Stick to Rugby

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, features a no-holds-barred chat with Joe Marler as he opens up about life after rugby, retirement, and the Celebrity Traitors rumours.In this big sit-down since stepping away from the game, Joe gets candid about why he “couldn’t go on,” his unexpected call to Jimmy Bullard, the real reason he walked away mid-season, and what he misses (and doesn’t) about rugby life.He also reveals the strange gigs he’s said “yes” to since retiring—including pretending to be a dog—and how he’s navigating post-rugby purpose, parenting, and mental health.Plus, the panel grill Joe on the Traitors rumours. Has he been cast? Was he Andy Murray’s replacement? And what kind of player would he actually be: traitor or faithful?There’s also chat about greyhounds, scrummaging, being “distracted, disruptive and rude” at school, and why he’s now working directly with Team England in a unique new role.A funny, raw, and refreshingly honest conversation with one of rugby’s most unpredictable characters—don’t miss it.Check out the amazing tool Lawrence mentions on this episode where you can educate yourself on all topics from people with lived experience and experts - The step before talking - www.jaaq.org

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Welsh legend Scott Quinnell to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for a rollicking ride through rugby’s past, present, and future.Quinnell talks about his unmatched Welsh rugby bloodline, the moment he nearly dropped the ball before Scott Gibbs’ iconic try, and why Lawrence’s Wembley heartbreak might’ve led to England’s World Cup success. From Austin Healy’s £35,000 Rolex blunder to wild tales of Wigan’s sevens dream team–no story is off-limits.The crew also relive their worst days in rugby, get nostalgic about the Five Nations era, and debate the modern game’s professionalism in “You Couldn’t Get Away With That Now.”Plus, the latest on the Women’s Six Nations, Red Roses dominance, and who might make the 2025 Lions squad—with bold claims about Tomos Williams, Henry Pollock, and Talupe Faletau.And don’t miss Quinnell’s take on Andy Farrell’s coaching rise, Shaun Edwards' Wembley red card, and the secret Lions selection dinner with his dad!

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne to the panel alongside Katy Daley-Mclean, Lawrence Dallaglio, and Tom Shanklin for a wide-ranging and inspiring chat on stardom, pressure, and what’s next for the women’s game.Ellie opens up on the whirlwind journey from A-Levels to being crowned the best in the world, how she handles the pressure of expectation, and why she’s never tried to be anyone but herself. She discusses the challenges of life as a dual-career athlete, being made redundant during COVID, and her Olympic dream that almost slipped away.Away from the pitch, Ellie reveals how photography became her creative escape and why she believes it helped her feel truly understood. Plus, the panel dives into the growth of the women’s game, how players can harness social media to become household names, and what England must do to win the World Cup on home soil.

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, sees Joe Marler & Marlie Packer join Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for a no-holds-barred breakdown of the Six Nations, mental health in rugby, and the realities of life after the game.Marler and Packer reflect on England’s emphatic win over Wales and whether this was a turning point for Steve Borthwick’s side. They also preview the Women’s Six Nations, discussing the contenders, England’s dominance, and what to expect from the tournament.Marlie shares her raw emotions on losing the England captaincy, what it meant to step back, and whether she ever considered walking away from the sport altogether. Meanwhile, Joe opens up about retirement—both the fear of stepping away and the lack of aftercare rugby offers once players hang up their boots.The panel also breaks down the PWR Final, Marlie’s take on the intensity of the competition, and what it means for the future of the women’s game.The conversation expands into the bigger picture of mental health in rugby, the pressures of leadership, and why so many players feel lost when their careers come to an end.⚠️ This episode includes discussions on mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, visit one of the following organisations: Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/FRANK - https://www.talktofrank.com/Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Warren Gatland to the panel alongside David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for an exclusive deep dive into his Wales exit, coaching highs, and the future of rugby.Gatland opens up about the emotional decision to return to Wales, the brutal challenges he faced, and whether he has any regrets. He reveals how the pressure of 14 straight defeats impacted him and the squad, why he never tried to protect himself, and whether he feels let down by former players.The panel also revisits his Wasps legacy, what made that team so dominant, and how coaching Brian O’Driscoll shaped his early career. And, of course, there’s plenty of Lions talk—from selection secrets to why Marcus Smith has to be in the squad.Plus, Gatland’s take on rugby’s bomb squad debate—should World Rugby step in?—and why he thinks Australia will be dangerous on the upcoming Lions tour.A brutally honest conversation with one of rugby’s biggest coaching figures—don’t miss it!

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Cadan Murley to the panel alongside David Flatman, Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, and Tom Shanklin for a deep dive into the Six Nations, England’s tactics, and Murley’s whirlwind debut.Murley opens up about the highs and lows of his England debut, from scoring with his second touch to the harsh realities of international rugby. He reflects on the injury setback that cut his Six Nations dream short and reveals the hilarious debut initiation song he belted out in front of the England and Ireland squads.The conversation turns to England’s style of play—is their attack too conservative? Murley weighs in on the Marcus Smith fullback experiment, his close friendship with the playmaker, and whether England’s attack is being limited by their system. The panel also debates Finn Smith vs Marcus Smith for England’s No.10 shirt and how England can take their game to the next level.Elsewhere, the team discuss Ireland’s intensity and ability to disrupt opponents, the brilliance of Antoine Dupont, and whether Scotland are under pressure heading into the final rounds. Plus, Murley gives his take on the future of England rugby, the next generation of stars, and what it will take for the squad to become one of the best teams in the world.A brilliant mix of insight, debate, and behind-the-scenes rugby stories—don’t miss it!To find out how Funding Circle can help get your business goals over the line, visit ⁠https://fundingcircle.com/rugby