This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back in the studio for 2025 and not a moment too soon as we reflect on the major rugby issues over the summer break including Joe Schmidt's confirmed impending departure as Wallabies coach, Richie Mo'unga not returning to New Zealand Rugby as early as hoped, the Six Nations in full swing and the TJ Perenara haka developments.

We also preview the Super Rugby season, the likely contenders for the title and the big improvers ahead of Friday night's season start, as well as speak to competition CEO Jack Mesley. 

This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back in the studio for 2025 and not a moment too soon as we reflect on the major rugby issues over the summer break including Joe Schmidt's confirmed impending departure as Wallabies coach, Richie Mo'unga not returning to New Zealand Rugby as early as hoped, the Six Nations in full swing and the TJ Perenara haka developments.
We also preview the Super Rugby season, the likely contenders for the title and the big improvers ahead of Friday night's season start, as well as speak to competition CEO Jack Mesley.&nbsp;

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. 

Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. 

Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Powered by Newstalk ZB and iHeartRadio

Rugby Direct

Rugby Direct - Episode 149

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/11dd3074-762f-4c12-8e86-b2800189652b/transcript

Rugby Direct is back with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, joined in studio by Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa for an inspiring and candid conversation.

Suafoa opens up on one of the toughest periods of his life and career after being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, detailing the battle that followed, the support that helped him through, and the perspective he has gained from the experience. 

He also reflects on his return to professional rugby, his journey back to the Blues, and living with a terminal cancer diagnosis.

LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct is back with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier, joined in studio by Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa for an inspiring and candid conversation.
Suafoa opens up on one of the toughest periods of his life and career after being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, detailing the battle that followed, the support that helped him through, and the perspective he has gained from the experience.&nbsp;
He also reflects on his return to professional rugby, his journey back to the Blues, and living with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 246: Cameron Suafoa on rugby, life and his terminal cancer diagnosis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/eee49142-b5c5-4ad1-88f7-b48f011b8a12/transcript

Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ emphatic 40-21 win over Ireland, extending their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park. The boys review a perfect opening block of the Nations Championship, with the All Blacks going three from three, and assess the key performances, talking points, and big takeaways from the series.

They also look ahead to the next major milestone on the road to South Africa, analysing what changes Dave Rennie could make when he names his 44-man squad on Monday. Who’s played their way in, who’s under pressure, and what does the next chapter of the All Blacks’ campaign look like? It’s all covered on the latest episode of Rugby Direct.

LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ emphatic 40-21 win over Ireland, extending their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park. The boys review a perfect opening block of the Nations Championship, with the All Blacks going three from three, and assess the key performances, talking points, and big takeaways from the series.
They also look ahead to the next major milestone on the road to South Africa, analysing what changes Dave Rennie could make when he names his 44-man squad on Monday. Who’s played their way in, who’s under pressure, and what does the next chapter of the All Blacks’ campaign look like? It’s all covered on the latest episode of Rugby Direct.
LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 245: Ireland Beaten, South Africa Beckons

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/86182e44-47ea-46a5-81c2-b48d00197478/transcript

Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Ireland.

Dave Rennie has named his side for this weekend's highly anticipated test with a number of key reinforcements added to strengthen the All Blacks' front line. Have the right calls been made? Who are the big winners and losers from selection? 

LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct is back as Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Ireland.
Dave Rennie has named his side for this weekend's highly anticipated test with a number of key reinforcements added to strengthen the All Blacks' front line. Have the right calls been made? Who are the big winners and losers from selection?&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 244: The team is in - Rennie’s big calls

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f633a1e1-fae5-483c-9dbe-b489008df21b/transcript

Rugby Direct - Episode 149

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