Best Rob McPhillips Podcasts (2025)

We're back from a fabulous few days in France, indulging in incredible food, beautiful wine and raucous rugby stadia! There are updates from behind the scenes in Agen, frustration in Montauban and a bit of a hammering for Rich's boys Castres at the hands of Toulouse. We've also got trip highlights, the usual round up from across the leagues and a c…

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S3 EP5 - Agen's Beau Farrance 1:04:56

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18d ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Ahead of a first trip to Agen, we catch up with their English Tighthead Beau Farrance, discussing all things injury comebacks, being a European Judo Champion and playing with your brother in PROD2. There's also a whip through of all the action across the Top14, a bit of chat about retro Italian football shirts, and of course the mad weather down in…

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S3 EP4 - Don't Mention Racing 92 1:06:35

27d ago1:06:35

1:06:35

00:15 Entrées: Holiday Time 02:52 Women's World Cup: France v Ireland 05:19 Top 14 Round 2 Review 30:00 Top 14 Round 3 Preview 39:19 Pro D2 Round 3 Review 50:15 Pro D2 Round 4 Preview 53:10 Nationale Nibbles, Petit-Fours & Digestifs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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S3 EP3 - Montauban's Karl Wilkins 1:18:06

1M ago1:18:06

1:18:06

We're joined by Top14 new boys Montauban back rower Karl Wilkins to discuss how this season's underdogs are approaching being back in the top tier, as well as getting the inside line on their remarkable ProD2 Championship win last season. We've also got the usual round up of all the action across the leagues, as well as some interesting burger conc…

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S3 EP2 - Top 14 Season Preview 1:31:21

1M ago1:31:21

1:31:21

The Big Boys are back in town. The Top14 is back, and so are we with a special bumper edition to usher in the return of Europe's premier club competition. Can anyone topple Toulouse? Can Montauban muster the magic of last season and beat the odds to stay up? Just how much pressure are the big guns of Toulon and La Rochelle under to deliver silverwe…

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S3 EP1 - French Rugby Returns! Pro D2 Season Preview 1:16:14

2M ago1:16:14

1:16:14

French rugby is back, and so is Rosbifs Rugby! And what a start to the season we have, with the small matter of the Women's World Cup, a full ProD2 preview covering all the runners and riders, and of course a look ahead into the crystal ball of mouth-watering French rugby excursions , all in our first episode of Series 3. Enjoy! 00:15 - Entrées: Re…

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S2 EP50 - The Golden Boeufs - Rosbifs End of Season Awards 1:03:27

2M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Forget the Oscars, the Grammys, the BAFTAs... the most prestigious event in the awards calendar is here, the Rosbifs Rugby Golden Boeufs Awards. We're crowning everything from Players of the Season to the best scandals, accidental tries and best stadium food, recapping a crazy year as we go. Covering the Top14 to Federale 3, Brittany to the Basque …

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S2 EP49 - All Aboard the Vengabus 1:03:28

3M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

We made it! The 24/25 is season is over, with a gallant French performance not quite enough to unseat the All Blacks in Hamilton, in a game of epic defence, attacking imperfection and criminal DJ interventions. We take a look through the winners and losers from the tour, Rob gives us his ones to watch after a World Cup 4th place for the U20s, and t…

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S2 EP48 - Wellington Walloping 50:35

3M ago50:35

50:35

France took a hammering down in Wellington, and having vociferously defended Galthie and co up now, those in Rosbif towers aren't happy about this one! A double dose of disappointment at the hands of New Zealand was confirmed in the U20s but in more exciting news, the fixture announcements are here, as are an angry swarm of bees in the Cantal... 02…

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S2 EP47 - 'Weak' France & Top14 Team of the Season 1:00:59

3M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Transpires there is depth in French rugby! Les Bleus 2nds/3rds/Under 9s (depending on who you listen to) gave the All Blacks an almighty scare down in Dunedin. We get into all of that and why, despite such promise, things may be ominous for the rest of the series. Then its the BIG ONE! The much awaited 'Rosbifs Rugby Top14 Team of the Season'. Whic…

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S2 EP46 - The Top14 Grand(est) Final 1:05:15

3M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

The curtain came down on the Top14 season is the most spectacular of fashion, Stade Toulousain and Union Bordeaux Bègles battling out a classic under the Parisian lights. We try and dissect an all-timer of final, with some incredible individual performances both on the pitch and in the bar afterwards. For those of a lower league disposition, we hav…

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S2 EP45 - Le Rematch: The Top 14 Final Awaits 1:06:28

4M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

The Demi-finales are done and dusted, leaving us to salivate over the showpiece in the French Rugby calendar this weekend, where it's Goliath vs Goliath as Stade Toulousain take on Union Bordeaux Bègles in Paris. We preview that, round up the action in Lyon, and take a look ahead to France touring New Zealand. 00:15 - Entrées: A Day to Forget 02:34…

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S2 EP 44 - Access, Barrages & Call Ups 1:03:06

4M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

It was heartbreak in the Alps, jubilation in the Basque Country and celebrations on the Med, as the Top14 reaches it's conclusion. We catch up on all things Barrage, Access Match and of course Federale 2, whilst looking ahead to some intriguing selections as a France XV travel to Twickenham this weekend. 00:15 - Entrées: Travels, Food & Sporting He…

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S2 EP43 - Alex Moon Talks Bayonne & Barrages 41:02

4M ago41:02

41:02

With Rob away enjoying some well earned sunshine, Rich is joined by former Northampton man and Bayonne lock, Alex Moon. Alex gives us the lowdown on Basque history lessons, the role of the unsung squad members at Stade Jean Dauger, and what it's like playing second row in the Top14 Land of Giants. Enjoy this interview special! We'll be back later i…

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S2 EP42 - Brive, Merignac & Bosviel's Masterclass 1:08:19

4M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

Rich is back from a solo venture taking in pretentious dutchmen, a glorious market town and Brive's remarkable loss at the hands of Montauban and Jerome Bosviel, among other things. We recap how the Stade Amédée-Domenech was stunned into silence, Grenoble's phenomenal performance in the Alps, and all the permutations heading into the last round of …

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S2 EP41: Brilliant Bordeaux & Big Ben's Bender 1:07:07

5M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Bordeaux net the big one, with a deserved triumph in Cardiff and boy did they celebrate! We recap the game itself, post-match shenanigans and UBB's talisman switching careers to law enforcement... Elsewhere, ProD2 was shown in the UK and Ireland courtesy of FR-UK Rugby, and if Provence's power against SAXV was to be expected, the drama and romance …

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S2 EP40 - Johnny McPhillips: Carcassonne’s Clutch Kicker 1:20:09

5M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

The Champions Cup Final may be on the horizon, but we're joined by the real man of the hour! Johnny McPhillips, straight from securing Carcassonne's return to ProD2 joins us on the pod this week to discuss that kick, what it means to a proud rugby city and most importantly, gives us the lowdown on that butcher in Les Halles! There's also the full T…

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S2 EP39 - The Run In Hots Up 1:12:20

5M ago1:12:20

1:12:20

The tragic death of Josaia Raisuque cast an indelible shadow over French and World Rugby this last week. We remember an extraordinarily talented, complex and hugely loved character whose untimely passing was honoured in a series of tributes across the country and will no doubt continue through the rest of the season. There were huge games at both t…

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S2 EP38 - French Lions with Elgan Alderman 1:08:28

5M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

To celebrate the Lions Squad announcement, we have a bumper episode this week, as we're joined by The Times Sports Reporter and French rugby afficionado Elgan Alderman, to help us in the noble quest of piecing together a 21st Century France-based Lions XV . We also have the small matter of an incredible Champions Cup semi-final weekend including Bo…

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S2 EP37 - Derby Weekend Debrief 1:07:24

6M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

The post trip blues have set in for Rob on return from a trip full of rugby, butter and chance encounters. Get the lowdown on the derby weekend, including San Sebastian as a host venue, an incredible result for Vannes against local rivals Toulon and a hammering in Paris that leaves Stade Francais on the brink. Grenoble confirm a home semi in ProD2 …

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S2 EP36 - Hameau Heartbreak 1:08:37

6M ago1:08:37

1:08:37

Rob is dialling in from somewhere in the Pyrenees, with Pau top of the agenda after their late defeat to a much changed UBB side amidst the rain and foie gras of the Stade de Hameau. We also look ahead to the most important derby weekend fixture with all eyes on La Defense and the faltering Parisian sides, as well as previewing an intriguing set of…

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Leadership Lessons From Marcus Aurelius 42:39

6M ago42:39

42:39

In this episode, join Rob and Sarah as they delve into the life, philosophy, and leadership of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. They explore his humble beginnings, his profound stoic teachings, and how his writings still resonate today. They discuss the essential qualities of stoic leadership, the impact of historical context, and the importance of a…

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S2 EP35 - Monstrous Meafou & Ramos Relief 1:07:24

6M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Rich is back from the Adriatic whilst Rob packs his bags for the Pyrenees, but there's time to dissect the Champions Cup Quarter Finals, including an absolute classic between Toulon and Toulouse down at the Stade Felix Mayol. Bordeaux continue to showcase their flair and fallibility, whilst Castres' European adventure comes to an abrupt end. Plus t…

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S2 EP34 BONUS: PRO D2 Run-In Hots Up! 30:22

6M ago30:22

30:22

Pro D2 - we will NEVER neglect you! With Rich on holiday and the festival of rugby in the continental competitions last weekend, we didn't have time for French domestic rugby matters! Do not fear, Rob is on hand to bring you all you need to know about the Pro D2 run-in. With only 5 games to go, can you work out who is going to finish where? 00:53 -…

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S2 EP34: A European Rugby Carnival 54:55

6M ago54:55

54:55

The Champions Cup returned for the Last 16, bringing with it spring sunshine, drama, and a veritable feast of attacking rugby! This episode covers all the big talking points from the first knockout weekend of European rugby – and the chaos we saw in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup Join us as we devour: Munster's heroic win in Le ROGBowl at La R…

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Stories We Tell: The Power of Narrative 1:09:19

6M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

£2 trillion was wiped from the world's stock markets last week. Economist's estimate that the cost of Donald Trump's tariffs will be $1 trillion. If you ever believe you alone can't make a difference, consider the impact of Mr Trump. One man creating worldwide havoc financially and diplomatically. Millions of Americans think he's just what America …

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BONUS Pod: European Last 16 Preview 34:40

6M ago34:40

34:40

Does what it says on the tin... a quick journey through some of the key match ups in the last 16 of the Champions and Challenge Cups, with plenty of French interest. 00:00 - 02:29 Entrées 02:29 - 08:03 Northampton v Clermont 08:03 - 13:33 Toulon v Saracens 13:33 - 17:28 Castres v Benetton 17:28 - 24:00 La Rochelle v Munster 24:00 - 28:53 Bordeaux v…

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S2 EP33 - Voyage to Vannes 1:05:10

6M ago1:05:10

1:05:10

We're back from a fleeting visit to beautiful Brittany and Le Stade de la Rabine, where the sun shone Vannes and Perpignan battled out a tense draw in front or two fervent sets of supporters. Elsewhere there were hammerings and comebacks in equal measure across the Top14, whilst ProD2 gave us some eye catching results... 00:00 - 14:23 Entrées: Matc…

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Friction Points In Teams 30:30

7M ago30:30

30:30

"Once more and I'm going to deck him". Do you love or hate open plan offices? I tried working at a co-working space at my local Uni. It was quiet when I got in, but once the Uni staff got in, they would be gossiping through the day. I really struggled to be able to concentrate in that environment. When we go to work, we don't choose who we work wit…

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S2 EP32 - El Simmonds'ico: The REAL English Rugby Derby 1:04:45

7M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

The Top 14 is back and taking centre stage, with the top three seemingly locked in, the bottom two are slowly being cut adrift and as for the rest, who knows! A Devonian army arrived in Pau, the pressure mounts further on Ronan O'Gara and there's some Parisian positivity at long last. Plus, we eagerly look forward to the return of Pro D2, a trip to…

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From Theories to Practice: Psychometrics in Leadership 39:25

7M ago39:25

39:25

Is it fair? Toddlers in pre-school cry that it's unfair.. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are doing much the same. Your team will too. There's a deep human need for things to feel fair. Yet, there is no sign that life and the universe intend life to be fair. Every species is different. And every person is different. Your team will judge you for your fai…

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S2 EP31 - France's Grand, Non-Grand Slam 1:07:07

7M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Fancy a 6 Nations podcast with no Lions Squad hot takes...? France have secured a superb Six Nations Championship under the bright lights in Paris, and we do our best to sum up the tournament despite having a slightly disgruntled Scottish fan in our midst. Who were the winners, the losers, the stock risers and those who have pushed themselves to th…

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LEADERSHIP Strategies to WIN the Game of Life 42:03

7M ago42:03

42:03

Who do you listen to? Your Mentor, Guide or Inspiration is the limit to your potential. The depth of wisdom behind their words is the limitation in how profound their impact is. We often live in a world of superficial knowledge. A world where tactics and fads dominate. But alongside the ephemeral lies some eternal wisdom. The Art of War is one of t…

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S2 EP30: No Dupont, No Problem 1:02:39

7M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

France overpower Ireland in Dublin in a stunning showing of brain and brawn with some less heralded names to the fore. There were antics aplenty in a Bordeaux infused back row and we try to get under the hood of the 'bench that shall not be named'. Amidst the gloom of Antoine Dupont's injury, ProD2 provided the weekend with some much needed levity,…

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What Makes a DIVERSE Team Work Together 44:12

7M ago44:12

44:12

What if your team's differences were it's greatest strength? There's a belief held by many that the 9/11 Twin Towers wasn't seen because of a lack of diversity in the CIA. The CIA argued that it needed the best people to protect the country. So they recruited people who looked and thought like themselves. Until the 9/11 tragedy highlighted a proble…

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S2 EP29 - Sam Davies: Magician of the Mountains 59:49

7M ago59:49

59:49

We are delighted to be joined by Wales Fly-Half, and one of the most talked about players in France, FC Grenoble's Sam Davies. The former Ospreys and Dragons out-half gives us a fascinating insight into challenges of ProD2, preparing for an Access Match and his decision to move to France from Wales, as well as where to find his outstanding gin on t…

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How Much Adaptation Tax Are You Paying? 40:22

7M ago40:22

40:22

There's been a lot of talk recently about quiet quitting and burnout. Tony Walmsley talks about something he's made me think a lot about... the cost of adapting. For starters we work in a world that is stressful for our biology. When we then have to change our natural personality to fit a culture or our colleagues it stresses us. These adaptations …

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S2 EP28 - Roman Riot 1:02:44

8M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

What a difference a couple of weeks makes. Equal parts beautiful and brutal, Les Bleus' performance in Rome has certainly re-ignited tournament interest. We discuss the Italy game, as well another cracking week in the Top14 as a beleaguered Racing 92 produce their result of the season away at faltering La Rochelle. 9 tries isn't enough for a bonus …

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Setting The Culture Of Your Team 1:15:37

8M ago1:15:37

1:15:37

What is the key task of a leader? Ask 100 people and you’ll get 100 answers. When you abstract at the most universal truth of leadership. The key is to connect people to the reality of their situation. We are a world of 8 billion people. Each with our own interpretation of the world. What it means. And what is good or bad. A Leader creates a frame …

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S2 BONUS: Rosbifs & Spritz: Italy vs France Preview With Spritz & Scrums 1:03:53

8M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Ahead of France's trip to Rome to take on the Azzurri, we are joined by the Ellie and Eddie of the fabulous Spritz and Scrums Italian Rugby Podcast! We preview how Italy can cause a shock, the lasting legacy of Franco Smith and most importantly, how to skip the bar queue on matchday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi…

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S2 EP27 - Fallow Week Frenzy 1:06:38

8M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

With no 6 Nations to ponder, Top14 and ProD2 served up some a veritable feast of tries in a defining round as we enter the business end of the season. The Battle at the Bottom is looking congested following Vannes' stirring performance in Paris, whilst Toulouse re-assert their big-boy status with an imposing performance in Clermont. ProD2 dished up…

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How Fragile Are Your Plans, Your Team And Your Career? 39:20

8M ago39:20

39:20

What's the opposite of fragile? Most people would say something robust. But Nassim Nicholas Taleb says that's a mistake. He argues that the opposite is something antifragile. Something which gains from disorder. In an increasingly volatile world, he says we shouldn't try to protect the fragile. But instead to be more resilient through anti-fragilit…

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S2 EP26 - Strictly Come Crunching 1:08:30

8M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

The Jewel in the Rosbif crown, 'Le Crunch' was in town on Saturday with France falling by a single point at a raucous Twickenham, and we do our best to break down 80 minutes of chaos and where it leaves France now. ProD2 served up a round heavy on Away Day drama, plus there's U20s, Top14 preview and a bit of risky al fresco dining in the Petit-Four…

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The Dance Between Leaders, Managers And Followers 1:00:37

8M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Is a referee a leader or manager? Often today we use the term referee or leader interchangeably. This dilutes the difference those roles have. Which poses the question... is a sports referee a leader or a manager? Establishing the differences, allows us to define the responsibilies of each. In today's podcast, Clark Ray, Tony Walmsley and I discuss…

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S2 EP25 - Fall of the Romain Empire? 59:26

8M ago59:26

59:26

Les Bleus are back with a convincing win against Wales in the first round of the Six Nations, whilst England lie in wait at Twickenham. We get stuck into both of those fixtures and what is France's next move with a Romain Ntamack ban looming for the Le Crunch and beyond. Plus there's the usual round up of the remnants of domestic action, the Stuart…

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The Importance of Self Awareness and Team Awareness 41:39

8M ago41:39

41:39

Who do you serve? How do you serve them? Why? And what are the boundaries of that service? The answers to these questions go a long way to clarifying our work. They help define the contexts of our relationships in coming together. They ensure we fulfil our purpose. And they help us frame the decisions we make. This starts with understanding who we …

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S2 EP24 Bonus - January Bleus: 6 Nations Preview 46:46

9M ago46:46

46:46

The Six Nations is upon us! France have announced their first side, and we'll be dissecting that, as well as looking ahead to Les Bleus hopes for the tournament in this bonus pod. Enjoy! 00:00 - 05:43 Entrées: French as Favourites? 05:43 - 15:23 France: Comment Ça Va? 15:23 - 18:45 Return of the DupontaMack 18:45 - 23:20 Quiz of Captains 23:20 - 29…

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S2 EP24 - Merguez, Merlot & Masibaka 53:45

9M ago53:45

53:45

Fresh off the back of the first Rosbifs trip of 2025, we have on the ground reports across all three leagues, as we dive deep into Bordeaux's shock defeat to Lyon, Soyaux Angouleme putting a marker down against Dax, and Périgueux defy the rain for a bonus point win against Lille's finest. There's the normal round up of Top14 action in a round that …

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The Surprising Ways We Fool Ourselves 42:49

9M ago42:49

42:49

How good are you at making decisions? How confident are you in your answer? The more aware you are of the way your mind works, the less sure you will be of your answer. Our decisions are fraught with biases and distortions. Thinking Fast and Slow is one of the most respected books on decision making. Daniel Kahneman's work won him a Nobel Prize for…