The Rig Biz podcast returns with an electric deep dive into a blockbuster weekend of rugby, joined this time by a special guest: former England fly-half and elite coach Alex King. Archie and the team waste no time throwing King into the thick of it, unpacking England’s long-awaited victory, the rise of young star Pollock, and the surprisingly charismatic new era under Steve Borthwick. With insider clarity and a healthy dose of irreverence, King explains how England have rediscovered identity, cohesion, and belief—while also revealing what really matters behind the scenes: squad spirit, smart coaching voices, and the underestimated power of a good off-field crack. From there, the episode barrels into a globe-spanning journey through King’s playing and coaching life. He reflects candidly on his time with Wales, the pressure of public scrutiny, and the fragile psychology of a team desperate for a win. He shares raw memories from the infamous 1998 “hell tour,” tales from Claremont’s rugby-mad heartland, and colourful portraits of legends like Jonny Wilkinson, Sean Edwards, Martin Johnson, and Lawrence Dallaglio. The conversation veers between insight and chaos—whether it’s snogging analogies, stories of shaved heads on debut, or nights out that could only happen in the pre-camera-phone era. As the episode winds down, King opens up about stepping away from professional coaching after decades in the game, finding a new path in high-performance sportswear, and rediscovering family life after years of constant relocation. The chat finishes with a rapid-fire “chat or no chat” assessment of King’s former teammates—equal parts affectionate and brutally honest. It’s a sprawling, hilarious, and revealing conversation that captures everything Rig Biz does best: big personalities, bigger stories, and a proper session’s worth of rugby gold.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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