THE EPISODES

Ep. 167

LIMA SOPOAGA IS BACK! 🔥 RGR Memories, All Blacks, Wallabies & What’s Next

The boys are back on Behind the Ruck as they look ahead to the Wallabies clash, the latest squad news and Week 1 of the URC, including Connacht vs Stormers and Lions vs Leinster. Plus, a chat with former All Black Lima Sopoaga and the final bet gets settled. 🏉

The RGR memories continue as Rudy and Juan look at the All Blacks’ social media numbers from the series before heading back to New Zealand. The boys also get into RWC preparations, injuries and the challenge of competing with other sports for players.

Ep. 124

Dylan Maart’s Unreal Rise From Taxi Guard to the Stormers Will Give You Goosebumps!

In this week’s episode, we kick things off with an in-depth conversation with Dylan Maart as he shares his journey into professional rugby and how he found his way into the Stormers setup 🏉. From early opportunities to recent milestones, Dylan opens up about the moments that shaped his rise and the achievements that put his name firmly on the radar ⭐️.

Ep. 70

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Opens Up About His Injury, Return to Play, & Springbok Camp Secrets

We’re thrilled to have Springbok Star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on Behind The Ruck! Sacha dives into his journey to the top, from juggling first-team spots in multiple sports to his unforgettable Springbok debut as a fly-half. He shares insights from the Springbok Camp, the invaluable role his family played in his career, and even gives a shoutout to our very own Rudy and Juan for their hard work! Sacha also opens up about his injury struggles, the tough road to recovery, and what it means to make his return to play with the Springboks.🔥

Ep. 68

Cheslin Kolbe Reveals the Secrets Behind His Legendary Sidestep and 1st Springbok Call-up

In this electrifying episode of Behind the Ruck, we’re honored to sit down with none other than Cheslin Kolbe! 🌟 From the dusty fields of South Africa to the grand stadiums of France and Japan, Cheslin’s story is one of pure heart, resilience, and relentless passion for rugby. Hear him relive the pivotal moment he first laced up for the Springboks, and the blood, sweat, and tears that shaped his journey there. 💚💛

He lets us in on the secrets behind his jaw-dropping sidestep, the intense conditioning that keeps him unstoppable, and the rugby heroes who inspired him to chase his dreams. Cheslin also shares the moving story behind the Kolbe Foundation, a project close to his heart, dedicated to turning obstacles into powerful motivators for others.

Ep. 31

A real conversation with Siya Kolisi

The renowned rugby figure and two-time Springbok Rugby World Cup champion, Mr. Siya Kolisi, graces the Behind the Ruck studio with his presence, offering Ruckers an exclusive peek behind the scenes. As former teammates and friends, we delve into Siya's experiences since relocating to France and gain some more insight on his life.

Ep. 166

SA Rugby vs All Blacks: Why This Rivalry Is Still THE Greatest 🏆

Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh break down Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between SA Rugby and the All Blacks, looking back at the series, the positives for both countries and some of the standout performers, including Kurt-Lee Arendse, Morné van den Berg and Eben Etzebeth.

The guys also discuss Richie Mo’unga, the All Blacks’ potential heading towards the next Rugby World Cup and what makes the Bokke DNA so special.

Ep. 165

Pote Human REVEALS His Rugby Journey & Prediction for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry!

In this episode, we sit down with coach Pote Human to discuss his rugby journey, his coaching experiences in the USA, and his move to the Boland Cavaliers. Coach Human shares his background, reflects on how coaching has evolved over the years, and gives his perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

We also dive into Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, looking at the physicality of the Springboks vs All Blacks clashes, the battle at scrum and set-piece time, and whether fatigue could play a major role in the 4th Test. Coach Human gives his score prediction, while we also explore the current state of professional rugby in the USA and the lessons the game has taught him personally.

Ep. 164

Israel Dagg REVEALS Who He Thinks Will Win the Rivalry 👀

Israel Dagg joins BTR! 🇳🇿🏉

Former All Black Israel Dagg sits down with BTR to look back on some of the biggest moments of his career, his transition into broadcasting, and his thoughts ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test at FNB Stadium.

From his finest rugby memories to playing at Soccer City, Izzy also weighs in on the Springboks vs All Blacks rivalry, the series prediction, and whether rugby is becoming more about physicality or finesse.

Ep. 163

LIMA SOPOAGA TELLS HIS STORY 🇳🇿🔥 From All Blacks Glory to Life After Rugby | RGR Test 2

In this episode, we sit down with former All Blacks and Highlanders star Lima Sopoaga to reflect on his rugby journey, his experiences in South Africa, and life after professional rugby.

Lima looks back at the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between the All Blacks and Springboks, comparing his visit to South Africa in 2015 with the 2026 tour. He also opens up about his new role as a content creator for the All Blacks, transitioning into life after rugby, and what it’s like seeing the game from a different perspective.

Ep. 162

JEANDRE RUDOLPH OPENS UP: All Blacks, Pressure, Self-Doubt & Life at the Vodacom Bulls

In this episode of the RGR Podcast, we sit down with Vodacom Bulls rugby player Jeandre Rudolph for an honest and entertaining conversation about his career, playing at the highest level, the Bulls, international rugby, pressure, self-doubt and what lies ahead.

We kick things off with the latest RGR fixtures and predictions before getting into Jeandre's experiences on the field — including what it was like playing against the All Blacks, facing international players and setting up the Stravino Jacobs try.

Ep. 161

Heyneke Meyer Gets REAL About Coaching for SA Rugby, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry & His Critics

From the Garden Route to SA Rugby 🇿🇦🏉

Heyneke Meyer sits down with us to reflect on his journey through rugby, from coaching the SWD Eagles to reaching the highest level of the game.

He opens up about developing as a coach, the challenges of 2008, his time with SA Rugby, handling pressure, his favourite rugby memories and why making a difference remains at the heart of it all.

Ep. 160

"I Almost Lost Everything..." Sbu Nkosi on World Cup Glory, Mental Health and Finding Purpose

Sbu Nkosi joins us for one of the most open and honest conversations we've had on Behind the Ruck. From growing up in Barberton and earning a scholarship to Jeppe Boys High School, to being spotted by the Sharks and living out his dream in the Green and Gold, Sbu reflects on the moments that shaped his rugby journey. He shares stories about family, the people who inspired him to chase the game, his incredible speed, and what it was like representing the Springboks on some of rugby's biggest stages, including the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup.