amid a fantastic season on a pe...

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Right Wing

May 03, 2022 15:11 - 4 minutes - 8.86 MB

Into the penultimate position where four speedster right wingers battle it out to join Dean Adamson in the wing positions of the 2021/22 Championship Clubs Podcast and Championship Rugby Team of the Season. Less debate, more admiration this time as the player with the most inclusions into the Team of the Week of the whole Championship (6) this season secured his rightful place following 15 tries from 18 appearances.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Outside Centre

May 02, 2022 15:02 - 5 minutes - 10.3 MB

Just three to go until the Championship Clubs Podcast & Championship Rugby Team of the Season is revealed in full! And this one, for the coveted outside centre jersey, leads to another healthy debate as four quality Championship stars go head-to-head. In the end, Ampthill get their first inclusion following another impressive season from their versatile former Welsh 7s representative.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Inside Centre

May 01, 2022 15:02 - 4 minutes - 8.39 MB

Surely there's space in the Championship Team of the Season for the division's leading marksman? The influential Hartpury 10/12 faced some stiff competition to retain the jersey from last season with others from the top four sides also in the discussion. In the end, the soon to be Bristol Bear did retain his spot in another fantastic campaign from a personal perspective, pipping the likes of Will Maisey, Sam Olver and Russell Bennett to the top of the points tally.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Left Wing

April 30, 2022 14:05 - 4 minutes - 8.57 MB

Moving on the left wing and a unanimous decision on this one with one stand out candidate shining through above the rest. It's back-to-back inductions for Bedford Blues as their returning homegrown winger, who scored his 100th club try just two weeks ago, gets the nod after another scintillating campaign.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Fly Half

April 29, 2022 15:24 - 6 minutes - 11.5 MB

Another tough decision to separate some of the Championship Rugby's most lethal marksmen across the 2021/22 campaign, with the fly-halves of four of the league's top five up for nomination. With Pirates, Bedford and Doncaster all represented in both the discussion and the debate, it was always going to be a close call. In the end, Judge Gulliver cast the final verdict as Bedford Blues get their first induction into the XV.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Scrum Half

April 28, 2022 15:11 - 3 minutes - 6.93 MB

We move into the backs division and start with the coveted scrum half jersey, as another four tenacious candidates are put forward. After a few difficult decisions in the back row, this one was relatively easier in comparison with a unanimous decision across the board to induct a fourth Ealing Trailfinders player into the side as the champions pull clear in terms of players selected.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Number 8

April 27, 2022 14:46 - 7 minutes - 13.7 MB

We conclude our forwards pack inductions with one of the toughest decision within the entire XV as four more than worthy winners go head-to-head for the coveted jersey. Two Champ warriors, last year's winner and a new star on the block are discussed as the team struggle to separate them and decide on a winner. In the end, the retiring Covskin just about gets the nod to bring a perfect ending to a fantastic Championship career.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Openside Flanker

April 26, 2022 15:34 - 5 minutes - 9.97 MB

The penultimate position in the forwards pack sees the openside jersey up for discussion as Jersey's captain squares off against two Bedfordshire stalwarts and an Ealing bruiser. In the end, there wasn't too much discussion on this one as the 16-try powerhouse, who helped Trailfinders towards the title with numerous impressive displays, comes out on top following another impressive campaign at Vallis Way

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Blindside Flanker

April 25, 2022 15:28 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MB

The Team of the Season for the forwards is almost complete and we conclude the pack in the back row with more Champ warriors and young starlets in the hotly contested discussion for the respective 6, 7 and 8 jerseys. We start with blindside as a formidable versatile back row forward moves across from the other side of the scrum following an impressive campaign which saw him named in the Team of the Week more than any other flanker (6) while scooping a second successive Players Player of th...

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Second Row 2

April 24, 2022 16:17 - 4 minutes - 8.67 MB

Another extremely tough decision as to who replaces the shirt vacated by Maro Itoje from last season. In the end, the second row most nominated into the Championship Clubs Podcast Team of the Week throughout the campaign gets the rightful nod as Cornish Pirates get a second player selected in the pack.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Second Row 1

April 23, 2022 17:12 - 5 minutes - 9.35 MB

We move into the engine room for more hot debate as some real Championship warriors go head-to-head for the number four jersey. But it's a first for this year's team in the end as the big bad South African retains his jersey and becomes Ealing Trailfinders' second inclusion into the side.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Tighthead Prop

April 22, 2022 15:17 - 5 minutes - 9.61 MB

We conclude the front row positions with one of the most important positions on the park, tighthead prop. Another four more than deserving nominees split opinion and range between former Premiership stars and potential future top-tier warriors. A difficult decision but ultimately, it's a five-time Team of the Week representative from the 21/22 campaign who gets the nod and gives champions, Ealing Trailfinders their first inductee to the Championship Clubs Podcast Team of the Year.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Hooker

April 21, 2022 15:17 - 5 minutes - 10.5 MB

One of the toughest choices to make in the entire XV as Championship rugby's top try scorer went head-to-head with a rising loan star, a returning Knight and a real Championship warrior with over 150 appearances in the second-tier. A hotly fought debate between four more than deserving players eventually concluded with a real friend of the show just edging clear, following an impressive campaign for Steve Boden's side when asked to step up and lead a relatively young pack.

Championship Clubs Podcast - Team of the Season - Loosehead Prop

April 20, 2022 15:16 - 5 minutes - 9.39 MB

This season, we've teamed up with Championship Rugby to decide the 2021/22 Team of the Season following a thrilling second-tier campaign which saw the title race go right down to the wire with Ealing Trailfinders just pipping Doncaster Knights and Cornish Pirates to the crown. Over the next three weeks, we will exclusively reveal the Team of the Season and the reasonings why each player has been inducted into the team through a series of mini-podcasts, starting with the loosehead prop posi...

Championship Clubs Podcast | Season 2 Episode 12 | Ben Ward

April 08, 2022 11:36 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MB

Mike & Gully reflect on a captivating 2021/22 Championship campaign which saw Ealing come out on top in one of the closest title races in recent memories. Gully is then joined by Ealing DoR Ben Ward who charts the club’s rise from London 2 to this season’s Championship champions. Ward also discusses the ongoing appeals process as Trailfinders continue their attempts to secure promotion into the Premiership for next season.

Championship Clubs Podcast

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