Aotearoa Rugby Pod

The Lam name means something in rugby — and Joel Lam is carving his own path within it.After struggling to break into the professional game, Joel stepped away from rugby and switched to league to keep chasing the dream. Now, he’s back — and rising with Moana Pasifika.In this episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Joel opens up on:What it’s really like carrying the Lam family nameWhy he left rugby for league — and why he came backHow he finally earned his Super Rugby opportunityThis is more than a comeback story — it’s about identity, legacy, and proving you belong.🎧 Full episodes on YouTube & all podcast platforms#AotearoaRugbyPod #MoanaPasifika #SuperRugby #RugbyUnion

Former Scotland halfback Mike Blair has been named All Blacks attack coach — but for many New Zealand fans, he’s still an unknown.So who is he, and why does Dave Rennie trust him with one of the most important roles in world rugby?

What will Tana Umaga bring as the All Blacks defence coach?In this episode of Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Jip and Bryn bring first-hand insight from inside a Tana Umaga environment, breaking down his coaching style, standards and the impact he could have on the All Blacks defence.New episodes, analysis and interviews every week covering the biggest stories in rugby.

Who should be the next All Blacks attack coach?With Dave Rennie's deputies due to be named soon, we analyse leading contenders Mike Blair and Scott Hansen, while asking whether Chiefs attack guru Roger Randle should also be considered.The ARP boys give the inside word what makes Tana Umaga a great fit at defence coach, then get into the big issues this week in Super Rugby.

Is Canes loose Devan Flanders set to be an All Black?The Hurricanes loose forward is in red-hot form in Super Rugby, putting himself firmly in the frame for national selection. But with fierce competition in the loose forwards, does he force his way into the squad — or is he still on the outside looking in?In this episode, Aotearoa Rugby Pod breaks down:Flanders’ current form and impact for the HurricanesHow he compares to established All Blacks loose forwardsWhere he fits in the national setup

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew break down why France won the Six Nations, analysing the tactics, players and key moments that made them the best team in Europe.We look at England's performance and why it was a move forward, Ireland's classy win over Scotland and how the Welsh pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

After an incredible Six Nations tournament, we ask whether France, Ireland and the best of the North can knock over the Boks or All Blacks in the inaugural Nations Championship.We deep dive into Super Rugby's latest crazy results, ask if Devan Flanders should be the All Blacks number eight and discuss if World Rugby should introduce the 3+ try bonus point.As requested by a viewer .. here's a link to our Springboks scrum analysis from last year... https://youtu.be/n3C_55JcqzI?si=VpFvnod297spsOQY

We catch up with Hurricanes and All Blacks open side Du'Plessis Kirifi to talk the ruthless Hurricanes attack, Asafo Aumua's 300kg squats and Dave Rennie's selection criteria.