In this episode, we break down a massive weekend of Super Rugby filled with upsets, tactical shifts, and standout performances.

We dive into the Chiefs knocking off the Hurricanes in a top-of-the-table clash, including where the game turned tactically and how Wallace Sititi made a huge statement on return from injury. We also get into the All Blacks back row debate and where Sititi fits in a stacked field.

Plus, we cover the Fijian Drua’s impressive away win, the Western Force upsetting the Crusaders (and the rise of Zach Lomax), and a Waratahs side starting to build momentum at the right time.

We also kick things off with a special segment from Japan, sharing the experience of attending Black Rams vs Honda Heat in Tokyo and why rugby truly feels like a global community no matter where you are.

Chapters:

• Japan rugby experience 🇯🇵

• Chiefs vs Hurricanes analysis

• Wallace Sititi & All Blacks selection talk

• Fijian Drua away win

• Force vs Crusaders upset

• Waratahs form check

If you’re into rugby analysis, Super Rugby breakdowns, and global rugby stories, this one’s for you.

Dave Rennie’s All Blacks era begins, and we’re diving straight into the deep end.In this episode of The Bonus Point (recorded live at Three Weavers Brewing Company in Inglewood CA), Tj is joined by Alfonso Horomia (Pig Athletic - Rugby Heads Podcast) to break down one of the biggest coaching storylines in New Zealand rugby: Dave Rennie replacing Scott “Razor” Robertson as All Blacks head coach. We unpack how Robertson’s tenure unraveled, what Rennie’s Māori and Cook Islands background and coaching journey (Chiefs, Wallabies, Glasgow, Kobe) bring back to the black jersey, and why current and former players are so bullish on his ability to rebuild culture, clarity and edge. We also look ahead to the brutal “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour of South Africa and ask what a long, old-school tour against the Springboks could do for this new-look All Blacks side.In the second half, we shift into Super Rugby Pacific mode. After four rounds, we talk through who’s actually setting the pace: the Brumbies’ consistency, the Chiefs’ attacking fireworks, the Hurricanes’ statement win, and what Beauden Barrett’s return means for the Blues. We pick out early-season standouts, surprise performers, and a few red flags for the traditional powerhouses.To finish, we hit our Bonus Point segment with some fast-paced, rugby-themed questions and predictions to tie everything together—Rennie, the Boks tour, and the Super Rugby race.

Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 delivered upsets galore—Highlanders shock Crusaders, Moana Pasifika conquer Drua in Lautoka, Chiefs steal one at Eden Park, plus big Aussie wins. We break down the key moments, a new segment "3, 2, 1's" for standout players, my Round 2 fantasy squad and tipping for round 2. Don't miss it! #SuperRugbyPacific

In this episode, I sit down with Ella Ferguson, content creator and journalist to talk about her journey into the world of rugby media and storytelling. Ella shares how she turned a passion for the game into a career capturing its modern side — from working with players and building digital content, to shaping how fans connect with rugby today.

We also dive into the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, players and teams to watch as well as what’s next for Ella as she continues to elevate the voice of women in sports media.

A must-listen if you love rugby, content creation, or just want a peek behind the scenes of what it takes to tell the stories that define the game.

The Bonus Point Rugby Podcast kicks off 2026 with a massive guest — newly appointed Scotland Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka. Host TJ Olsen sits down with Sione to unpack his journey from Brisbane State High to international coaching stints with Australia, the USA, and now Scotland.

They dive deep into the evolution of the women’s game, lessons from the 2025 Rugby World Cup, and what it takes to build successful high‑performance programs across different rugby cultures. Plus, TJ and Sione weigh in on the Super Rugby season ahead and the shock removal of Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach — one of the biggest stories in world rugby.

A perfect blend of coaching insight, international perspective, and rugby chat to start the year strong.

Episode 69 of the podcast features an insightful conversation with rugby journalist Jamie Wall, renowned for his deep knowledge and years covering the All Blacks and global rugby. Jamie shares his journey into rugby journalism, highlighting his work covering the All Blacks since 2017 and dives into the All Blacks’ complex and often scrutinized 2025 season, analyzing coaching challenges, standout players, and pivotal tactical decisions.

We also unpack the debates around the World Rugby Player of the Year awards, examining fairness in selection and overlooked players.

Lastly with the 2027 Rugby World Cup pools announced just yesterday, Jamie provides expert analysis on New Zealand’s draw, the expanded 24-team format, and the strategic path the All Blacks must follow to win the tournament. This episode offers a compelling mix of career insights, current rugby analysis, and forward-looking World Cup preview that any rugby fan will appreciate.

We catch up with Rob "The Hammer" Hammerschmidt (The Rugby Rant) to discuss the EOY tour squads for:

• All Blacks
• Wallabies
• All Blacks XV

We have included a sneak peak into the Rugby Rant's Podcast where we spoke about R360...a new and bold competition full of innovation. Is this new competition promising or a pipe dream??

Jason Emery (Maori All Blacks, Old Glory DC) joins the show to chat about USA Rugby qualifying for the RWC in 2027, The upcoming Bledisloe Cup tests in the Rugby Championship & the Women's RWC finals.