Championship Clubs Podcast

Championship Clubs Podcast | Series 2 | Episode 1 | Alex Rae, Dave Rogers & Gully!!!

The Championship Clubs Podcast is back! 

Following the first round of the 2021/22 season Gully is back in hot seat to talk all things ‪@Champrugby.

Ben is joined by guest host Dave Rogers, who kindly took time out of his busy schedule all in the name of talking Champ!   

To kick things off the pair welcomed Alex Rae, who made the switch from Bedford Blues to Coventry this summer as Forwards Coach & who's knowledge on the league can be bettered by few if any. 

Enjoy! 

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 14 | Gordon Banks & Glen Delaney

This week we’ve got two great guests on ‪#ChampClubsPod. The first is ‪@Saracens Chief Community Officer, Gordon Banks.

Having held senior roles at Sarries since 2002, he gives us his verdict on ‪@Champrugby & the Wolfpack’s promotion winning

Our second guest this week boasts over 250 games in the second tier; ex ‪Nottingham Rugby DoR, Glen Delaney.

Formerly of @londonirish, ‪@Highlanders & ‪@scarlets_rugby, Delaney gives us his views on all things ‪#ChampRugby

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 13 | Championship Team of the Season

With Gully away sunning himself on the English Riviera, host Michael Casey is joined in the co-host seat by Bedford Blues Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred!

Gareth gives a synopsis of the past seasons streaming coverage. Then, ahead of this weekend’s Championship Final play off second leg between Saracens and Ealing at The StoneX, the pair are joined by two guys who have seen every club in the league firsthand whilst commentating on the RFU Streams for Saracens, Ealing and Hartpury this season – Jack Zorab and Dave Rogers, as they pick the “Championship Clubs Podcast Team of the Season”.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 12 | Ian Vass

Northampton Saint Defence Coach Ian Vass joined Mike & Gully to talk about his time in the Championship with Bedford, Northampton & Harlequins as a player and then a coach. 

Vassy talks about the role of the Championship, the progression it offers coaches as well as players. He also gives a frank assessment on promotion and relegation and the impracticalities of having a high number of EPS players in a Premiership season.  

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 11 | Steve Boden

Doncaster Knights Head Coach Steve Boden discusses his life in coaching and the Knights fine 3rd place finish to the 2021 campaign. 

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 10 | Ben Ward

Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward joins Mike & Gully to talk project Ealing Trailfinders as the Club go into the play-off finals with Saracens in a few weeks’ time.

The former fly-half discusses the progress made on the pitch and off it as the Club launch their new women’s programme and continue to build their academy in association with Brunel University.

He also discusses promotion and relegation and the need for clarity and stability to allow clubs to plan for their futures.

Championship Clubs Podcast is on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. Just search @ChampClubsPod to listen, watch and join in the conversation.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 9 | Max Trimble

Richmond wing Max Trimble is the week's guest on the show. 

The former Coventry flyer discusses and contrasts life in a full time and part time environment as well as giving as insight into life at the RAG & how 'Mond has assisted with his transition to post rugby life.  

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 8 | Ben Mercer

This week’s guest is ex Championship player turn best-selling author Ben Mercer.

 

Formerly of Plymouth Albion & Cornish Pirates & Rouen Normandie Rugby, Mercer joins us to discuss his unique experience of ‘Life on the Edge of Professional Rugby’. 

 

On #MentalHealthAwareness week the trio have a discussion about the pressures of playing Champ rugby mentally and the language used around mental health.

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 7 | Phil Nilsen

This is week Mike & Gully are joined by former Yorkshire Carnegie & Coventry hooker Phil Nilsen. 

Phil played 11 seasons at Headingley before helping Coventry win promotion to the Championship & talks about the state of rugby union in the County of Broad Acres. 

Now living and working in Gibraltar, Phil also discusses life after rugby and transitioning out of the game.

 

Championship Clubs Podcast | Episode 6 | Mark Lavery

Episode six of the Championship Clubs Podcast features Ampthill RUFC charismatic Director of Rugby Mark Lavery!

Mark speaks about the Mob win over the Pirates last weekend, the impact of the Tongans and his long-term aspirations for Ampthill, in addition to discussing with Gully and Michael his club’s Championship experience to date and the importance of improving diversity and inclusivity in the sport!

Championship Clubs Podcast is on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. Just search @ChampClubsPod to listen, watch and join in the conversation.

We would also like to thank Trojan Engineering & Fabrication (part of the MF Hire Group) for sponsoring the podcast. We are still looking for up to two other corporate partners to assist us in covering our production costs!