Veronique Landew Podcasts

Unmissable! Kyran Bracken is eloquent, loquacious, and reminisces with great fondness the wild initiations games that he had to take part in Glasgow, teaching French to Philippe Sella and how great and solid the England team was in 2003. He reflects on Rugby used to be played and its changes since the professional era and the use of ....mobile phon…

This week, the episode is short and sweet (just like me;-) containing a summary of the Top 14, and Mike and I preview this weekend's games too. French lesson about essentials on how to order a beer in French before a rugby game. No rugby guest this week, as I experienced technical difficulties during my chat with my mystery guest but he'll be back …

Finally, mystery Rugby guest, David Campese aka Campo is on French Rugby CONNECTIONS. Charming, direct, and a great storyteller about his phenomenal career and playing against Les Bleus. He also shares his thoughts about the Modern Rugby and RWC2023! Mike Pearce and I also review the Top14, and there is a BRAND new section to the French Rugby Lesso…

Mike and I review and comment, the 3rd day of the Top 14 on this episode. Last weekend was highly charged and with ups and downs for some French teams. This weekend will be a cracker as there are lots at stake! French Rugby lesson included in this episode, but our Rugby guest was unable to be there due to work commitments but will be there and squa…

This week, this episode is a short and sweet episode (just like me;-), with no Mike Pearce.....but instead I converse with Luke Pearce about the travails of becoming one of the talented International referees at such a young age: 33 years old and the importance of speaking French when officiating a European game in order to create better connection…

Rugby Friends, Mike and I are back ! You will be served a quick overview of the Top 14, the latest news about French Rugby, and a bit of a banter *really ;-). All in 20 mins. Enjoy!Door Veronique Landew & Mike Pearce

Last episode of Season 1 of French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. Enjoy the Rugby stories narrated by Christian Califano, about his fiercest opponent in the England Team, playing for The Blues in New Zealand with Shaun Fitzpatrick, etc...and completing the Paris Dakar! Speak to you next year and if you've enjoyed listening to the French Rugby CONNECTIO…

I have a chat with the loquacious Christian Califano (part 1) aka Cali, 72 caps for Les Bleus, 6 French Championships, and Heineken Cup, winner. A true French Rugby Legend who reminisces about his best rugby memories playing for Les Bleus, Toulouse for 10 years and in the UK for Saracens and Gloucester. He shares some great anecdotes about Thomas C…

A FIRST! French Rugby CONNECTIONS episode under 20 mins! Enjoy with Moi, Veronique Landew, and Mike Pearce from the English Riviera, La cote D'azur Anglaise talk about the play-offs, the semi-finals, the access game won by Biarritz and a bit of ....Welsh football. Nearly the end of the season for the TOP 14 and....for the French Rugby CONNECTIONS P…

So much passion and wisdom with Emile Ntamack about his time playing for Les Bleus, with Sella, Blanco, Benazzi, Galthie, Dominici, Castaignede, et al, and his time at Stade Toulousain and lifting the first Heineken Cup in 1996. Of course, we talk about his son, Romain who is currently extremely busy and focused and preparing for his next game. Mik…

I have a great time chatting with Bruce Reihana, Rugby Legend, about his career in New Zealand, Northampton, and Bordeaux and coaching for Bristol Bears, his best rugby memory, and about his new role at Montpellier. I really liked how he compares rugby strategy with a chess game! What a great and true metaphor. Robbie Nock, an erudite rugby comment…

Rugby Friends, I had the great pleasure to speak with the talented Alex Lozowski about what it meant for him and his teammates to win the Challenge Cup, his life in La Belle France, embracing the French life by growing a moustache to look like a Frenchman (LOL) and the main differences between playing Rugby in the Top14 versus the Gallagher Premier…

French Rugby CONNECTIONS episode is focused on the European Rugby Cup with the ever eloquent, loquacious, and passionate Martyn Hindley, PR and Communications Director at EPCR, who details what the European Cup is all about, the passion it stirs for its fans and players, the fights between the Samson and Goliath teams and that hard-won semi-final w…

Rugby Friends, a short and sweet 25 mins episode this week (just like me;-) about the exhilarating battle happening in the Top 14 right now and the latest news about French Rugby. Mike talks about his forthcoming book "Hard men of French Rugby" and meeting with Guilhem Guirado which will feature in chapter 2 of his book and bumping into Lawrence Da…

Rugby friends, Rugby Legend, Philippe Saint Andre is now back to being Director of Rugby for Montpellier and looking forward to the Challenge cup final with his stellar team. Philippe reminisces his best rugby memory and living and coaching in Gloucester and Sale too. Mike and I review the Euro weekend and the catch-up games for the last few games …

More French and European Rugby news about the oval ball on French Rugby Connections Podcast with Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce, all in 30 mins! ENJOY the Welsh and the French Rugby banter, and yes we do talk about sheep, snails, and frogs too....Oh la la.Door Veronique Landew & Mike Pearce

This week, we focus on Le Crunch at the Women's six nations. You will not believe how forceful and vigorous the Elite women Rugby players are on the pitch. England vs France final at the 6 women's six Nations will be live this Saturday, on BBC 2 at 2 pm. It will be a feat of grit and brutality and a massive cracking game. France has to win to repai…

BonjourFriends! RUGBY CONNECTIONS Podcast is here! Mike Pearce and I review the Champions Cup, 6 Womens' s Nations Cup, Top 14, and David Beresford who wrote a book "Brothers in arms" about his love for French Rugby Legends from the 70s and 80s takes me back to memory lane on a journey full of French Regional history and lots of wine and epicurean …

A very happy rugby weekend if you are ....French! I have a great chat with Mailys Traore, Loosehead prop, with 21 caps for France, on how she got into Rugby, her love of being an egg chaser for Stade Toulousain and Les Bleus, and which character of Game of Thrones, she identifies with the most. Mike and I review the French teams who played last wee…

I am delighted this week to speak with Serge Betsen who shares briefly his thoughts about Les Bleus and Women's 6 Nations on French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast. As promised, Mike Pearce sings "Flower of Scotland" (he's Welsh and he can certainly sing in tune) and Veronique and Mike provide the latest concise rugby news on Top 14, the women 6 Nations,…

I have a chat with Gavin Hastings aka Big Gav, a two-time British & Irish Lion who appeared in three World Cups and in the Five Nations between 1986 to 1995. Gavin reminisces about his rugby memories playing against Les Bleus from his debut in 1986 in Murrayfield to the world Cup in 1995. He was also pivotal particularly in Scotland’s impressive 19…

Did you know that Scott Quinnell's name, Welsh Rugby Legend is of French origin (yes, from quenelle which is the name of an egg-shaped dish - True! )? Scott tells us how he fell in love with French Rugby in the heyday of Jean Pierre Rives, shares his thoughts about France vs Wales game, and recalls his time playing against Les Bleus. Let's not forg…

ON FRENCH RUGBY CONNECTIONS this week! LE CRUNCH. Are you ready for it? Yann Delaigue, 20 caps reminisces the last time won against England in 2005 and his thoughts about Saturday's game. I also got a quote from Dimitri Yachvili , now Consultant at France Televisions about Le Crunch. Mike Pearce and I review the latest European and rugby news. Enjo…

Veronique Landew talks with TMO, Rowan Kitt, arguably the most recognizable Television Match Official (TMO) in world rugby (Rowan Kitt, also called "Kitty" by Wayne Barnes,) when looking to clarify a major officiating decision). In this episode, Rowan Kitt will provide his thoughts on the refereeing in the Wales England game at the Guinness 6 Natio…

I had a great car ride with Ben Cohen, who was moving, philosophical, and recounted great stories of the rudimentary "toilets" used on the victory bus and the day he met Prince Harry stark naked! We talk about the rugby coaches who have inspired him and put him on the right track, after the tragic death of his beloved father. He channeled all his e…

Where there's a will, there's a way! Six Nations leaders France will be without captain Charles Ollivon for Sunday's match against Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus along with four other players. A total of 11 France players from the 23 that faced Ireland in round two have now contracted the virus. Veronique Landew from the French Rug…

Dan Luger, MBE, former RWC 2003 Cup Winner entertained me with his stories of his rugby road leading to the RWC 2003 as well as camaraderie forged during “Table tennis” games and boxing matches between Austin Healey and Brian O'Driscoll during the 2001 British and Irish Lions Tour. He highlights the importance of being prepared post-rugby and rubbi…

It's not every day that you have a Rugby World Cup Winner and a British and Irish Lions former player on your podcast. Ian Balshaw, MBE comments on the prowess of Les Bleus and the off day for England at the opening of the 6 Nations weekend, reminisces his Rugby days in Bath, Leeds, Gloucester, lifting that iconic world cup in 2003 and his love of …

This week, I'm predicting Les Bleus squad (Nearly correct except for 3rd row & 13, 14) and I have an enthralling chat with Antonie Claassen from Racing 92 about his Rugby days in South Africa and in France at Brive, Castres, and Racing 92. He recalls his best rugby memories, speaking French with Finn Russell, and reflects on the importance of being…

This week, we talk about the 6 Nations official launch in which Mike and I took part and conversed with the 6 Nations team head coaches & their captains. I have a chat with Thomas Lombard, former Racing Metro, Stade Français, and Worcester Warriors player about his rugby days in France and in England, and his current role at the head of a TOP14 clu…

Kris Chesney recalls his time playing with Philippe Sella, Francois Pienaar, Michael Lynagh as a young Rugby player at Saracens and being mentored by Jason Leonard when he started playing for Barking at 18 years old. When he left Saracens to play for Toulon in 2009, he had played 338 games for Saracens. Life at Toulon was a dream and he lived by th…

A quick review of the selected French squad this week and reasons why the 6 Nations tournament will happen, whatever the cost. Mike and I review the Top14, in which only 5 teams competed last weekend and we both share a joke and I teach more useful expressions to use in French rugby. Enjoy! Vive Le Rugby!…

UNMISSABLE! What an honour it was for me to chat with Abdelatif Benazzi, who won 78 caps and scored 9 tries for France as a lock and back-row player. From Morocco to France, where he played with his rugby idol, Philippe Sella, in Agen to Saracens, his rugby career was sensational. He played in three World Cups for France and was part of the French …

Who remembers the Xmas film from Richard Curtis "Love Actually"? European rugby is so similar and getting so complicated right now with covid, internal politics, and transfers. In this episode, Mike and I narrate the European Champions cup, including the "Toulongate" & because it's Xmas, you will be spoiled with some dreadful Xmas Rugby jokes. Have…

On this week's episode on French Rugby Connections Podcast, you can listen to Veronique and Mike's frank and uncensored point of view on the French RWC's draw, the European Cups, and concussion's matter. Our weekly rugby guest couldn't make it at the last minute but will be there next week. Instead, here is a comment from charismatic Jean Dujardin …

This week, we review the good, the bad, and the ugly part of Le Crunch and how rugby doubters should never EVER underestimate Les Bleus! Champions Cup is back on and we give you predictions on the teams likely to win their games during this first European rugby fest weekend. I also have a great interview with Lionel Quenardel, PE & Rugby teacher at…

Another episode, another French Rugby Legend, this time Oliver Magne is our Rugby guest! Hear his thoughts about the Golden years of Rugby when he played in the Semi-final in 1999 against New Zealand and the Crunch in RWC2003, when France lost against England. Mike and I review the Autumn Internationals and the Top 14 and it's exam time for French …

In this week's episode, we pay tribute to Christophe Dominici "Domi" who was a true Rugby legend and will be sorely missed by the French and Global Rugby family. I have a great chat with Rory Teague, a former Bristol and Gloucester Player who played in France for Limoges, Aurillac, Grenoble and took on new coaching roles at Saracens, The RFU, and B…

Serge Betsen is our Rugby guest and reflects on his rugby days playing for Clichy, Biarritz, Les Bleus, and Wasps and explains how Les young Bleus have progressed under the French coach, Fabien Galthie et al. Mike and I review the Top 14 & Autumn Internationals for Men and Women. As usual, you will learn a new French Rugby word and Veronique finish…

Unmissable! I had an insightful and moving chat with Philippe Sella reminiscing his time playing for Les Bleus and playing for Saracens at the beginning of the professional rugby era, with Michael Lynagh, Francois Pienarr, and learning English with Kieran Bracken on his drive to the training ground. Mike and I review the Top 14, share the latest Ru…

Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce discuss how much Les Bleus have progressed under the French coach, Fabien Galthie et al and review the final round of the Six Nations for men and women. Mike reminisces about the first time he met Fabien Galthie and the philosophical answer he gave to Mike’s question. We also cover the latest Top 14 games, and we fi…

Episode 9 trailer: Les Bleus are fast becoming la crème de la crème You can listen the full episode on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Door Veronique Landew & Mike Pearce

What a beautiful win for France! Great match to prepare against men in Green, on Saturday. My co-host and I preview the 6 Nations games & le Top 14 too on French Rugby Connections with Veronique Landew & Mike Pearce, the Rugby podcast with a Gallic twist🇫🇷! Vive le Rugby!Door Veronique Landew & Mike Pearce

Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce are joined by Jamie Cudmore Canadian former Rugby player, who looks back on playing in four Rugby World cups, his time spent in the Top 14 & Pro d 2 clubs such as Grenoble, Clermont, and Oyonnax and let's not forget Wales too, Llandovery RFC, and the Scarlets. Jamie looks ahead at how much Rugby is growing in popula…

On this week's podcast, we'll preview the Heineken and Challenge Cup and the Top 14. Veronique is joined by a Rugby Legend, Andrew Mehrtens to discuss his experience playing for the All Blacks, and then moving to Europe and playing for Harlequins, Toulon, Racing 92 and finally Beziers. "Mehrtz" shares his thoughts about what is great about French R…

French Rugby Connections Podcast with Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce is back this week with a bang. We cover Top 14, French Rugby Politics, RWC2023 & Veronique has a chat with Anthony Hill former Australian Rugby player who played in France and worked for Michael Cheika, in the Wallabies coaching staff from 2014 to 2019. And as usual, we finish w…

Veronique Landew and Mike Pearce discuss last week in European Rugby, including the news regarding French Rugby Elections, Covid 19, and a major milestone from a rugby personality. Veronique is joined by Simon Gilham, Rugby Brive President, who provides an overview of what it means to be President of a TOP14 during this challenging time and how muc…

Bristol Bears Full back Max Malins is the special guest and joins Rugby French Connections Podcast in what will be a huge occasion as Bristol have reached the Challenge Cup semi-final for just the second time, and their only previous appearance at this stage was a 51-27 defeat by Pau in 1999/2000. Mike Pearce and Veronique Landew look ahead at the …

On this week's episode, we'll review weekend 2 of TOP14 games, (full of surprises again!) and we'll offer our take on the European Rugby Champions Cup. You'll find out the real job of Pilou Pilou from Toulon and of course, you will learn a new French Rugby word & a bit of Cantona's philosophy - (Ooh Ah Cantona) about Sports that applies to Rugby to…

Review of the 1st the Top 14 opening weekend & what's in store for 2nd Weekend, followed up with interview with Hayden Thompson-Stringer, (ex Saracens) who now plays for Brive, as Loose Head Prop about what life is all about when playing for a Top 14 rugby club. The podcast will finish off with the ritual French rugby lesson & international news, w…