The London Welsh Rugby Club Podcast
By London Welsh RFC
This podcast aims to give you the latest news from London Welsh RFC with interviews from the coaches, former and current players; and some of the officials from the club. During the season we will have match previews, plus all the post match reactions from both sides, as well as contributions from all playing sections of the club. Come on you Welsh. Hosted by Gareth Vaughan Jones
The London Welsh Rugby Club PodcastNov 29, 2023
00:00
01:00:35
LW 84: Nigel Rees
Our guest this week is Nigel. Nigel came to London Welsh in 1979 and either played or coached at the club for over 19 years. He takes us through his journey, plus all the tours the club went on during his time there. Nigel had offers to go and play elsewhere; but this was the only club for him. We hear about the escapades the 'Martini Club' get up to and what lifelong friendships he has made during his time here. Nigel chats about his time at Llandovery College and what a hot bed of talent it was and still is. A true gent, who has been chair of the Voyagers since 2006 and has plenty of stories to entertain you. Enjoy.
Nov 29, 202301:00:35
LW 83: Sam Canning-Birtles
A couple of guests this week. Our main guest is Sam, who joined London Welsh at the beginning of Project Reset and was a big character in the squad for the two seasons he played for the club. A very proud Northerner, who played some tough rugby in Yorkshire, who also escaped the UK to travel and to ski. Sadly work curtailed his LW journey, but he still turns out for the Vets and is often at ODP on match days with the family supporting the club. We are also joined by 1st team player Gareth Lewis to see what's happening inside the camp. Enjoy
Nov 22, 202354:24
LW 82: Rob Lewis
Our guest this week is former London Welsh Scrum Half, Rob Lewis. Rob was brought up in Abergavenny and went to senior school in Hereford where he grew to love rugby. He signed professional terms with the Dragons and was loaned out the some Welsh Premiership clubs to get experience before he made his regional debut. Some 7's rugby for Wales and then Danny Wilson signed him for London Welsh. 8 years at London Welsh winning 3 trophies and experiencing a couple of relegations, makes this podcast a fascinating listen. Enjoy.
Nov 15, 202301:15:23
LW 81: Adam Nixon
Our guest this week is Club Captain Adam Nixon. Adam was born in the Midlands and was part of both Leicester Tigers and Worcester Warriors Academies before he went to Australia to play rugby in his gap year. 4 years at Leeds University, where he played National 1 rugby; before he escaped to Guernsey to start his career in financial services and to play for the island team. 2 years of great fun for young Adam, meant he had to come to London to work and found himself at CS Stags with a great bunch of mates. Post pandemic, he fancied a change and came to London Welsh and has never looked back. A fascinating insight on our club and why he choose to come to London Welsh and why he loves it so much. Enjoy
Oct 25, 202301:05:48
LW 80: James Roberts and Inside the Camp with Osian
In this weeks' pod, we hear from former player James Roberts, now Sports Broadcaster as he takes us through his documentary that he has made about London Welsh, called Dragons in Exile. We hear about his rugby background and all the support he received from Cardiff Met as he pursued his Masters in Sports Broadcasting. James came to London Welsh and was with us for two years during Covid; so his game time was limited and then cut short through injury. He still benefitted greatly from the `Careers Hub at London Welsh and felt the advice given has helped shape his career to date. He is now an active Stadium Announcer, Commentator at many sports event around the world and we expect many more things from James, once people get to see the film he has made. We also catch up with Osian McAvoy on the club's season to date, his thoughts on the top of the table clash with Havant and why the squad for this season is tighter than ever. Enjoy.
Oct 18, 202356:26
LW: 79 Rugby World Cup Qtr Finals & Inside the Camp
In this weeks' episode we hear from London Welsh Scrum Half, Hywel Williams. He takes us through his brief thoughts on the Rugby World Cup; his trip to Nantes with many of the players and his thoughts on the season to date. We then have Rugby Paper journalist, Brendan Gallagher and former Wales international Adrian Davies looking at how the teams have performed during the group stages and we give our predictions on who will make the Semi Finals. Enjoy
Oct 11, 202301:06:45
LW 78: Ollie Hoskins - Rugby World Cup Special
Our guest this week is Australian Premiership prop Ollie Hoskins. We discuss the Rugby World Cup to date and preview the big mach between Wales and Australia this weekend. We hear about how Ollie became capped by Australia in 2021 and what it meant to him and how the clip of him being told he was in the squad, went Viral. Ollie also takes us through his journey to becoming a professional player, why he came to the UK and how much he loved playing for London Irish. Ollie is still settled in London and is now playing for Saracens and is looking forward to the challenge that brings. Enjoy
Sep 21, 202353:53
LW 77: LLoyd Williams - Rugby World Cup Special
Our guest this week is former Wales International, Cardiff Blues and current Ealing Trailfinders player, Lloyd Williams. We discuss his Rugby World Cup memories, plus ask for this thoughts on the current campaign as we look forward to the Portugal match at the weekend. We catch up on his career and his pathway to Cardiff Blues and why he left to join Ealing Trailfinders. He also speaks about helping the London Welsh squad at training and chats about London life. Enjoy
Sep 15, 202339:24
LW 76: Adrian Davies Rugby World Cup Preview
In this episode we speak with former Wales International and ex London Welsh Coach Adrian Davies. We get his perspective from his experience being part of two Wales World Cup Squads’ in 1991 and 1995 and then enjoying the other World Cups as a fan. We discuss the merits of each group in RWC 2023 and which teams we think will make progress into the Quarter Finals. Enjoy.
Sep 07, 202344:21
LW 75: Cai Griffiths 23/24 Season Preview
In this episode we hear from the club Director of Rugby, Cai Griffiths as he previews the season ahead in Regional 1 South Central.
Sep 01, 202327:44
LW Special 5: Chris Jones
Our guest in this special is BBC Rugby Union Correspondent, Chris Jones. Chris is a former KCS player and was a guest at London Welsh when both teams played each other in London South 1. We chat about his rugby journey and how he got the role at the BBC. What he learned as a London Society Referee and why he might go back. Chris shares with us his views on the state of the Championship, current form of the Home Nations and what's it like interviewing Eddie Jones. A fascinating conversation from a top journalist who is at the forefront of our game. Enjoy.
Jul 21, 202243:48
LW 74: Ollie Steadman
Our guest this week is former back row player, Ollie Steadman. Ollie has played in the Championship for over a decade and is well placed to give his honest assessment of the league and what could be done to improve its visibility. He joined London Welsh from Newcastle after helping them gain promotion from the Championship to the Premiership as we went the other way. He played a big part in helping London Welsh get promotion to the Premiership under Justin Burnell, but then a few short weeks into that season he was suspended. He is very straight talking and tells us exactly what happened from his perspective. He then moved on a played for Doncaster, Leeds, Ealing, Bedford and is now looking to help Moseley out of National 1. Enjoy
Jul 13, 202201:09:18
LW 73: Graeme Peacock
Our guest this week is former London Welsh captain, Graeme Peacock. He grew up in New Zealand, but was quite a latecomer to rugby, enjoying other sports before got hooked on the sport at 16. He then played locally for his club, before getting involved with the District side and coming up against some very famous All Blacks like Ian Jones and Buck Shelford. He moved to the UK and played a bit with a few clubs, before a chance meeting with Andy Lee and moving to Old Deer Park. Graeme played for the club all the way through the 90's when we went from Amateur to Semi Pro and discusses the different environments and some of the characters he played with. He is still involved in professional sport and spends his time now as a Caddie for an American golfer. Enjoy
Jul 06, 202255:34
LW 72: Ian George
Our guest this week is former London Welsh scrum half Ian George. Ian started his senior rugby career with Northampton Saints, but struggled to get a regular starting birth at his favourite position of scrum half as he was behind a current England International and was often playing centre. He moved to Rosslyn Park to further his International aspirations and sat on the bench a few times, but was never capped by England. He captained the Barbarians a few times in his 14 appearances and won a County Final at Twickenham with Middlesex. Ian moved to London Welsh in 1979 and Old Deer Park was his home for the next 6 seasons where he made scrum half position his own and really enjoyed his rugby at the club. We chat about his current role at Saracens and what its like being a parent of a professional player, travelling the world watching your offspring play. Enjoy
Jun 29, 202201:03:02
LW 71: Chris Ritchie
Our guest this week is our former hooker Chris Ritchie. Chris played back row all through his time at Swansea University, where he captained them and the Welsh Universities. He went on to play for Oxford University for one season, before settling down to play for Rosslyn Park whilst earning his keep in Insurance. A couple of years into his senior rugby career, he switched to hooker where he played for the rest of his playing days. Adrian Davies convinced Chris to come across the A316 to London Welsh to play at Level 2 where he became a firm favourite with the Supporters and players at the club. 143 appearances later during 6 eventful seasons he then retired, only to go on and play another 100 games for Rosslyn Park. Chris keeps in terrific shape through cycling challenges and loved reminiscing about his time at London Welsh and Rosslyn Park. Two great clubs. Enjoy
Jun 22, 202201:12:56
LW 70: Seb Jewell
Our guest this week is former centre and full back Seb Jewell. Seb has a unique perspective of his time at the club having lived through the joy of a couple of promotions to the Premiership, a B&I Cup win and was there at the end when the club went into liquidation. He talks about his sliding doors moment of how he signed for Harlequins after playing for Richmond Rugby Club and how challenging it was to break into 1st team rugby. He was loaned out to Esher for a couple of seasons to get consistent game time and he really blossomed as a player and was eventually signed by London Welsh. Seb chats about the Wednesday night sessions with the young lads and how much enjoyment he had playing rugby at Old Deer Park. Enjoy.
Jun 15, 202201:20:16
LW 69: AGM Danny Griffiths
Our guest this week, is Club Chairman Danny Griffiths. In this interview we discuss the key themes from the AGM. The Board restructure, the end of the 5 year plan and what comes next. Where are we financially with the club and what does the club require to prosper at Level 5 with the increase in travel costs and ensuring we have a club that can compete at this level. New membership packages and what will happen on match days.
The big shout for volunteers for the club to enable us to move forward in delivering a great Community Club. Vacant roles are below.
Head of Mini & Youth Rugby
Head of LW Careers Hub
Head Coach Girls Rugby
Club Accountant
Book keeper
Shop Manager
Social Media Manager
Match Day Media Coordinator
Men’s Social Media Rep
Mini & Youth Social Media Rep
Supporters Club Social Media Rep
Match Day volunteers
Sponsor Liaison Officers
Jun 08, 202251:50
LW 68 : Alex Goode
Our guest this week, is Saracens and England International player Alex Goode. Alex played a few games for London Welsh in 2008 to help us avoid relegation and to ensure he was game ready for the U20 World Cup. We discuss the run in that Saracens have in the Premiership and the hope that they can get to another final at Twickenham. Alex was successful at many sports, but was only picked up by the Saracens Academy after he had played for England U18's; and what a career he has had; 5 Premiership titles, 3 European Cups and 2019 European Player of the Year and still looking to add to those. We discuss life after rugby, whenever that will be and how much he enjoys playing the game. You will be very impressed with his recollection of the matches and players he played with for London Welsh over 15 years ago and how much he enjoyed turning out for the club. A fascinating insight into one of the best players of the last decade in England and a top bloke to go with it. Enjoy.
Jun 01, 202249:52
LW 67: Andy Black
Our guest this week is current Performance squad player, Andy Black. Andy joined London Welsh by chance at the beginning of the season when the club were in London North West 3. Our supporters immediately took to him as he played a variety of position from No 8, to front row during that season. We here about his upbringing in North Devon and about representing his county and playing for Exeter Chiefs Academy. HIs home club was Barnstaple and he played for them all the way through his senior school. Andy loves playing for London Welsh, enjoys the engagement with our supporters, has a great bunch of mates within the squad and to top that; he recently earned his 50th cap for his appearances in the 1st XV. Enjoy
May 25, 202246:17
LW 66: Aled Thomas
Our guest this week is Aled Thomas. Aled came to London Welsh in 2007 after a few years at Newport Gwent Dragons. Still a young lad at 22 and wanting regular rugby at 10 for a club that was going places; and he chose right in London Welsh as this was their first season as a professional squad. During his first season at the club, he also went on to win the World 7's in Dubai with another club stalwart in Lee Beech. Three seasons for the club and he was offered a contract to go back to Scarlets to play Pro 12 which he took as World Cup cover for some of their Welsh Internationals, but played in the majority of their games. Phil Davies took him to Gloucester so he had a season in the Premiership, before going back to Scarlets to finish his professional career. You really get to appreciate the ups and down of being a pro player, when you hear how Aled's professional career came to an abrupt end. We hear about life as a Semi pro player in the Welsh Premiership and how he is still playing and recently been at the Principality playing for Aberafan. Enjoy.
May 18, 202201:01:11
LW 65 : Bleddyn Phillips
Our guest this week is former Chairman Bleddyn Phillips. He takes us through how he was invited to join the Board when he hosted a St David's Day Dinner in Moscow! Once on the Board, he was made Chairman immediately and helped the Board make some big decisions in the Spring of 2012 as we were aiming for Promotion to the Premiership. Bleddyn takes us through what he is doing in retirement to keep himself busy with his work with the Scarlets and Swansea University. We hear about how he met his wife and all the glamorous locations he has worked around the world. London Welsh still has a special place in his heart and we hear why he felt he had to step down as Chair in 2016. A fascinating insight into a key character who was instrumental in ensuring we had the right to play in the Premiership.
May 11, 202255:14
LW 64: Sam Mahoney
Our guest this week, is current squad member and prop superstar Sam Mahoney. Sam has played prop since his early days at Colchester RFC when he joined them at U11. We get to learn about his journey in rugby and why he took a gap year to wait for the love of his life to join him at University and when he made the transition from Colts rugby to Senior rugby for Clacton. At University he bonded with a fellow student and became best mates with Tom Baldwin, which you hear quite a bit about their rugby journey, through Uni to London 1 North and then to London Welsh together. Who was the London Welsh member who encouraged Sam to join the club? Sam loved his first 3 seasons at the club and became a popular player with our supporters as he was the basis for our strong scrum and he also got over the whitewash a fair few times. A few concussions prevented him getting a run of games in our second season and work and injury hampered his availability in the third season, but he has still made 39 appearances for us since project reset. We hear he is desperate to come back and play once he can come back and train more often. A top guy. Enjoy.
Nov 17, 202101:04:22
LW 63: Terwyn Williams
Our guest in this weeks' episode is Terwyn Williams, Life member of London Welsh. London Welsh has been a second home for Terwyn for over 50 years, from when he landed in London in 1970 and where he has made so many life long friends. We hear about where in West Wales he was brought up and started to play rugby and then where he went to College. He didn't go straight into education, but found his way to his real passion of teaching History, Geography and Games across three schools in West London for over 30 years. His passion for sport shines through and we discuss his involvement with the Welsh Exiles and the players he found for the WRU over the years. London Welsh has been a massive part of hie life and we hear about how he has been involved with the club, primarily helping with the kit for 30 years and most of the time with Pete Lowe. A fantastic trip down memory lane for our listeners.
Nov 03, 202101:21:18
LW 62: Nathan Trevett
Our guest this week is Nathan Trevett. In this episode we get to understand Nathan's journey from Youth rugby to Senior pro player in South Wales. He played senior rugby at 18 years and 4 days for Cardiff RFC and played for them and Glamorgan Wanderers, before getting his chance at Cardiff Blues as injury cover whilst some of the players were at the World Cup. Cardiff kept Nathan on for another season, so he got some game time in the Pro 12, before Justin Burnell signed him for London Welsh, were he stayed for 3.5 years. When London Welsh were expelled from the Championship, clubs in the Welsh Premiership were after Nathan and he ended his career playing for Merthyr RFC. We get to understand what life after rugby is like, plus an update on what his son is achieving in rugby.
Oct 20, 202157:56
LW 61 : Julian Davies
Our guest this week is former London Welsh prop and captain Julian Davies. This Barry boy came to London Welsh in 1980 and played for the club for over 12 seasons. He had to bide his time and literally fight his way into the first team by demonstrating his scrummaging prowess in those legendary Thursday night training sessions. He led the club on many occasion, appointed for a couple of seasons as club captain, but also took over the reigns when others got injured. We discuss his captaining style, the many club tours that happened during the 1980's and the friendships that last until this day. We look back at his time at the club through the many stories Julian has of being a proud player of this club. Julian left London Welsh and went on to make 150 appearances for Esher and retiring just before his 40th birthday. We discuss what he is up to now as President of the Voyagers and scrum coach at Reeds Weybridge. A fascinating insight into club life by one of London Welsh's most colourful characters.
Sep 29, 202101:17:20
LW 60: Back home at ODP
In this episode we hear from the many characters from around the club who enable match days's at London Welsh. Saturday 18th March was the first league fixture for the Men's 1st XV since Feb 2020 and everyone was excited for the match. We hear from the following at the club
Pre Match
Michael Talbot - Operations Director
Natalie Smith - Women's Captain
Pete Lowe - Director and Team Manager
Terweyn Williams - Life Member
Rocky Hudson - Druids Coach
Joe Jones - Chair of LWRFC Choir
Matt Mcclymont - Owner of School House London
Crone Du Rand - Head Coach of London Cornish
Tom Hunt - London Welsh player
Will Taylor - S&C Coach at London Welsh
Paolo Peschisolido - London Welsh player
Sep 22, 202129:58
LW 59: Nick Heath
Our guest this week is Rugby Commentator and Content Producer, Nick Heath. Whilst London Welsh were in the Premiership, Nick was the club's stadium announcer and VIP match day host. Nick moved from London Welsh to announce at Harlequins when his Commentating career took off. He currently works for Talksport, Channel 4, England rugby and commentator on International rugby, Premier 15's and The Premiership. During lockdown Nick had no work as a freelance journalist and found interesting ways to publicise his craft an his social media following increased substantially and led to some interesting new working opportunities for him. Nick loved his time at London Welsh and mentions that the Match Day announcing is in good hands at the club.
Sep 15, 202153:56
LW 58: Josh McNally
Our guest this week, is current Bath RFC and England International Josh McNally. Josh was recently capped by England during their Summer matches with USA & Canada after displaying some great form during the last Premiership season. He grew up in Hereford and always wanted to serve in the forces and didn't really think about having a career in rugby. His journey started with the Colts at Luctonians and then he moved to the Royal Air Force, where his rugby developed over a couple of years and he went on to represent them, as well as playing for Henley Hawks. It was at Henley where he was spotted by London Welsh and was signed by the club as they were then promoted to the Premiership under Justin Burnell's stewardship. Josh had three seasons with the club, before he moved to London Irish and then on to Bath RFC. This is a fascinating insight into someone who found a career in rugby a bit later than most and has blossomed into an England International.
We also include some post match interviews in this episode with from the Battersea Ironsides match on 4th September with Tom Baldwin, Liam Chennells and Ben West.
Sep 12, 202152:38
LW 57: 2021/22 Season Preview
In this weeks' episode we hear from many people across the club as excitement builds towards the start of the season. Our Director of Rugby, Cai Griffiths takes us through his thoughts on pre season; the matches the squad have played, plus what he expects over the first few months. There are a couple of interviews with players post the Cardiff match and this is something we will look to continue to do throughout the season; where we hope to get use to using the different microphone!!! We catch up with Head coach of the Women's team, Michael Griffiths, who introduces their new backs coach,Lee Irvine to us. They tell us about their Inner Warrior Camp and the new teams they will be playing this season. We then hear from Nell, one of the originals from the Girls rugby squad players about the anticipation of our first ever U15's girls team. Brendan takes us through the excitement of the Minis season starting and what enjoyment the parents and players of some of our U9's had when they went on tour to Cardiff for the weekend. Finally, Andy Evans our Colts coach, chats about the pre season the Colts have had and what we should be expecting from them this season.
Sep 01, 202101:01:09
LW 56: Jonathan Shankland
Our guest this week is Director and Head of Men's Rugby, Jonathan Shankland. Jon came to London Welsh after playing National League rugby in the Midlands and fell in love with the club. He has played for the club from 2011 until the end of our first season in the Herts and Middlesex league, where he decided to retire and play for the Vets. He has made life long friends at the club and decided to put his efforts into post his playing career into managing the Men's teams across the club. He takes us through what that involves on a weekly basis and how we have recruited so many players for our forthcoming season in London South 1. Jonathan is also the club's social media guru and explains how much output the club puts out each week to keep us front of mind with our huge following and supporter base.
Aug 25, 202154:36
LW 55: Rhodri Dawes
Our guest this week is Rhodri Dawes. Having watched his dad play for London Welsh and then move away from London, Rhodri began his rugby journey in the Midlands. He then moved to Herts and played some rugby for school and then made his senior rugby debut with Hertford in the National League and then went on to Shelford Rugby Club and played for them for a couple of seasons. He came to London Welsh in the second year of project reset and played for two seasons for the club accumulating quite a lot of points for the club and of course continued the Dawes dynasty at London Welsh as both his father, Michael; and grandfather, John having played for the club. A fascinating chat with a player who really enjoyed the two seasons at the club and what it meant to him for his grandfather to watch him play.
Aug 18, 202101:03:11
LW 54: Michael Dawes
Our guest this week is Michael Dawes. Michael is one third of the London Welsh Dawes dynasty, with his Dad, John Dawes playing, captaining and Coaching the London Welsh sides through the 60's to 90's; and then his son, Rhodri playing for the club across the last three seasons. Michael talks about his days playing for the Minis and Youth throughout the 80's and 90's and recollects some of the great tours they went on. He made his 1st XV debut in 1990 and played for the club for over 10 years, with many ups and down for him and the club throughout this period. Michael talks quite candidly about his dad's recent passing and the amount of tributes from around the word the family received.
Aug 11, 202101:03:06
LW 53: John Taylor
Our guest this week is Club President, John Taylor. John was born and bred in Watford, with Welsh parents and played rugby at Watford Grammar School and Fullerians during his Youth. A skilled centre in his day who met Gerald Davies at Loughborough and was convinced by his coaches to switch to a backrow forward; where his rugby journey took off. John takes us through is glittering playing career with London Welsh, Wales and the Lions and gives us his perspective on his tour to South Africa and his experience with Apartheid and how his objections with this regime, cost him a place in the famous Barbarians match of 1973. John speaks about the recent passing of two London Welsh stalwarts and great friends, John Dawes and Dr Ken Thomas; and what his relationship with them meant to him and the contribution they both made to London Welsh. We also chat about John's successful post playing career in commentating and journalism as he shares his thoughts on the ups and downs of being involved with London Welsh through the decades.
Aug 04, 202101:32:20
Season 2 Trailer
London Welsh Rugby Club Podcast Season 2 - Trailer.
In this series we continue to catch up with the many characters who are connected with the club. The podcasts will be less regular this season, but will include some match days news as well as interviews with our main guest. The podcast series is hosted by Club Director, Gareth Vaughan Jones.
In this series we continue to catch up with the many characters who are connected with the club. The podcasts will be less regular this season, but will include some match days news as well as interviews with our main guest. The podcast series is hosted by Club Director, Gareth Vaughan Jones.
Jul 26, 202101:44
LW Special 4: Siwan Lillicrap
Our guest in this special episode is current Wales captain, Siwan Lillicrap. She take us through balancing life working as Head Coach at Swansea University, with playing rugby for Bristol Bears and Wales. We chat about the recent 6 Nations campaign and the likely build up to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in Oct 2022 and what their target should be. We get to understand Siwan's rugby journey to getting capped by Wales and that she couldn't play rugby until she was 17; when she joined Waunarlwydd RFC. Siwan also chat about the recent strategic partnership between London Welsh and Swansea University; where the Career Hub will mentor graduates who come to London to work.
May 28, 202138:43
LW Special 3: Luke Pearce
Our special guest this week is Top International and RFU Referee Luke Pearce. Luke takes us through his refereeing journey from when he started in Devon aged 16, promoted to the National Panel by the age of 21 and a Premiership referee at the age of 24. We chat about some of the challenges of refereeing during Covid times and look back at the times he has refereed London Welsh in National 1 and the Championship. We discuss that match vs Saracens in the Premiership and how he reacted after the game and what has changed during his 10 years officiating in the top league. Luke takes us through refereeing France vs Wales and how he works with his team on match days and how much he enjoys refereeing at the Community game level. Enjoy.
May 14, 202150:10
LW 52.1: Lyn Jones - The London Welsh years
In this episode, Lyn Jones takes us through his decision to come to London Welsh and those magical two seasons' the club had winning the Championship in 2012 and playing in the Premiership the following season. We get to understand what was required to be successful in the Championship and the key matches in his first season in charge. The success in the play offs and then the tactics at Bedford in the Semi Final; which meant we had a shot at glory in the final vs Cornish Pirates; with Lyn putting some calls back to ODP to ensure it was still open when the bus got back. We hear from Lyn about all the challenges of getting ready to play Premiership rugby and all the drama that surrounded the club that season. Lyn was nominated Premiership Coach of the year, even though London Welsh were relegated. Lyn chats about the Rugby World Cup experience with Russia and how much he is enjoying his time in the wonderful country.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
May 05, 202147:02
LW 52: Lyn Jones - The early years
Our guest this week is former Director of Rugby, Lyn Jones.
In this episode we get to hear about Lyn's journey in rugby up until his time with London Welsh. Where did he develop his love of the game and then playing for Neath in the 80's with Brian Thomas as Head Coach. We chat about his move to Llanelli, the trophies he won and getting capped by Wales. We understand a bit about Lyn the business man and the transition to player coach at Treorchy RFC. Lyn went to coach Neath RFC in the mid 90's, just as rugby turned professional and explains the challenges this had for many clubs. Lyn was well placed to take us through the transition to regional rugby and his role leading the Ospreys to Magners League success and how Wales benefitted from a strong Ospreys as Warren Gatland took the reigns. This episode finishes with Lyn taking us through his time teaching at a school in Abu Dhabi.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
In this episode we get to hear about Lyn's journey in rugby up until his time with London Welsh. Where did he develop his love of the game and then playing for Neath in the 80's with Brian Thomas as Head Coach. We chat about his move to Llanelli, the trophies he won and getting capped by Wales. We understand a bit about Lyn the business man and the transition to player coach at Treorchy RFC. Lyn went to coach Neath RFC in the mid 90's, just as rugby turned professional and explains the challenges this had for many clubs. Lyn was well placed to take us through the transition to regional rugby and his role leading the Ospreys to Magners League success and how Wales benefitted from a strong Ospreys as Warren Gatland took the reigns. This episode finishes with Lyn taking us through his time teaching at a school in Abu Dhabi.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
May 05, 202101:09:05
LW 51: Matt Corker
Our guest this week is former Club captain Matt Corker. Matt is 10th on the all time appearance list, but first on the all time league appearances for the club in his 9 year association with London Welsh. Matt's rugby prowess came to light only when he went to University in Bath to study Chemistry and went on to play for English Universities; which is where he got noticed by Wasps. Wasps signed him after he graduated, but he found the path to the first team very challenging with many internationals and Lions in their squad, despite him wining young player of the year during his first year with them. Matt was loaned out to Blackheath to further his rugby education and then came on loan to London Welsh where he made a lasting impression and signed for the club. His playing consistency during his time with the London Welsh is remarkable and he only had a period out of the game during one season for quite a unique health problem. Unfortunately for Matt; he didn't get the Testimonial he deserved at the club and signed for Richmond to help them ease their way into the Championship and this started his coaching journey; where he is now Coaching Canterbury RFC in National 2.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD. Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD. Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Apr 28, 202101:16:23
LW 50: Paul Browne
Our guest this week is former London Welsh Board Director and Youth Chairman, Paul Browne. Paul is one of our fantastic volunteers at the club who brought all his four children to our Minis and soon got involved in Coaching and inspiring children to play our wonderful game. He tells us of the odd games he played for the Occies in the back row and how he enjoyed rugby both at Brighton College and Oxford University. Paul deepened his connection with the club when he became Youth Chairman and made some lifelong friends whilst helping see everyone prosper within those age groups. He was also involved in assisting Danny Griffiths and Ian Horgan in ensuring that the pro entity was kept separate from the Amateur post the Hollingshead era; which then led to Paul being asked on the main board of Directors as we enjoyed our journey to the Premiership twice. We hear how proud he is of all his children's sporting prowess and loving seeing Morgan coaching our Youth.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD. Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD. Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Apr 21, 202155:00
LW Special 2: Eddie Butler
In our second special, we catch up with former Wales captain, Pontypool player and BBC Rugby Commentator; Eddie Butler. Our chat starts with Ed paying his tribute to the passing of our Club President, John Dawes. We cover his career path to the Commentary chair, we discuss why London Welsh chose not to play Pontypool for many years in the 70's; why Wales perform in the 6 Nations and not in the Autumn and the perception of London Welsh in Wales.
Apr 17, 202144:21
LW 49: Tom May
Our guest this week is former England International, Newcastle Falcon legend, Toulon, Northampton and London Welsh captain, Tom May. Tom has had a glittering playing career, playing over 250 games in the English Premiership and someone who really enjoyed playing for London Welsh at the end of his playing career. He enjoyed it so much, he then played for the club across both seasons as an amateur player, whilst he was backs coach. We discuss life post rugby and how he keeps himself sane and how is he assisting other sports professional transition into traditional workplaces.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Apr 14, 202101:06:35
LW 48: Lloyd Davies
Our guest this week is former club captain and current player, Lloyd Davies. Lloyd is a product of Monmouth School where he learned to love the game and then went off to Cardiff University to enjoy the social side of rugby and met Morgan Browne and Rhys Howells whilst playing there. Prior to University, Lloyd went to work in Australia and played for a small town North of Brisbane, where he perfected his side step, ensuring the strong Polynesian players would not be able to tackle him. Lloyd joined London Welsh in 2013 and is one of the few players perfectly placed to compare pre and post project reset. He tells us what it meant captaining the club and playing in front of the hundreds of supporters who would attend our games at Old Deer Park. We hear the about the misery of coping with the run of bad luck he has had with injuries and Lloyd gives us a exclusive to the pod on some personal news.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Apr 07, 202101:03:54
LW Special 1: Will Greenwood
Our guest for our first special episode is Rugby World Cup Winner, Will Greenwood MBE. The Special episodes are an opportunity for us to hear from different voices connected to the game and to understand how they might relate to London Welsh, Will discusses the return of the Community game and how he and his family get so much out of playing and coaching rugby at Maidenhead RFC. We discuss the possibility of a London Welsh fixture against them in a couple of seasons and reminisce a bit about Will's playing days. We discuss the Championship, playing against London Welsh and Wales; plus the challenge of making the game as safe as possible to encourage players young and old to continue playing this wonderful game. Any feedback is welcome and please let us know who else would you like to hear from in these special episodes.
Apr 02, 202137:56
LW 47: Kevin Bowring
Our guest this week is Kevin Bowring. Kevin came to London Welsh in 1977 after playing with Clive Rees for the Voyagers in an Amsterdam 7's tournament. 267 appearances across 9 seasons, with 3 as club captain, puts him 6th on the all time appearances list. Kevin loved his time at London Welsh and enjoyed the tours, 7's tournaments and playing in our Centenary season fixtures against Barbarians and Fiji. He was never capped by Wales, even though many thought he deserved a call up; but he did get selected to play for the Barbarians for a few fixtures. Kevin is renowned for his Coaching and was heavily involved with Wales age grade for a number of year, before he was chosen to be Head Coach of Wales for 3 seasons, post rugby turning professional in 1995. On leaving the Wales job, the RFU recruited Kevin to be Head of Elite Coach development, where he was advising all the top Premiership Coaches and England Coaches for 14 years. He continues to work in coaching and offering his services to many of today's leading rugby coaches.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Mar 31, 202101:14:42
LW 46: Mike Powell
Our guest this week is former Club Captain, Mike Powell. Born and bred in South Wales and started his junior rugby journey at Caldicot RFC where he remains now, helping to Coach the senior team. Went off to study at University and whilst at Uni, played for Pontypool, Walsall, Exeter and captained Wales Students. Mike signed professionally for Bridgend and then had a season with Celtic Warriors, before he signed for Ospreys and played in their historic victory vs Australia. Mike signed for London Welsh in 2008 and in four seasons, played in over 100 matches for club and was part of the squad to win promotion to the Premiership. He signed for Birmingham & Moseley and played for them for three seasons, whilst preparing for life post rugby.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Mar 24, 202101:15:56
LW 45: Richard Thomas
Our guest this week is Richard 'Barrel' Thomas. Barrel is a product of our Minis and Youth from the late 70's and early 80's; and was usually at Old Deep Park through his childhood as his father Edgar Thomas played for the club and was then heavily involved in Junior rugby and then with all the Senior Men's squads, as a Club Official. Barrel went on to play Senior Rugby for the club for 12/13 years and over 190 appearances in the first XV and then the same again in the Druids from 1988 -2000. He has played with many of the characters across this period and been there through relegations and promotions and finished whilst we are at Level 2 in the Allied Dunbar Premiership 2. Barrel is now seen playing Touch rugby or Coaching the U15's when he is at the club and propping up the bar with his front row mates from the Martini Club.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Mar 17, 202101:09:22
LW 44: Alex Davies
Our guest this week is former London Welsh player, Alex Davies. Alex is from the Wirral and only really got into rugby as a teenager as football was his first love. He played senior rugby for Birkenhead Park at 17 and then some matches for Sale Jets, but couldn't quite get an Academy contract at Sale. He commenced his degree and also went on his first visit to play rugby in New Zealand where he really fell in love with the country and the game. He came back and played for Waterloo, when he was then spotted by Plymouth and spent 3 season there, becoming their record points scorer in a season, during his second season. We get to understand how precarious life is in the Championship with contract negotiations etc, but eventually London Welsh came in for Alex and he joined the Squad that won the Championship under Lyn Jones in 2011. Alex had four great years at London Welsh and takes us through the highs and lows of his time at the club, before he then joined Ealing, Yorkshire Carnegie and then his last pro contract was at Bath RFC. Alex has always had an eye on the future and commenced his coaching journey whilst he was at London Welsh and explains what he gets out of coaching and where is at on that journey. This interview is a fascinating insight into life as a pro player in and around the Championship and Alex really opens up about some of the challenges he faced at different clubs.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD.
Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Mar 10, 202101:19:08
LW 43: Zoe Jeanes
Our guest this week is Club Captain, Zoe Jeanes. She has been with London Welsh Women for over 8 years and takes us through that journey. She took up the sport at University where she signed up at the Freshers' Fair and then took a couple of weeks to decide whether to attend or not We are glad she did, as that was rugby and London Welsh's gain. Zoe works in recruitment and informs us of the many transferrable skills there are from rugby into the business environment and how she got involved with the Charity 'Inspiring Girls' as they became a sponsor of the Women's team at the club. Zoe is a great advocate of the environment at London Welsh; is very competitive and is able to channel this to drive the Women's team forward and is a big part of their success across the last two years.
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD. Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
This podcast series is sponsored by London Welsh Developments LTD. Contact details: 0208 3359123 email - info@lwdltd.co.uk
Mar 03, 202101:00:01
LW 42: Rob Ackerman
Our guest this week is former London Welsh, Wales and British & Irish Lions Centre, Rob Ackerman. Born in Ebbw Vale from great rugby stock, he went to Christ College in Brecon before following in his fathers' footsteps and playing for Newport RFC. Within a year of making his senior debut he was capped by Wales for the centenary test vs New Zealand at the Arms Park as a raw 19 year old up against some greats of the game. In the Summer of 1982, Rob decided to move to London Welsh as he was studying at St Mary's in Teddington and had a storming season, culminating with his selection for the Lions. He had a great time in his four seasons at London Welsh, culminating in a Middlesex 7's victory at a full Twickenham and a losing appearance in the John Player Trophy Final in 1985. He then played Rugby League for several years, before completing his training as a teacher and moving to the Southern Hemisphere to teach PE and to coach some of the future All Blacks.
Feb 24, 202153:38