Players Podcast

Dr. Nic Gill joins The Players Podcast to share his incredible journey from more than 20 years with the All Blacks to becoming VP of Health and Performance with the Baltimore Ravens. Nic opens up on the move from rugby to the NFL, what makes elite environments truly special, how player welfare is protected through the NFL’s CBA, and why recovery still comes down to the big rocks: sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement and smart training. A fascinating conversation on high performance, athlete workload, recovery fads, leadership, and what rugby can learn from the NFL. Presented by: Eoin McHugh, Conrad Smith and Rachel Burford. #ThePlayersPodcast #AllBlacks #BaltimoreRavens #NFL #Rugby #PlayerWelfare #HighPerformance #NicGill

When a player gets a ban for something that happens on the pitch, we love to debate whether it was too harsh, too lenient or just right. So, to learn more about how the system works, Conrad and Rachael are joined by the man that oversees this process - Christopher Quinlan KC. A respected barrister, Chris discusses the process, how it can be improved...and how he wants to see more players get involved! Check out IRPA at rugbyplayers.org and make sure to subscribe to keep up to date with the Players Podcast!

With Rugby bosses, coaches, refs and players coming together in London next week to discuss the big issues facing the sport, Conrad and Rachael chat with player reps about what issues need to be discussed and what challenges need to be addressed!

It's almost the end of the year so Conrad and Rachael sit down to look back at 2025. Whether it's referees, laws of the game to standout players and the Try of the year - we got you covered! Make sure to subscribe to the Players Podcast to get EVERY episode from International Rugby Players Association!

Former Northampton lock and current head of the Rugby Players Association in England, Christian Day, joins Conrad and Rachael to discuss player load, match and training limits as we ask - how much is too much? Subscribe to make sure you get EVERY episode of the Players Podcast from International Rugby Players Association!

In Episode 3 of the Players Podcast, Conrad and Rachael speak with World Rugby referee manager Brendon Pickerill, who discusses some of the issues facing international refs and what the governing body are doing to tackle issues around laws of the game. Make sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes as they drop and get more details on rugbyplayers.org!

The new-look Players Podcast is back! Check out the latest episode where Conrad Smith and Rachael Burford discuss R360, new rugby competitions and look back on the success of the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Fresh from negotiating and agreeing one of the most high-pressure deals in sport, NFL Players’ boss DeMaurice Smith joins us for Episode 18 of the Players Podcast. A former trial lawyer, Smith talks candidly about the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between players and owners and how it’s one of the most stressful deals he’s ever done. He also talked about the resistance from some players to adding an extra game to the season, the impact of social media on the deal and how players were split on other aspects of the CBA. In a wide ranging chat with host Eoin McHugh, concussion in the sport, politics and the impact of Covid-19 was also covered. Enjoy and check us out on rugbyplayers.org for much more!

One of the boldest moves made by South Africa's Rugby World Cup winning coach Rassie Erasmus was to include the head of the country's players association in his management team for Japan 2019. Eugene Henning, CEO of MyPlayers, was appointed player affairs manager and helped make sure the schedule was manageable, the environment was positive and that the squad were treated as "humans first". Eugene told the Players Podcast about his time with the RWC winners, his role... and how it could set the trend for putting the player front and centre in international rugby. Check it out!

Episode 14 of the Players Podcast is all about the Laws of the Game. Ahead of a major Law Reviews meeting in London last week, International Rugby Players got the views of our top players from the Men's 15s and 7s game. After the forum, we spoke to player reps David Quinlan and Rachael Burford who represented our 15s & 7s players, to dive deeper into the discussion about the current laws and some proposals to make the game safer. From the 50:22 rule to tackles above the waist, there's lots to discuss here so get comfortable... and give us your feedback!

In episode 12 of the Players Podcast we speak to the head of World Players Association, Brendan Schwab. World Players is a group that advocates for the rights of players and athletes and brings sports together to knowledge share and learn from one another. Brendan, an Australian who is passionate about Players Rights, previously worked with the international football players union (FifPro) and is now taking on the challenge of everything from the rights of athletes to challenge governing bodies, the “old fashioned” International Olympic Committee, WADA and anti-doping and the recent “Save Hakeem” campaign to rescue a football player from detention in a foreign country. A fascinating discussion and a must-listen for anyone interested in players' rights and the global business of sport!

Episode 10 of The Players Podcast speaks to a South African man that ended up playing for Wales before having to retire from a rare and cruel illness called Isaacs Syndrome. Andries Pretorius has since gone on to run the Welsh Rugby Player’s Association but his story starts working as an electrician in the mines in rural South Africa, before playing for Cardiff Blues, Worcester and getting capped for Wales at international level. A fascinating story that shows resilience and bravery and the struggle of dealing with a rare disease along with getting the Welsh Rugby Players Association off the ground. Check out wrpa.co.uk for more of the work Andries does or head to rugbyplayers.org for more!

With 111 international caps, Marco Bortolami is one of the true legends of Italian Rugby. The former second row, who played his club rugby across Italy, France and England, was Italy's youngest ever captain at just 22, scoring a famous intercept try against the All Blacks. With strong views on how Italy can grow the game, Marco spoke to the Players Podcast about the challenges for the Italians, where they can go and the need for belief among players. He also lists the toughest players he's faced and the coaching tips he picked up in New Zealand. Have a listen and check out rugbyplayers.org for more!