Elite Rugby Banter

Episode 207: Weird awards and scoring tries for a living

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Adam joins Phil and Ben as the boys talk about the weekend's rugby action, including World Rugby's visionary award nominations this year. That, and ho...

Episode 206: Boks do the business against irritating Wales

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's a two-man pod as Adam and Alex run the rule over the weekend's action, with South Africa's win over Wales in Cardiff the main talking point. Conc...

Episode 205: Are We Leaving That Part In?

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, three of us chat about the latest rugby news, including Rassie v World Rugby, Mack Hansen's mom, and the All Blacks beating Wales.

Episode 204: 2021's Rugby Rich List

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week join Ben and Matt as they take a look at some of the relatively recent rugby news, including a look at rugby's top earners for 2021. There's...

Episode 203: No True Scotsman

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys this week as they attack the idea of state sovereignty and advocate for placing entities under administration. Also, they look at some r...

Episode 202: Cupboards, Kimberley and URC

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The boys chat about cupboards, how Kimberley would be the perfect place to introduce URC teams to when they eventually tour South Africa, the URC, cit...

Episode 201: The All Blacks are the Proteas of Rugby

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Heads up, the first chunk is plagued with recording errors, thanks to Matt's terrible fridge. For the most part, though you should be able to listen...

Episode 200: If these balls could talk

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys as they take a look at this week's rugby news (especially WP's financial woes) for the 200th time, look back at the Springboks playing a...

Episode 199: With special guest Will Owen

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a thinly veiled attempt to gather hints and tips ahead of our URC Draft, the guys have asked Will Owen to join them in a discussion about the upcom...

Episode 198: The Boks throw a game for the benefit of rugby in the future

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys this week as they meditate on the latest in chaos rugby philosophy, "When Am knocks it on, Rugby Australia will collapse by 2027." Adam ...

Episode 197: A Day Late and Two Hosts Short

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry for the delay everyone. But hey Alex and Matt are here to complain about 12 players and red cards, there's also a sprinkling of coach chat. As ...

Episode 196: Nobody fell asleep during this episode

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys as they sleeplessly plow on with a look back at a week without the Springboks playing's news highlights and lowlights. As always, music...

Episode 195: Strained Trans Tasman Relationships

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week the guys chat about the strained relationship between Australian Rugby and New Zealand Rugby. There's also a discussion about the weekend's ...

Episode 194: It's called a velocipede or Kalamazoo

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The gang is shocked to learn what bubbling is, plus chat about some Southern Hemisphere rugby, including SA's victory of Argentina and Bledisloe II/TR...

Episode 193: Boks take the series and TRC is here

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The guys take a breath and run the rule over the conclusion of the B&I Lions Tour to South Africa, star performers from the series, Bledisloe I, the u...

Episode 192: Boks by 139 or 141

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys for a look back at what was just another week of absolute shithousery in this year's B&I Lions Tour to South Africa. Music by @monstroi...

Episode 191: Looking Forward to the Second Test

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys as we discuss the Boks losing the first test against the British and Irish Lions, as well as a certain water boy's shenanigans on social...

Episode 190: A Rose Tinted Look at Red Cards and the Squib Squad

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's the week before the first Springbok and B&I Lions test and the guys are obviously focused on other things. Join us as we take a look at a scatte...

Episode 189: Technical Difficulties and Difficult Technicalities

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week was a Kok up, and we don't mean the nightmares Daly is still having. After a few false starts with the recordings, the guys decide to bang...

Episode 188: Adam's big idea receives a chilly reception

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week the guys are joined by Wren, as they discuss the last week's rugby news and results. Listen as the guys realise at the end of the episode th...

Episode 187: The guys pick their Springbok XV

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With a week to go before the big Lions Tour, the guys settle in for a chat about the last week's rugby news and fixtures. Music by @monstroid, 80s TV...

Episode 186: Openside/Blindside let's call the whole thing off

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, once again the guys look at the latest rugby news and results, including the All Blacks squad announcement and the Super Rugby Trans Tasman...

Episode 185: Imaginary Line Between the Armpits

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week join Ben and Matt as they discuss the latest rugby news, including such topics as the reasonable workaround to the silly nipple height tackl...

Episode 184: Ruck Inspectors Episode 2

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week sees another installment of the Ruck Inspectors as Matt and Phil are joined by Mitch from the Rugby Fixation podcast. Together the Ruck Ins...

Episode 183: A day late and two hosts short

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry, we're late, but don't worry ... Ben and Matt are here to offer up some ill-informed opinions about the latest rugby news and results. Music by...

Episode 182: Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week there's a largely full house. The guys start with a classic stats deep dive into the last two rounds of Super Rugby Trans Tasman before pivo...

Episode 181: Sounds good to me

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's a full house baby! Join the guys this week as they take their usual scattershot approach to the last week's rugby news and results. Music by @m...

Episode 180: The One With the Super Rugby Finals

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Adam and Matt are joined by the always insightful Phil. Join the three of them as they look at this week's rugby news and results. Music by...

Episode 179: Another Episode Featuring the Two Reliable Members

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week it's to the reliable workhorses of the pod to guide the good ship Elite rugby Banter through the calm waters of the latest week of rugby new...

Episode 178: The Force is with you and DMac surprise

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ant joins Alex and Adam as the trio discuss the upcoming Lions tour, Manasa Mataele, and a few other things as usual before looking over the games fro...

Epiode 177: Adam Can't Cook Pasta

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week the guys try to discuss rugby, while Adam is simultaneously trying to be a good neighbour and cooks pasta for some starving twins. Eventuall...

Episode 176: Rainbow Cup or Rain-no Cup

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week the guys talk about rugby, after a brief delay. Also some unused episode titles include: "No gold at the end of THIS rainbow" and "Pot of go...

Episode 175: Tupou Probably Thinks This Song Is About Him

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Ben and Matt are joined by a late drop in by Alex, the three discuss all manner of things that happened this past week in the rugby world, i...

Episode 174: Just a Couple of Guys Chatting Rugby In the Sunshine

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Another week, another episode where the guys discuss rugby news and matches. Some highlights include the upcoming Rainbow Cup, Super Rugby Aotearoa, a...

Episode 173: Adam's Big Gamble

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we kick off the show with a little bit of self-indulgence, as we have the results of Adam's big draft bet readout on the air. Don't stress t...

Episode 172: Ben has some ideas

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week the guys take a casual meander around some of the news floating around the rugby sphere, before taking a look at the latest round of Super R...

Episode 171: The Terrible Two

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we decided that we'd match the number of guys on the podcast to the number of rounds of Super Rugby Aotearoa. Actually, though Adam and Matt...

Episode 170: Ref Chat, Not Zalt Chat

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With a cornucopia of rugby available to the guys, join them as they spend far too much time talking about refereeing instead. Thankfully though they d...

Episode 169: Smart Balls and Not So Smart Banter

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Good news everybody, Super rugby is here, even if you guys up North can't watch it. Join the guys this week as we discuss some of rugby's smallest st...

Episode 168: The Boys are Back Together

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Buckle up this was a long one, there was no Adam to keep us on track. This week the guys look ahead to the upcoming fantasy rugby season, by looking ...

Episode 167: The Quiet One Before We Really Get Into Fantasy Rugby

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week the guys aren't exactly sure what to do with themselves leading up to the week before Fantasy Rugby starts in earnest. The guys also try to ...

Episode 166: The Rest of the Team Previews (Highlanders, Brumbies, Reds and Crusaders)

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week sees the conclusion of the Super Rugby 2021 team previews, we really blew through them this year didn't we. We also discuss a bit of news ...

Episode 165: The Ruck Inspectors

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week the guys are joined by Mitch from the Rugby Fixation podcast. Mitch tries his best to enlighten the guys about the Warratahs, Western Force,...

Episode 164: Start of the Super Rugby 2021 Team Previews (Chiefs, Hurricanes and Blues)

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's Super Rugby team previews time baby! Join us this week as we take our time discussing everything else before we manage to get to the team preview...

Episode 163: Adam had a plan for this episode

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The guys kick off the New Year with a classic rambler of an episode. Join us as we get back in the saddle by meandering through the last week or two's...

Episode 162: We told Ourselves This Was Going To Be 20 Minutes

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys for the last time in 2020 as we look at some of the lighter headlines in rugby this last week. We also look at the last week's Currie Cu...

Episode 161: Getting Hype for the World Cup

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thankfully Wolrd Rugby decided to have the draw for the 2023 Rugby World Cup before we recorded. So, join us as we discuss the draw and other news tha...

Episode 160: I'm a Bulls Fan

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another week and another blurb I need to type out. Honestly, I can't focus on anything besides the bombshell Adam dropped. But seriously, we discusse...

Episode 159: Eddie Jones Hates Fantasy Rugby

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week Ben, Ant, and Matt discuss some of rugby's biggest and smallest headlines. The guys go on to looking at the weekend's games as the Carling C...

Episode 158: New Zealand Continue Their Not Winning Streak

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys this week as we discuss the latest rugby news and fixtures. We make a serious case for appointing Maro Itoje as the British & Irish Lio...

Episode 157: Happy Birthday Jannie du Plessis

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week the gang discuss some of the latest rugby news, as well as a look at the last weekend's results. Including the Autumn Nation's Cup, Super Ru...

Episode 156: Rugby Australia is having a TV Party

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week some guys discuss rugby news and rugby matches. Some highlights include, the Rugby Australia TV Deal, Raelene Castle's new gig and SA Rugby...

Episode 155: Happy 32-12 Day

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join the guys, who are joined by Phil as they look back at 32-12 Day, which as already been and gone by the time you listen to this. Don't worry it's...

Episode 154: COVID Just Keeps Cancelling Rugby

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week the guys discuss the latest round of rugby matches cancelled due to COVID concerns, as well as the Super Rugby Mzansi matches that went ahea...

Episode 153: Bledisloe II: We're Half Way There

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us this week as Adam, Alex and Matt (Ben's literally at the beach because that's what Ben does) take a brief look at a few headlines before divin...

Episode 152: Super Rugby Mzansi Kicks Off And Bledisloe Has Been Unlocked?

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week sees an unfamiliar familiar feeling full house as Adam takes the wheel for a large part of the podcast. With not much actual news, the guys...

Episode 151: The One with All of the Friends References

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Ben, Alex and Matt return to form with one of our traditional in-depth reviews of South African rugby, where we mostly only talk about two player...

Episode 149: Shots Fired as rugby returns to the Republic

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week Ben and Matt are joined by Phil and Ant for another trademark relaxed fit episodes. The guys looked at the Super Rugby AU final, the Green v...

Green v Gold Midweek Special

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Look out behind you, it's a surprise minisode! Hot off the heels of the announcement that Rugby will be returning to SA with a special Green v Gold tr...

Episode 148: The Birth of Rugby 3s

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another week, another episode. Join Ben, Alex and Matt as they take another shallow dive into the week's rugby news, including the Pro14 final, the Ru...

Episode 147: Look Ma, No Hands

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another week, another episode with Alex, Ben and Matt (Adam is still banned for being terrible at math). This week the guys look forward to the local...

Episode 150: South African Rugby and Adam make their returns this week

02 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week Alex and Matt welcome back Adam as they discuss the return of rugby in South Africa. Under Adam's strict guidance, the guys discuss the Gree...

Episode 146: This was supposed to be a quick one

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another week and another step closer to Super Rugby Mzansi, or Currie Cup, or whatever, pretty sure SARU isn't sure yet either. Speaking of things no ...

Episode 145: lofi hip hop ERB - bants to relax/study to

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, join Ben and Matt as they meander their way through very little going on in our hemisphere of the rugby world. That being said, they did ma...

Episode 144: To Our Friends in the Great White North

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another week of exciting rugby goes by and another week where Matt, Ben, Alex and Ant try to talk about anything else. This week we look at broken tro...

Episode 143: Has Adam been banned?

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we solemnly discuss Adam's suspension from the podcast. We keep the dour mood going as we look at the past week's rugby news and reflect on...

Episode 142: Dear Ben Stokes, Come Fight Ben

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bad News, we lied. Join us this week as we discuss the cost of living in Suva, the Dark and Stormers, the BAFTAs and whether griffons are predatory bi...

Episode 141: This one is a rudderless shambles.

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Adam is back again, but he's about as effective as a substitute Phys Ed teacher. Join us this week as Alex offers up actual figures while trying to co...

Episode 140: What is Italy even good for? Plus, Super Rugby Aotearoa and AU

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Half of the usual gang are joined by the ever popular Ant and Phil. Join us as we lay so many cards on the Tafel you'd swear we were playing 52 card p...

Episode 139: Guinea Fowls, Covid Tests, Surveys, and Crusaders show their quality

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Adam has emerged from the shadows to be joined by Ben and Matt as they discuss the latest goings on in the rugby world, including a positive COVID tes...

Episode 138: No one likes Ian Foster and more like Naughtyboy Ralepelle

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week it's the rudderless three again, has anyone actually heard from Adam lately? Join Matt, Alex and Ben as we discuss the latest/last week's ru...

Episode 137: Gloucester back at it again, also Super Rugby Aotearoa

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join Alex, Matt and Ben for another rip roaring look at all things rugby, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. Don't worry Australia, we'll get to you g...

Episode 136: Sneaky Johan Goosen, Newlands saga continues, Blues and Crusaders looking ominous

23 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apologies again for the late upload! Okes are struggling (or more accurately, the intern responsible for editing [lol] and uploading) It's an all Dad...

Episode 135: Rugby is back Aotearoa style!

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Much like rugby, the boys are back with our usual level of banter. Join us as we discuss all the action of the first round of Super Rugby Aotearoa. Ru...

Episode 134: Super Rugby Aotearoa Team Previews, Rule Changes, and Matt hates fillet

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's a full house at ERB HQ this week, with Alex joined by Matt, Ben and Adam (with baby literally attached to him). The gang chat about the upcoming ...

Episode 133: Imperialism, AJ Venter of all things, and the Saddest Awoooo

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another day, another dollar amirite? Matt, holding the fort for Adam (bar the temptation of imperialism) is joined by Ben, Alex and later Ant as the g...

Mitre 10 Cup Draft 2020

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After the roaring success of the NRC 2020 Draft the boys are back at it again, this time it's the Mitre 10 Cup's turn. Listen as all your favourite Ne...

Episode 132: Adam returns, Change Afoot With Transfers A Plenty, and the Lock XV

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The SA transfer season has just closed in rugby terms, but the landscape keeps changing with SA players still changing teams, while three Australian p...

Episode 131: Post Protectors scrapped, Global Season looms, Black Thursday and a Lock XV?

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today Matt is back at the helm (sorry) and he is joined by Ben and Phil. The three of them briefly discuss several things all of which is in the title...

Elite rugby Banter NRC Franchise Draft 2020

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a follow up to our hugely successful Currie Cup draft and simulations, the guys are back and it's the Australians turn. Same rules as before with o...

Episode 130: Super Rugby returns, Combines, World Rugby match guidelines and the 8th Man XV

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's a five man pod this week, with Ant joining Ben, Matt, Alex and Adam as they chat about the return of Super Rugby (Adam botches the name even thou...

Episode 129: Beaumont wins, Mannie goes to Durban, PSDT's tractor and killing Coenie

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The gang are in the house and Bll Beaumont has maintained his grip on the World Rugby hot seat. This, plus Mannie Libbok being given the old heave ho ...

Episode 128: World Rugby elections, Prime Evil Johnny Kotze, Super Rugby and Oil Barrells at Loftus

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's been such a big week of news in the rugby world that we didn't even make it to the novelty XV this time. The gang discuss the World Rugby electio...

Episode 127: Election Campaigns, Economics and a Hooker XV

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another week has passed in the rugby world with no footy insight, but thankfully, we have the World Rugby elections coming up, which gives Ben, Matt a...

Episode 126: World Rugby, Rugby Games, More Salary Cuts, Big Joe and Scrumhalf XV

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we await rugby to return to the field, anywhere really, the gang discuss the upcoming World Rugby election, rugby's inability to have a high class ...

Episode 125: The Ultimate Prop XV, Naughty Crusaders and broke USA Rugby

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's another two man pod, with Adam engaged in a work activity (on a Monday!) and Alex doing the dad thing. With Matt and Ben left to themselves, they...

Episode 124: Lockdowns, Pay Cuts, Fist Bumps and Armchair Experts

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's lockdown time in the Elite Rugby Banter universe as Ben, Matt and Adam really start to feel rugby withdrawal. Thankfully, there is a fair amount ...

Ep. 123: Health measures, WWE, Jamie Roberts' best life, and an Adult Cartoon XV

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's a full house at ERB headquarters (Alex does arrive a little bit late), as the gang talk about the very crazy world we live in right now, Jamie Ro...

Episode 122: So Long and Thanks For All The Fish, plus Super Rugby 's end and a Novelty XV

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

COVID-19 is all the rage, but thankfully, Elite Rugby Banter has been preparing for a world of social distancing, self isolation and toilet roll short...

Episode 121: Joe Marler, Sad Alex, Good Mitch Hunt(ing) and Smug Ben

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Matt still getting used to life back in SA, and Alex in a pit of despair over his Draft performance, Ben and Adam steer this week's pod, with Joe...

Episode 120: Coronavirus, Rage against the Greed, Rage against Stormers and some Super Rugby

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ben is away on a golf tour while Matt is preparing to leave Korea, leaving Alex and Adam to steer the ship. In it, they discuss the coronavirus making...

Episode 119: Ardie being Ardie, Mapimpi My Try, Wallabies 2020 and Super Rugby

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's a two man pod this week, and Ben and Adam shoot the breeze and chat about Ardie Savea's sudden desire to play the kak version of rugby, the RFU s...

Episode 118: Rest weeks, no regrets, Pacific Namibia and Super Rugby state of play

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's a full house at ERB HQ, with Matt, Ben, Alex and Adam discussing the looming demise of England's second tier, the (folly?) of the All Blacks rest...

Episode 117: 2023 draws, Six Nation rumours, Australian TV troubles and Super Rugby

09 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Matt and Alex, in surmising-considering-discursive-yet-intrigued mood chat about what has been a busy week in the rugby world (...in the Southern Hemi...

Episode 116: Folau causing a stink (again), Sunwolves for the title and awful Cane

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Edit: Apologies for Alex being so soft. Adam pawned it. He has one job of recording the recording and were it not for Alex not trusting Adam, there wo...

Episode 115: A new era, substitutions, fighting Ben Stokes and Draft regrets

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's the beginning a new era, with Ben, Alex and Adam chatting about what to do about substitutions in rugby, referees firing captains, Jaco Kriel (ma...

An ERB Special Annoucement: Future of the Pod

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In probably the most professional thing the pod has ever recorded, we elaborate, briefly, on what the future shape of the pod is going to look like. W...

Episode 114: Saracens shenanigans and final Super Rugby previews

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's a two man pod with Ben and Adam chatting about Saracens being relegated from the English Premiership, Lions 2021 tickets, Alex's baby's name and ...

Episode 113: Dweba, bad name reading (guess who?) and more Super Rugby previews

12 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Super Rugby is less than a month away, with Adam back taking the wheel this week as he is joined by Matt (recovering from a bender two days prior), an...

Episode 112: 2020 is here, as are our first Super Rugby previews!

05 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The new year has rolled round - Happy 2020 everyone! - and Super Rugby is less than a month away. Alex, Ben and Matt kick things off with previews of ...