Inside Line

The boys break down the biggest talking points in Australian rugby, including the shock Zac Lomax switch from league to rugby and why it has sparked such a reaction. They also cover major team news, Replay-gate and what went wrong with the broadcast chain of communication. Plus a look at the Wallaroos squad, the new Super Rugby Women’s draw starting 6 June, and your mailbag questions on Victoria missing out on Tests and how rugby can diversify revenue like the NRL.

In this episode of Inside Line, Michael Atkinson (Stan Sport) and Iain Payten (SMH) dive deep into the "geopolitics" of global rugby following explosive reports from the Northern Hemisphere.  The boys peel back the layers on rumors that Australia and New Zealand are conspiring to "depower" the scrum, exploring why nations like South Africa and France are so quick to believe the Aussies are out to turn Union into League. The discussion shifts from boardroom battles to the latest scandals and safety trials: The Springbok Cloud: Digging into the UK Telegraph’s report on the six-fold decrease in drug testing in South Africa and what it means for their recent World Cup triumphs. The Ben Donaldson HIA: A look at the new pre-game concussion protocols that saw the Force fly-half pulled just minutes before kickoff due to a "mouthguard ping." The Zach Lomax Lockdown: With the NRL courts ruling that Lomax can't play for a rival until 2028, could a move to the Brumbies or the Force be back on the table? Payto breaks down the "price point" reality of luring League stars to Union.

In this episode of Inside Line, the team breaks down a massive Round 2 of rugby action, headlined by a historic Brumbies victory in Christchurch. Is Stephen Larkham actually in the sights of the NZRU, or is it all just Tasman smoke? We dive into the "Ferrari Faltering" narrative surrounding Joseph Suaalii’s recent performances and look at the fascinating stats showing Australian sides are keeping the ball in hand more than their Kiwi counterparts. Plus, we discuss the latest developments on the elusive Global Calendar.

The boys are back breaking down a huge week in Australian rugby, from James Ramm signing with the Western Force, to growing speculation around Tom Lynagh and his future in Queensland.  We unpack the controversial Lions try that’s left fans fuming, ask hard questions after the Force’s 56 to 24 loss to the Brumbies, and debate whether expectations are already too high for Les Kiss.  Plus, plenty of listener mailbag heat on broadcast decisions, player welfare, Melbourne’s missing Tests, and how Rugby Australia can build stronger revenue streams. 

Inside Line Season 4 starts NOW. The team recaps a chaotic summer: the Miles Amatosero training ground incident, Angus Crichton’s shock Waratahs signing, and the All Blacks' coaching bombshell.  Plus, we preview Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific and answer your questions on the 2027 RWC schedule, the Women’s game, and the Western Force’s chances.

Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Michael Hooper and Justin Harrison provide informed perspectives on the run of poor form from the Wallabies and answer some of the most passionate fans concerns. Will the green shoots of 2025 be realised in the years to come?

Special Guest Nick Stiles offers qualified insights into the direction of the game both domestically and globally, the evolution of the professional player and development of Carter Gordon.

Big changes expected for the Wallabies ahead of their crucial clash with Italy - the Inside Line crew have a closer look at the momentum required to win a RWC and how things looked in the lead up to 2003 and 2015. Plus, some sneaky player movements & the latest ruling around Tadgh Beirne's Red Card

Michael Hooper pays tribute to the great career of former teammate Marika Koroibete. Justin Harrison & Iain Payten provide an in depth examination of the Reg 9 requirements, the importance of it's existence and the solution to ensuring the best players are available for Internationals. Plus, Michael Atkinson dives into the Mailbag.

RA CEO Phil Waugh sits down with Michael Atkinson & Iain Payten for a frank discussion about the biggest talking points in the game - Bledisloe Cup's Future, Scheduling, Financial Position, Code Hoppers, Grassroots, & Phil's Future.  

Michael Hooper, Justin Harrison, Tom Decent & Michael Atkinson reflect on the biggest talking points heading into Bledisloe Cup.

Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Tom Decent and Michael Atkinson have a close look at what's going on around the Fly-Half position - the pressures, the guidance, the pecking order.

Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Michael Hooper & Justin Harrison set their sights on how RA should distribute funds following the latest financial update. Plus, discussion around the importance of bringing Mark Nawaqanitawase back & the future of a national club footy comp.

Michael Cheika makes his Inside Line debut to cover the reality of player movement across the global market, his coaching ambitions, the secret behind Argentina's rise, and the direction of Australian Rugby. Must listen for all rugby fans.

Will Skelton has proved pivotal to Wallabies success but for how much longer will he be able to play for the National side? Michael Hooper, Justin Harrison, Iain Payten and Michael Atkinson take a deeper look at how the Lock's future will be managed in the Wallabies Jersey. 

Michael Atkinson, Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps and Tom Decent take a look at leaked Wallabies selections, the implications of a R360 competition and the early mind games from Rassie Erasmus.

Michael Hooper, Michael Atkinson, Nick Phipps and Iain Payten pull apart the Lions series and look ahead to the next major event on the Rugby horizon.

Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Tom Decent and Michael Atkinson discuss the biggest headlines heading into the Second Test - Plus, Lauren Jenkins provides insight into the stories occupying British media.

Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Cameron Shepherd and Sean Maloney breakdown the make up of the Lions and Wallabies presumed teams for the First Test. Iain Payten, Lauren Jenkins and Morgan Turinui provide the late mail form on the ground in Brisbane.

Michael Atkinson, Justin Harrison, Michael Hooper and Iain Payten break down the first major controversy of The Lions tour involving CEO's, Coaches and the media. Plus - BBC Rugby Reporter Lauren Jenkins joins the team pitchside from The Lions training grounds in Perth.

On the eve of Joe Schmidt's first Test Squad announcement the spotlights shines on his Captaincy contenders and potential flyhalf "bolters" - plus in the wake of Ardie Savea's Super Rugby sabbatical are there concerns around next year's tournament? Join Michael Hooper, Justin Harrison, Iain Payten & Michael Atkinson

Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Justin Harrison and Tim Horan breakdown reports of a new Wallabies skipper, where Michael Cheika could fit in Australian Rugby, and what the Finals Format looks like in SRP 2026. Plus, Henry Hutchison speaks from India on the uncertain future of Sevens Rugby.

Michael Hooper returns to Stan Sport on Inside Line to explain the reason he isn't playing in the AUNZ Invitational. Plus - Would a Captain's Challenge work? and, is there merit in a Rebel League?

MASSIVE episode featuring scoops from Iain Payten, Justin Harrison, Mat Rogers & Michael Atkinson. How will the Lions series be adjudicated and decided? Is a World Club Cup really on the cards? And, is it time for the legitimate creation of SANZAA team to rival the Lions

Michael Atkinson, Tim Horan, Iain Payten and Justin Harrison respond to viewer questions: A potential Tahs cleanout, Stomping softness, risk of not taking points and what's happening around the Lions - Plus plenty more. 

Mat Rogers, Justin Harrison, Iain Payten & Michael Atkinson discuss best ways for Suaalii to have maximum impact against the Lions given latest injury setback, the threat of NRL expansion on poaching talented kids, and Rugby's ongoing commitment to dealing with concussion in contact sport. 

Justin Harrison, Tim Horan, Michael Atkinson and Tom Decent take a deep dive into the big talking points surrounding Rugby in Australia.

Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Justin Harrison and Mat Rogers breakdown the new appointment of Les Kiss as Wallabies coach following a handover period from Joe Schmidt. What it means for the Reds, Wallabies and Rugby in Australia. Atko speaks one on one with both Kiss and Schmidt. 

Michael Atkinson, Tom Decent, Justin Harrison and Mat Rogers discuss the hold up around the announcement of the next Wallabies Coach, which NRL stars could be future targets for RA and Wallabies wingers

Tim Horan, Justin Harrison, Jamie Pandara & Nick McArdle take a closer look at the key takeouts from the Rugby Australia AGM and discuss the need for greater clarity around the Judicial process, plus - is James O'Connor the man for the Wallabies?

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh jumps into the hot seat to breakdown the historic Broadcast Deal and answer questions around the future coach of the Wallabies. Plus - Tom Decent, Tim Horan and Justin Harrison unpack Noah Lolesio's decision, his Lions future and what it means for other players.

Mat Rogers joins sparring partner Justin Harrison alongside Michael Atkinson & Iain Payten to discuss controversy around Max Jorgensen's injury,  the latest front runners for the Wallabies coaching gig, the battle heating up for Wallaroos spots and Joseph Suaalii's best position.

Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Tim Horan and Justin Harrison break down this weeks big issues - the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup concept squashed by New Zealand, could Super Round return on Fiji shores, and the benefits of the red card system

Michael Atkinson, Justin Harrison, Tim Horan and Tom Decent breakdown the big issues in Rugby. Should there be a greater spotlight on Schoolboy Footy - a National Comp and regular broadcasts?

Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Justin Harrison and Jamie Pandaram discuss the fallout from Nick Phipps controversial comments regarding the quality of Super Rugby compared to comps in the Northern Hemisphere, look at the Wallabies 2026 Calendar, and respond to the plethora of questions sent in via the Mailbag.

Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Tim Horan and Nick Phipps have a closer look at the Wallabies policy around players departing at season end. Plus, the secret behind what's been described as "the best start to a Super Rugby Season."

Michael Atkinson, Tim Horan, Nick Phipps and Iain Payten unpack Len Ikitau's contract news and the long list of players coming off contract - who will stay and who will go? Plus, Michael Hooper dials in from Japan to answer questions around his International future.

Michael Atkinson, Iain Payten, Tim Horan, Justin Harrison  The guys went deep on who's in line for Wallabies Coaching job after Joe... 

The final episode for 2024, Atko and Wortho discuss the Spring Tour, next year's Lions Tour, James O'Connor and the Crusaders, plus Fantasy Super Rugby is back! 

Iain Payten joins Michael Atkinson to discuss the Wallabies big win over Wales, their preperation for Scotland and where to next for Joe Schmidt? 

Michael Atkinson is joined by Iain Payten, who is over in the UK for the Wallabies Spring Tour.  The two discuss the Wallabies epic last minute win over England and why they need to back it up against the Welsh. 

Michael Atkinson and Sam Worthington are back to dissect all the latest ahead of the upcoming Spring Tour and NRL convert Joseph Sua'ali'i to make his debut in the centres.  All this and more! 

Despite yet another Bledisloe loss to the All Blacks, the vibe is all good after the Wallabies put up a gallant effort. Iain Payten and Michael Atkinson unpack the first Bledisloe test and look ahead to the second match this weekend 

Join Michael Atkinson and Sam Worthington as they preview the Wallabies and All Blacks Bledisloe match this Saturday. 

Iain Payten and Sam Worthington review the record-breaking loss to Argentina last week and look ahead to the Bledisloe against the All Blacks. 

Iain Payten and Michael Atkinson discuss all the big rugby news from the week. An ANZAC Bledisloe match is in the works and set to go ahead in 2026 in Perth.  Australia’s win in Argentina.  South Africa unhappy with Australia’s apparent “dirty tactics”  Plus, Marky Mark set to debut in the NRL this weekend.

Sam Worthington joins Michael Atkinson to discuss all things Rugby including the shock selection of Harry Wilson's captaincy.  Plus a huge preview of the Shute Shield Final this weekend.

Michael Atkinson and Iain Payten discuss how the Wallabies are tracking and why a few losses isn't necessarily a bad thing.  Friction at the All Blacks as assistant coach Leon McDonald parts ways.  Will Joseph Sua'ali'i be part of the Wallabies Spring Tour at the end of the year?  Plus, all your listener questions answered. 

Iain Payten and Sam Worthington are back after a small hiatus to discuss all things Rugby. From the 7s at the Olympics to the Wallabies loss to South Africa, catch up on all your Rugby here! 

Sam Worthington and Michael Atkinson preview the Wallabies matchup with underdogs Georgia this weekend and why they should not be taking them lightly.