8/9 Rugby

Episodet

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  Greatest Rivalry Series Post-Mortem: Boks bury All Blacks in Baltimore finale 13.09.2026 36min

  South Africa have secured the Greatest Rivalry Series with an outstanding win over New Zealand in the 4th Test in Baltimore led them to a 3-1 series win that removes any lingering doubt as to who the best team in the world really is. If there was any left. A record rugby crowd in the USA of 68,173 packed into the M&T Bank Stadium to see the final instalment in what has been a truly enthralling series. ‘Like four RWC Finals on successive weekends’ has been a common summary of this series, and the Springboks’ 43-28 win over the All Blacks certainly speaks to their standing as world no.1. A truly remarkable series that has gripped all corners of the rugby world, and a joy for Brett McKay & Pat McCarry to bring these immediate post-match reactions throughout the series. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #GreatestRivalry #RSAvNZL #Springboks #AllBlacks Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.29 – Boks battle bruised Blacks in Baltimore with Jamie Wall 09.09.2026 36min

  The Greatest Rivalry tour has landed in the USA for this weekend’s fourth and final Test, where a banged-up All Blacks team will be desperate to square the series – and split the trophy – with a suddenly rampant Springboks side. The DSPN’s Jamie Wall is a bit banged up too, arriving in the States after a 27 hour leg from Johannesburg. Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium hosts the final match, and while fans on either side attempt to work out if it’s part of the series or not (it is), the coaches are busy at work getting their teams ready. New Zealand have been hard hit by injuries to key players, while South Africa have faired a little better and been able to rely on a core group of players. 3-1 to the Boks, or two-all. We find out this weekend. #89Rugby #GreatestRivalry #Springboks #AllBlacks #RSAvNZL Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Argentina Tour Post-Mortem: Wallabies unbeaten after annoying draw 06.09.2026 35min

  The Wallabies have gone through a Tour of Argentina undefeated for the first time ever, after they and Los Pumas fought out a 28-28 draw in Mendoza. In a result that will bring more annoyance than satisfaction, at least in the immediate aftermath, the Wallabies started very well and led 14-0 after half an hour, before the Argentineans scrapped their way back into the contest, and went about denying Australia ball with which to attack and forcing them to make nearly twice as many tackles. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #ARGvAUS #Wallabies #LosPumas Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Greatest Rivalry Series Post-Mortem: Springboks turn up the power game 05.09.2026 36min

  South Africa have landed a major blow in the Greatest Rivalry Series after a commanding performance in the 3rd Test led them to a 29-24 win over New Zealand in Soweto. 85,976 fans packed into the FNB Stadium and were treated to a game full of first half momentum swings in a pretty even contest, before the Springboks power game stepped up in magnificent fashion to turn the game on its head, and ensure that they now head to Baltimore as raging favourites in next week’s 4th and final Test in what has been an enthralling series. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #GreatestRivalry #RSAvNZL #Springboks #AllBlacks Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.28 – Wallabies & Pumas both gunning for Mendoza with Marcelo Bosch 02.09.2026 37min

  The Wallabies have beaten the Pumas in Argentina and will now be desperate to avoid no repeat of the second game record losses that followed in 2024 and 2022. Former Pumas centre Marcelo Bosch is back on 8/9 Rugby, and he hopes they’ve spent the whole week in Mendoza filling up on steak and outstanding wine! Plus, the Greatest Rivalry series is all square, and now it’s a case of whether South Africa or New Zealand can afford to lose the 3rd Test in Soweto this weekend the least. Hopefully all the off-field tomfoolery and conspiracy theorising can be shoved to the side and the rugby on the field can resume all focus. Two fascinating games coming in this weekend, what a joy for rugby fans! #89Rugby #Wallabies #LosPumas #ARGvAUS #GreatestRivalry #Springboks #AllBlacks #RSAvNZL Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Argentina Tour Post-Mortem: Wallabies get it done in San Salvador 29.08.2026 34min

  The Wallabies have opened their tour of Argentina with an impressive 27-21 win in San Salvador, built on another strong showing from the forwards, and a defensive effort that applied enough pressure to force Los Pumas errors throughout the game. They head to Mendoza now for the 2nd Test next Saturday with plenty of confidence on the back of four straight wins, and players and supporters alike will be sweating on no repeats of the 2024 and 2022 tours. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #GreatestRivalry #ARGvAUS #Wallabies #LosPumas Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Greatest Rivalry Series Post-Mortem: Boks get the 2nd Test bounce back 29.08.2026 30min

  The Greatest Rivalry Series is all locked up after South Africa won a thrilling contest 33-26 over New Zealand in Cape Town. A much better performance from the Springboks saw them run out 7-point winners despite the All Blacks scoring 4 tries to 3, with Cheslin Kolbe’s flawless kicking from the tee the difference between the two sides. The series is now locked up heading into next weekend’s 3rd Test at FNB Stadium in Soweto, and is well and truly alive! #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #GreatestRivalry #RSAvNZL #Springboks #AllBlacks Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.27 – The full depth of the Ellis Park fallout with MW Welman 26.08.2026 40min

  Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series was flipped on its head with the All Blacks winning the First Test in Johannesburg, and now the Springboks must regroup to get that series back on level ground. MW Welman from Megafoon Rugby joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to outline exactly how far the First Test loss runs for Springboks fans. There’s no doubt the Ellis Park result has shaken not just rugby fans, but all of South Africa. The reaction in the immediate aftermath and the days since has been described as “funereal”, after New Zealand pulled off a win that wasn’t totally unexpected, but still never really entered the conversation. It’s fair to say there’s been some soul-searching in Republic this week. Also, Brett shares some thoughts on the Wallabies in Argentina, and why the two-Test tour presents plenty of opportunity and danger in equal amounts. #89Rugby #Wallabies #GreatestRivalry #Springboks #AllBlacks #RSAvNZL Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Greatest Rivalry Series Post-Mortem: All Blacks land incredible 1st Test win 22.08.2026 29min

  A quite incredible opening to the Greatest Rivalry Series has seen New Zealand outlast South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. In what could well be an instant classic in this stories rivalry, the All Blacks scored 5 tries in 1 despite being at times dominated by the Springboks’ set piece game, before the scoreboard pressure simply became too much for the home side, silencing the parochial home crowd in the process. Plenty for both teams to work on ahead of next weekend’s 2nd Test in Cape Town, but wow, what a way to start the series. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #GreatestRivalry #RSAvNZL #Springboks #AllBlacks Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.26 – Carry-Pass-Ruck to decide Greatest Rivalry Tests with Harry Jones 19.08.2026 49min

  Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series now moves into the Test Matches, with the Springboks and All Blacks facing off in the First Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg this weekend. Harry Jones makes a welcome return to 8/9 Rugby to get into the weeds around what’s happened so far, and what happens from here. Harry’s new concept of carry-pass-ruck as a new measure for how teams are playing makes for a really interesting preview, with the All Blacks’ combined number on Tour pushing back up toward their very high Nations Championship levels, while the Springboks’ number stayed low against Argentina a few weeks back. Where South Africa have been caught out in the past – the Wallabies at Ellis Park last year, for eg – has been when their ‘CPR’ number climbs unusually high. #89Rugby #Wallabies #GreatestRivalry #Springboks #AllBlacks #RSAvNZL Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Japan Series Post-Mortem: Wallabies front row dominates Japan 15.08.2026 36min

  A much better showing from the Wallabies in Townsville, with a dominant front row and breakdown leading to a big win over Japan. Geoff Parkes joined Brett McKay once for the immediate reaction to an impressive performance at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #AustraliavJapan #AUSvJPN #Wallabies #Wallabies #JapanSeries Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Japan Series Post-Mortem: Wallabies front row dominates Japan 15.08.2026 35min

  A much better showing from the Wallabies in Townsville, with a dominant front row and breakdown leading to a big win over Japan. Geoff Parkes joined Brett McKay once for the immediate reaction to an impressive performance at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #AustraliavJapan #AUSvJPN #Wallabies #Wallabies #JapanSeries Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.25 – Can the Wallabies counter Japan's 'infectious' rugby with Tom Robertson 12.08.2026 42min

  The Les Kiss era with the Wallabies has started with a win, but what have we learned so far? Western Force and injured Wallabies prop Tom Robertson joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby for the squad-adjacent insight into what’s going on. The 35-32 win in oppressive conditions in Osaka was good the for the Wallabies; a loss would meant a completely different dynamic as the team returned home for the second Test in Townsville this weekend. Japan were super impressive, and continue with their high-tempo game highlighted through the Nations Championship – but the Wallabies being able to do enough to win was a great result. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #Wallabies Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Japan Series Post-Mortem: Wallabies spare Kiss blushes in Osaka 08.08.2026 35min

  The Wallabies survived a massive scare from a determined Japan in Osaka, giving Les Kiss a winning start to his tenure - but only just. Geoff Parkes joined Brett McKay for the immediate reaction to an at-times wild game at the Hanazono Stadium. On this latest Post-Mortem, we break down the key moments, the near misses, and what this performance tells us about the direction of this new era for the Wallabies. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #JapanvAustralia #JPNvAUS #Wallabies #Wallabies #JapanSeries Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.24 – What to expect from the Les Kiss Wallabies with Zane Hilton 05.08.2026 44min

  What should we expect from the start of the Les Kiss era for the Wallabies? In this episode of 8/9 Rugby, Queensland Reds assistant coach Zane Hilton joins Brett McKay for a first-hand insight into what Kiss will bring to this new era of Australian rugby. Having coached alongside Kiss at the Reds for several season, Zane Hilton is perfectly placed to outline a new approach and philosophy the new coach brings. And having spent nine years coaching in Japan, we cover everything you need to know about the two-Test series against the Brave Blossoms starting this weekend in Osaka. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #Wallabies Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.23 – Nations Championship first leg judgements with Martin Devlin 22.07.2026 49min

  The first leg of the inaugural Nations Championship was a great first outing for the new concept, but what have we learned about the best of northern and southern hemisphere international rugby? Broadcaster Martin Devlin joins Brett McKay this week to run back over for the July series of the Championship, and ask the key questions: Does the format work? Has it brought more meaning to this Test Rugby window? And are there already tweaks to be made for the next edition of the Nations Championship? Beyond that, are the All Blacks ready for South Africa? And how well will the Wallabies transition from the Joe Schmidt era to the new leadership of Les Kiss? What changes, if any, should we expect for the Japan Series in August? #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #NationsChampionship Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Nations Championship Post-Mortem: Wallabies dominate in Schmidt farewell 18.07.2026 30min

  The Wallabies conclude the July leg of the Nations Championship with a dominant win over Italy in Perth, and with it, the Joe Schmidt era comes to an end to an with a Wallabies ‘Kiss of life’. Jim Tucker joins Brett McKay on the 8/9 Rugby Post Mortem to run through what really was an excellent performance from the Wallabies, clinical in their 57-10 win over the Azzurri over in Western Australia, and in front of a third straight sell-out crowd through this tournament. The Wallabies started superbly and had the game well in control by halftime, before kicking to record their biggest win in years. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #AustraliavFrance #AUSvFRA #Wallabies #NationsChampionship Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.22 – The Wallabies eternal quest for depth with Greg Clark 15.07.2026 44min

  The first leg of the Nations Championship is nearly done, and the Wallabies find themselves in a bit of a depth crisis. Legendary Australian rugby commentator Greg Clark joins Brett McKay this week to ponder what is suddenly a must-win game for the Wallabies against Italy in Perth this weekend, with the Australians desperate to send out Joe Schmidt with a win. There’s also some thoughts on Japan and Fiji’s participation in this tournament – Japan have already recorded a win and look to be building experience against the top nations ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, while Fiji look to be in a really dicey situation after sacking their coach and have now been thumped by England in a seriously worrying performance. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #NationsChampionship Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Nations Championship Post Mortem: Wallabies flattened by French firepower 11.07.2026 27min

  A familiar Nations Championship story for the Wallabies, who started brilliantly in Brisbane before being run down by an excellent France side in Brisbane. Geoff Parkes joins Brett McKay from Suncorp Stadium on the 8/9 Rugby Post Mortem to run through the tale of the tape. Winning their first game in Brisbane in 54 years, Les Bleus found themselves on the receiving end of a truly excellent first half from the Wallabies, before drawing level early in the second half and taking the game completely into their control thereafter. It’s left the Wallabies lamenting yet another game that’s got away from them, and now having to go all in on Italy in Perth next weekend. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #AustraliavFrance #AUSvFRA #Wallabies #NationsChampionship Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ep.21 – Nations Championship is a winner with Jamie Wall 08.07.2026 56min

  The Nations Championship is officially here, but is it the "winner" the rugby world has been waiting for? Jamie Wall joins Brett McKay this week to break down the immediate impact of the new structure and its impact on the international calendar, and whether it delivers on the hype for fans and players alike. We also dive into the technicalities of the competition, from the scheduling hurdles to the potential for new rivalries on the world stage, and explore what this means for the future of the international game. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices