Épisodes

  • Top 14 Season Kickoff, Team Insights, and Women's Rugby World Cup
    Sep 5 2025

    The French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast is back!
    Join hosts Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper as they kick off a new season of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. In this episode, they provide an in-depth look at the Top 14 French rugby teams, including early-season ambitions and key players to watch, like Nolan Le Garrec for La Rochelle. They discuss the rise of teams like Bordeaux Begles and Montauban, and how newly promoted teams might fare. The episode also examines La Rochelle's disappointing last season and their hopes for improvement, and covers key matchups for the opening weekend. In addition to the Top 14, there’s a spotlight on Pro D2 action and the encouraging performance of Vannes in the Pro D2 weekend. Women's rugby is also highlighted, focusing on France’s performance in the Women's Rugby World Cup and key players like Pauline Bourdon Sensus. Tune in to stay updated on all things French rugby and enjoy expert commentary! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the Gallic twist

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:44 Top 14 Season Preview
    01:50 La Rochelle's Challenges
    03:08 Promoted Team and prospect
    06:14 Upcoming Matches and Key Players
    18:53 Pro D2 Insights
    21:31 Women's Rugby World Cup
    25:14 Conclusion

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    27 min
  • Top 14 Final Recap & French Squad Insights for the New Zealand tour!
    Jul 5 2025

    In this edition of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, hosts Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the thrilling Top 14 final between Toulouse and Bordeaux Bègles, highlighting key performances from players like Jack Willis, Thomas Ramos, and Maxime Lucu. The episode also covers the French squad's preparations and controversies ahead of their three-match test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand, offering insights into player selections and team strategies. Additionally, there's news on player transfers and updates on injured players, along with a look ahead to the next season of French rugby. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist!

    00:00 Introduction
    01:08 Top 14 Final Recap
    02:54 Player Performances and Highlights
    05:27 Discussion on Player Management and Safety
    09:12 Upcoming Matches and Squad Analysis
    17:59 French Rugby News and Updates
    20:17 Conclusion and Farewell

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    22 min
  • THE Top 14 Final Showdown: Bordeaux vs. Toulouse vs. Bordeaux Bègles
    Jun 28 2025

    THE Top 14 Final Showdown: Bordeaux vs. Toulouse vs. Bordeaux Bègles

    In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, hosts Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the highly anticipated Top 14 final between Bordeaux Bègles and Toulouse. They delve into the teams' form, key players, and tactical strategies. With a comprehensive review of both squads and predictions on the outcome, this episode is a must-listen for rugby enthusiasts eager to hear expert analysis on this epic rematch. Join Veronique and Bill as they cover all the vital aspects leading up to the big game and share insights on the players and teams' journey to the final. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist!

    00:00 Introduction
    00:38 Top 14 Final Preview
    06:42 Team Lineups and Key Players
    08:28 Match Predictions and Analysis
    16:42 Rugby News and Updates
    17:32 Conclusion and Farewell

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    18 min
  • Breaking a Sweat: Semi-Finals and Sunburns in the top 14
    Jun 20 2025

    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!

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:40 Semifinal Excitement: Toulouse vs Bayonne
    01:33 Bayonne's Journey and Success
    03:52 Match Predictions and Analysis
    07:41 Where to watch the games?
    08:16 Preview: Union Bordeaux Bègles vs Toulon
    13:34 Rugby News and Updates
    17:28 France vs England Warmup Game
    21:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    22 min
  • French Top 14 Playoffs and Predictions & Au revoir Owen Farrell
    Jun 14 2025

    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!

    00:00 Introduction
    00:32 Rugby Weekend Preview
    01:22 Top 14 Season Recap
    03:13 Upcoming Matches and Predictions
    05:16 Bayonne vs. Clermont Preview
    08:09 Grenoble vs. Perpignan Access Match
    09:55 Toulon vs. Castres Preview
    12:34 Owen Farrell's Transfer News
    14:13 International Matches and Player Updates
    17:18 Conclusion and Farewell

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    18 min
  • Top 14 Last Weekend Thrills before les barrages (play offs)!
    Jun 6 2025

    French Rugby CONNECTIONS: Top 14 Weekend Thrills and Key Updates

    Join Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper in the latest edition of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast as they recap the last few weeks' major French Sporting events, including Bordeaux's European Cup win and Paris Saint-Germain's European football success. Explore the thrilling scenarios leading up to this weekend in the Top 14, with in-depth discussions on match outcomes, team standings, and player performances. Discover the excitement surrounding upcoming games and the potential implications for teams like Toulon, Clermont, La Rochelle, and more. Additionally, get insight into player updates, including news about Antoine Dupont and potential player moves. Don't miss out on this comprehensive overview of French rugby! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic Twist.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:29 Recent French Rugby Highlights
    00:58 Upcoming Weekend Matches
    05:49 Team Rankings and Standings
    07:56 Key Matches to Watch
    13:03 Player Updates and News
    19:35 Conclusion

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    20 min
  • Bordeaux-Begles's Triumph in the European Cup and Vannes' Last Stand!
    May 31 2025

    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.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:19 Recap of the European Cup final between Northampton and Bordeaux-Begles
    01:03 Key Players and Highlights
    05:52 Post-Match Reaction and Controversy
    15:51 Top 14 Standings and Upcoming Matches
    17:42 Rumors regarding Owen Farrell
    21:07 Conclusion and Farewell

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    22 min
  • French Rugby Rendezvous: Forecasting the Challenge and European Champions Cup!
    May 23 2025

    In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast, Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the latest news in French rugby, focusing on the Challenge Cup and the European Champions Cup. Highlights include the performance of Lyon against Bath, strategies, and player highlights, particularly from Louis Bielle-Biarrey. The episode also covers the important match between Bordeaux Begles and Northampton, as well as the broader European rugby landscape, noting key players such as Matthieu Jalibert, Damian Penaud, Henry Pollock, etc. Predictions for upcoming matches and reflections on previous games are also discussed. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic flair

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:28 Challenge Cup Preview: Lyon vs Bar
    02:21 Key Players to Watch
    03:45 Lyon's Performance and Strategy
    09:21 Upcoming Matches and Predictions for the European Champions Cup
    13:52 French Rugby Stars and Awards
    25:20 Conclusion

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    26 min