The Rugby Wrap

Former UWA player, Wallaby and RugbyWA President, John Welborn, talks about the new competition structure for 2023. Plus the mailbag and other consistencies, like Heath Tessmann being absent.

With no Wallabies games to review or preview, we shoot the breeze about some other issues in rugby, talk about Heath Tessmann's try for Nedlands, and talk up Scott Tolmie, the super sub from Soaks.

Heath Tessmann comes out of his trailer to join Mitch and Mick for an express Rugby Wrap, where we look at the Wallaby v England series after two games and ponder the ramifications of this weekend's round of matches in the Fortescue Premier Grade competition.

Two-thirds of the Rugby Wrap team review the first test, preview the second and then dive deep into the mailbag to look at new signings for the Force and some other things happening in the world of Australian rugby.

You'd think after nearly 80 episodes we'd be a little more professional. We obviously have a long way to go. In this episode we wrap up Super Rugby, announce our last Hero of the Week and have a surprise special guest in the Mail Bag.

Great to catch up with new Force coach Simon Cron. I think he'll fit in real well. Plus the mailbag and the penultimate round of Hero of the Week, won by Rory Anthony for nominating Roodogs hooker Scotty Cornell - who played his 150th premier grade game against Perth Bayswater. That's 150 consecutive, none missed at all. What a worthy winner.

New RugbyWA President John Welborn talks us through his plans, Mitch and Tess name their Wallaby XV and Huw Tindall wins a beer voucher. What an episode!

For our 75th episode we catch up with Western Force backrower Tim Anstee, rummage through the mail bag and give away some beer.  Happy days.

RWC bid director Phil Kearns explains what hosting the sport's biggest event means to Australian rugby and we work through the scenarios on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

Former Western Force player Johan Bardoul talks about his transition from professional player to club coach. Plus he shares his thoughts on the Force and what they need to do with their young talent.

If you haven't seen any vision from All Abilities Rugby, have a look at this:  We spoke to one of the founders, Michael Penhaligon from Southern Lions Rugby Club, about how much it means to the players and the Club as a whole. Great story.  It's everything that's good about the game.

This week's guest is former Crusaders and All Blacks No.10, Andrew Mehrtens. If that doesn't pique your interest, nothing will.

Former All Black and Western Force half, Alby Mathewson, talks a lot of sense. He highlights his concerns for the game and how ex players should be better utilised. A really good listen. Pus the Mailbag and Hero of the Week thanks to Heroes and Villains.

Absolutely fantastic to sit and chat with Fergus Lee-Warner about the Force and his exclusion from the Wallabies. What a champion fella. Plus the mailbag and Hero of the week. A ripping episode if we do say so ourselves.

It's almost hard to dislike the NSW Waratahs after catching up with their assistant coach, forwards, Pauli Taumoepeau. One of the game's genuine good guys. Plus the Mailbag and the beer voucher.

The Rugby Wrap mini edition. We reflect on how good Heath Tessmann looked on Stan Sport wearing his black polo and talk about the goings on in the  world of rugby.

You'd think we recorded at a library, not a brewery, so you may have to crank the volume to hear Cottesloe's triple premiership-winning coach, Jono Owens; UWA's Clay Uyen and SuperW rising star Keira Macaskill.

Western Force CEO Tony Lewis talks about the coaching changes at the Force, as well as the departure of Fergus Lee-Warner. Thanks to Peter Vlahos and SENWA for the interview and audio.

We all know rugby needs to focus on the grassroots. But what does that actually mean? Rugby Australia's Michael Flude reveals all and explains how local Clubs can get stronger. Plus the mailbag and news about the Rugby Wrap's upcoming road trip. Get listening!

When you listen to Sam Wykes, you get an understanding of why he was such a popular member of the Western Force. Great to hear what he's been up to, get his thoughts on the Drua and talk about his new role as a rugby commentator. Plus the Mail Bag, the beer give away and the usual 'make it up as we go along'.