DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network — Podcast

'Some people DON'T like FACTS' | Super Rugby CEO reveals TRUTH about Audience Numbers 03.06.2026 33min

Let’s be honest, people love to paint a negative picture about crowd sizes, but the numbers tell a very different story. Martin sits down for an exclusive chat with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley as the competition heads into the finals. We dive into the double-digit attendance growth across New Zealand, how the game outrates the Warriors on Sky, and the ongoing government funding battles for Super Round. IMAGE CREDIT: Jack Mesley Chief Executive Officer of Super Rugby Pacific speaks before presenting Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea his player award during the Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika, Super Rugby Pacific match, Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 31 May 2025, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who WE think belongs in the All Blacks | Rugby Roundtable 03.06.2026 39min

It's Roundtable time on DSPN, and we are laying down the 34 names for our All Blacks side. Martin, John Day, and Mark Watson don't fanny around with these three tests, debating the 19-15 forward split and why Dave Rennie needs to see this team under load before facing South Africa. We break down the front row anchors, settle the loose forward mix, and explain why a stint in the northern hemisphere officially proved what New Zealand rugby fans have known for ages about Rieko Ioane. IMAGE CREDIT: All Blacks Ethan DeGroot during the match between New Zealand and South Africa in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, Saturday, July 15, 2023. (Photo by Lynne Cameron / action press) Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo points during the Waratahs v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia. Friday, 6 March 2026, (Photo by Steven Markham / action press) Blues Anton Segner during the Blues v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saturday, 25 April 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Referees Need to Stop the Warnings | Jeff the Ref 02.06.2026 35min

Martin Devlin and resident rule expert Jeff the Ref sit down with a glass of water—or vodka—to dismantle the most glaring officiating moments from the weekend. We call out the complete lack of forward pass calls from assistant referees after 16 rounds of Super Rugby. Plus, we look at reckless head-on-head contact and why warnings need to be completely banned heading into the qualifying finals. IMAGE CREDIT: Crusaders Antonio Shalfoon during the Crusaders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 29 May 2026 (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Rugby Sudden-Death: Who survives The Quarter-Finals? 02.06.2026 43min

Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Marty to break down the three massive qualifying finals this weekend. We tackle the Hurricanes’ strategic "rest vs rust" choices against the Crusaders, break down the Brumbies' horribly inconsistent form since their 50-point statement win, and look into the breaking rumors of a potential lifeline for Moana Pasifika. IMAGE CREDIT: Blues Eli Oudenryn during the Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 30 May 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do Schoolboy Steroid Gains Last Into Professional Rugby? | Mailbag 29.05.2026 28min

It’s mailbag time and we are ripping into your hottest takes. We address the terrifying culture of schoolboy steroid use in South Africa and whether those artificial gains actually stick around in adulthood. Plus, we debate the real cost of losing South African franchises, the looming dread of Scott Barrett’s massive injury layout, and a radical hybrid bench strategy that could transform the All Blacks' upcoming tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should Rugby League Adopt the 20-Minute Red Card 28.05.2026 23min

Martin and Jamie back up after a chaotic 24 hours to preview a high-stakes Round 16. We delve into the Ashley Klein Origin red card controversy and explain why it’s a massive advertisement for rugby’s 20-minute red card rule. Plus, we break down the hammer blows hitting Christchurch with Scott Barrett out for surgery, Will Jordan’s recurring calf nightmare, and the departure of Rob Penney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Lost Up Its Own Backside" | Duncan Garner on the DEMISE of Rugby 28.05.2026 35min

Editor-in-Chief host Duncan Garner joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall on the DSPN today! We're tearing into Duncan’s controversial Listener piece claiming New Zealand rugby is officially broken. From the 40 schoolboys pinched by the Warriors program to the empty stadium seats at marquee games, we sit down for a brutal, honest look at our national sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High Degree of Danger! Why Are Red Card Upgrades Taking Seven Minutes? 26.05.2026 33min

Our resident whistle-blower Jeff McGregor returns for another edition of Jeff The Ref ahead of international referee Ben O'Keeffe rolling into the studio. We’re drilling into the controversial refereeing moments from the weekend, including the bizarre Hurricanes quick-tap, and why grassroots sideline behavior has reached an all-time low. IMAGE CREDIT: Angus Gardner during the Hurricanes v Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 23 May 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

McKenzie, Roigard, or Jordan? Who's The MOST Crucial Injury Loss 26.05.2026 35min

The Rugby Roundtable is back to tackle the state of the game as the round robin wraps up. Mark Watson and John Day join the show to break down the emergence of new young talent like Lucas Casey and Anton Segner, while sounding the alarm on the worrying decline of the competition. We talk private equity, slashing franchises, and the massive injury blows defining the playoffs. IMAGE CREDIT: Hurricanes Cam Roigard makes a pass during the Hurricanes v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Friday, 1 May 2026, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press) Chiefs Damian McKenzie scores a try during the of the Brumbies v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Gio Stadium, Canberra, Australia. Friday, 20 March 2026, (Photo by Mark Evans / action press) Crusaders Will Jordan during the Crusaders v Fijian Drua, Super Rugby Pacific match, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 3 April 2026, (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hurricanes "Haven't Missed A Beat" | SIX Super Rugby Hot Takes 25.05.2026 28min

One round to go in the Super Rugby round-robin and the playoff picture is absolute chaos. Martin and Jamie dive straight into the numbers, breaking down the Hurricanes’ record-breaking run of 50-plus point games and their insane 11 bonus points. We look at the genius coaching innovation behind Leicester Faingaʻanuku playing at seven, whether Sevu Reece has just played his way back into the All Blacks conversation, and why the psychology of the final round means nobody is going to roll over. Image Credit: Hurricanes Ruben Love, front, fails to stop a loose ball during the Hurricanes v Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 23 May 2026, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press)] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Super Rugby Finals Jigsaw: Who Faces Who In The Quarterfinals? 25.05.2026 42min

Tony Johnson joins Martin straight after calling an absolute crackerjack of a match between the Crusaders and Chiefs. We break down the incredible atmosphere in Christchurch's new stadium, look at the brutal calf injury concerns for Will Jordan, and question why Dave Rennie sees Leicester Leicester Faingaʻanuku as a winger when he’s currently playing flanker. Plus, we address the excruciating disappointment around Caleb Tangitau and look ahead to a massive final round of regular-season action. Image Credit: Crusaders Johnny McNicholl try during the Crusaders v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 22 May 2026, (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Rugby NOT Worth Watching? | Mailbag 22.05.2026 38min

It’s Friday and the mailbag is completely overflowing. Martin and Jamie dive headfirst into your best comments from the week, tackling everything from the real physics behind that forward pass drama to why the All Blacks rely so heavily on veteran experience for a massive tour to South Africa. Plus, we uncover some mind-blowing tackle stats comparing Super Rugby to the URC and officially validate a very rare word. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Selecting 15 to Play Stormers | All Blacks South Africa Tour Squad 21.05.2026 35min

Selecting an All Blacks side always gets people talking, but picking a midweek touring squad for South Africa is a whole different beast. Rugby journalism veteran Nigel Yalden joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall to lock in a 15 to face the Stormers. We debate everything from the Richie Mo'unga eligibility drama to the wide-open race for the number six and thirteen jerseys. Image Credit: All Blacks Cam Roigard during the All Blacks v France Lipovitan-D July Series, Forysth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand, Saturday, 05 July 2025. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) All Black Ruben Love celebrates scoring a try during the Wales v All Blacks match, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, 22 November 2025. (Photo by Benjamin Gilbert / action press) New Zealand Rieko Ioane during All Blacks v Argentina Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship match, Estadio VŽlez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires, Argentina, , 23 August 2025. (Photo by stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are the Springboks DRUG cheats? | Brenden Nel Hits Back 21.05.2026 41min

South African Rugby Journalist Brenden Nel joins us to hit back at the inflammatory headlines targeting the back-to-back world champions. From uncovering the true operational logistics behind South Africa's drug testing reduction to breaking down the tragic weights-loss cocktail that sidelined Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Brenden plays open cards on the actual facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'No Regrets' | Brad Shields on playing overseas and the Hurricanes stellar season 20.05.2026 33min

Brad Shields joins the DSPN studio to talk about the Hurricanes’ flying season, his incredible global rugby journey, and what it’s really like to navigate life-changing overseas contracts. We dive deep into the brutal physical load of modern Super Rugby, the changing dynamics of team culture, and whether the All Black jersey remains the ultimate motivation for young Kiwi stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Magic Round was WAY better' | Unpacking the Magic vs Super Round Debate 20.05.2026 33min

We tackle a packed (extra) mailbag following our recent Roundtable debate about Magic Round vs Super Round. Are Warriors fans getting a bit too ahead of themselves, or is the NRL genuinely leaving Super Rugby in the dust? We break down the real TV viewing figures from Sky, look at why Eden Park never looks full, and explain why the All Blacks still sit on a completely different level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Super Rugby Laws Protecting Dangerous High Tackles? | Jeff the Ref 19.05.2026 34min

Our resident whistle-blower Jeff McGregor joins us live from Manila for another unfiltered edition of Jeff the Ref. We break down the absolute head-scratchers from the weekend, including Ben O’Keeffe’s early "freebie" warning, the highly controversial forward pass that gave Fehi Fineanganofo his record-equalling try, and why the current tackle laws are rewarding dangerous play through pure luck of the draw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Magic Round vs Super Round: Who did it better? | Rugby Roundtable 19.05.2026 37min

The numbers from the NRL's Magic Round are undeniable, but do they tell the full story? We look beyond the scoreboard to break down the massive divide between Rugby League's organic tribalism and the corporate, polished script of Super Rugby. From the Warriors taking over Brisbane to the cavernous reality of our local grounds, we ask if rugby has simply treated fans with disdain for too long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Six HOT TAKES from Super Rugby Round 14 | DSPN 18.05.2026 20min

Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall go rapid-fire through six hot takes from the rugby weekend. We break down why the Blues’ shellacking at Eden Park proves they aren't championship material, the heartbreaking Achilles injury to Caleb Tangitau, and why Australian rugby teams are a complete puzzle. Plus, we look at the hype around Zach Lomax and slam a ridiculous bonus point rule in the Northern Hemisphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blues Are Found Out! Tony Johnson Breaks Down the Eden Park Shellacking 18.05.2026 42min

Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin to dissect a seismic Round 14. We drop the analytical hammer on the Blues' defensive collapse and credit the Hurricanes' high-IQ tactical masterclass at Eden Park. Plus, we look at Damian McKenzie's brutal injury protocols, debate the staggering $2,400 cost for a World Cup final seat, and pay tribute to Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices