• A very French rugby affair - Vannes vs Racing 92
    Oct 5 2024

    French Rugby Digest in 20 mins!

    Join Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper in the latest episode of the French Rugby Connection podcast as they dissect last weekend's thrilling Top 14 matches, including Toulon's triumph over Vannes and Bordeaux's surprise victory against Toulouse. With previews of the upcoming Vannes vs. Racing 92 clash and detailed insights into the current league standings, this episode is packed with expert commentary and predictions on French rugby's most exciting encounters. Whether you're a local fan or following from afar, you're in for an exhilarating rundown of major hits and upsets in the world of rugby in the Top 14!

    Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:24 Welcome to the French Rugby Connection Podcast
    00:55 Top 14 Weekend Recap: Vannes vs Toulon
    02:18 Upcoming Match: Racing 92 vs Vannes
    03:59 Racing 92's Struggles and Team Dynamics
    07:45 Bordeaux's Shocking Win Against Toulouse
    09:41 Last Weekend's Scores and Upcoming Matches
    14:13 Player Updates and Team News
    17:36 Predictions and Rankings
    19:35 Closing Remarks and Farewell

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    20 mins
  • Historic win and upcoming clashes: Top 14
    Sep 28 2024

    In this episode of the French Rugby Connection podcast, Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper celebrate Vannes historic victory over Lyon and look ahead to their challenging game against Toulon, The episode also discusses other key matches including Toulouse vs. Bordeaux, Racing 92 vs. La Rochelle, and Pau vs. Stade Français. The hosts provide insights into player performances, team strategies, and the current standings in the top 14, as well as covering notable events like the recent rugby awards night and Antoine Dupont's achievements.
    Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair, under 20 Minutes!

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:29 Celebrating Vannes Historic Win
    01:24 Upcoming Match: Vannes vs Toulon
    03:28 Toulouse vs Bordeaux: A Final Rematch
    05:55 Racing 92's Struggles and Upcoming Match
    09:13 Pau vs Stade Francais: A Defensive Challenge
    10:50 Weekend Match Previews
    16:31 Rugby Night Awards and Antoine Dupont's Achievements
    17:57 Conclusion and Farewell

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    19 mins
  • Rugby Rendezvous: Highlights from the French Top 14
    Sep 21 2024

    Join Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper as we delve into the latest in the French Rugby Connections podcast. From revealing the vibrant atmosphere in Paris to analyzing round two of the Top 14, we discuss standout performances and nail-biting finishes, including Toulouse's victory over La Rochelle and Stade Francais' narrow win against Vannes. We also look ahead to this weekend's exciting matchups, including Montpellier vs. Toulouse and Racing 92 vs. Bordeaux. Get updates on key players, new signings, and contractual news, alongside a sprinkle of humour and personal anecdotes. Tune in for an engaging discussion on French rugby and beyond.
    Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the gallic twist.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:34 Trip to Paris and Reflections

    01:30 Top 14 Highlights and Analysis

    04:48 Upcoming Matches Preview

    07:17 Player Performances and Expectations

    15:39 Rugby News and Updates

    19:14 Closing Remarks and Weekend Plans

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    20 mins
  • Tackles, Tries, and Traditions: the Top 14 Unleashed
    Sep 13 2024

    Join Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper in this exciting episode of the French Rugby Connections Podcast for Season 5 as we dive into the latest Top 14 news and anticipate the upcoming Autumn Internationals with Les Bleus and the Six Nations. Relive the thrilling opening weekend fixture between Pro D2 champions Vannes and Top 14 champions Stade Toulousain, and explore the performances of Mako Vunipola, Owen Farrell, and other rugby players. We'll also discuss the standout saves, tactics, and challenges faced by various teams, including Toulouse, La Rochelle, and Racing 92. Plus, we bring you up-to-date on international rugby, featuring England's Women's team, and highlight emerging talents like Leo Barre. Catch all the excitement and get ready for another weekend of thrilling rugby action.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:49 Exciting Start to the Top 14 Season
    02:28 Vannes Big Moment
    04:44 Match Highlights and Results
    09:39 Upcoming Fixtures and Predictions
    12:19 Rugby News and Updates
    17:09 Conclusion and Farewell

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    18 mins
  • Unstoppable: France's Rugby Sevens and the Dupont Phenomenon & Graham Dawes (part 3)
    Aug 2 2024

    In this episode of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper celebrate France's historic win at the Olympic Rugby Sevens, starring Antoine Dupont's game-changing performance and the supportive crowd at Stade de France. They recap the final match against Fiji, discuss Dupont's contributions, and the lively celebrations that followed. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the French women's Rugby Sevens team and concerns about rugby's grassroots development in the UK. Additionally, there's a reflection on notable player transfers like Lee Halfpenny and Owen Farrell, and an interview with former England international Graham Dawes, who shares his memories and insights into rugby at various levels. Unmissable! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

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    33 mins
  • The Olympics Rugby Sevens edition & Graham Dawe (part 2)
    Jul 26 2024

    This episode of the French Rugby Connections podcast, hosted by Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper, covers a variety of topics including Véronique’s time in Monaco and Cannes, a mention of the book 'Boys of winter' by Laurence Dallaglio and Owen Slott, and a detailed discussion of the French rugby sevens team's performance in the Olympics. The hosts also discuss the Top 14 and Vannes's upcoming match against Toulouse. Additionally, the podcast features an engaging conversation with Graham Dawe, a notable rugby coach, about his career, his global travels, looking after young Lawrence Dallaglio and Kyran Bracken, his insights on the professional game and the next generation of rugby players. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic twist!

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    24 mins
  • A thrilling Top 14 Final & chat with Graham Dawe (part 1)
    Jul 5 2024

    In this episode of French Rugby Connections, Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the electrifying Top 14 final where Toulouse overwhelmed Bordeaux with a remarkable performance, scoring nine tries, including two by Dupont. They highlight player movements, including Mako Vinipola joining Vannes and Kane Douglas moving to La Rochelle. They also touch on the French team's upcoming test matches in Argentina and remember the legendary 'try from the end of the world' match against New Zealand from 1994. The episode concludes with a conversation with former England player Graham Dawe, reflecting on his rugby career, and the transition from amateur to professional rugby, and his drive and commitment to get fitter to become an even better player. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the rugby podcast.
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    37 mins
  • Rugby Rivals: Toulouse vs. Bordeaux - The Final Countdown!
    Jun 27 2024

    This episode of the French Rugby Connection Podcast, hosted by Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper, discusses the upcoming Top 14 final between Toulouse and Bordeaux Bègles (UBB) in Marseille.
    The hosts reflect on the recent semifinals, highlighting the critical match moments and player performances, including La Rochelle's struggle with red cards. They delve into the strengths and weaknesses of both finalists, speculating on the potential outcomes and key player impacts. The episode also touches on notable player transfers and provides updates on the French national team's summer tour to Argentina, emphasizing the inclusion of uncapped players. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the gallic flair!

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    21 mins