THE EPISODES

Ep. 148

Felipe Contepomi on Coaching Barbarians vs the Springboks | The Truth About Rugby in Argentina

This week on Behind the Ruck, we unpack the massive Barbarians vs Springboks clash taking place on 20 June before sitting down with Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi for an insightful conversation on rugby, leadership, and life beyond the game.

Felipe opens up about Argentina’s current season, the growth of rugby in Argentina, and what it means to coach the Barbarians against the world champion Springboks. From handling emotions under pressure to the lessons rugby can learn from soccer, this episode dives deep into the mindset of one of the game’s sharpest rugby minds.

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. 147

Johan Ackermann Opens Up | The Truth About Coaching the Bulls | Bulls Selection Process | and more 🔥

This week on Behind the Ruck, we sit down with Johan Ackermann for an honest conversation about his first season as Bulls coach and what it has been like stepping back into life in Pretoria. From adapting to a new chapter to leading one of the biggest franchises in rugby, Johan gives a real look into the pressure and passion that comes with the role.

He also takes us back to where it all started, opening up about life as a policeman before rugby became his full time path. It is a story built on sacrifice, discipline, and hard work, shaping the values that still guide him today both on and off the field.

Ep. 146

Shilton van Wyk’s CRAZY Journey From Welding to Olympic Medalist 🥶🔥

In this episode of Behind the Ruck, the boys take the show to the heart of the action as they visit the Soweto Derby, soaking in one of the biggest atmospheres in sport. From the energy in the stands to breaking down the matchday lineups, it sets the tone for an episode packed with culture, passion, and real rugby conversation.

We’re then joined by Shilton van Wyk for a powerful sit down, diving into his journey through the Sevens circuit. He reflects on the unforgettable Hong Kong Sevens victory, the standout moments from his season, and what it meant to reach the pinnacle as an Olympic medalist. From the significance behind his Olympic rings tattoo to the sacrifices along the way, this is a story of resilience and belief.

Ep. 145

Sione Tuipulotu Opens Up on Captaincy Pressure and His Journey to Scotland

Sione Tuipulotu joins us for a proper chat as we dive straight into his journey, unpacking his life in Scotland and what it has really been like settling into a new rugby culture. From the inside look at Glasgow Warriors to how he has grown within that environment, this episode sets the tone with honesty and perspective.
We get into the realities of handling social media as a professional athlete and how he keeps his focus where it matters most. There is a strong emphasis on the joy of competing, what drives him week in and week out, and how that passion translates onto the field, especially when representing at the highest level.

Ep. 144

RUHAN NEL SPEAKS OUT: Inside the Stormers Mindset, Toulon Battle, URC Strategy and Rugby’s New Era

We sit down with Ruhan Nel for an in depth interview covering his journey, mindset and experiences in the game. The conversation also explores the Toulon fixture and what it means in the wider context of his career and modern rugby demands.

Ep. 143

Ezekiel Ngobeni Opens Up on Varsity Cup Pressure, New Rules & His Rise to the Top 👀🔥

🔥 It all kicks off with a classic Behind the Ruck moment as the boys dive into a Burger King special before locking in the lineup for the episode. The energy is high, the banter is flowing, and it sets the tone for what’s to come as they welcome a rising name in South African rugby.
🏉 The spotlight then shifts to Ezekiel Ngobeni, who joins the show for a proper chat about his journey and everything happening around the Varsity Cup. From the impact of the new tap rule to how the competition is evolving, this segment gives real insight into the game at university level. He also opens up about the pressure of playing at scrumhalf and what it really takes to own the number 9 jersey.

Ep. 142

Pierre Schoeman: From SA to Scotland… The Untold Truth About Scottish Rugby and Lions Tour 👀🏴

The boys are joined by Scotland powerhouse Pierre Schoeman for a proper catch up on Behind the Ruck! From the moment he steps in, it’s all energy as we dive into his rugby journey, how things have been going lately, and his thoughts on the current Six Nations Championship. You’ll hear his perspective on the Scottish setup, what makes their rugby culture unique, and reflections on World Cup experiences and traditions that shape the team.

Ep. 141

Markus Muller: From Schoolboy Rugby Sensation to the DHL Stormers… and That Springbok Call Up 🚀🏉

This episode kicks off with a look at LIV Golf before we sit down with rising star Markus Muller for an in depth conversation you do not want to miss. We unpack his recent call up to the Springbok alignment camp, dive into different coaching styles, and reflect on his journey through school and schoolboy rugby that shaped him into the player he is today.

We get into the details of his preferred position between inside and outside centre, his early leadership experiences, and the role his friends and family have played along the way. Markus also takes us back to that unforgettable Interschools clash, shares his future ambitions, and opens up about joining the Stormers and his involvement with SAS Rugby.