Episodes

  • Ep.21 – Nations Championship is a winner with Jamie Wall

    Ep.21 – Nations Championship is a winner with Jamie Wall
    Jul 8 2026
    The Nations Championship is officially here, but is it the "winner" the rugby world has been waiting for? Jamie Wall joins Brett McKay this week to break down the immediate impact of the new structure and its impact on the international calendar, and whether it delivers on the hype for fans and players alike. We also dive into the technicalities of the competition, from the scheduling hurdles to the potential for new rivalries on the world stage, and explore what this means for the future of the international game. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Nations Championship Post Mortem: Wallabies heartbreak in Sydney thriller

    Nations Championship Post Mortem: Wallabies heartbreak in Sydney thriller
    Jul 4 2026
    The Nations Championship has started with a bang, but it’s a heartbreaking result for the Wallabies, going down narrowly to a very good Ireland team in Sydney. The great Jim Tucker joins Brett McKay on the 8/9 Rugby Post Mortem to wade through all the highs and lows. In a front of a new ground record at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, the Wallabies were well on top heading into the break, but missed kicks, discipline on their own line when it came to the crunch will be rued all this next week, before the Wallabies head to Brisbane to face France. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Ep.20 – Mass Zoom calls shape Nations Championship preps with Angus Gardner

    Ep.20 – Mass Zoom calls shape Nations Championship preps with Angus Gardner
    Jul 1 2026
    How do you align 12 nations and dozens of match officials for a brand new rugby tournament? Elite referee Angus Gardner returned to 8/9 Rugby to discuss the incredible level of preparation required for the jump from domestic competitions to the Test arena. From managing massive 60-person Zoom calls to mastering up to ten specific Law Variations in play, Angus breaks down the incredible amount of behind-the-scenes work that defines the Nations Championship. Dive in to see what it really takes to manage the world's best on the biggest stage. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby Nations Championship explainer at 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/p/explained-how-the-nations-championship Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • AUS Rugby scene: Hurricanes obliterate Super Rugby records with Martin Devlin

    AUS Rugby scene: Hurricanes obliterate Super Rugby records with Martin Devlin
    Jun 24 2026
    The Hurricanes of 2026 are quite probably one of the greatest teams Super Rugby has ever seen. Their demolition of the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final was one of the great performances, but in truth, that performance was really just the climax of a truly incredible season. Martin Devlin of the DSPN media network in NZ joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby Scene on 8/9 Rugby this week to pull that great Grand Final performance apart, to laud the Hurricanes great season, and the natural flow-on to what it all means for the All Black. Plus we consider the future of Super Rugby, and wonder whether the current attacking revolution of rugby will continue in next month’s Nations Championship. #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Ep.19 – Leinster + Northampton romp to Grand Final glory with Riaan Louw

    Ep.19 – Leinster + Northampton romp to Grand Final glory with Riaan Louw
    Jun 23 2026
    The URC and PREM Grand Finals have been decided, and the respective silverware has been lifted. Brett McKay is joined by South African rugby YouTube sensation Riaan Louw to break down a massive weekend of rugby deciders. From Leinster’s clinical dismantling of the Bulls to Northampton’s gritty triumph over Exeter, we’re unpacking all the drama, the tactics, and the biggest talking points from an epic weekend of club rugby. Plus, the Top 14 decider has been set in France, and MLR in the States has an undefeated Champion! #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • AUS Rugby scene: Heavyweight battle to decide Super Rugby with Tony Johnson

    AUS Rugby scene: Heavyweight battle to decide Super Rugby with Tony Johnson
    Jun 17 2026
    The two best teams in Super Rugby Pacific will play in this weekend’s Grand Final. And though the Hurricanes and Chiefs got there as expected, the way they both navigated their Semi Finals was quite unexpected. The great Tony Johnson from Sky Sport TV and Sport Nation radio in NZ joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby Scene on 8/9 Rugby this week to work back through both Semi Finals, and ponder the relative strengths and opportunities as both the Hurricanes and Chiefs contemplate a first title in more than a decade. #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Ep.18 – Exeter defence powers through to PREM Final with Sam Larner

    Ep.18 – Exeter defence powers through to PREM Final with Sam Larner
    Jun 16 2026
    Is Exeter’s defence the perfect tool to stop Northampton’s attack in the PREM this weekend? Rugby analyst and writer Sam Larner joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to examine Exeter’s outstanding win over Bath in the Premiership Semi Final, as well as Northampton overpowering Leicester. We dive deep into the tactical mastery of Rob Baxter’s side, debating whether that historic goal-line stand was pure defensive genius or a missed opportunity for Bath. Plus, we look at the other side of the bracket where Northampton outmuscled Leicester, setting the stage for a mouth-watering clash of styles at Twickenham. Plus, a rapid wrap-up of the Top 14 elimination finals in France, and a quick preview of the URC Final this Friday night, too. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • AUS Rugby scene: The QF weekend to shake up Super Rugby with Jamie Wall

    AUS Rugby scene: The QF weekend to shake up Super Rugby with Jamie Wall
    Jun 10 2026
    The performance of the Australian teams in the Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Finals last weekend was less than ideal. And the fallout from that performance has already asked serious question of the competition and the finals format. Jamie Wall from the DSPN pod network in NZ joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby Scene on 8/9 Rugby this week to explore all the Qualifying Finals moments, to ponder the all-NZ Semi Finals this weekend coming, and wonder if this is the season that tortured Hurricanes fans – like Jamie – can actually rest easy about their team’s fortunes. #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific Find the DSPN chat Jamie had with Brett & Sean Maloney earlier this week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYG9GS8PsVo&t=63s Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins