Advertise on podcast: Players Podcast

On the latest episode of the Players Podcast, Conrad and Rachael talk to Tom Moffat, CEO of the World Cricketers Association to see what Rugby can learn from cricket!

On the latest episode of the Players Podcast, Conrad and Rachael review the new Nations Championship and Nations Cup, match officials, the U20s...and we ask if the 2031 Rugby World Cup can hit the same heights in the USA as the football world cup! Check it out and subscribe for more!

With the club season finishing up in Europe, Conrad and Rachael speak to URC boss Martin Anayi about the successes and challenges facing the competition.

Conrad, Rachael and Ben from IRPA sit down to discuss the upcoming Nations Cup tournament which kicks off in July. Is it an exciting opportunity for Tier 2 Nations or a repackaging of what's already there? Check out the debate and let us know your thoughts!

Dr. Nic Gill joins The Players Podcast to share his incredible journey from more than 20 years with the All Blacks to becoming VP of Health and Performance with the Baltimore Ravens. Nic opens up on the move from rugby to the NFL, what makes elite environments truly special, how player welfare is protected through the NFL’s CBA, and why recovery still comes down to the big rocks: sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement and smart training. A fascinating conversation on high performance, athlete workload, recovery fads, leadership, and what rugby can learn from the NFL. Presented by: Eoin McHugh, Conrad Smith and Rachel Burford. #ThePlayersPodcast #AllBlacks #BaltimoreRavens #NFL #Rugby #PlayerWelfare #HighPerformance #NicGill

Former Wales captain Ken Owens joins Conrad and Rachael for a candid discussion on the state of Welsh rugby. From governance and decision-making to player trust, finances and the future of the regional game, Owens offers a unique perspective shaped by years inside the national setup. We talk leadership during crisis, what needs to change at the top of the game, and whether Welsh rugby can rebuild confidence among players and supporters. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation with one of the most respected voices in Welsh rugby.

When a player gets a ban for something that happens on the pitch, we love to debate whether it was too harsh, too lenient or just right. So, to learn more about how the system works, Conrad and Rachael are joined by the man that oversees this process - Christopher Quinlan KC. A respected barrister, Chris discusses the process, how it can be improved...and how he wants to see more players get involved! Check out IRPA at rugbyplayers.org and make sure to subscribe to keep up to date with the Players Podcast!

In the latest episode of the Players Podcast, Conrad and Rachael look back at the recent Shape of the Game conference and discuss the big issues, including the complexity of rugby...is it time to embrace the fact that our sport is not a simple one? Check out rugbyplayers.org for more and make sure to follow us on Instagram for more!

With Rugby bosses, coaches, refs and players coming together in London next week to discuss the big issues facing the sport, Conrad and Rachael chat with player reps about what issues need to be discussed and what challenges need to be addressed!

South Africa's Rugby World Cup winning assistant coach Felix Jones sits down with Conrad and Rachael to discuss laws of the game, the state of rugby in 2026 and much more! Check it out now and find out more about IRPA by visiting rugbyplayers.org If you want the clearest, most honest take on professional rugby— join Conrad and Rachael and tackle the big issues facing the game!

It's almost the end of the year so Conrad and Rachael sit down to look back at 2025. Whether it's referees, laws of the game to standout players and the Try of the year - we got you covered! Make sure to subscribe to the Players Podcast to get EVERY episode from International Rugby Players Association!

Sevens coach Mike Friday joins Conrad and Rachael on the show to discuss Sevens, the challenges it faces...and possible solutions. Subscribe to make sure you get EVERY episode of the Players Podcasdt from International Rugby Players Association.

Former Northampton lock and current head of the Rugby Players Association in England, Christian Day, joins Conrad and Rachael to discuss player load, match and training limits as we ask - how much is too much? Subscribe to make sure you get EVERY episode of the Players Podcast from International Rugby Players Association!

After the announcement this week that the Nations Championship and Nations Cup will kick off in 2026, Conrad and Rachael examine the plans for the new global tournaments which kick off in 2026. Subscribe and check out International Rugby Players Association on Instagram and YouTube for more info!

In Episode 3 of the Players Podcast, Conrad and Rachael speak with World Rugby referee manager Brendon Pickerill, who discusses some of the issues facing international refs and what the governing body are doing to tackle issues around laws of the game. Make sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes as they drop and get more details on rugbyplayers.org!