It’s the Christmas special!

This year, the boys are joined by Bristol Bears flyer Gabriel Ibitoye, bringing some extra holiday cheer and rugby chat. And, of course, to give it that Fijian flair—because we are the official unofficial Fiji podcast—Ryan’s old team mate and friend of the show, Niko Matawalu, is back (just about) to add to the festive fun!

From worst Secret Santa stories to Niko’s Christmas chaos, there’s no shortage of laughs. Plus, Marc brings his signature touch with some curious venue and gift decisions!

Tune in for some epic exchanges, hilarious banter, and a whole lot of Christmas spirit. Whether you're listening or watching on YouTube, this is the perfect episode to get you in the holiday mood. Merry Christmas to one and all!

Use the code MON10 at absoluterugby.co.uk for 10% off

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Head to absoluterugby.co.uk for all your Christmas rugby needs, with the code MON10 for 10% off.

We're delighted to be joined by Saints and England star, Tommy Freeman, fresh off the plane from a fabulous win in South Africa over the Bulls.

The flying winger talks us through the altitude, King Troll Henry Pollock, some serious niggly play, hearing some pretty harsh heckling, how enjoyable the win was but also just how beautiful South Africa is.

He also runs us through his England experience so far, looking ahead to the Six Nations and what its been like having so many of his Saints mates in the squad with him.

We also dissect the Bristol Bears Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle and how it went for Max when he was supposed to just be a substitute..... the mindset shift and joking around with Will Skelton. Also what was that Jack Nowell finish?!?

What did they get up to after the match and which players led the charge in La Rochelle....

Ryan was non stop punditing at the Champions Cup... what was it like watching Max in a Dublin pub... and how did Benetton manage to hold on for the win over Bath trying to do everything to lose that!

The boys also give a full round up of the Champions Cup including the failure of all the South African sides to pick up a win. Do they want to be in this competition? Do they care? Is it better than Super Rugby for the Saffa sides?

We hear all the hot takes from the fellas.

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It's a very special episode of Maul or Nothing with the boys all making their way to Bristol for the Bears Champions Cup clash with the mighty men of Leinster.

Max is starting and Ryan is as close as you can be to him working as a pitchside pundit/reporter. The boys manage to have a lovely interview together before the battle commences!

While the game doesnt go Max's way he does score Bristol's opening try and generally puts in a barnstorming performance, earning several scrum penalties against his international calibre opponents.

Post match we can humbly say that the boys tread the fine line between annoyingly persistent and endearingly pushy to perfection securing interviews with several stars including Jordie Barrett, Ilona Maher, Harry Randall, Harry Thacker and Mike McCarthy. Without a doubt the highlight of the day (citation needed) for each of these lovely people.....

And then the boys are finally reunited together in the same room to take us through the rest of the Champions Cup results while seemingly unable to contain their excitement at being back together doing what they do best.

Enjoy and as always... We love you!!!!

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