THE EPISODES

Ep. 127

Asenathi Ntlabakanye : Growth, Trusting the Process & a Dream Springbok Debut

In this episode of Behind the Ruck, Rudy and Juan sit down with Asenathi Ntlabakanye as he opens up about his incredible rugby journey. We kick things off with a powerful conversation about his roots, identity, and the mindset that shaped him into the player he is today.

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. 126

Morné van den Berg : The Journey that Springbok supporters need to hear.

🔥 NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

We sit down with Morné van den Berg as he opens up about Springbok camp culture, learning the 9 jersey, the meaning of Lions Rugby and Ellis Park, life off the field, 2025 highlights, 2026 goals, future ambitions, and a look at the Investec Champions Cup fixtures.

This one is packed ruckers don’t miss it! 💬🏉 #BehindTheRuck #RugbyFamily

Ep. 125

Gio Aplon Says the SPRINGBOKS Are Closer to 2027 Glory Than You Think

Gio Aplon joins Behind the Ruck for a massive breakdown of where the SPRINGBOKS stand right now and what the future could look like as we head toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The episode kicks off with questions from the audience before diving into a full reflection on Springbok rugby in 2025 and the key areas where the Boks have grown.

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. 123

Roses United Take on Saldanha in the Top 12 Final plus Springboks vs Ireland Insights! 😱

The episode kicks off with a full breakdown of the upcoming fixtures and a deep dive into the Springboks vs Ireland clash, followed by a look at the World Rugby Player of the Year nominees. From there, the guys sit down with Saldanha Rugby Club to unpack their current season, form, coaching approach, leadership dynamic, and the unique identity that sets Saldanha Bay apart. Things heat up with a fun round of quickfire questions before moving into the next feature interview.
Roses United joins the show next, sharing insights on their semi final experience, the shift in team culture, and what it takes to prepare for a final at the highest level, setting the stage perfectly for the much anticipated Sanlam Boland Top 12 Final, one of the biggest community rugby showdowns of the year.

Ep. 122

Jurie Matthee on Learning from Manie Libbok, the Stormers’ Winning Streak & His Underdog Journey 🔥🏉

We kick things off with one of the URC’s standout number 10s — Jurie Matthee — as he joins us to chat about his rise through the ranks, his time with the Stormers, and what it’s been like settling into the team’s culture, new jersey, and fresh logo. He also opens up about his early playing days and the underdog journey that shaped his career. 👊🏽💪🏽

Ep. 121

Juarno Augustus on Leaving South Africa, Chasing His Springbok Dream & Bokke’s Upcoming Fixtures

In this episode, we kick things off with an exciting Boktown ticket giveaway for fans ready to back the Bokke in style. Then we sit down with none other than Juarno “Trokkie” Augustus — the powerhouse eighthman making waves up north. From his days in Cape Town to becoming a key figure at Ulster and Northampton Saints, Trokkie shares his incredible rugby journey and what it’s been like competing in the Northern Hemisphere.

Ep. 120

Nizaam Carr shares his story of the first Muslim Springbok and how faith and family shaped him 💚🔥

This week on Behind the Ruck, we kick things off by announcing the winners of our Eben Etzebeth’s “Unlocked” book giveaway before diving straight into the latest fixtures and results shaking up the rugby world. Rudy and Juan share their takes on the upcoming clashes, standout players to watch, and which teams are finding their rhythm as the season heats up.
Then, we sit down with none other than Nizaam Carr, a player whose journey through rugby has been filled with resilience and inspiration. From representing the Bulls and adapting to a new coach, to his time with the London Wasps and dealing with the challenges of retrenchment, Nizaam opens up about the realities of professional rugby and the mindset it takes to keep moving forward.

Ep. 119

Mzwandile Stick on his journey, 100 Games, 2 World Cups & the Springboks’ Winning Formula 🏆

In this episode of Behind the Ruck, the boys sit down with Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, who recently celebrated an incredible milestone; 100 games with the Bokke. He opens up about his journey from player to coach, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to represent and serve the nation through rugby.