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In this episode, we sit down with Lleyton Davids to unpack his journey from Bonnievale to earning a move to the Stormers. He opens up about the year that led to his breakthrough, getting an agent, his work life back home, and the role athletics played in shaping his sporting journey. Lleyton also reflects on his early days, the role models who inspired him, and the importance of his family throughout his career. We dive deeper into Lleyton’s impressive athletics background, including his achievements in the triple jump and 100m, before exploring his transition from athletics to rugby. He discusses the media attention that followed his rise and shares a message for young players looking to make their own way in sport. We also look ahead to the latest rugby action, discussing URC Week 3 before turning our attention to the All Blacks vs Wallabies rivalry and what we can expect from the upcoming clash. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:24 Lineup 05:34 Interview with Lleyton Davids 07:03 Stormers signing 14:30 The year leading up to this, getting an agent 19:49 Work life in Bonnievale 21:04 Athletics and earlier days 22:35 Role models 24:17 Family 30:02 The Triple Jump, 100m and other athletics achievements 40:09 The move from athletics to rugby 41:20 Media attention 47:06 Message for young players 52:00 URC Week 3 01:03:44 All Blacks vs Wallabies 01:06:21 Closing A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

Digby Ioane joins Behind the Ruck for a proper trip down memory lane! From Australia’s win over the Springboks in Perth to some of the biggest moments of his international career, Digby opens up about the highs, the challenges and the stories that shaped his rugby journey. We get into everything from his famous try celebrations, including the legendary turtle move, to life away from rugby, family and what Digby Ioane is up to today. It’s honest, funny and full of stories from one of Australia’s most entertaining players. Then the Ruckers get stuck into URC Week 2, breaking down Edinburgh vs Stormers, Lions vs Ospreys, Sharks vs Leinster and Munster vs Bulls. Another big episode with plenty of rugby chat, stories and laughs. 🏉🔥 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:37 Lineup 05:10 Interview with Digby Ioane 07:41 Wallabies win over the Springboks in Perth 20:52 Reflecting on past rugby achievements 23:06 Significant life moments 26:05 International career 27:04 Keeping the ladies away 28:03 Try celebrations - including the turtle move 29:53 Digby Ioane today 30:40 Family 31:25 Life after rugby 34:42 URC Week 2 Fixtures 35:46 URC Edinburgh vs Stormers 41:48 URC Lions vs Ospreys 43:34 URC Sharks vs Leinster 44:24 URC Munster vs Bulls 48:53 Sponsors and wrap-up A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

The boys are back on Behind the Ruck as they look ahead to the Wallabies clash, the latest squad news and Week 1 of the URC, including Connacht vs Stormers and Lions vs Leinster. Plus, a chat with former All Black Lima Sopoaga and the final bet gets settled. 🏉 The RGR memories continue as Rudy and Juan look at the All Blacks’ social media numbers from the series before heading back to New Zealand. The boys also get into RWC preparations, injuries and the challenge of competing with other sports for players. Rudy’s NFL FOMO, the Switch competition, our sponsors and plenty of banter round things off. Hit play, subscribe and join the Ruckers! 🔥 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:47 Lineup 04:00 Wallabies game: Fixtures 09:39 Wallabies game: Expectations and predictions 11:01 Springbok squad 12:46 URC Week 1: Fixtures 13:21 URC Week 1: Connacht vs Stormers 15:05 URC Week 1: Lions vs Leinster 16:25 Interview with Lima Sopoaga 16:59 Settling the final bet 18:24 RGR memories 27:12 All Blacks Social media metrics for the RGR series 37:38 Back to New Zealand 40:04 Rudy NFL FOMO 43:32 All Blacks prepping for the RWC 50:31 All Blacks injuries 53:42 All Blacks competing with other sports for players 57:48 Switch competition, sponsors and goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

In this episode, we sit down with former All Blacks and Highlanders star Lima Sopoaga to reflect on his rugby journey, his experiences in South Africa, and life after professional rugby. Lima looks back at the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between the All Blacks and Springboks, comparing his visit to South Africa in 2015 with the 2026 tour. He also opens up about his new role as a content creator for the All Blacks, transitioning into life after rugby, and what it’s like seeing the game from a different perspective. We also get Lima’s thoughts ahead of Test 2 in Cape Town, his predictions, training with Ardie Savea, and his experiences touring around South Africa. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:39 Guest - Lima Sopoaga 05:08 RGR: All Blacks vs. Lions 05:57 South Africa visit in 2015 vs. 2026 09:29 Lima - Content Creator for the All blacks 24:42 Life after rugby 30:52 RGR - Test 2 in Cape Town 46:00 Predictions 55:00 Training with Ardie Savea 58:06 Touring around South Africa 01:00:46 Sponsors and goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

In this episode of the RGR Podcast, we sit down with Vodacom Bulls rugby player Jeandre Rudolph for an honest and entertaining conversation about his career, playing at the highest level, the Bulls, international rugby, pressure, self-doubt and what lies ahead. We kick things off with the latest RGR fixtures and predictions before getting into Jeandre's experiences on the field — including what it was like playing against the All Blacks, facing international players and setting up the Stravino Jacobs try. Jeandre also gives us an inside look at the new 2026/27 Bulls jersey, shares what it was like socialising with the All Blacks after the game, and gives his prediction for RGR Game 1. The conversation then goes deeper into his journey to where he is today, the challenges of self-doubt, dealing with pressure and whether he feels he's currently in his prime. We also talk about the incredible rugby talent that has come through Oakdale High School, the legendary question of what's actually in the cow's milk, life beyond rugby and what the future could look like once his playing career eventually comes to an end. Plus, we wrap things up with the Burger King competition and plenty more. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:48 RGR Fixtures 04:56 RGR Game 1 10:24 RGR predictions 11:55 Jeandre Rudolph Guest introduction 14:31 What was it like playing against the All Blacks? 20:06 Facing international players 22:23 Setting up the Stravino Jacobs try 28:29 The new 26/27 Bulls jersey design 30:32 RGR socializing with the All Blacks after the game 31:21 Guests prediction for RGR game 1 33:06 The path to where you are today 36:38 Self doubt and giving up 43:15 Handling pressure 44:39 Are you in your prime now? 48:21 One of many quality players who attended Oakdale High School 51:20 What's in the cow's milk? 52:39 Life after rugby 56:26 Burger King competition, sponsors and goodbye Behind the Ruck is supported by SuperSportBET, make sure you place your bets this weekend: https://www.supersportbet.com/ A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

Israel Dagg joins BTR! 🇳🇿🏉 Former All Black Israel Dagg sits down with BTR to look back on some of the biggest moments of his career, his transition into broadcasting, and his thoughts ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test at FNB Stadium. From his finest rugby memories to playing at Soccer City, Izzy also weighs in on the Springboks vs All Blacks rivalry, the series prediction, and whether rugby is becoming more about physicality or finesse. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:39 Lineup 04:03 Interview with Israel Dagg 05:03 His finest rugby moment 06:34 Checkin with Izzy 09:26 Broadcasting career 13:33 RGR Test 3 at the FNB Stadium, Soweto 21:56 Series prediction 24:10 Playing at Soccer City 35:33 Physicality vs finesse 39:37 Fixtures 51:17 Sponsors and goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

Sbu Nkosi joins us for one of the most open and honest conversations we've had on Behind the Ruck. From growing up in Barberton and earning a scholarship to Jeppe Boys High School, to being spotted by the Sharks and living out his dream in the Green and Gold, Sbu reflects on the moments that shaped his rugby journey. He shares stories about family, the people who inspired him to chase the game, his incredible speed, and what it was like representing the Springboks on some of rugby's biggest stages, including the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup. Away from the field, Sbu opens up about life beyond rugby. He talks about returning to the game after time away, launching his Cityslowish mobile valet business, his move from the Sharks to the Bulls, and the challenges that came with navigating the pressures of professional sport. In one of the episode's most powerful moments, he speaks candidly about his mental health journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation closes with a deeply personal reflection on faith, purpose and what lies ahead. Sbu shares how his relationship with God has helped shape his outlook on life and why he's excited for the future, both on and off the field. This is an episode filled with honesty, resilience and perspective that every rugby fan should hear. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:02 Introduction to Sbu Nkosi 06:17 Coming back from the break 10:03 Cityslowish - Sbu's mobile valet business 11:22 Family 15:08 Childhood rugby inspiration 20:02 From Barberton to Jeppe Boys High School 24:38 Scouted to The Sharks 34:50 100m best time 35:09 The Springbok experience - Argentina at Loftus, semi-final in Japan against Wales 50:41 Move from the Sharks to the Bulls 53:24 Mental health challenges 01:00:41 Sbu's path of faith 01:04:29 Plans and hopes for the future 01:09:23 Sponsors, competitions, and the new BTR Club Rugby Show, Preview show and Sunday Live. Subscribe for more exclusive rugby conversations every week. #BehindTheRuck #Springboks #SbuNkosi #Rugby #SouthAfricanRugby For mental health support contact sadag.org or call the 24-hour helpline 0800 567 567 Burger King Competition: https://bkmarketing.co.za/compete/rugby-comp A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Cityslowish Mobile Valet 011 618 4955 or 082 877 1858 Social Media: Book via direct message or WhatsApp through their Instagram Page @cityslowish. Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

From the Garden Route to SA Rugby 🇿🇦🏉 Heyneke Meyer sits down with us to reflect on his journey through rugby, from coaching the SWD Eagles to reaching the highest level of the game. He opens up about developing as a coach, the challenges of 2008, his time with SA Rugby, handling pressure, his favourite rugby memories and why making a difference remains at the heart of it all. We also dive into Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and some of the public perceptions that have followed Meyer throughout his career. 🎙️ Full conversation with Heyneke Meyer now available. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:00 Intro 02:43 Lineup 03:48 Interview Heyneke Meyer 05:27 Eagles win First Division 08:04 Why choose the SWD Eagles to coach? 13:11 Springboks from the Garden Route bring hope 18:39 What it takes to become a Springbok 22:56 Development from teaching to coaching at the highest level 28:24 Overcoming the obstacles of 2008 30:52 Reflection on time as a Springbok coach 37:21 Handling pressure in the game 43:22 Heyneke Meyer's favourite rugby games 46:22 Making a difference 54:45 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry analysis 01:04:44 Public misperceptions of HM 01:10:04 Sponsors, Burger King competition and goodbyes. Behind the Ruck is supported by SuperSportBET, make sure you place your bets this weekend: https://www.supersportbet.com/ A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

Join the Behind the Ruck team as we dive into Rugby's Greatest Rivalry ahead of the Rugby Championship clashes between the Springboks and All Blacks. We unpack the upcoming fixtures, explore what makes this iconic rivalry so special, and revisit the history that has made South Africa vs New Zealand one of the biggest contests in world sport. We also reveal an exciting Burger King competition before the team selects its Springbok XV for the opening Test at Ellis Park and compares it to the All Blacks squad, discussing the biggest selection calls and key match-ups. Who makes your starting XV, and who comes out on top? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Behind the Ruck. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:01 Lineup 02:52 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR) 03:07 RGR Fixtures - Unions 09:37 Burgerking Competition 10:09 What makes the RGR so unique 14:42 History of the rivalry between SA and NZ 16:46 RGR Fixtures - Springboks vs All Blacks 25:58 BTR team selection for 1st test at Ellis Park 32:58 All Black team selection 44:46 Sponsors and goodbye Burger King Competition: https://bkmarketing.co.za/compete/rugby-comp A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

Description: Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:31 Fixtures: Nations Championship 03:53 Springboks vs Wales 05:46 All Blacks vs Ireland 06:31 Interview with Tristan Leyds - HSBC Player of the Year 08:32 Sharing the news with family 17:12 The year leading up to this achievement 23:00 The realities of playing Sevens Rugby 28:22 Family sporting achievements - Dillyn Leyds 29:34 The path to playing Sevens Rugby 39:26 Personal growth and challenges 42:14 Special Forces Team and his best kick ever 46:11 The next chapter 49:54 SuperSportBET brings the birthday cake 51:45 3 years of Behind the Ruck Podcast 57:21 Sponsors and goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

This week on Behind the Ruck, we're joined by Ross and Bryn from the Aotearoa Rugby Pod for the ultimate South Africa vs New Zealand rugby debate. We dive into how New Zealand views the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour, whether the hype still matches the occasion, and reflect on the golden era of All Blacks rugby. Bryn also shares what it means to reach 100 caps and how the game has evolved from a New Zealand perspective. The conversation then shifts to the rugby itself as we unpack the Nations Championship, the evolution of the kicking game, the battle at scrum time, and the biggest selection dilemmas facing both teams. We debate how the All Blacks can unlock the South African defence, whether New Zealand's skill and footwork can overcome South Africa's physicality, the impact of Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' versatility, and where both teams have strengths and weaknesses heading into the tournament. To wrap things up, the panel discusses the importance of the opening Test at Ellis Park, Tony Brown's return to New Zealand, picks a combined South Africa and All Blacks XV, and makes bold predictions for the rest of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour. If you're a rugby fan, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:41 Ground rules for the Ultimate Podcast Debate 01:42 Meet Ross and Bryn from Aotearoa Rugby Pod, New Zealand 02:37 Bryn's 100 caps 05:29 How does New Zealand view the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour? 07:24 Rugby hype in New Zealand 11:35 The Golden Era of New Zealand Rugby 13:51 Nations Championship - the kicking game and scrum 22:38 How kicking has changed in South African Rugby 24:49 Selection dilemmas 31:57 The All Blacks: handling the Springbok defence 34:05 NZ footwork and skillset vs SA physicality 37:13 Juan talks about Rassie 42:40 High Risk - High Reward rugby 44:09 Versatility of the Springboks 48:00 All Black team selection over the tournament 50:09 Springbok weaknesses 52:18 Veteran players and the quality of players on the bench 01:00:10 Importance of the first game at Ellis Park 01:02:54 Tony Brown signing with New Zealand 01:05:23 Podcasters select the best SA-NZ combined team 01:20:41 Tournament predictions and goodbye Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

Springbok nutritionist Zeenat Simjee joins Behind the Ruck for an insightful conversation about the science behind fueling some of the world's best rugby players. From her current role working with elite and developing athletes to balancing constant travel, Zeenat shares what life is really like behind the scenes, how she makes time for herself, and the journey that shaped her career. She also reflects on her childhood, family, studies and the lifelong passion for sport that eventually led her to the Springboks. The conversation dives deep into what it takes to prepare a Rugby World Cup winning team. Zeenat unpacks the nutritional demands of international rugby, how every meal is planned with performance in mind, and whether she really deserves the title of "food police." She explains how players are fueled during long haul travel, what a typical Springbok Test match day nutrition plan looks like, and how club rugby players can improve their nutrition without breaking the bank. We also explore Zeenat's private practice, where she helps athletes and everyday people achieve their performance and health goals beyond the Springbok environment. To wrap up, Rudy and Juan discuss the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures and what lies ahead for international rugby. If you've ever wondered what it takes to keep world champions performing at their best, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:00 Interview with Zeenat Simjee 04:56 Current career: Nutrition for elite and developing athletes 08:15 Travel and work 10:14 How Zeenat spends her ME time 12:52 Childhood, family and studies 18:39 Lifelong love of sport particularly golf 23:31 Winning 2 World Cups 30:54 Nutrition requirements for a World Cup team 38:16 The food police 45:43 Athlete nutrition for long haul flights 47:07 Typical nutrition plan on a Springbok test match day 55:24 Club rugby nutrition on a budget 01:06:47 Zeenat Simjee's private practice 01:13:34 Nations Championship Fixtures 01:15:05 Sponsors and closing A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

TJ Perenara joins us on Behind the Ruck for a proper conversation about life on and off the field. From travelling to South Africa to building a new chapter in Japan, TJ opens up about family life, embracing a different culture, learning the language, and the decision to make a major move after earning 89 caps for the All Blacks. It is an honest look at how family continues to shape his decisions, both as a rugby player and as a person. We also get into his career journey and everything that has made him one of the game’s biggest personalities. TJ reflects on the Hurricanes, becoming their most capped player of all time, the success he has enjoyed with the franchise, and the relationship he has with rising star Ruben Love. He also speaks about his competitive edge, the way he chirps referees, handling injuries, the teammates who shaped his journey, and what it means to have represented the All Blacks almost 90 times. To close, TJ dives into some of the most meaningful parts of his rugby story, including captaining the Barbarians and the significance of the Haka, both as a performance and as a cultural symbol. This is a proper deep dive into one of rugby’s biggest characters, packed with laughs, insight, and stories from a career that has spanned Super Rugby, international rugby, and now life in Japan. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:08 Welcome and sponsors 05:09 Interview with TJ Perenara 06:23 Traveling to SA 07:46 Brightrock #LoveChange Moment - Family life in Japan 11:09 Embracing Japanese culture and language 12:47 The decision to move to Japan with 89 caps for the All Blacks 14:59 The importance of family in New Zealand culture 17:45 Hurricanes successes 19:46 Hurricanes - relationship with Ruben Love 22:46 TJ's competitive nature and chirping the refs 32:22 All Blacks - 89 Caps, handling injury, teammates 40:28 Most capped Hurricane of all time 46:55 Barbarians Captain 53:34 The performance and significance of the Haka 1:02:02 Wrap up, sponsors and goodbye Burger King Competition: https://bkmarketing.co.za/compete/rugby-comp A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

The boys are back with another action packed episode of Behind the Ruck as they sit down with content creator Jordan Buhrs. Jordan shares how he first met Rudy, the difference between being an influencer and a content creator, and the journey that has helped him build his career in the digital space. The conversation then shifts to rugby as the team unpacks the URC Final, including a discussion around Handre Pollard, the Springboks' clash against the Barbarians, and why South Africa versus New Zealand remains the greatest rivalry in world rugby. They also chat about SA A taking on Zimbabwe and give their predictions for a massive weekend of rugby ahead. Plus, don't miss this week's Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment before Jordan opens up about the realities of working in content creation, building a personal brand, and turning passion into a career. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments below. #RuckersUnite 🔥🏉 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:32 Lineup 05:22 Interview with Jordan Buhrs 06:11 How Jordan met Rudy 08:45 Influencer vs content creator 11:08 URC Final - including some discussion about Polly 25:21 Springbok vs Barbarians 42:28 The Greatest Rivalry - strategies 49:22 SA A vs Zim 58:58 Predictions for this weekend's games 01:04:23 Brightrock #LoveChange Studio Moment 01:10:15 Jordan's career as a content creator 01:15:21 Sponsors, competitions and goodbye Behind the Ruck is supported by SuperSportBET, make sure you place your bets this weekend: https://www.supersportbet.com/ A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1

This week on Behind the Ruck, former Springbok speedster Gio Aplon joins us to break down one of the biggest international rugby windows of the year. We unpack the newly announced Nations Championship fixtures before diving into the highly anticipated Springboks versus England clash, discussing the squad selection, the return of experienced stars, exciting young talent, and the strategy that could shape the series. We also look at how the Springboks are preparing for one of rugby's greatest rivalries, before turning our attention to New Zealand's showdown with France and Australia's battle against Ireland. Gio shares his expert insight on the biggest talking points, key matchups, and the teams that could define the international season. To wrap things up, we look ahead to the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup and discuss which nations are building towards success, who has the momentum, and what fans should expect over the next few years. If you love rugby analysis, behind the scenes insight, and honest conversation, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 👍 Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:12 Interview with Gio Aplon 06:06 Nations Championship Fixtures 06:46 Springboks vs England - The squad, big names, young players and strategy 33:17 Preparation for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour 44:03 New Zealand vs France 01:00:34 Australia vs Ireland 01:05:24 Gearing up for the Rugby World Cup 2027 01:10:06 Sponsors and goodbye A big shoutout to our official apparel sponsor, Macron! 🏅 Don’t miss their incredible range—check it out here: https://www.macron.com/wo?srsltid=AfmBOoqOB-JWRvQJmCE3GhkXhChu0fIbRexUKUcDe_OBCk6-PQQKURkb Our audio sponsor for this episode is PlanetWorld South Africa. Check out their services and products on their website:https://www.planetworld.co.za Connect with us on our social pages 👇 WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaybG05H5JLs9rvAD321 Website: https://www.behindtheruckpodcast.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/behindtheruckpodcast?igsh=MWQzcWM0OTg1eTli Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094862943119 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@behindtheruckpodcast?_t=8p5FQddj1mv&_r=1