In Episode 88 of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones are joined by Tinus van Staden, the sports editor of Rapport, for a revealing conversation that takes listeners deep inside South African rugby journalism—and the biggest coaching story in the country right now. This episode pulls back the curtain on how Rapport broke the explosive Jake White story, detailing the intense months of behind-the-scenes reporting, verification, and editorial debate that led to one of the most talked-about revelations in South African sport.Tinus explains how the story came together, why vivid detail matters in investigative storytelling, and what it says about shifting leadership cultures in rugby. He opens up about the newsroom discussions with top writer Hendrik Cronjé, the responsibility that comes with reporting uncomfortable truths, and how Rapport maintains its credibility while navigating backlash from fans and rugby insiders alike.This conversation also explores the evolving relationship between media and SA Rugby, the unique role of Afrikaans journalism in local rugby coverage, and how Rapport balances source relationships with integrity. Tinus shares insight into the emotional distance modern coaches need to maintain, the Bulls’ coaching succession after White’s departure, and names like Johan Ackermann and Franco Smith that are being floated behind the scenes.Beyond Jake White, the trio delves into selection politics around players like Evan Roos and Cameron Hanekom, the global curiosity about South African rugby from countries like Ireland and France, and Rassie Erasmus’s long-term strategy to regenerate the Springboks. There’s also a candid look at the digital challenges facing sports media, from content theft to adapting to an online-first world.This is a front-row seat to how journalism shapes rugby culture—and how one newsroom broke the story that’s still shaking Loftus.

Former Springbok and Bulls head coach Heyneke Meyer joins Harry Jones for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation on Episode 87 of the Lekker Rugby Pod. From building the Bulls dynasty to shaping a World Cup-winning Springbok spine, Meyer opens up about the human side of coaching — where character, mental toughness, and humility matter far more than raw talent.They explore the growing tension between data-driven coaching and traditional intuition, and why Meyer believes too many young coaches are becoming addicted to tech at the expense of real connection. He reflects on his player selection philosophy, the psychology behind building a team from the bottom, and how traits like resilience, work ethic, and selflessness often trump physical gifts.Heyneke also shares why he believes coaches can learn from interrogation techniques (yes, really), how he helped transition players like Pieter-Steph du Toit into global stars, and why he never blames referees — no matter the result. It's a conversation that strips rugby back to its core: people, pressure, and purpose.If you're a coach, player, or fan who cares about what really makes a champion — this is a must-listen.

In one of the most revealing and thoughtful rugby conversations we’ve ever had, Episode 86 of the Lekker Rugby Pod takes you deep into the mind of Franco Smith — Glasgow Warriors coach, Springbok flyhalf, and arguably one of the most visionary thinkers in the game today.Speaking to us from Italy on the eve of his son’s wedding, Franco opens up like never before. This is not your usual rugby interview. This is about how he thinks. How he sees the game. How he leads. How he builds character, not just players. And why the future of rugby might depend on coaches who are willing to connect, listen, and rethink everything.We explore his journey from Springbok flyhalf to international coaching force. We unpack his personal values — from faith to family — and how those shape his coaching philosophy. We talk about leadership, locker room dynamics, player psychology, and what it takes to get a team playing with soul. He also gives us a rare look into the systems and decisions behind Glasgow’s best-ever season, and why adaptability, purpose, and emotional intelligence might be rugby’s next frontier.Could Franco Smith be a future Springbok head coach? Maybe. But one thing’s for sure — you’ll see the game differently after this.This is the Lekker Rugby Pod at its very best. Only on Megafoon Rugby.

Sharks majority owner Marco Masotti sits down with Harry Jones for an unfiltered conversation about the high-stakes world of professional rugby ownership. From Wall Street boardrooms to the Kings Park locker room, Masotti shares how a casual connection to South African expats evolved into a bold rugby investment strategy.This episode goes deep into how the Sharks franchise is being rebuilt from the ground up after COVID, with a 57% spike in attendance and major strides in academy and youth structures. Marco and Harry unpack what it means to grow rugby commercially without losing its soul. They explore the pressures of running a club that still posts financial losses, while trying to expand its footprint in Europe and North America ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.They also explore the emotional and cultural weight rugby carries, the challenge of attracting younger fans, and why transformation isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a creative advantage. From squad management and coaching reviews to big dreams of Sharks academies in New York and a more united South African rugby landscape, this is a masterclass in the business and soul of the game.For anyone interested in the future of rugby, this conversation is essential viewing.

In one of the most earth-shattering moments of the Bulls’ recent history, head coach Jake White is facing a full-blown internal revolt. Multiple senior players and assistant coaches have taken their concerns directly to Bulls upper management — a move that has stunned just about everyone inside and outside Loftus.In this special episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones grapple with the gravity of what's unfolding — and what it means for the Bulls going forward.For MW, this story is more than just reporting. It’s personal. He’s walked the halls of Loftus, built genuine relationships inside the setup, and has long admired Jake White as a coach and figure in the game. The developments of the past few days have left him deeply unsettled. There's disappointment. Sadness. A sense that something important is breaking.But MW lays out what he’s learnt from those close to the situation — honestly and carefully. No melodrama. Just the uncomfortable truth: that this isn’t a minor issue. It’s a rupture. And it’s taken many by complete surprise.Harry digs into the bigger questions: What went wrong? Can trust be rebuilt? And what happens next?This episode isn’t about point-scoring or panic — it’s about trying to make sense of a moment that feels like a turning point.Nobody expected the Bulls’ season to end with an off-field explosion like this. If you care about the Bulls, about Jake White, or about the state of South African rugby leadership — this one matters.

What if we judged rugby franchises not on loyalty or legacy—but on cold, hard business fundamentals?

In this episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, Harry and MW treat the Bulls and Stormers like corporate assets under review. No romanticism. No emotion. Just a forensic audit of performance, structure, value, and long-term sustainability.They apply a due diligence framework—the kind you'd use before buying a company—to two of South Africa’s biggest rugby brands. What’s the return on investment for each franchise? Who’s extracting full value from their player pool? And how well are leadership, coaching and culture aligned with performance goals?

The Stormers, despite boasting a talented squad and solid private backing from Red Disa, look disjointed—especially up front and in defence. Harry and MW question whether the root problem lies in John Dobson’s leadership or a dysfunctional coaching structure, and whether the systems around him are designed to sustain excellence or simply coast on momentum from previous seasons.

The Bulls, by contrast, reached another final—but did they max out their potential, or expose cracks in Jake White’s tactical planning and assistant coaching setup? The conversation tackles Jake’s all-powerful role at the franchise, and whether the Bulls would benefit from a neutral “rugby consigliere” to challenge ideas and expand their long-term vision.Harry proposes a simple but powerful shift: stop thinking like coaches and start thinking like owners. Look at squad depth, injury risk, player happiness, system resilience, leadership development, and tactical flexibility—not just match outcomes.

It’s rugby analysis reimagined through the lens of private equity, high-performance culture, and strategic planning. No sacred cows. No excuses. Just a blunt question: if these teams were on the market… would you invest?

In this Lekker Rugby Pod Instant Reaction, MW Welman and Harry Jones dive into the Bulls’ URC Final defeat to a superb Leinster outfit. From the 19-0 first-half blitz to Jacques Nienaber’s tactical fingerprints, they break down how the Bulls were outplayed in key areas — the breakdown, the red zone, and the bench impact.The Bulls had their chances but lacked belief, precision, and attacking clarity when it mattered most. Still, credit must go to Leinster, who delivered their best performance of the season when it counted — ruthless, disciplined, and brilliantly coached.It’s a raw and honest debrief — part therapy, part analysis — as the boys reflect on what went wrong for the Bulls and why Leinster have (deservedly) reclaimed their spot at the top of the URC pile.

The stage is set: Croke Park, Dublin, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Bulls, brimming with momentum and belief, face off against Irish powerhouse Leinster in the 2025 United Rugby Championship Final. In this episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW and Harry dive headfirst into what could become one of the most memorable URC clashes of the modern era.But how exactly do the Bulls win this? Harry has a plan.With Jake White preparing his side for what might be his final great performance as a coach, and Jacques Nienaber adding fresh physical edge to Leinster’s blueprint, this final is more than just a rugby match — it’s a collision of coaching philosophies, national rugby cultures, and strategic identities.Harry unpacks the contrasting DNA of the two sides: the Bulls’ confidence in their structure and power game, versus a Leinster team that, for all its talent, may still be wrestling with its identity. We explore how the Bulls can disrupt Leinster’s midfield ruck resets, exploit their hesitation in transition, and target the "kill zone" like they did with Andre Esterhuizen.We also dive into Jake White’s mindset heading into this clash. Often combative in the media but laser-focused behind closed doors, Jake has been here before — in World Cup finals, Super Rugby titles, and now, possibly, his last shot at glory in the URC. What will his legacy be if the Bulls win this in Ireland?MW and Harry debate the impact of referee Andrea Piardi, how penalty pressure could shape the match, and why Leinster’s usual cool might get tested under the weight of expectation at home. There's tactical gold throughout — from man-marking Josh van der Flier, to Harry’s cheeky take on how to rattle Sam Prendergast, to how weather, substitutions, and even the psychology of being the underdog all come into play.And of course, Harry closes with his boldest call yet: Bulls by 5. It’s a prediction based on analysis, not just hope.If you're passionate about South African rugby, coaching tactics, or just love hearing two people break the game down beyond the surface, this is the episode for you!