It’s our final episode of the year, and we’re sending 2025 off with The Rivals Awards Show, breaking down the Best, Worst and Most WTF Moments from a massive season of rugby.
We’re handing out our end-of-year awards, including:

🏆 Player of the Year
🟥 Worst Red Card of the Year
🌍 Team of the Year
🚀 Future Superstar Award
⏪ Team in Reverse Award
🤯 Moment of the Year
🔧 The One Thing Rugby MUST Change Next Year
🧠 Coach of the Year

Plus a full recap of the weekend’s international action and all the chaos, controversy and brilliance that defined rugby in 2025.

Join our Facebook Group to get closer to the show: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SfVayzoi/

It&rsquo;s our final episode of the year, and we&rsquo;re sending 2025 off with The Rivals Awards Show, breaking down the Best, Worst and Most WTF Moments from a massive season of rugby. We&rsquo;re handing out our end-of-year awards, including: 🏆 Player of the Year 🟥 Worst Red Card of the Year 🌍 Team of the Year 🚀 Future Superstar Award ⏪ Team in Reverse Award 🤯 Moment of the Year 🔧 The One Thing Rugby MUST Change Next Year 🧠 Coach of the Year Plus a full recap of the weekend&rsquo;s international action and all the chaos, controversy and brilliance that defined rugby in 2025. Join our Facebook Group to get closer to the show:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SfVayzoi/">https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17SfVayzoi/</a>

The Rivals Awards Show: Best, Worst & Most WTF Moments of 2025

We're back for another big episode of Rugby Rivals.
John Kirwan tries to make sense of the All Blacks’ latest stumble… Victor can’t get through 80 minutes without seeing red, and Trimby relishes in Ireland's whalloping of Australia.

In this episode we cover:
– What’s REALLY going on with the All Blacks right now
– The Springboks’ red-card problem and how it’s costing them
– Why Australia can’t catch a break
– The biggest performances, turning points and tactical shifts from the weekend

Watch, comment, and tell us your take below.

Join our Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/853841957325005

We're back for another big episode of Rugby Rivals. John Kirwan tries to make sense of the All Blacks&rsquo; latest stumble&hellip; Victor can&rsquo;t get through 80 minutes without seeing red, and Trimby relishes in Ireland's whalloping of Australia.
In this episode we cover: &ndash; What&rsquo;s REALLY going on with the All Blacks right now &ndash; The Springboks&rsquo; red-card problem and how it&rsquo;s costing them &ndash; Why Australia can&rsquo;t catch a break &ndash; The biggest performances, turning points and tactical shifts from the weekend
Watch, comment, and tell us your take below.
Join our Facebook Group here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/853841957325005">https://www.facebook.com/groups/853841957325005</a>

What’s Really Wrong With the All Blacks? Springboks’ Red Card Problem & More!

The Springboks reminded everyone why they’re the best in the world - overcoming France in Paris with only 14 men.

Meanwhile, Damian McKenzie delivers another clutch moment to save the All Blacks in a thriller that had fans on edge till the final whistle in Scotland.

Sir John Kirwan, Victor Matfield, and Andrew Trimble break down all the big moments from action packed weekend in world rugby.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts
📺 Subscribe to Rugby Rivals on YouTube for weekly episodes
💬 Join the Rivals Rugby Club on Facebook for exclusive clips and banter: 

The Springboks reminded everyone why they&rsquo;re the best in the world - overcoming&nbsp;France in Paris with only 14 men.
Meanwhile, Damian McKenzie delivers another clutch moment to save the All Blacks in a thriller that had fans on edge till the final whistle in Scotland.
Sir John Kirwan, Victor Matfield, and Andrew Trimble break down all the big moments from action packed weekend in world rugby.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts 📺 Subscribe to Rugby Rivals on YouTube for weekly episodes 💬 Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/853841957325005/?__cft__[0]=AZVidi6Q8WPsuHQa9GOyK18uP2xfDOjldMXiqvogu0JHGM2z4N1NR37J_608SuX3H1KAHgbaB0UcFzsfgbqQQaPtU1mQmpvePXMk94UPE9-Vwyv43zr6EQhYei0Mn78-khp6OA-YVRs9J8CvuZzQZ9_IihurLL7F3jDAVSf7JKc0hg&amp;__tn__=R]-R">Rivals Rugby Club</a> on Facebook for exclusive clips and banter:&nbsp;

Boks Show Why They’re #1 & Damian McKenzie’s Game-Saving Heroics

The Northern Tour served up another weekend of drama - starting with Tadhg Beirne's red card. Did the call ruin the match, or was it the right decision?

JK, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble dig into all the big talking points, including the Springboks–France rivalry and why Victor is worried about what the French are building.

We also chat Scotland - are they finally turning the corner, could they beat the All Blacks?

If you’ve got a take on the red card, drop it in the comments – we want to hear it.

Join our private Facebook Group to get closer to the show and join the conversation.

📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:

Instagram: @rugby.rivals 

TikTok: @rugbyrivals

The Northern Tour served up another weekend of drama - starting with&nbsp;Tadhg Beirne's&nbsp;red card. Did the call ruin the match, or was it the right decision?
JK, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble dig into all the big talking points, including the Springboks&ndash;France rivalry and why Victor is worried about what the French are building.
We also chat Scotland - are they finally turning the corner, could they beat the All Blacks?
If you&rsquo;ve got a take on the red card, drop it in the comments &ndash; we want to hear it.
Join our private <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Gtr4RCoja/">Facebook Group</a> to get closer to the show and join the conversation.
📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rugby.rivals/">@rugby.rivals</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyrivals">@rugbyrivals</a>

Who Ruined the Chicago Test?! Beware France & Scotland This Weekend!

The Northern Hemisphere tour has officially kicked off, and the North vs. South rivalry is alive and well.

Australia opened their campaign with a narrow win over Japan, and now the rest of the Southern giants head north. Sir John Kirwan, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble go head-to-head as they break down what’s ahead, who’s in form, and which hemisphere really holds the power in world rugby right now.

👉 Subscribe for weekly rugby chat with two of the game’s greats — insight, banter, and bold takes from both sides of the rivalry.

#RugbyRivals #Springboks #AllBlacks #RugbyChampionship #VictorMatfield #JohnKirwan

📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:

Instagram: @rugby.rivals 

TikTok: @rugbyrivals

The Northern Hemisphere tour has officially kicked off, and the North vs. South rivalry is alive and well.
Australia opened their campaign with a narrow win over Japan, and now the rest of the Southern giants head north. Sir John Kirwan, Victor Matfield and Andrew Trimble go head-to-head as they break down what&rsquo;s ahead, who&rsquo;s in form, and which hemisphere really holds the power in world rugby right now.
👉 Subscribe for weekly rugby chat with two of the game&rsquo;s greats &mdash; insight, banter, and bold takes from both sides of the rivalry.
#RugbyRivals #Springboks #AllBlacks #RugbyChampionship #VictorMatfield #JohnKirwan
📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rugby.rivals/">@rugby.rivals</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyrivals">@rugbyrivals</a>

Let the North vs. South Battle Begin!

The Rugby Championship is done and dusted - and the Springboks have gone back-to-back

In this episode, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down all the key moments from the tournament, what set the Boks apart, and how the All Blacks, Wallabies, and Pumas will be feeling heading into the next phase of the international season.

The guys also look ahead to upcoming fixtures, coaching moves, and what each side needs to do before the end-of-year tours.

👉 Subscribe for weekly rugby chat with two of the game’s greats — insight, banter, and bold takes from both sides of the rivalry.

#RugbyRivals #Springboks #AllBlacks #RugbyChampionship #VictorMatfield #JohnKirwan

📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:

Instagram: @rugby.rivals 

TikTok: @rugbyrivals

The Rugby Championship is done and dusted - and the Springboks have gone back-to-back
In this episode, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down all the key moments from the tournament, what set the Boks apart, and how the All Blacks, Wallabies, and Pumas will be feeling heading into the next phase of the international season.
The guys also look ahead to upcoming fixtures, coaching moves, and what each side needs to do before the end-of-year tours.
👉 Subscribe for weekly rugby chat with two of the game&rsquo;s greats &mdash; insight, banter, and bold takes from both sides of the rivalry.
#RugbyRivals #Springboks #AllBlacks #RugbyChampionship #VictorMatfield #JohnKirwan
📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rugby.rivals/">@rugby.rivals</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyrivals">@rugbyrivals</a>

Springboks are Back-to-Back Champions! TRC Wrap Up & Looking Ahead

In this week’s Rugby Rivals, JK, Victor Matfield, and Ric Salizzo return with a hard-hitting unpack of the latest Rugby Championship drama.

They cast a critical eye over South Africa’s masterclass against Argentina, and dissect how the All Blacks scraped through against a determined Wallabies side.

📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:

Instagram: @rugby.rivals 

TikTok: @rugbyrivals

In this week&rsquo;s Rugby Rivals, JK, Victor Matfield, and Ric Salizzo return with a hard-hitting unpack of the latest Rugby Championship drama.
They cast a critical eye over South Africa&rsquo;s masterclass against Argentina, and dissect how the All Blacks scraped through against a determined Wallabies side.
📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rugby.rivals/">@rugby.rivals</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyrivals">@rugbyrivals</a>

Have Springboks Left All Blacks Behind?! Is TRC Going Back to South Africa?

The pressure is mounting on the All Blacks as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup — with fans and critics questioning whether they can deliver when it matters most. At the same time, women’s rugby is set for a historic showdown with the Rugby World Cup Final promising to be one of the biggest spectacles the sport has ever seen.

Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield bring their expert insights and hard-hitting opinions on:


Why the Bledisloe clash is make-or-break for the ABs


What Razor and the coaching staff need to get right


The key storylines heading into the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final


The impact these matches could have on the future of New Zealand rugby

Don’t miss JK and Victor’s breakdown of one of the biggest rugby weekends of the year.

📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:

Instagram: @rugby.rivals 

TikTok: @rugbyrivals

The pressure is mounting on the All Blacks as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup &mdash; with fans and critics questioning whether they can deliver when it matters most. At the same time, women&rsquo;s rugby is set for a historic showdown with the Rugby World Cup Final promising to be one of the biggest spectacles the sport has ever seen.
Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield bring their expert insights and hard-hitting opinions on:
<ul>
<li>
Why the Bledisloe clash is make-or-break for the ABs
</li>
<li>
What Razor and the coaching staff need to get right
</li>
<li>
The key storylines heading into the Women&rsquo;s Rugby World Cup Final
</li>
<li>
The impact these matches could have on the future of New Zealand rugby
</li>
</ul>
Don&rsquo;t miss JK and Victor&rsquo;s breakdown of one of the biggest rugby weekends of the year.
📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rugby.rivals/">@rugby.rivals</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyrivals">@rugbyrivals</a>

Huge Pressure on ABs for Bledisloe Cup & Women’s RWC Final Blockbuster

The Rugby Championship has been blown wide open after the Springboks stunned the All Blacks in dramatic fashion. On this week’s Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down how South Africa’s victory has shifted the momentum - and whether it has derailed New Zealand’s hopes of taking control of the competition.

We’ll unpack what Razor Robertson’s next move needs to be, how the All Blacks can respond, and why every team still has a shot at the title. With the table locked up and the stakes higher than ever, the road to Rugby Championship glory is anyone’s to win.

👉 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns and all the biggest stories in rugby.

📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:

Instagram: @rugby.rivals 

TikTok: @rugbyrivals

The Rugby Championship has been blown wide open after the Springboks stunned the All Blacks in dramatic fashion. On this week&rsquo;s Rugby Rivals, Sir John Kirwan and Victor Matfield break down how South Africa&rsquo;s victory has shifted the momentum - and whether it has derailed New Zealand&rsquo;s hopes of taking control of the competition.
We&rsquo;ll unpack what Razor Robertson&rsquo;s next move needs to be, how the All Blacks can respond, and why every team still has a shot at the title. With the table locked up and the stakes higher than ever, the road to Rugby Championship glory is anyone&rsquo;s to win.
👉 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns and all the biggest stories in rugby.
📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rugby.rivals/">@rugby.rivals</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyrivals">@rugbyrivals</a>

Have Boks Derailed All Blacks Hopes? Razor’s Next Move & TRC is Anyone’s to Win!

The Rugby Championship is heating up, and who better to break it down than All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok great Victor Matfield?

In this week’s episode of Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor dive into:


The All Blacks’ gritty 24–17 win over South Africa at Eden Park


Standout performances from Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, and Quinn Tupaea


Ardie Savea’s 100th Test milestone and game-saving turnover


The Springboks’ fightback through Malcolm Marx and Cobus Reinach


What this result means for the Rugby Championship table


Can South Africa rally in next weekend’s rematch in Wellington?

👉 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns and all the biggest stories in rugby.

📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:

Instagram: @rugby.rivals 

TikTok: @rugbyrivals

The Rugby Championship is heating up, and who better to break it down than All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok great Victor Matfield?
In this week&rsquo;s episode of&nbsp;Rugby Rivals, JK and Victor dive into:
<ul>
<li>
The All Blacks&rsquo; gritty 24&ndash;17 win over South Africa at Eden Park
</li>
<li>
Standout performances from Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, and Quinn Tupaea
</li>
<li>
Ardie Savea&rsquo;s 100th Test milestone and game-saving turnover
</li>
<li>
The Springboks&rsquo; fightback through Malcolm Marx and Cobus Reinach
</li>
<li>
What this result means for the Rugby Championship table
</li>
<li>
Can South Africa rally in next weekend&rsquo;s rematch in Wellington?
</li>
</ul>
👉 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns and all the biggest stories in rugby.
📱 Follow Rugby Rivals:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rugby.rivals/">@rugby.rivals</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyrivals">@rugbyrivals</a>

ABs & Boks Rivalry Intensifies! Will South Africa Bounce Back?

All Black Legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok Legend Victor Matfield go head to head on all things rugby just as you'd expect an All Black Winger and a South African Forward to do battle.
Bringing in their friends and rivals from all over the Rugby world for a truly Global perspective.
Refereeing in the middle is NZ media legend Ric Salizzo .
And as all of them are well in the second half of their lives,  Sir JK has some well meaning wellness advice to help them extend their lives and therefore the life of this podcast

All Black Legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok Legend Victor Matfield go head to head on all things rugby just as you'd expect an All Black Winger and a South African Forward to do battle. Bringing in their friends and rivals from all over the Rugby world for a truly Global perspective. Refereeing in the middle is NZ media legend Ric Salizzo . And as all of them are well in the second half of their lives,  Sir JK has some well meaning wellness advice to help them extend their lives and therefore the life of this podcast

All Black Legend Sir John Kirwan and Springbok Legend Victor Matfield go head to head on all things rugby just as you'd expect an All Black Winger and a South African Forward to do battle.
Bringing in their friends and rivals from all over the Rugby...

Rivals

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