Stick to Rugby

The latest special episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, sees Warren Gatland return to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean and Tom Shanklin for a no-holds-barred look at the chaos, controversy and legacy of the British & Irish Lions.Back for his second appearance, Gatland reflects on the moments that shaped — and nearly sank — his time as Lions head coach. From off-field issues that split squads to the brutal selection calls he still stands by.He opens up on the “clown nose” backlash, the fallout from dropping Brian O’Driscoll, and the tensions that ran through multiple tours. There’s insight on managing Sexton, the rivalry with Farrell, and the pressure that comes with leading the Lions.Off the field, Gatland recalls a near-death experience abroad, the need to restore pride in the jersey, and the text Phil Vickery got from his mum after getting dropped.A brutally honest conversation with one of rugby’s biggest coaching figures — this is the Lions, unfiltered.🚨🔔 Subscribe now and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!00:00 - Welcome Back Warren Gatland00:30 - What Makes the Lions So Special?01:19 - The Best Advice 03:11 - Teaser 04:10 - First Time Inside a Lions Camp06:30 - Coaching His First Lions Tour08:55 - 2005 vs 2009: A Tale of Two Tours10:35 - Brutal Selection Calls & Squad Morale11:58 - Gatland’s Most Iconic Lions Games14:41 - The Toughest Part of Coaching the Lions17:01 - Schalk Burger’s Eye Gouge Incident18:08 - O’Driscoll Concussion & 2009 Injury Chaos20:12 - Getting Close to Rival Nations21:24 - Phil Vickery’s Mum 22:00 - Safari Story22:58 - Comparing 2009 and 2013 Lions Tours25:25 - Wales’ 2008 Tour of South Africa26:31 - The Truth Behind Dropping Brian O’Driscoll30:30 - Knowing When the Game’s in the Bag34:07 - Inside the 2017 Lions Tour38:33 - Taking on the New Zealand Media43:45 - Reflections on Selections & Leadership44:22 - Drawing the 2017 Series46:59 - Owen Farrell & Managing Johnny Sexton49:43 - Gatland’s Any Other Business

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes Freddie Steward to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, Tom Shanklin, and Scott Quinnell for an exclusive deep dive into his England career, the Red Roses’ Grand Slam, and life at Leicester Tigers.Steward opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of England’s World Cup semi-final heartbreak, how media pressure fuelled the squad, and the lasting impact of that South Africa defeat. He also lifts the lid on his rivalry with Marcus Smith, dealing with being dropped, and what it’s really like when a fly-half takes your shirt!The panel dives into the Red Roses' Grand Slam triumph, the brutal difference between club and international rugby, and the fierce competition for England shirts.Steward also reveals how working with sports psychologists transformed his career, why Ellis Genge’s leadership was crucial, and how Michael Cheika reignited Leicester’s charge this season.And don’t miss Freddie’s verdict on the best full-back in world rugby right now!A revealing and honest conversation with one of rugby’s fastest-rising stars—don’t miss it!

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes football icon Stuart Pearce to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, Tom Shanklin & Scott Quinnell for a no-filter crossover into rugby, football, and everything in between.Pearce opens up about the terrifying mid-air health scare that nearly ended in disaster, how he found strength in rugby league culture, and the surprising bond he shares with Warrington Wolves. From Brian Clough’s old-school genius to his secret life as “Yak Yanson,” a Russian goalkeeper in Sunday League, the stories don’t get more surreal than this.There’s plenty of love for Gazza’s wildest moments, Pearce’s memories of Euro ‘96 pressure, and the truth behind the Nottingham Forest applause that had him thinking “I’m not dead yet.”Plus, punk gigs with Gareth Southgate, the Stranglers with Mike Tindall, and why Roy Keane was a midfield war.A hilarious, heartfelt, and totally unexpected episode with one of England’s hardest men in football—don’t miss it!

The latest episode of Stick to Rugby, brought to you by Defender, welcomes World Cup winner Phil Vickery to the panel alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Katy Daley-McLean, Tom Shanklin and Scott Quinnell for an emotional, hilarious and no-holds-barred look at life in and out of the game.Vickery opens up on the fear of failure that fuelled his career, how farming forged his toughness, and what it was like getting cited and banned on his England debut. He relives the brutal battles against South Africa’s ‘Beast’, reflects on sharing the pitch with legends like Julian White and Tom Smith, and gives a heartfelt tribute to his father and what it meant having him in the stands for the World Cup final.There’s talk of Lions tours, training with John Thomas and Simon Shaw, and the unforgettable moment Shaun Edwards made him cry. Plus: how he found purpose after rugby and his surprising passion for bodybuilding.The crew also dive into the Women’s Six Nations, why Phil prefers watching the women’s game, and which Red Roses star he’d pay to watch.

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!