French RUGBY CONNECTIONS with Veronique Landew & Bill Hooper

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper launch season seven of the French Rugby Connection Podcast by recapping Top 14 round one and key rugby news in 19 Minutes! 19 minutes long! No ads! Established in 2020! Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic twist and va-va-voum!

Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair and the va-va-voum! No ADS! Established in 2020! Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper review France’s end-of-season tour, highlighted by a 42–15 win over Japan after a narrow loss to New Zealand and a bonus-point record win over Australia, leaving Les Bleus top of the Northern table and having scored 16 tries in three matches. They discuss Fabien Galthié’s successful experiments (Jalibert at 15, Ntamack at 10) and standout newcomers such as Aaron Grand-Didier Kanong, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Gazotti, Lamothe, and other scrum-half options, noting the squad’s depth despite missing stars like Dupont and Ramos. They praise the competitive new Nations Championship format but flag defense as a work in progress after Shaun Edwards’ departure, with Joffrey Dumauru mentioned. They preview November tests (Fiji, South Africa, Argentina), discuss Vannes’ Brittany pre-season tour and local rugby growth, and recap France U20s losing a tight final to South Africa.

Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the gallic flair! 15 mins long! NO ADS Established in 2020! Véronique Landew and Bill Hooper recap Toulouse’s latest title win over a tenacious Montpellier and note Toulouse’s chance to break a 1990s-era record with a fifth consecutive Top 14 win next year. They then review the inaugural Nations Championship match in which New Zealand beat France 34–32, praising France’s fast start (Penaud try inside 60 seconds) but citing missed tackles, getting drawn into rucks, limited width in attack, fatigue after a long season, and a late switch from Lucu to Le Garrec; they highlight Jallibert’s kicking and a missed wide conversion, and expect Dupont to return against Australia. Regarding French rugby news, France U20s beat Fiji 45–15 and Spain 57–32, with a racist-abuse allegation under World Rugby review, and face Australia on 7 July. They discuss Champions/Challenge Cup draws and Toulouse’s 2.88m-euro salary-cap fine linked to image-rights issues.

Top 14 Final Preview & French Rugby NEWS in 18 minutes! NO ADS. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the French Flair! Established in 2020! Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper preview the Top 14 final at a hot, muggy Stade de France between regular-season top two Toulouse and Montpellier, noting an alcohol-free perimeter and mandatory hydration breaks for the players. They discuss Toulouse’s experience (fourth straight final, aiming for a fourth consecutive title; record 24 French championships) and selection, including Ramos on the bench and Ntamack likely kicking, plus a strong bench, while mentioning inquiries into salary-cap/image-rights issues affecting Antoine Dupont and Anthony Jelonch. Montpellier’s resurgence is highlighted after nearly being relegated, their 2022 title, Bernard Laporte’s influence, a powerful pack and back row featuring Billy Vunipola, and their earlier 44–14 win over Toulouse. They give score predictions, recall Toulouse’s 2011 final win, and cover news on Fabien Galthie finalizing a France squad for New Zealand, the U20 World Cup (France vs Fiji), and the French women’s final. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the French Flair! NO ADS! Established in 2020! 00:00 Bonjour, Rugby Friends! 00:48 Final Top 14 ce soir 01:33 Stade de France without alcool 01:55 Toulouse wants to make history 03:53 Squads Review and favourite to win? 05:46 Salary cap's bad smell 07:26 XV de départ Toulouse 08:30 Montpellier like a phoenix 11:44 MHR - Back to basics 12:15 Montpellier's quad & who is likely to win? 15:19 What? Another competition for Les Bleus down under? 16:45 Other Rugby News 17:17 Where can you see the Top 14 final? 18:18 Au revoir, Rugby Friends!

The French Rugby CONNECTONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair! 17 mins long, no Ads. Established in 2020 Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper discuss French rugby, starting with Pro D2 champions Vannes returning to the Top 14. They preview the Top 14 barrages: Pau vs Racing 92 at Stade du Hameau, noting Pau’s long wait since their last title in 1964, their renaissance and France-linked players, and both predict a Pau win; and Stade Français vs La Rochelle, highlighting La Rochelle’s late-season surge into the top six despite injuries and Uini Atonio’s heart-related retirement, and calling it too close to call. They note the winners face Toulouse and Montpellier in Marseille. Other news includes the access match Provence vs Perpignan, Tom Willis named Premiership player of the season and moving to Bordeaux-Bègles, and the ongoing Sean Edwards departure saga.

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper recap the Pro D2 final in Toulouse at Ernest Wallon, where Vannes beat Philippe Saint-André’s Provence 18–14 to win the PRO D2 Final and earn direct promotion to the Top 14, praising the massive Breton support, tense finish, and key tries by Robin Taccola and Ben Stevenson, while noting Provence still face an access match vs Perpignan. They then review Top 14 round 26, highlighted by Union Bordeaux-Bègles missing the top six after a 34–31 home loss to Clermont, while La Rochelle’s 27–22 win over Stade Français secured sixth place. They list other results, confirm the top six, and outline the barrage matchups (Stade Français–La Rochelle, Pau–Racing 92), with Toulouse and Montpellier into the semifinals in Marseille and the final at Stade de France. They discuss rumors of Shaun Edwards leaving France, possible replacement Gérald Bastide, and send best wishes to Toulon’s Gaël Dréan after heart surgery. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French Flair! Established in 2020! NO ADS

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper preview the Champions Cup final in Bilbao between Union Bordeaux Bègles and Leinster, expecting a tight match where breakdown policing, heat, and Bordeaux’s pacey backline (Penaud, Bielle-Biarrey, Jalibert, Lucu) could be decisive, while warning of Leinster’s structure - Coach Nienaber-led defense, and Gibson-Park’s influence; both predict a Bordeaux win (around 25–15 or 28–12). They applaud Montpellier’s third Challenge Cup title after scoring nine tries against Ulster, highlighting Vunipola’s captaincy and Beccornu as Man of the Match, and discuss Montpellier’s Top 14 form. They review the Top 14 table, note Pro D2 playoff pairings (Vannes vs Oyonnax; Provence vs Brive winner to face Colomiers), recap France women’s 43–28 loss to England in Bordeaux, mention rumors about South African clubs leaving the Champions Cup. 20 mins Long and no ADS! Established in 2020 Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the French fair and va va voum!

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper preview Le Crunch as France, unbeaten in this Six Nations, face England’s Red Roses, unbeaten since losing to France in 2018, in the sold-out finale at Stade Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux, discussing France’s improved belief under their new coach, Francois Ratier, defensive strength, discipline, but aware of the threats posed by England. They then review Top 14 Round 24 fixtures, explain the barrage playoff format, and assess the tight race for the top six, with Toulouse leading and Montpellier in second after a strong win over Toulon featuring a standout Antoine Dupont display. In Pro D2, they recap Vannes finishing top ahead of Colomiers, outline upcoming barrages and relegation playoffs, and share news on Montpellier under Bernard Laporte, Billy Vunipola, Luke Whitelock’s retirement, Juan Cruz Mallia’s Toulouse extension to 2029, and Vannes player retirements. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the podcast with the French flair! Established in 2020! NO ADS

Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper review the European Cup semi-finals, praising Toulon’s narrow 29–25 loss to Leinster in Dublin and Bordeaux Bègles’ high-intensity win over Bath at a sold-out Chaban-Delmas to set up a Champions Cup final vs Leinster in Bilbao. They highlight the fly-half duel between Matthieu Jalibert and Finn Russell, and their unexpectedly strong defence, while criticising pundit and coaching complaints about refereeing and warning about match official abuse filtering down to grassroots. They preview the Challenge Cup final (Montpellier vs Ulster) and run through Top 14 standings and key Round 23 fixtures, including Toulon vs Toulouse at the Vélodrome and Racing 92 vs La Rochelle, plus Pro D2’s Provence comeback win over Vannes. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the French rugby podcast, established in 2020! No ads!

This episode features a concise conversation between French Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper (an English/French citizen), highlighting the pivotal games in the European Champions Cup this weekend, with a review of the TOP 14, Pro D2, and the latest rugby news! 20 Minutes Long and NO ADS! The French Rugby CONNECTIONS was Established in 2020! The First ENGLISH Podcast in English about the French Rugby created and hosted by a French woman, with Freelance English rugby Journalists!

Top 14 Round 22 Preview: Playoff Race Tightens + Pro D2 Upsets & Women’s Six Nations In this French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast episode, Veronique Landewm, with co-host Bill Hooper preview Top 14 Round 22 as the battle for the top six intensifies, discussing recent results and key fixtures including Stade Français vs Pau, Bordeaux-Bègles vs Montpellier, and Toulouse vs Clermont, plus the impact of Bayonne’s slump and La Rochelle’s win over Bordeaux. They note Toulouse’s depth, Racing 92’s position near the top six, and confirm Montpellier’s strong form, while also mentioning Toulon’s injury blow to a pivotal player, Gabin Villiere. They run through the standings and explain playoff and relegation implications. In Pro D2, they cover Vannes losing, Béziers’ struggles near the bottom, and the risk of dropping to Nationale. They also review France Women’s win over Wales, concerns about slow starts and injuries, and preview the Ireland match. Rugby news includes Toulon reappointing their head coach and talk of a new stadium, plus a club fine after a supporter abused a journalist. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast about French rugby! Established in 2020 and no Adverts!

Véronique Landew is joined with co-host Bill Hooper on the French Rugby Connections podcast to review a standout Top 14 “classico” week and look ahead to Round 21 with five rounds left, including La Rochelle vs Bordeaux, Clermont vs Lyon, Bayonne vs Pau, Montpellier vs Perpignan, Castres vs Toulouse, and Sunday’s Paris derby Racing 92 vs Stade Français. They discuss the Top 14 table with Toulouse leading on 71 points and a tight chase through the mid-table, plus the pressure around the bottom. They note Antoine Dupont is set to start on the bench for Toulouse at Castres. Off-field, they mention staff fatigue and Frank Azéma, and highlight referee Holly Davidson taking charge of Clermont vs Lyon. The episode also covers Pro D2/playoff talk and a Women’s Six Nations update ahead of Wales vs France on BBC iPlayer, including injury concerns and France’s expected strong showing. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with a Gallic twist and French flair. Established in 2020!

Véronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper preview a major European rugby weekend as the Champions Cup returns, focusing on Glasgow vs Toulon and the headline quarter-final Bordeaux-Bègles vs Toulouse at Stade Chaban-Delmas, framed as a clash of top-level squads with key matchups and discipline likely decisive. They note Toulouse’s pursuit of another European title, Bordeaux’s ambition for a first, and discuss players including Dupont and Jalibert, plus selection questions across both teams. The episode also touches on the Challenge Cup, including La Rochelle’s loss and Montpellier’s recent European success, before shifting to France women ahead of a Six Nations match vs Italy in Grenoble, highlighting new coaching influence, confidence, and areas like tackling. They close with brief transfer/news mentions and a final call to enjoy the weekend’s rugby. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the French fair! Established in 2020!

Top 14 Round 20 Preview: Playoff Push, Relegation Battle & Pro D2 Update | French Rugby CONNECTIONS Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper preview a pivotal Top 14 Round 20 as the league enters the final third of the regular season, with playoff spots, home semifinals to play for, and relegation on the line. They discuss Montpellier’s surge up the table, Toulouse’s need to maintain momentum, Bordeaux’s big win, the crowd’s booing of Romain Ntamack, and the experiment of Damian Penaud playing at centre for added versatility. Key matches highlighted include Toulouse–Montpellier, Lyon–Bordeaux, Bayonne–La Rochelle, Stade Français–Clermont, plus crucial lower-table games such as Perpignan–Toulon and Castres–Mont-de-Marsan. They recap current standings, cover Pro D2 leaders Vannes’ winning streak and playoff picture, note the upcoming Women’s Six Nations squads, mention Serge Blanco’s election as mayor of Biarritz, and reference Johnny Wilkinson’s advocacy around mental health amid coaching pressure. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the Gallic Flair. Established in 2020! 00:00 Bonjour Rugby Friends 00:19 Podcast Kickoff 00:40 Season Run In Stakes 01:52 Montpellier Surge 03:03 Bordeaux Toulouse Showdown 04:10 Penaud At Centre 06:07 Weekend Must-Watch Games 07:54 Mid Table Playoff Scramble 11:38 Relegation Battle Explained 13:48 Current Table Recap 14:36 Weekend Fixtures Rundown 15:16 Pro D2 Update Vannes Flying 16:27 Women's Six Nations Preview 17:25 Serge Blanco Elected Mayor 18:14 Jonny Wilkinson And Mental Health 21:33 Au Revoir

France Edge England as Ramos Seals Six Nations Drama | French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast in 22 Minutes. Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper recap a dramatic Six Nations finale where France beat England with Thomas Ramos’ last-gasp penalty, leaving them emotionally drained after a match decided by the final kick. They praise Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s record nine tries in a single tournament and note Ramos finishing as top points scorer on 74 with around 87.5% kicking accuracy, while also discussing France’s attacking strengths and defensive concerns, including costly interceptions under pressure. They credit England’s improved performance despite a difficult campaign and call the tournament one of the most dramatic in years. The episode also previews upcoming Top 14 fixtures and standings, mentions contract extensions, celebrates France U20s’ Grand Slam, and looks ahead to the Women’s Six Nations. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the French flair! Established in 2020! 00:00 Bonjour Rugby Friends! 00:45 Ramos Delivers 02:07 Bielle Biarrey Record 04:50 France Strengths Weaknesses 06:26 Defence Under Pressure 08:36 England Response 10:45 Tournament Wrap Up 12:07 Top 14 Returns 13:56 Table Talk Relegation 18:28 Club News U20 Grand Slam 21:29 Looking Ahead Womens Six Nations 22:14 Allez, Aurevoir Rugby Friends!

France Stunned by Scotland, Then La Crunch Preview: Can Les Bleus Still Win the Six Nations? 20 MINUTES LONG! In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper react to France’s shock loss to Scotland at Murrayfield—ending Grand Slam hopes—while crediting Scotland’s intensity, France’s poor defense and discipline, and small disruptions in preparation. They note France’s late rally to secure a try bonus point that could still prove decisive, and turn to “Le Crunch” in Paris versus England, with France still able to win the Six Nations. The discussion covers squad changes, including Anthony Jelonch's injury, Oscar Jegou's suspension, and debutante, Temo Matiu from Union Bordeaux Begles, plus concerns about strip colors. They also review England’s historic loss to Italy, Italy’s progress, French club bankruptcies, and the death of 1968 Grand Slam captain Claude Lacaze. Enjoy the French rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the Gallic flair! Established in 2020!

France Cruise Past Italy: Six Nations Momentum, Squad Depth & Top 14/Pro D2 Updates Veronique Landew nd co-host Bill Hooper recap France’s 38–8 win over Italy, noting three bonus-point wins from three, a high-pace attacking style, and a defense that has conceded five tries so far. They praise France’s tempo, power, and depth, highlighting a standout try-scorer’s pace and record run, DuPont’s influence, and Mickaël Guillard’s solid debut try, while acknowledging France misses Jalibert after his late withdrawal and still needs to tidy loose ball and ruck moments. They credit Italy’s improved competitiveness and preview the Murrayfield test that could secure the Six Nations title with another bonus-point win. The episode also covers the Top 14 round 18 fixtures and standings led by Toulouse, Pro D2’s Vannes vs Colomiers clash, French rugby news, including injuries, coaching moves, transfers, and the U20s staying on course for a Grand Slam. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the rugby podcast with the Gallic flavour and the French Flair! Established in 2020!

France vs Italy Preview: Squad Changes, Six Nations Weekend & Top 14 Updates | French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast! French Rugby in 22 mins! Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper preview France vs Italy in Lille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy with the roof closed, noting France’s last Lille match was a 13–13 draw with Italy in the 2023 World Cup. They discuss Fabien Galthié’s squad changes, including strengthening the second row by moving Ollivon and Guillard to the bench and bringing in Flament and Emmanuel Meafou to add STRENGTH against Italy’s powerful pack. They review Italy’s strong start to the Six Nations (win over Scotland and a close loss to Ireland with a bonus point), the return of Ange Capuozzo at fullback, and Italy’s overall rise after past calls to replace them with Georgia. The episode also previews England vs Ireland at Twickenham and Wales vs Scotland in Cardiff, discusses a postponed Top 14 match (Perpignan vs Pau) rescheduled due to Storm Pedro, and covers club rugby updates: Toulouse staying top despite missing internationals, Vannes leading Pro D2 after a 26–0 win over Caen and traveling to Biarritz, disciplinary point deductions for some clubs, and sad news of Saubusse in National 3 facing administration. They also note coaching turmoil at Bayonne with Grégory Patat dismissed, Toulon’s struggles, and Montpellier’s surge up the Top 14 table. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair and the Gallic Twist! Established in 2020!

Six Nations Preview & Top 14 Roundup | French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast in 30 minutes! Véronique is joined by Bill Hooper, co-host of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast, ahead of a major Six Nations weekend. They look back at France’s recent performance and discuss Fabien Galthié’s selections and tactical approach, including concerns about intensity, bench impact, and avoiding the same mistakes as the previous match. The conversation also touches on the state of Welsh rugby and what might help rebuild talent and structure. They then shift to the Top 14, reviewing the table and key storylines—tight points, big clubs under pressure, returning injured players, and standout performances—before closing with support for Les Bleus. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair and a Gallic/Celtic twist. Established in 2020!

In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, hosts Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper dive into the exhilarating performance of the French rugby team against Ireland in the Six Nations opening game. They discuss the standout performances of players like Mickael Gaillard and the impressive halfback partnership of DuPont and Jaliber. The duo touches on the atmosphere at Stade de France, the tactical adjustments made by coach Fabien Galthie and the controversial refereeing moment - hit on Jalibert. With additional previews of upcoming matches and reflections on the current state of French and international rugby, this episode is a must-listen for rugby enthusiasts. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the Gallic and French Flair Twist! Established in 2020! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Recap of France vs Ireland Match 01:34 Player Performances and Highlights 08:44 Discussion on Refereeing and Controversies 14:53 Upcoming Matches and Expectations 20:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts