Rugby Rodeo

Winning Gold at the Scariest Sport in the Olympics - Tabby Stoecker

This week on Rugby Rodeo, Jess and Ellie are joined by a VERY special guest… Olympic skeleton gold medallist Tabby Stoecker in the Spotify studio! From flying head-first down an ice track at ridiculous speeds (seriously… how is that even a sport?!) to standing at the top of an Olympic final with the world watching — Tabby takes us inside one of the most extreme sports on the planet. We get into: What skeleton actually is (and why it’s completely insane) Just how fast you’re going… and how you even steer 😳 The reality of crashes, injuries, and fear (or lack of it…) Her mad journey into the sport via an Instagram talent ID From gymnastics + circus school to Olympic gold… What training looks like when there’s no ice track in the UK The pressure of that final run… and what goes through your head Winning gold with Matt Weston and how they celebrated The reality of funding and life as an Olympic athlete It’s a wild one this week — proper insight, big laughs, and a sport that makes rugby look… relatively sensible. We’ll be back next week with more Rodeo chaos… but for now… YEEHAW 🤠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England Men's 6N Misery & Capital Clash Worldies!

Ellie is back in the saddle! 🤠 After an unexpected travel saga that left her stranded in Dubai, she finally makes it home to rejoin Jess for another ride through the rugby world. This week on Rugby Rodeo, the pair break down the Capital Clash as Saracens secured their 12th consecutive PWR win with a 40–26 victory over Harlequins. Jess gives the inside story on the match, from the early back-and-forth to the momentum shift before half-time, her own try on 39 minutes and the impact of new attack coach Kevin Rouet. Away from the pitch, Ellie shares updates on her brand-new book (and a heart-melting World Book Day moment from a young fan dressed as her), while both hosts mark International Women’s Day by shouting out the female athletes who’ve inspired them this year. There’s plenty more rugby chat too: the England men’s Six Nations struggles, record team changes, leadership and emotion on the pitch, and that fiery Maro Itoje–Fin Smith moment everyone’s been talking about. Plus: reacting to the best videos on the internet this week, answering your listener questions (from Saracens’ mysterious mini-net game to weird compliments and festival stories), and giving shout-outs to rugby communities from Wimborne to Sydney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Olympic Underdogs to Rugby World Cup Heartache: Canada's 12 Month Rollercoaster - Alysha Corrigan

This week Jess is joined by friend of the pod Emma Swords stepping into the co-host saddle, and a very special guest all the way from Canada — Saracens and Canada international Alysha Corrigan. Alysha opens up about her journey from growing up in Canada — where women’s rugby often flies under the radar — to taking a leap of faith and moving across the world to chase the professional game in England. She talks about the sacrifices behind that decision, the toughest off-field adjustments to life in the UK, and the moment she realised rugby could take her to the very top of the sport. The conversation dives into Canada’s incredible run at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, including what it felt like to play in the record-breaking final at Allianz Twickenham, how the squad reflects on finishing second now the dust has settled, and the unforgettable memories from the tournament. Alysha also reflects on a wild 12 months of rugby, going from an Olympic silver medal in Paris 2024 to challenging for World Cup gold, and the mental and emotional rollercoaster that comes with competing on the biggest stages in sport. YEEEEHAW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bikini Photoshoots, Six Nations & Valentines Plans

We kick things off with a PWR recap and dive straight into the big talking points — Gloucester-Hartpury’s relentless dominance as they go 10 from 10, a huge performance from Sisilia Tuipulotu, and whether Harlequins can take confidence from a losing bonus point that could prove massive come the business end of the season. There was chaos in Saracens vs Bristol as Ruahei Demant brought that trademark Black Ferns magic, Sarah Bern powered over, and Zoe Harrison iced the game with a seriously cold late penalty. The girls also unpack Bristol’s tricky season so far after last year’s strong finish. Elsewhere, Exeter leapfrog Quins with a dominant win over Loughborough, while Sale snatched victory in dramatic fashion against Trailfinders — including Canada’s Asia Hogan-Rochester delivering a top-tier celebration that absolutely deserved airtime. We look ahead to next weekend’s fixtures, before switching gears to a Men’s Six Nations round-up — where Scotland stunned England, snapping their winning streak and raising big questions about England’s attack efficiency, discipline, and backline creativity. Jess and Ellie also give their honest back-three perspective on Henry Arundell’s tough afternoon. Ireland edged past a massively improved Italy, sparking discussion around Sam Prendergast, online pressure, and Andy Farrell’s powerful comments — plus standout performances from James Lowe and a brilliant return from Robert Baloucoune. Of course, it wouldn’t be Rugby Rodeo without listeners’ questions — covering everything from nutrition and training routines to pancake toppings, Wagamama orders, underrated rugby skills, and which dog breed the girls would be (important journalism). So saddle up, settle in, and as always… Yeehaw 🤠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BIG Six Nations Review, Sarries Back with a BANG & Ellie LOVES Hand-offs

We’re back on the rodeo sofa and this week it’s wall-to-wall rugby. 🤠🏉 On this episode of Rugby Rodeo, Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach react to a HUGE weekend in the women’s game – and a blockbuster opening round of the men’s Six Nations championship too. We start with a ruthless statement win for Saracens against Leicester Tigers – including Jess’ flying return to action. Was there any fear of rust after such a long break… or did the bodies feel fresher than ever? Then it’s one of the games of the season so far as Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs play out a 38–38 thriller. Three sin-bins, relentless Quins pressure, a missed kick at the death… and Ellie talks us through her try – the dummy, the hand-off and the finish. Pure class. The girls also dive into the opening weekend of the men’s Six Nations Championship – breaking down England’s big win over Wales, France’s statement performance against Ireland (including that pre-match light show and blockbuster TV audience), and Italy’s shock victory over Scotland in absolutely horrendous conditions. Plus…💌 Valentine’s Day plans🎤 Jess’ behind-the-scenes 02 room stories🔥 favourite tries of the weekend – and why they stood out🌧️ how much rain really levels a match And of course… it wouldn’t be Rugby Rodeo without your questions.One song they’d survive on for a year, hidden talents, everyday things that make them happy – and what their Instagram algorithms think they’re obsessed with. We finish with a massive round of community shout-outs – grassroots wins, debuts, comebacks from injury, first-ever girls’ XVs, derby doubles on the line… and even a special celebration recommendation for a first try this weekend. Settle back, enjoy and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices