The ITV Rugby World Cup Podcast

In the last ITV Rugby World Cup pod of France 2023, Flats & Shanks reflect up all the key moments from an epic final in the company of Butch James. They also pick their Team Of The Tournament, which is predictably full of highly controversial selections.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2023

Topsy Ojo joins Flats to preview the final in the company of Springbok legend, Victor Matfield. We also get some excellent intel from stats guru, Ross Hamilton

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2023

England may not be leaving with the pot, but they will be leaving with heads held high, after the narrowest of defeats to South Africa. Bok legend Jean De Villiers joins Flats & Shanks to lend his thoughts on the game. Dave also gives his view on that decision that led to Handrè Pollard's winning penalty kick.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2023

Lawrence Dalaglio & Bryan Habana join Flats to preview the semifinals in Paris, while stats man Ross Hamilton has some juicy data to give England hope in their quest to quash the Boks.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2023

After one of the best weekends of international rugby the world has ever witnessed, Flats & Shanks invite their old pal Andrew Mehrtens onto the pod to digest all the action.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2023

With the pool stages complete, Ben Kay joins Flats & Shanks the preview the quarter finals, with every one extremely difficult to call. We also find out what the data tells us about the games from stats guru, Ross Hamilton

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

Ahead of Scotland's clash with Ireland in Paris, Flats invites Big John B'Arclay to co-present the pod to assess his kinsmen's chances, while Topsy Ojo gives us the inside line from the England camp. We also get a detailed rundown of all the data that matters from resident stats guru, Ross Hamilton.

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2023

With Scotland the only home nation to play at the weekend, Flats & Shanks invited Scott Hastings - who was at the game against Romania - to get his take on how his countrymen are shaping up ahead of their crunch clash with Ireland. Resident ref JP Doyle returns to unpick more card confusion, and David and Tom also pick their team of the round.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2023

With a quiet week in store for 3 of the 4 home nations, Flats & Nolli Waterman take the opportunity to asses where the All Blacks are in the company of the legend that is Sean Fitzpatrick. We also get our weekly shot of stats from Ross Hamilton.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2023

As Ireland demonstrate their credentials as the world's number one side, we speak to former captain Rory Best about the victory over South Africa. Aussie legend Stirling Mortlock also joins David and Tom to discuss the sorry demise of Australia.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2023

Flats is joined by Sam Warbutrton to preview the two biggest games of the weekend, in the shape of Australia v Wales and Ireland v South Africa. Top ref JP Doyle and stats guru Ross Hamilton also lend their thoughts.

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2023

As everyone's favourite second team revive their World Cup hopes with victory against Australia, Flats & Shanks speak to Fiji's most capped player and record points scorer, Nicky Little. We also hear from Ugo Monye and Shane Williams, and Dave and Tom pick their Team Of The Round.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2023

The great Brian O'Driscoll joins Flats on presenting detail (as Shanks takes a well-earned rest) to reflect on the first weekend of action and look ahead to round two. Benjamin Keyser discusses his beloved France, Philiippa Tuttiett provides our customary Welsh angle, and we head inside Camp Italia to speak to Big Dave Sisi.

Transcribed - Published: 14 September 2023

David is joined by his old chum Shanks to digest the first round of matches at France 2023, which were not short of thrills, skills and controversy. Our regular stats guru Ross Hamilton serves up some corking intel on the home nations, and we get the thoughts of Maggie Alphonsi and Bryan Habana on the action. The fellas also select their now legendary team of the round.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2023

It's all systems go for the Rugby World Cup 2023, as Flats is joined by his old mate Shanks to preview the action in France. Joining the fellas for our first show of the tournament are stats guru Ross Hamilton, Gordon D'Arcy & Greig Laidlaw, both of whom are part of ITV's team for our live and exclusive coverage of every single match. We cannot wait!

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2023

In a bonus pod to tie up the loose end that was France v Scotland, the lads reflect upon the magnificent last-ditch win for Gregor Townsend's men. It was a game that put a big smile on Tommy's face - even if he is decidedly unamused by Finn Russell's red card. They pick their Team Of The Championship, and cast an eye ahead to the Lions' tour of South Africa.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2021

It's heartbreak for Shanks, as France seize Wales's Grand Slam from their clutches deep into injury time in Paris. No matter, Tom has an early morning hamburger to cheer him up as he and Flats review an extraordinary evening in the French capital. David, meanwhile, has some strong words for Eddie Jones. And former Scottish skipper Greig Laidlaw joins the boys from Japan, to discuss whisky (without an 'e'), earthquakes, and his favourite ride at Disneyland. They also talk a bit of rugby too, including his Scottish picks for Lions selection.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2021

It's been another tremendous round of action in the Guinness Six Nations, with England beating France in a classic at Twickenham, Ireland pipping the Scots, and Wales keeping their Grand Slam ambitions alive in Rome. To celebrate, Flats cracks open the whisky to share in the company of Nick Abendanon and Ryan Wilson, much to Shanks's disapproval.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2021

It may be fallow week in the Guinness Six Nations, but resident scoundrels Flats & Shanks are here nonetheless, bridging the gap between matchdays. The lads are joined by man-of-the-moment Callum Sheedy, mostly to talk about Semi Radradra, but also a tiny bit about Wales. Big Ben Kay makes an appearance too, as a crestfallen England face the daunting prospect of hosting a rampant France at Twickenham on Saturday.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2021

Following an eventful afternoon at the Principality Stadium, Exeter Chiefs winger Alex Cuthbert joins David and Tom to discuss the more controversial moments in the game. And with Ireland thumping the Italians in Rome, Rory Best offers his views on the performance, and reflects more generally about his incredible career. The boys also pick their Team Of The Round and share a couple more of your jokes.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2021

In an episode recorded just before the weekend, Flats & Shanks enjoy the first Championship rest week in the company of legendary referee Nigel Owens and Italian back-rower, Sebastian Negri. As well as giving his verdict on some of the key decisions in the Guinness Six Nations thus far, Nigel reflects upon the highlights of his career, including the World Cup Final at Twickenham in 2015. Seb, meanwhile, joins us from his team bubble, and offers a frank appraisal of where Italy need to improve to silence the doubters. Dave and Tom also deal with your feedback from their last team of the round, and serve up a few more of your jokes.

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2021

Dan Lydiate joins David and Tom off the back of his terrible season-ending knee injury to reflect upon Wales's dramatic victory over Scotland - and life on the farm with his new bull, McCaw. The lads are also joined by top golfer and lifelong Bath fan, Laurie Canter, who takes Flats on in a devious quiz about his beloved club. They spend a disproportionate amount of time discussing their favourite rugby league players too, and reveal their latest Team Of The Round.

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2021

Kenny Logan joins the lads to reflect upon Scotland's first win at Twickenham since 1983 - in what was a truly awesome performance by Gregor Townsend's men. Tom is very happy about Wales victory over Ireland, despite the fact the oppo only had 14 men for most of the match. And it's thumbs up for France's Grand Slam credentials and a thumbs down for Wayne Barnes's hair. This episode also sees the return of the boys' legendary Team Of The Round.

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2021

Dave and Tom return to ITV for the entirety of the Guinness Six Nations, bringing their inimitable combination of wit, storytelling and expert analysis with them. In this preview show, they speak to John Barclay and Dwayne Peel, assess the chances of all six teams and give their predictions as to who will light up the Championship. They also reflect upon the pitfalls of home schooling, and Shanks has some advice for Flats as to how to improve his appearance during his next photo shoot.

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2021

With no matches being played as a result of the coronavirus, Dave and Tom take the opportunity to reflect upon the performances of all the teams as things stand in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations. They also discuss your feedback on Joe Marler's ban and select their Team Of The Tournament (so far).

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2020

In an episode recorded before the cancellation of the France / Ireland game, Dave and Tom reflect on two of the big talking points in the England v Wales game involving Manu Tuilagi and - ahem - Joe Marler and Alun-Wyn Jones. They also assess a fantastic performance by Scotland to overturn a 14-man France, which throws the tournament wide open. Then, of course, there is their much-debated selections for Team of the Round.

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2020

Cheered by news that his account has finally been verified by Twitter, Tom is in good spirits as he and David assess the state of play in the Six Nations during the second rest week of the tournament. Wales's injury concerns are a major talking point, as is the coronavirus. They also get stuck in to your feedback from their last Team Of The Round.

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2020

The 2020 Guinness Six Nations is shaping up nicely - with England seeing off Ireland and France eyeing up a Grand Slam following a thrilling victory in Wales. There was also redemption in Rome for Stuart Hogg. Flats & Shanks review all the action, pick their Team Of The Round and tell a few more of your gags.

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2020

In an episode filmed in a box at The Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the Wales fly-half joins David and Tom to discuss his ongoing rehabilitation from the horrific knee injury that cruelly ruled him out of the World Cup in Japan. They also get his thoughts on new national coach Wayne Pivac, Shaun Edwards, the Finn Russell affair and the likely winners and losers in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations. What a thoroughly top fella he is!

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2020

As Storm Ciara batters our shores, England and Ireland come out on top in two very contrasting matches. David and Tom speak to ex-Ireland international Stephen Ferris and get a punchy post-match perspective from Ellis Genge. They also pick their Team Of The Round and share a few more of your jokes.

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2020

Following England's defeat in Paris, French legend Thomas Castaignède joins David and Tom to do a little gloating. Rory Lawson chats to the lads about what might have been for Scotland, and they also pick their now legendary Team of The Round.

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2020

Who will be the stars of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations? David Flatman & Tom Shanklin return to ITV with a preview of this year's tournament. Subjects on the agenda include Stuart Hogg's hair, Jon Davies's body and Andy Farrell's guitar. They also pick their Six Nations Team Of The Tens.

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2020

They're back! David Flatman and Tom Shanklin will be podcasting throughout the Guinness Six Nations, with their characteristic blend of razor-sharp analysis and downright daftness. Ahead of Monday's preview show, here's a reminder of what they sound like!

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2020

After an exceedingly long flight, Flats joins Shanks straight off the plane from Japan to reflect upon South Africa's stunning victory over England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. And in many ways, David is the right man to dissect where the match was won and lost, given the importance of the scrum in determining the outcome ...

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2019

The big game is nearly upon us, and David and Tom are a little bit excited. As well as offering their perspective on the final, they also have extended interviews with World Cup winners Ben Kay and Bryan Habana. They also bid a fond farewell to Warren Gatland, which leads them onto a surreal conversation about who from the world of rugby would make the best father-in-law.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2019

With Shanks literally on the first flight out of Japan following Wales's agonising defeat to South Africa, he and Flats are in sombre mood - despite England's extraordinary victory over the Kiwis in the other semi-final. But they still manage to scrutinise both matches with characteristic verve, insight and humour before he is booted out of his hotel.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2019

Amid tales of ping-pong with Andrew Cotter, mind-games with Dave Alred and high-fives with Tiger Woods, Flats & Shanks preview the semi-finals between England and New Zealand and Wales and South Africa.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2019

The boys are exceedingly happy with the quarter-final results in Oita from a patriotic perspective. They also lament the departure of Ireland from the tournament, and marvel at the brilliance of both the All Blacks and the Boks.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2019

Flats & Shanks bring you the definitive preview of the last eight round of matches, including contributions from Joe Marler, Warren Gatland, Ruth Gorman and Alan Quinlan.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2019

Reunited at last, Flats & Shanks reflect upon a glorious evening for the Brave Blossoms - and a less pleasing one for the Scots. They also select their (now infamous) Team Of The Round.

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2019

With typhoon Hagibis approaching Tokyo, Flats puts up an impassioned defence of the decision to cancel England's game against France. Shanks, meanwhile, reflects upon his first live action at the tournament - Wales's thrilling victory over the mighty Fijians.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2019

With Shanks finally arriving in Japan in time for Wales v Fiji, the lads ponder Italian idiocy and French inconsistency in the wake of the weekend action.

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2019

In what's becoming an obsession, Flats bemoans the humidity in Japan and the negative effect it's having on the rugby. He and Shanks also express their love of Aussie coach, Michael Cheika, and hear from Billy Vunipola and Eddie Jones.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2019

More foul play for Flats & Shanks to reflect on, as they assess the mixed fortunes of the home nations with Sam Warburton, Shane Williams, Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell & Scott Hastings.

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2019

The boys are joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Sir Clive Woodward, Michael Lynagh, Sean Fitzpatrick and Gregor Townsend. Flats also goes into intimate detail about his diet since arriving in Kobe.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2019

Following the opening weekend of matches, the boys bring you reaction from Eddie Jones, Brian O'Driscoll, Jamie Roberts and Bryan Habana. Gethin Jenkins also makes a surprise appearance!

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2019

With a groggy Flats now in Japan, he and Shanks look forward to the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup with Ugo Monye and Mark Pougatch.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2019

Golfer Andrew 'The Beef' Johnston joins the fellas for a chat. They also hear from Wales coach Warren Gatland and ITV commentator, Nick Mullins.

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2019

Flats & Shanks bring you highlights from Gabriel Clarke's illuminating conversations with the England coach over his four year tenure. It's a brilliant insight into the mind of the enigmatic Aussie.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2019

Flats & Shanks kick off the ITV Rugby World Cup Podcast with a review of the warm-up internationals. Alan Quinlan, Nolli Waterman and Scott Hastings provide the expertise.

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2019