• Bonne Année 2025! Feasting on Wins and Losses in the Top 14
    Jan 4 2025

    New Year, Top 14 Insights & Upcoming Six Nations!

    In this episode of the French Rugby Connections Podcast, hosts Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper welcome listeners from around the globe to a new year filled with French rugby excitement. They reflect on festive celebrations, discuss the current Top 14 rankings, and delve into notable team performances and player updates. The conversation touches on the integration of new rules in the Six Nations and highlights key upcoming matches. With insights on player injuries, bans, and rising stars, this episode is a must-listen for rugby enthusiasts.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby Connections Podcast
    00:44 Global Audience and Rugby Talk
    01:25 Christmas Celebrations and French Traditions
    03:45 Top 14 Rugby Updates
    05:25 Challenges and Strategies for Van
    07:51 New Players and Team Dynamics
    09:11 Montpellier's Rise and Key Players
    13:21 Upcoming Matches and Young Talent
    16:26 New Rules in Rugby
    18:35 Injuries and Player Updates
    19:31 Man of the Year and Rising Stars
    22:16 Closing Remarks and New Year Wishes

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    24 mins
  • French Rugby Round-Up: Passion, Culture, and Competition!
    Dec 21 2024

    Toulouse's Dominance and Upcoming Boxing Day Clash

    In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast, hosts Veronique Landew and Bill Hoope discuss the impressive performance of Toulouse, who recently dominated Exeter. They delve into Toulouse's tactical prowess and highlight key players like Dupont and Jack Lewis. They also preview upcoming matches in the Top 14, including the Boxing Day encounters. Veronique and Bill touch upon recent controversies, including comments from Vanne's manager on refereeing and the departure of Toulon's Pilu Pilu chant leader. The episode wraps up with a festive note, as this is the final episode of 2024.
    Joyeux Noël and Bonne année to all listeners!

    00:00 Introduction
    00:15 Welcome to the French Rugby Connections Podcast
    00:49 Toulouse's Dominant Performance
    04:30 Top 14 Rugby Updates
    05:39 Upcoming Matches and Predictions
    10:12 Challenges and Changes in Teams
    15:06 Rugby News and Controversies
    19:02 Farewell and Holiday Wishes

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    21 mins
  • Champions Cup Insights & Weekend Predictions!
    Dec 14 2024

    Join Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper on this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast as they recap and analyse recent Champion Cup matches featuring French teams. Discover the outcomes of Racing 92 vs. Sale and Castres vs. Munster, and hear predictions for upcoming games including La Rochelle vs. Bristol and Leinster vs. Clermont. With insights on team performances, player highlights, and strategic discussions, this episode is a must-listen for rugby enthusiasts. Plus, get a breakdown of the complex pool system and enjoy a preview of the first European Cup rugby match in Brittany. All this and more, wrapped up in a fun-filled rugby weekend discussion! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the gallic flair!

    00:00 Introduction
    00:19 Welcome
    00:28 Match Recap: French Teams in the Champions Cup
    03:41 Upcoming Matches and Predictions
    10:21 Complexities of the Competition Format
    13:22 Challenge Cup Highlight - Vannes
    14:07 Closing Remarks and Farewell
    00:00 Au revoir

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    15 mins
  • Stormy Weather and Heroic Win: Top 14 & European cup!
    Dec 7 2024

    Join hosts Veronique and Bill Hooper as they discuss the latest updates in the world of rugby. From the stormy weather in Cornwall to the impressive win of Vannes against La Rochelle, this episode delves into captivating highlights and notable performances. They also preview key upcoming matches across the European Cups, discussing teams like Bath, Toulouse, Ulster, and more. Additionally, the hosts touch on the format of these competitions and some player news, including transfers and contract details. An engaging episode for all rugby enthusiasts! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the Gallic and Celtic twist!

    00:00 Introduction
    00:19 Welcoming the Audience
    00:30 Storm Daragh and Rugby Weather
    01:03 Vannes' Heroic Victory
    02:10 La Rochelle's Struggles
    04:50 Upcoming European Matches
    07:00 Complexities of the European Cup
    10:20 French Teams in the Challenge Cup
    14:38 Player Transfers and Contracts
    20:39 Au revoir

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    22 mins
  • Rugby Rhapsody: International Wins and Domestic Drama in the Top 14
    Nov 25 2024

    French Rugby CONNECTIONS: France vs Argentina Review & Top 14 Insights

    In this episode of the French Rugby Connection podcast, hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper delve into the thrilling match between France and Argentina, marking France's fourth consecutive victory. The duo also discusses key player performances, outlines potential strategies for the upcoming Six Nations, and reviews the exciting Top 14 games from the weekend. Highlights include a detailed analysis of the action-packed Bordeaux Bègles vs. Vannes match and updates on significant player movements and team standings. Join us for a comprehensive look at French rugby, enriched with expert insights and engaging commentary.

    Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the podcast with the gallic twist!

    00:00 Introduction
    00:19 Welcome to the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast
    01:07 Review of France vs Argentina Match
    02:40 Player Performances and Highlights
    07:21 Top 14 Weekend Review
    11:39 Upcoming Matches and Predictions
    14:53 Latest Rugby News
    18:16 Au revoir

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    20 mins
  • France vs New Zealand Preview & we'll miss Jalibert!
    Nov 16 2024

    Join Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper as they discuss the upcoming France vs New Zealand rugby match on the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast. They delve into the latest changes in the French squad, including Mathieu Jalibert's surprising decision to return home after being benched, and the dependable Thomas Ramos's selection. The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the team selection by coach Fabien Galthié, speculate on the game's outcome, and share their thoughts on the controversy surrounding the All Blacks' haka ritual. Additionally, they touch upon recent developments in rugby governance and offer best wishes to injured players. Tune in for a comprehensive preview of the biggest game of the autumn season! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the gallic twist!

    00:00 Introduction
    00:19 French Rugby Connection Podcast Introduction
    00:27 Mathieu Jalibert's Decision and Squad Changes
    02:41 Thomas Ramos: Mr. Dependable
    04:39 Preview of France vs. New Zealand
    06:22 The Haka and Rugby Traditions
    09:46 Antoine Dupont's Journey
    12:14 Predictions for the Game
    15:10 World Rugby Elections
    17:00 Owen Farrell's Injury
    17:58 Weekend Rugby Matches
    00:00 Au revoir

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    19 mins
  • Dupont Returns: Leading France Against Japan!
    Nov 9 2024

    Hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper discuss the Autumn Internationals, with a focus on the French rugby team's upcoming match against Japan at Stade de France. They highlight key players like Antoine Dupont, who returns as captain, and the strategic changes made by coach Fabien Gahlthie, including the introduction of new, younger players. The discussion includes analysis of the Japanese team coached by Eddie Jones, French player line-ups, and expectations for the game. They also touch on other international rugby fixtures, the current Top 14 standings, and personal anecdotes about the rugby community and past players. The episode concludes with discussions on notable rugby books and well-wishes for Bill's dental issues. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the gallic flair!

    00:00 Welcome to French Rugby Connection
    00:26 Autumn Internationals Preview
    01:03 Antoine Dupont's Return
    02:07 Team Lineup and Strategy
    06:26 Japanese Team and Eddie Jones
    14:18 Weekend Rugby Matches
    16:10 Top 14 Updates
    19:40 Rugby News
    23:10 Conclusion and Farewell

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    24 mins
  • French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast: La Rochelle and Clermont's Weekend Woes!
    Nov 2 2024

    Join hosts Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper in this captivating episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. They dive into the dramatic weekend for La Rochelle and Clermont, with La Rochelle suffering a surprising defeat to Montpellier and Clermont being overpowered by Stade Français. The hosts discuss the conditions, team performances, and future match expectations. The episode also highlights the ranking of the top 14 teams, upcoming key matches, and the impact of squad changes on the French national team's preparation for Japan. Tune in for in-depth analysis, predictions, and insights into the world of French rugby. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair!

    00:00 Introduction
    00:24 Welcome to the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast
    00:38 La Rochelle's Tough Weekend
    04:05 Clermont's Struggles and Coaching Controversies
    09:25 Upcoming Matches and Predictions
    11:02 Autumn Internationals and Player Updates
    13:27 Rising Popularity of French Rugby
    14:53 Weekend Rugby Viewing on Premier Sports
    15:44 Conclusion and Farewell

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    16 mins