The voice of Rugby League: news, views, and analysis with former St Helens prop Kyle Amor and journalist Matt Shaw. Expect plenty of debate, analysis and a little bit of banter as Kyle and Matt speak to some of the top talents from the game. All Out Rugby League: Back Ten - coming soon... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When opportunity knocks at the eleventh hour, these players answer with determination and destiny on the line. In Late Call Ups, The Rugby Mafia dive quickly into the stories of the unsung heroes drafted into the Lions squad mid-tour—covering the resilience it takes to arrive late, the urgency to integrate, and the pressure to perform without a full build‑up. From surprise selections through injury cover to life-changing test debuts, this is the tale of players who seized their moment when the

From Glasgow prodigy to the creative heartbeat of Scotland and a spark in Lions attacks, Finn Russell is redefining playmaking at fly-half. In Rugby’s Revolution, The Rugby Mafia explore his audacious vision, unpredictable flair, and uncanny ability to unlock defences with a single pass. Whether orchestrating set-piece magic, delivering pinpoint kicks from nowhere, or turning defence into attack in an instant, Russell has flipped the script on traditional midfield play. This is the story of a rugby

Once overlooked and underestimated, Ollie Chessum has transformed from academy castoff into a talismanic force for England and the Lions. In Castoff to Contender, The Rugby Mafia spotlight his rise from being released by Northampton to becoming one of the most impactful forwards in international rugby. With unstoppable carries, defensive grit, and a relentless engine, Chessum embodies the spirit of redemption and raw talent unlocked. This is the story of a player who turned rejection into

Bright. Bold. Unapologetically vibrant. In Manila, Not Vanilla The Rugby Mafia explore the creative flair and cultural roots behind Marcus Smith’s explosive game. From West London to the World Cup spotlight, he’s packed his style with colour, backing it with skill — dazzling footwork, vision that shifts defences, and a swagger that turns heads. Join us as we unpack how Marcus injects boldness into every pass, every step, and every moment, refusing to blend in and always standing out. All in five

Tenacious, relentless, and always at the heart of the action—Tom Curry brings intensity to every big moment. In Crucial Test, The Rugby Mafia chart his rise from Sale Sharks academy standout to Test match enforcer, exploring how his tackling ferocity, breakdown mastery, and leadership under pressure define pivotal games. With an eye for timing and a heart built for battle, Curry shows us why the toughest tests bring out the best in him—and why he’s a game-changer when the stakes are highest. All in

Once a back-rower in his school days, now a cornerstone of England’s front row, Will Stuart’s journey is all about evolution. In Back to Front, The Rugby Mafia explore how the Bath powerhouse transitioned from mobile loose forward to dominant tighthead prop—bringing agility, strength, and scrummaging smarts to the Lions setup. It’s a story of adaptability, perseverance, and the transformation of a player who learned to thrive where the pressure is greatest: in the engine room. All in five

Mid-tour drama hit the British & Irish Lions as Owen Farrell was drafted in by his father Andy to replace Elliot Daly—sparking a heated debate over nepotism versus experience. Critics questioned the logic behind selecting a fly-half with mixed form and a long lay-off, while defenders like Luke Cowan-Dickie, Johnny Sexton, and Maro Itoje praised his leadership and composure. The Rugby Mafia go beyond headlines—profiling a man at the centre of fire, fighting to prove his worth, and exploring

From orchestrator-in-chief on the pitch to tactician on the sideline, in Player to Coach The Rugby Mafia trace Johnny Sexton’s evolution from world-class fly-half and Ireland legend to rising coaching talent. Dive into his shift in mindset—from game management to game preparation—as he brings his strategic vision, calm leadership, and sharp rugby intellect into coaching setups. It's the story of mastering the art of playing and then teaching it to elevate the next generation.

Rooted in Yorkshire grit with an unwavering Irish heart, Simon Easterby emerges refreshed and energized—like clean water bursting from the Harrogate springs. In Harrogate Springs The Rugby Mafia explore his path from Dublin mud to the pinnacle of international coaching: navigating player development, instilling resilience, and blending traditional values with modern innovation. This is the story of a leader refreshed by roots, flowing steadily toward greatness. All in five minutes

From relentless grinder in the scrum to master educator in the coaching booth, In an edition that might be called Knocked Out, Not Knocked Down The Rugby Mafia traces John Fogarty’s journey through adversity and reinvention. We highlight how he transformed setbacks—on-field hits and career pivots—into fuel for a coaching philosophy built on resilience, technique, and relentless hard work. This is the story of a man who’s taken every knock and turned it into a lesson—and now passes that strength to

In this episode, The Rugby Mafia dissect the Lions’ dominant 48–0 demolition of the AUNZ Invitational XV at Adelaide Oval—a clinical, cohesive, and crushing performance that showcased eight top-quality tries and a flawless defensive display. Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe stole the spotlight with a powerful hat-trick, while Ben White, Sione Tuipulotu, Scott Cummings, Rónan Kelleher, and Henry Pollock all added their names to the scoresheet. Ben Earl’s breakdown work and overall impact earned him

Born on the fringes of rival territories, John Dalzeil has always thrived in the margins—turning regional rivalry into personal fuel. In Border Crossing, The Rugby Mafia trace his transition from local hero to international figure, uncovering how crossing lines—geographical, competitive, and mental—shaped his game and his character. Brash yet thoughtful, boundary-breaking yet grounded, Dalzeil’s story is one of crossing borders and redefining them—on the field and beyond. All in five minutes.

Bursting off the bench or slamming into the action from the first whistle, Tomos Williams is the spark that sets waves of momentum rolling for Wales. With a heart-breaking exit, The Ripple Effect, The Rugby Mafia dive into an examination of the scrappy tenacity, tactical sharpness, and searing speed that define his game. From schoolboy standout to international dynamo, Williams embodies how one spark of brilliance at nine can shift an entire match. This is the story of a pocket-sized catalyst whose

Cool under cosmopolitan lights, and electric when it counts—Ben White brings late-night flair to the fly-half role. In The Late Show, The Rugby Mafia explore his path from Scotland’s nurseries to anchoring dominant back-five platforms, and how his clutch kicking, sharp vision, and measured calm make him a maestro once the spotlight hits. This is the story of a player who’s turned clutch moments into headline acts—and owns every late-game showdown. All in five minutes.

From humble beginnings at The Brumbies to anchoring the front row for Ireland, Finlay Bealham's journey is a rich tapestry of perseverance, skill, and passion. In Braided Success, The Rugby Mafia explore how he wove together raw power in the scrum, intelligent open-play impact, and unwavering character off the pitch. With trademark ferocity and thoughtful leadership, Bealham embodies the blend of strength and sophistication that defines modern prop play—and proves that true success is built, strand

With deep roots in the heartland of Southern Hemisphere rugby, Andrew Goodman brings Kiwi grit, guile, and innovation to every team he leads. In A Kiwi Coach, The Rugby Mafia explore his journey from New Zealand playing fields to international coaching arenas—unpacking his philosophy of high-tempo attack, adaptive game-planning, and player-first leadership. This is the story of a coach who marries southern steel with tactical finesse—shaping squads ready to dominate on and off the field. All in five

Steadfast lineout caller, uncompromising in defence, and universally respected in the locker room—James Ryan is the embodiment of a captain's captain. In The Players’ Player, The Rugby Mafia trace his rise from Leinster academy to Ireland stalwart, uncovering the leadership, consistency, and integrity that make him the go-to man when intensity peaks. This is the story of a powerhouse second-row earning trust, turning matches, and winning respect—game after game. All in five minutes.

Aggressive scrummaging, unpredictable ball-carrying, and relentless work at the breakdown—Pierre Schoemann is rewriting the rules for the modern tighthead. In Smashing the Mould, The Rugby Mafia dive into his unconventional path from relative obscurity to a rock-solid anchor in the front row. Explore how his strength, agility, and tenacious mindset are reshaping the way we view the engine of a rugby pack. This is the story of a player who's not just fitting into the mould—he’s breaking it. All in

Relentless, explosive, and immovable at the scrum—Andrew Porter is the definition of front-row force. In Powerhouse, The Rugby Mafia chart his journey from UCD student to one of the most feared looseheads in world rugby. With unmatched versatility, endurance, and a warrior mentality, Porter anchors the set piece and inspires the pack. This is the story of raw strength refined into world-class consistency. All in five minutes.