8/9 Rugby
8/9 Rugby is a weekly rugby podcast hosted by Brett McKay and a rotating cast of well-known co-hosts from around the rugby world. The show blends passion, humor, and genuine insight into the sport, covering everything from match analysis to broader rugby culture. Each episode features engaging conversations with guests who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. The podcast is also available on YouTube and has an accompanying Substack for written content, offering fans more ways to connect with the discussions.
Episodes
Ep.37 – Play the Nations Championship in proper kit with Nick Christie from Backrow Rugby
Everyone loves a vintage or retro rugby jersey, right? Rugby ‘kit hound’ Nick Christie from Backrow Rugby joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to talk classic kits, ‘holy grail’ jerseys, why vintage rugby jerseys are very definitely cool again, and why this month’s Nations Championship would be so much better in old-school heavy cotton jerseys!
Nick has had a great time with Backrow Rugby over the las
Ep.36 – The Nations Championship reviso with Jonathan Drennan
Jonathan Drennan from the Sydney Morning Herald returns from holidays to join Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to quickly get back up to speed with the inner workings and upcoming fixtures for the November leg Nations Championship.
And with breaking Wallabies squad news in the middle of it the discussion! The November Tests represent a massive challenge for the Wallabies, with first up games against Eng
Ep.35 – Popping the L-plates back on with James Slipper
Wallabies & Super Rugby games record holder James Slipper joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to reflect on the Bledisloe Cup, watching from the couch, and how Australia can bounce back on the upcoming Nations Championship.
'Slips' breaks down how the squad processes tough defeats, and what the Wallabies need to sharpen ahead of a gruelling northern tour, as well as pulling back the curtain on his f
Bledisloe Cup Post-Mortem: All Blacks clinical, Wallabies comical in Sydney
The All Blacks piled on more misery for the Wallabies, running in another comprehensive 43-21 win at Accor Stadium in Sydney to complete the clean sweep for 2026. Jim Tucker joined Brett McKay for the final Bledisloe LIVE 8/9 Rugby Post-Mortem for the year.
And it was another disappointing result for Australia, with the contest essentially over when the New Zealand ran in their seventh try just a
Ep.34 – The Bledisloe result no-one wanted with Tony Johnson
The Bledisloe Cup remains in New Zealand for another year, after another Wallabies opportunity lost extended the Eden Park streak for the All Blacks. Leading NZ commentator Tony Johnson joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to dive into result that has deflated the tyres on both sides of the contest.
Certainly, we saw the All Blacks response to the lost Greatest Rivalry series. They were simply hungri
Bledisloe Cup Post-Mortem: All Blacks restore order with Wallabies thumping
The All Blacks have delivered exactly the kind of response Wallabies fans feared, and precisely what New Zealanders were demanding in the first Bledisloe Cup Test of the year. Jim Tucker joined Brett McKay for another LIVE 8/9 Rugby Post-Mortem, in which the All Blacks have retained the massive mug for another year.
After a tight first half so both teams pretty even at halftime, New Zealand ran i
Ep.33 – Equal parts Bledisloe nerves and opportunity with Justin Harrison
The Wallabies beat the Springboks, but now the biggest test awaits: the Bledisloe Cup. Former Wallabies lock turned commentator Justin Harrison joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to dive into the week on the rugby calendar that’s both exciting and nerve-wracking for Australian fans.
There will be pressure and expectation on the Wallabies, but what of the pressure and expectation on the All Blacks?
Ep.32 – Making sense of all that Perth nonsense with Sean Maloney
Even a couple of days on, it’s still hard to make sense of the way that mad Wallabies-Springboks Test Match on Sunday night. Sean Maloney from Stan Sport joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to try and make sense of it all, and you the audience can the judge of how successful that’s been.
We may never make sense of it. Before it, the Wallabies produced comfortably their best performance of the year, a
Wallabies-Springboks Post-Mortem: It’s happened again. Just…
In one of the craziest Test Matches in living memory, the Wallabies have held on for a thoroughly deserved but quite extraordinary win over the Springboks in Perth. Jim Tucker joined Brett McKay for another LIVE 8/9 Rugby Post-Mortem, to try and make sense of what the rugby world just witnessed.
Leading 42-17 with ten to play, Australia held on for a 42-38 win over South Africa that’s remarkable
Ep.31 – Springboks present massive Wallabies opportunity with Dan McKellar
The Springboks have landed in Australia for a one-off Test, and it presents a massive opportunity for the Wallabies in Perth – that’s the view of former NSW Waratahs coach and Wallabies assistant, Dan McKellar, who joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week.
After promising he wouldn’t be letting his team take Australia lightly again, ‘Boks coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to his starting
Ep.30 – South Africa’s Greatest Rivalry relief with Riaan Louw
The Springboks have claimed the Greatest Rivalry series 3-1 over the All Blacks, and Riaan Louw joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to beautifully outline the relief that has been felt across South Africa this week.
A month-long series of stress and anguish, of claims and counter-claims, of controversy and contrived pressure, and that was just the off-field element. On-field produced four fantastic Te
Greatest Rivalry Series Post-Mortem: Boks bury All Blacks in Baltimore finale
South Africa have secured the Greatest Rivalry Series with an outstanding win over New Zealand in the 4th Test in Baltimore led them to a 3-1 series win that removes any lingering doubt as to who the best team in the world really is. If there was any left.
A record rugby crowd in the USA of 68,173 packed into the M&T Bank Stadium to see the final instalment in what has been a truly enthralling se
Ep.29 – Boks battle bruised Blacks in Baltimore with Jamie Wall
The Greatest Rivalry tour has landed in the USA for this weekend’s fourth and final Test, where a banged-up All Blacks team will be desperate to square the series – and split the trophy – with a suddenly rampant Springboks side. The DSPN’s Jamie Wall is a bit banged up too, arriving in the States after a 27 hour leg from Johannesburg.
Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium hosts the final match, and while
Argentina Tour Post-Mortem: Wallabies unbeaten after annoying draw
The Wallabies have gone through a Tour of Argentina undefeated for the first time ever, after they and Los Pumas fought out a 28-28 draw in Mendoza.
In a result that will bring more annoyance than satisfaction, at least in the immediate aftermath, the Wallabies started very well and led 14-0 after half an hour, before the Argentineans scrapped their way back into the contest, and went about denyi
Greatest Rivalry Series Post-Mortem: Springboks turn up the power game
South Africa have landed a major blow in the Greatest Rivalry Series after a commanding performance in the 3rd Test led them to a 29-24 win over New Zealand in Soweto.
85,976 fans packed into the FNB Stadium and were treated to a game full of first half momentum swings in a pretty even contest, before the Springboks power game stepped up in magnificent fashion to turn the game on its head, and en
Ep.28 – Wallabies & Pumas both gunning for Mendoza with Marcelo Bosch
The Wallabies have beaten the Pumas in Argentina and will now be desperate to avoid no repeat of the second game record losses that followed in 2024 and 2022. Former Pumas centre Marcelo Bosch is back on 8/9 Rugby, and he hopes they’ve spent the whole week in Mendoza filling up on steak and outstanding wine!
Plus, the Greatest Rivalry series is all square, and now it’s a case of whether South Afr
Argentina Tour Post-Mortem: Wallabies get it done in San Salvador
The Wallabies have opened their tour of Argentina with an impressive 27-21 win in San Salvador, built on another strong showing from the forwards, and a defensive effort that applied enough pressure to force Los Pumas errors throughout the game.
They head to Mendoza now for the 2nd Test next Saturday with plenty of confidence on the back of four straight wins, and players and supporters alike wil
Greatest Rivalry Series Post-Mortem: Boks get the 2nd Test bounce back
The Greatest Rivalry Series is all locked up after South Africa won a thrilling contest 33-26 over New Zealand in Cape Town.
A much better performance from the Springboks saw them run out 7-point winners despite the All Blacks scoring 4 tries to 3, with Cheslin Kolbe’s flawless kicking from the tee the difference between the two sides. The series is now locked up heading into next weekend’s 3rd T
Ep.27 – The full depth of the Ellis Park fallout with MW Welman
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series was flipped on its head with the All Blacks winning the First Test in Johannesburg, and now the Springboks must regroup to get that series back on level ground. MW Welman from Megafoon Rugby joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to outline exactly how far the First Test loss runs for Springboks fans.
There’s no doubt the Ellis Park result has shaken not just rugby fans,
Greatest Rivalry Series Post-Mortem: All Blacks land incredible 1st Test win
A quite incredible opening to the Greatest Rivalry Series has seen New Zealand outlast South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. In what could well be an instant classic in this stories rivalry, the All Blacks scored 5 tries in 1 despite being at times dominated by the Springboks’ set piece game, before the scoreboard pressure simply became too much for the home side, silencing the parochi
Ep.26 – Carry-Pass-Ruck to decide Greatest Rivalry Tests with Harry Jones
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series now moves into the Test Matches, with the Springboks and All Blacks facing off in the First Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg this weekend. Harry Jones makes a welcome return to 8/9 Rugby to get into the weeds around what’s happened so far, and what happens from here.
Harry’s new concept of carry-pass-ruck as a new measure for how teams are playing makes for a rea
Japan Series Post-Mortem: Wallabies front row dominates Japan
A much better showing from the Wallabies in Townsville, with a dominant front row and breakdown leading to a big win over Japan. Geoff Parkes joined Brett McKay once for the immediate reaction to an impressive performance at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
#rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #AustraliavJapan #AUSvJPN #Wallabies #Wallabies #JapanSeries
Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, an
Japan Series Post-Mortem: Wallabies front row dominates Japan
A much better showing from the Wallabies in Townsville, with a dominant front row and breakdown leading to a big win over Japan. Geoff Parkes joined Brett McKay once for the immediate reaction to an impressive performance at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
#rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #AustraliavJapan #AUSvJPN #Wallabies #Wallabies #JapanSeries
Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, an
Ep.25 – Can the Wallabies counter Japan's 'infectious' rugby with Tom Robertson
The Les Kiss era with the Wallabies has started with a win, but what have we learned so far? Western Force and injured Wallabies prop Tom Robertson joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby for the squad-adjacent insight into what’s going on.
The 35-32 win in oppressive conditions in Osaka was good the for the Wallabies; a loss would meant a completely different dynamic as the team returned home for the sec
Japan Series Post-Mortem: Wallabies spare Kiss blushes in Osaka
The Wallabies survived a massive scare from a determined Japan in Osaka, giving Les Kiss a winning start to his tenure - but only just. Geoff Parkes joined Brett McKay for the immediate reaction to an at-times wild game at the Hanazono Stadium.
On this latest Post-Mortem, we break down the key moments, the near misses, and what this performance tells us about the direction of this new era for t
Ep.24 – What to expect from the Les Kiss Wallabies with Zane Hilton
What should we expect from the start of the Les Kiss era for the Wallabies? In this episode of 8/9 Rugby, Queensland Reds assistant coach Zane Hilton joins Brett McKay for a first-hand insight into what Kiss will bring to this new era of Australian rugby.
Having coached alongside Kiss at the Reds for several season, Zane Hilton is perfectly placed to outline a new approach and philosophy the new
Ep.23 – Nations Championship first leg judgements with Martin Devlin
The first leg of the inaugural Nations Championship was a great first outing for the new concept, but what have we learned about the best of northern and southern hemisphere international rugby?
Broadcaster Martin Devlin joins Brett McKay this week to run back over for the July series of the Championship, and ask the key questions: Does the format work? Has it brought more meaning to this Test Ru
Nations Championship Post-Mortem: Wallabies dominate in Schmidt farewell
The Wallabies conclude the July leg of the Nations Championship with a dominant win over Italy in Perth, and with it, the Joe Schmidt era comes to an end to an with a Wallabies ‘Kiss of life’.
Jim Tucker joins Brett McKay on the 8/9 Rugby Post Mortem to run through what really was an excellent performance from the Wallabies, clinical in their 57-10 win over the Azzurri over in Western Australia,
Ep.22 – The Wallabies eternal quest for depth with Greg Clark
The first leg of the Nations Championship is nearly done, and the Wallabies find themselves in a bit of a depth crisis.
Legendary Australian rugby commentator Greg Clark joins Brett McKay this week to ponder what is suddenly a must-win game for the Wallabies against Italy in Perth this weekend, with the Australians desperate to send out Joe Schmidt with a win.
There’s also some thoughts on Japan
Nations Championship Post Mortem: Wallabies flattened by French firepower
A familiar Nations Championship story for the Wallabies, who started brilliantly in Brisbane before being run down by an excellent France side in Brisbane. Geoff Parkes joins Brett McKay from Suncorp Stadium on the 8/9 Rugby Post Mortem to run through the tale of the tape.
Winning their first game in Brisbane in 54 years, Les Bleus found themselves on the receiving end of a truly excellent first
Ep.21 – Nations Championship is a winner with Jamie Wall
The Nations Championship is officially here, but is it the "winner" the rugby world has been waiting for?
Jamie Wall joins Brett McKay this week to break down the immediate impact of the new structure and its impact on the international calendar, and whether it delivers on the hype for fans and players alike.
We also dive into the technicalities of the competition, from the scheduling hurdles t
Nations Championship Post Mortem: Wallabies heartbreak in Sydney thriller
The Nations Championship has started with a bang, but it’s a heartbreaking result for the Wallabies, going down narrowly to a very good Ireland team in Sydney. The great Jim Tucker joins Brett McKay on the 8/9 Rugby Post Mortem to wade through all the highs and lows.
In a front of a new ground record at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, the Wallabies were well on top heading into the break, but missed k
Ep.20 – Mass Zoom calls shape Nations Championship preps with Angus Gardner
How do you align 12 nations and dozens of match officials for a brand new rugby tournament? Elite referee Angus Gardner returned to 8/9 Rugby to discuss the incredible level of preparation required for the jump from domestic competitions to the Test arena.
From managing massive 60-person Zoom calls to mastering up to ten specific Law Variations in play, Angus breaks down the incredible amount of
AUS Rugby scene: Hurricanes obliterate Super Rugby records with Martin Devlin
The Hurricanes of 2026 are quite probably one of the greatest teams Super Rugby has ever seen. Their demolition of the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final was one of the great performances, but in truth, that performance was really just the climax of a truly incredible season.
Martin Devlin of the DSPN media network in NZ joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby Scene on 8/9 Rugby this week
Ep.19 – Leinster + Northampton romp to Grand Final glory with Riaan Louw
The URC and PREM Grand Finals have been decided, and the respective silverware has been lifted. Brett McKay is joined by South African rugby YouTube sensation Riaan Louw to break down a massive weekend of rugby deciders.
From Leinster’s clinical dismantling of the Bulls to Northampton’s gritty triumph over Exeter, we’re unpacking all the drama, the tactics, and the biggest talking points from an
AUS Rugby scene: Heavyweight battle to decide Super Rugby with Tony Johnson
The two best teams in Super Rugby Pacific will play in this weekend’s Grand Final. And though the Hurricanes and Chiefs got there as expected, the way they both navigated their Semi Finals was quite unexpected.
The great Tony Johnson from Sky Sport TV and Sport Nation radio in NZ joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby Scene on 8/9 Rugby this week to work back through both Semi Finals, and ponder the
Ep.18 – Exeter defence powers through to PREM Final with Sam Larner
Is Exeter’s defence the perfect tool to stop Northampton’s attack in the PREM this weekend? Rugby analyst and writer Sam Larner joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to examine Exeter’s outstanding win over Bath in the Premiership Semi Final, as well as Northampton overpowering Leicester.
We dive deep into the tactical mastery of Rob Baxter’s side, debating whether that historic goal-line stand was pure
AUS Rugby scene: The QF weekend to shake up Super Rugby with Jamie Wall
The performance of the Australian teams in the Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Finals last weekend was less than ideal. And the fallout from that performance has already asked serious question of the competition and the finals format.
Jamie Wall from the DSPN pod network in NZ joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby Scene on 8/9 Rugby this week to explore all the Qualifying Finals moments, to ponder t
Ep.17 – Last round drama lights up Prem playoffs with Charlie Morgan
The final round of PREM Rugby in England was chock-full of drama, and the Semi Finals are now all set, as Charlie Morgan from The Times joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby.
With only Northampton locked into top spots and the other three playoff positions in the sights of four teams, the five games kicking off simultaneously only added to the drama, as coverage from Exeter-Saracens took updates from Ba
AUS Rugby scene: Australian history awaits Super Rugby QFs with Sam Worthington
Sam Worthington from Stan Sport and nine.com.au joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, as things start getting serious with Super Rugby Pacific reaching the knockout stage, starting with this weekend’s Qualifying Finals.
The Australian record in New Zealand in finals matches is well known, but what better time for a bit of history? The QFs start with the Hurricanes-ACT Brumbies in W
Ep.16 – Home Sweet Home dictates URC QFs with Pat McCarry
Irish rugby writer Pat McCarry returns to the 8/9 Rugby co-host chair, where he and Brett McKay cast an eye back over the first weekend of finals anywhere in the rugby world, the United Rugby Championship quarter-final weekend.
Though the URC finished in a flurry, as teams jostled for the final playoff spots, the four QFs all went the way of the home teams, with Glasgow, the Bulls, Stormers, and
AUS Rugby scene: Super Rugby top six we’ve had all along with Michael Atkinson
TV’s Michael Atkinson joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, making time in his busy morning TV and Stan Sport Rugby schedule, to take a look at final round permutations for Super Rugby Pacific.
Despite the top six being set, and even despite the top six being set back in March essentially, the final finishing positions for four of those six teams are still a long way from set, and
Ep.15 – The beatification of Bordeaux Bègles with Huw Griffin
Rugby YouTube star Huw Griffin is back in the 8/9 Rugby co-host chair, where he and Brett McKay look back over the Champions Cup final and everything that worked for Bordeaux, everything that didn’t for Leinster, and to ponder whatever happened to Kurtley Beale’s mail.
The European final was surprisingly one-sided and pushes Bordeaux’s unbeaten streak in the tournament out to 15 games. For Leinst
AUS Rugby scene: Plenty of danger games still to come with Sam Wykes
Commentator, presenter, and former Sunwolves lock Sam Wykes joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, to peer into the dangers of the final two rounds of Super Rugby Pacific.
Looking resplendent in his old Mighty Moondogs team kit, Sam gave some great first-hand insights into the anxiety around the final games for Moana Pasifika, and the impediments stopping the Fijian Drua becoming th
Ep.14 – Champions Cup Final is pure rugby nerdery with Harry Jones
Rugby traveller and storyteller Harry Jones returns to 8/9 Rugby, reuniting with Brett McKay to dig into all the juicy bits in the lead-up to the Champions Cup Final in Spain this weekend, between Bordeaux and Leinster.
The Bilbao clash pits a stark contrast of styles: the all-out, at times chaotic attack of UBB vs. the ideally impenetrable Jacques Nienaber defence of Leinster. From there. It’s j
AUS Rugby scene: Super Rugby run home gets with John Ferguson
Rugby writer, analyst and creator John Ferguson joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, as Super Rugby Pacific properly hots up for the remaining three rounds.
With the valid assumption that the Hurricanes and Chiefs are locked into the top two – which looks highly likely – the run home for the remaining eight teams in finals contention is examined to work out who might finish where
Ep.13 – Super Rugby Americas State of Play with Jake Mangin
Jake Mangin, Head Coach of Chilean professional team Selknam joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, for another state of play chat around Super Rugby Americas.
Following on from similar State of Play chats on League One in Japan, and Major League Rugby in the US, Jake provides first hand insight into the origins and structure of the eight-team Super Rugby Americas competition in South America
AUS Rugby scene: A delicate juggle of moving parts with Andrew Swain
A peer behind the curtain into the world of rugby broadcasting on the AUS Rugby scene this week, as Stan Sport Exec Producer and Commentator Andrew Swain joins Brett McKay to share some of the secrets of what goes on behind the cameras at a rugby game, and how it all gets to air.
As a commentator, ‘Swainy’ is also often juggling the many moving parts of live TV with having to call games – includi
Ep.12 – Japan League One State of Play with Simon Strachan
Gain Line Analytics co-founder Simon Strachan joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, to dig into the current state of play around League One in Japan.
Following on from last week’s MLR State of Play, Simon provides great insights into how League One came about, the structures of corporate rugby in Japan within sport and business, how changes to League One player classification are impacting t
AUS Rugby scene: There is SO MUCH rugby content now with Ollie Silverton
Australian-based content creator and podcast producer Ollie Silverton joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, for some thoughts on the success of Super Round, and some insight into just how much rugby content is available now.
Ollie was a co-founder of some of the biggest rugby podcasts in the world, from The Rugby Pod in 2015 to Kick Offs & Kick Ons more recently. He was also a key p
Ep.11 – MLR State of Play with David Lawrence
US-based podcaster and commentator David Lawrence joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, for a deeper dive into the current state of play around Major League Rugby in the United States.
MLR had one of the roughest off-seasons in the history of professional rugby at the end of their 2025 season, when four clubs – Utah, Houston, NOLA, and Miami – all announced they were suspending operations fo
AUS Rugby scene: NSW could do the funniest thing in Super Round with Martin Devlin
New Zealand broadcaster and host of the popular DSPN podcast Martin Devlin joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, to look ahead at the return of Super Round after a wild Round 10 last weekend.
A round that had everything saw Moana Pasifika put up way more fight than expected, we had the first edition of extra time for the season in Hamilton, the Fijian Drua enjoyed a first away win i
AUS Rugby scene: Moana Pasifika situation to force Super Rugby’s hand with Elliott Smith
New Zealand rugby commentator Elliott Smith joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, with news of Moana Pasifika’s demise dominating all discussion around the competition.
Please note, Moana Pasifika confirmed their intentions to disband at the conclusion of the 2026 season soon after this episode was recorded, and before it was released, but the concerns expressed and thoughts on the
Ep.10 – Like putting on warm socks with Charlie Morgan
Charlie Morgan from The Times joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, to wrap up a truly intriguing weekend of Champions Cup Quarter Finals action across Europe, and setting up a couple of spicy Semi Finals in early May.
The four matches were all gripping in their own right, and gripping for different reasons, as clashes of style and pace met head-on to find out who advances. And the Semis are
AUS Rugby scene: Coin flips & brotherly bragging rights with Jamie Wall
New Zealand rugby writer and fellow Substacker Jamie Wall joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, with the curiosities of a short round over a long weekend quickly fading with the arrival of some stonking contests this weekend.
If Round 8 felt a bit one-sided, Round 9 will be anything but, with at least three games looming as genuine coin-flip contests. Are the Drua still so invincibl
Ep.9 – Good teams will miss Champions Cup semis with Caolán Scully
Irish rugby writer and podcaster Caolán Scully joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, to dig deep into a big first weekend of Champions Cup knockout stages.
The eight Round of 16 games saw some blowouts and high-scoring games as it often does, but throughout the weekend there were some fantastic contests and results that probably don’t do what we saw on the field justice. And importantly, it’
AUS Rugby scene: Enjoyment the winner in Super Rugby with Tony Johnson
The great NZ commentator Tony Johnson joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, for a timely perspective from over the ditch on Super Rugby Pacific and the view on the Australian teams in 2026.
With a short round this Easter long weekend – which definitely does feel like a missed opportunity – there’s a couple of really interesting Round 8 games of importance for a few teams and for a f
Ep.8 – Finally time to watch the Champions Cup with Riaan Louw
Riaan Louw, friend of the pod and star of the Rugby Update on YouTube is back with Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, because it’s time to get excited about the Champions Cup again.
With the Round of 16 this weekend, and the Quarter Finals to follow next weekend, the Champions Cup has finally reached the point where many a rugby pundit and fan believe it should just start. 16 Teams, straight kno
AUS Rugby scene: There is space there to burn with John Ferguson
Rugby writer, analyst and YouTuber John Ferguson joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, to have a good think about what we’ve seen in Super Rugby Pacific over the first six weeks of the competition.
And with a look ahead at what’s coming for a few teams as well. The Hurricanes face all the other current top six teams over the next six week, for example. The Chiefs and Waratahs have h
AUS Rugby scene: SRP “should be like a soap opera” with Jack Mesley
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene, for a look under the hood of the premiere southern hemisphere competition and examine the broader state of the game.
What’s made Super Rugby great this season has been the closeness, the unpredictability, the fact that top teams have all lost to teams below then on the table. But there’s always more than can be done, th
Ep.7 – Exactly where we thought we’d be with Huw Griffin
Rugby YouTube star and wonderful content creator Huw Griffin is back with Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, to wrap up what has been universally decreed as the best Six Nations tournament ever.
Ultimately, France claimed a successive title by beating England in the final game, but oh the drama to get there! And the subplots from this year’s tournament are endless: England’s worst ever Six Natio
the AUS Rugby scene: Has Zac Lomax saved the Western Force yet with Ben Smith
Ben Smith from The West Australian newspaper joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene, to delve into the Western Force’s start to Super Rugby Pacific and take a look at a tough road ahead.
And of course, to cover off on the biggest news in Australian rugby this week, the Force and Rugby Australia signing NRL star Zac Lomax for this year and next, and with immediate effect. The obvious questions a
Ep.6 – Spoilers & Gainline monsters with Harry Jones
Former co-host Harry Jones re-joins Brett McKay on the new 8/9 Rugby this week, with the rugby world still in shock from events of the penultimate weekend of this year’s Six Nations tournament.
Scotland the Brave trounced many a Frenchman at Murrayfield. The rise of Italy spared no Englishman in Rome. Ireland’s resurgence continued in Dublin. And it all sets up the most wonderful of Super Saturda
the AUS Rugby scene: Brumbies deserve so much more with Jonathan Drennan
Jonathan Drennan from the Sydney Morning Herald joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene, to celebrate another great round of Super Rugby Pacific for the Australian sides, and ponder how we can possibly keep this run going.
The ACT Brumbies are atop the standings with three straight wins, but should be playing in front of much bigger crowds in Canberra. The NSW Waratahs are also unbeaten, but hav
Ep.5 – Is this Scotland’s moment with Jamie Lyall
Scottish commentator Jamie Lyall joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, as the rugby world readies itself for the penultimate round of this year’s Six Nations tournament.
And don’t Scotland have an opportunity this weekend? One win behind France in the standings, they host Les Bleus at Murrayfield on Saturday in a match that has significant implications for both sides and the tournament itself
the AUS Rugby scene: Momentum and Freudian typos with Michael Atkinson
TV’s Michael Atkinson, from Stan Sport and the Nine Network joins Brett McKay on our brand new offering, the AUS Rugby scene, for a look back on another round of Super Rugby Pacific dominated by the form of the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies.
Somethings are hard to keep a lid on, right? The Brumbies just put 50 on the Crusaders in Christchurch, and the Waratahs won well over Drua despite leaving a
Ep.4 – Two weeks is a long time in rugby with Riaan Louw
Riaan Louw joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, for a look back on the first three rounds of what has already been an extraordinary Six Nations tournament.
Ireland, a team running on old legs and in desperate need of refresh two weeks ago are suddenly giant killers (who might still need a refresh), and England, a team who just two weeks ago were celebrating 12 straight wins, now look like th
the AUS Rugby scene: Life in the February Champions yet with Geoff Parkes
Novelist and weekly author of The Wrap Geoff Parkes joins Brett McKay for a look back at first round of Super Rugby Pacific and all the surprises that came with it, on the latest episode of a brand new offering from 8/9 Rugby: the AUS Rugby scene.
And it wasn’t without blemish, with the powers that be declaring on Monday morning a try should not have been awarded that was. In Round 2 this weekend
Ep.3 – Scotland’s work here is done with Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, to take a look at the fallout from last weekend’s Six Nations results and another Calcutta Cup victory for Scotland, as well as a sneak peek to what’s coming for Round 3 this weekend.
Seemingly, Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has sorted his immediate future once again just by beating England. Ireland overcame a dogged and certainly no longer t
the AUS Rugby scene: This has to be our year with Sean Maloney
Sean Maloney from Stan Sport joins Brett McKay to finalise preparations for the first round of Super Rugby Pacific which starts this weekend, on the latest episode of a brand new offering from 8/9 Rugby: the AUS Rugby scene.
And they have declared that surely 2026 has to be the year an Australian team goes all the way through to the Super Rugby Final! ‘A long time between drinks’ only tells part
Ep.2 – Dominating talking points with Huw Griffin
Huw Griffin joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, for a look back at last weekend’s Six Nations results and to ponder the already shifting narratives for Round 2 this weekend.
Already, we has to ask if we’re all maybe underestimating Italy? And how do Scotland have so much ball and not make one line break? France were excellent over a jury’s-very-much-still-out Ireland, and undoubtedly, Engla
the AUS Rugby scene: Whose draw will actually help? With Ben Darwin
Ben Darwin from Gain Line Analytics joins Brett McKay for a Super Rugby Pacific preview, launching the brand new offering from 8/9 Rugby: the AUS Rugby scene.
And with pre-season predictions a mug’s game at the best of time, Ben’s ability to dig into and find meaning in the numbers is a great insight. So with Round 1 just over a week away, it’s interesting to look at the squads in terms of experi
Ep.1 - “Lads, it’s Spurs…” with Charlie Morgan
Charlie Morgan joins Brett McKay to get 8/9 Rugby underway for 2026, and what better way to begin another year of Great Rugby Chats than to preview the upcoming Six Nations championship.
And after injuries seem to been the story of the build-up, days out from the first match we start wondering about the rise of England, whether France are still in last year’s holding pattern of FRA, and just what
8/9 Rugby is back in 2026!
Brett McKay outlines the evolution of 8/9 Rugby, and what’s in store for 2026. TLDR: the Great Rugby Chats resume this week!
The long list of guests will rotate through the co-host chair every week across two programs: the same 8/9 Rugby you know and love with guests from all around the rugby world, and the brand new AUS Rugby scene, focussing primarily on Australian rugby and Super Rugby Pacific
Ep.90 – The Finale: This has been a blast
Brett McKay and Harry Jones come together for one last time on The 8/9 Combo Rugby Podcast, to wrap up more than 300 episodes as a duo over four wonderful years.
From their humbles beginnings on The Roar, Brett and Harry formed the 8/9 Combo and went large, catering for rugby fans all over the rugby world, with great discussion and banter with each other and almost a hundred wonderful guests, s
A message from The 8/9 Combo: “We have some news”
After more than 300 episodes together over four brilliant years, Brett McKay & Harry Jones share some news about The 8/9 Combo Rugby Podcast.
But it might not be the end, and we’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions as to what comes next.
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Ep.89 – Fresh flowers & missing toothpaste lids with Sean Maloney
Sean Maloney joins Brett McKay and Harry Jones on The 8/9 Combo Rugby Podcast, fresh from the SVNS World Series circuit rolling from Dubai to Cape Town, and ready to wrap up the rugby year for the SANZAAR nations.
There’s the Springboks’ disgusting embarrassment of playing depth riches, there’s the All Blacks’ surprising and maybe infuriating conservatism, there’s the Wallabies sending flowers
Weekend Post-Mortem: Boks ‘bliterate bleak Boyos
It’s the final Weekend Post-Mortem for The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast, with Brett McKay and Harry Jones running the rule over South Africa’s big win over Wales in Cardiff to wrap up the Autumn Nations and November Tests.
In a game played largely for the Welsh Rugby coffers, the Springboks have inflicted a record loss at home on the Welsh, running in eleven tries in none in a completely dominant wi
Ep.88 – Borthwick’s mind control cult with Huw Griffin
Brett McKay and Harry Jones are joined on The 8/9 Combo Rugby Podcast by prolific rugby YouTuber Huw Griffin for a review of the Autumn Nations Series and November Tests, where the guys plot whose October expectations are very different to the end of November feelings.
And then there’s the World Rugby Team of the Year announced this week, where after having no huge objections to the XV as selec
Weekend Post-Mortem: France, Boks leave their Marx
A very different and very short Weekend Post-Mortem for The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast, with Brett McKay giving a quick run through the two biggest games in Harry Jones’ convenient Springboks celebration-shaped absence on the ground in Dublin.
And it was two intriguing contests for very different reasons. South Africa dominant in their win, but Ireland somehow staying in a contest they maybe had n
