Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair! 15 mins long! NO ADS

Established in 2020!

Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper recap Toulouse’s latest title win over a tenacious Montpellier and note Toulouse’s chance to break a 1990s-era record with a fifth consecutive Top 14 win next year. They then review the inaugural Nations Championship match in which New Zealand beat France 34–32, praising France’s fast start (Penaud try inside 60 seconds) but citing missed tackles, getting drawn into rucks, limited width in attack, fatigue after a long season, and a late switch from Lucu to Le Garrec; they highlight Jallibert’s kicking and a missed wide conversion, and expect Dupont to return against Australia. Regarding French rugby news, France U20s beat Fiji 45–15 and Spain 57–32, with a racist-abuse allegation under World Rugby review, and face Australia on 7 July. They discuss Champions/Challenge Cup draws and Toulouse’s 2.88m-euro salary-cap fine linked to image-rights issues.

Top 14 Final Preview & French Rugby NEWS in 18 minutes! NO ADS.

Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the French Flair! Established in 2020!

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper preview the Top 14 final at a hot, muggy Stade de France between regular-season top two Toulouse and Montpellier, noting an alcohol-free perimeter and mandatory hydration breaks for the players. They discuss Toulouse’s experience (fourth straight final, aiming for a fourth consecutive title; record 24 French championships) and selection, including Ramos on the bench and Ntamack likely kicking, plus a strong bench, while mentioning inquiries into salary-cap/image-rights issues affecting Antoine Dupont and Anthony Jelonch. Montpellier’s resurgence is highlighted after nearly being relegated, their 2022 title, Bernard Laporte’s influence, a powerful pack and back row featuring Billy Vunipola, and their earlier 44–14 win over Toulouse. They give score predictions, recall Toulouse’s 2011 final win, and cover news on Fabien Galthie finalizing a France squad for New Zealand, the U20 World Cup (France vs Fiji), and the French women’s final.
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the French Flair! NO ADS! Established in 2020!

00:00 Bonjour, Rugby Friends!
00:48 Final Top 14 ce soir
01:33 Stade de France without alcool
01:55 Toulouse wants to make history
03:53 Squads Review and favourite to win?
05:46 Salary cap's bad smell
07:26 XV de départ Toulouse
08:30 Montpellier like a phoenix
11:44 MHR - Back to basics
12:15 Montpellier's quad & who is likely to win?
15:19 What? Another competition for Les Bleus down under?
16:45 Other Rugby News
17:17 Where can you see the Top 14 final?
18:18 Au revoir, Rugby Friends!

The French Rugby CONNECTONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair! 17 mins long, no Ads. Established in 2020

Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper discuss French rugby, starting with Pro D2 champions Vannes returning to the Top 14. They preview the Top 14 barrages: Pau vs Racing 92 at Stade du Hameau, noting Pau’s long wait since their last title in 1964, their renaissance and France-linked players, and both predict a Pau win; and Stade Français vs La Rochelle, highlighting La Rochelle’s late-season surge into the top six despite injuries and Uini Atonio’s heart-related retirement, and calling it too close to call. They note the winners face Toulouse and Montpellier in Marseille. Other news includes the access match Provence vs Perpignan, Tom Willis named Premiership player of the season and moving to Bordeaux-Bègles, and the ongoing Sean Edwards departure saga.