Tier 2 & Tier 3 Rugby’s Future: Rugby Europe, MLR, World Cup 2031/2035 & Growing the Game | w/ What’s All the Ruckus

Rugby TTL hosts Charlie from the What’s All the Ruckus podcast to discuss why they focus on tier two and tier three rugby, the lack of mainstream coverage, and how journalism and podcasting can spotlight overlooked nations and stories. They talk about guest interviews (including Finnley Harrison) and the balance between exposure and “clickbait” via outlets like The Ruck. The conversation explores where tier two/three rugby could be in 2, 5, and 10 years, the limits of the Nations Cup, the importance of Tier 1 ‘A’ sides, and the need for better calendars, promotion/relegation clarity, and marketing. They cover MLR stability, Super Rugby Americas growth and broadcast access, Rugby Europe Super Cup funding, potential competition restructuring, and the potential impact of USA 2031 and Spain 2035 World Cups.

00:00 Podcast Collaboration Intro
00:44 Why Cover Tier Two
01:56 Grassroots Sports Magic
03:12 Guests And Ruck Debate
06:26 Interviewing Finnley Harrison
08:18 Future Of Tier Two Rugby
09:27 Nations Cup And B Teams
13:21 USA Rugby And MLR Reset
15:48 Super Rugby Americas Growth
19:26 2035 Spain World Cup Dream
21:37 Rugby Europe Super Cup Funding
24:31 Restructuring Rugby Europe
26:08 Fixing Tier Two Calendar
27:10 League Model Proposal
28:28 Travel And Notice Boost
29:27 Showcase Friendlies Examples
32:21 Marketing Beyond Rugby Bubble
37:14 Changing Rugby Perception
40:55 Atmosphere Pricing Lessons
43:59 Favorite Guests Stories
47:52 Ultimate Guest Dreams
49:56 Where To Find The Pod
51:47 Final Thanks And Signoff

Nikola Matawalu on Building Sevens in Greece: Aegean Sevens Rugby Festival, Coaching Confidence & Fiji Pathways

In this Rugby Through the League podcast episode, the host is joined by Nikola Matawalu to discuss the Aegean Sevens Rugby Festival in Greece and its role in rebuilding Greek rugby after past stop-start challenges. Nikola explains how he got involved through George while at university, what the festival atmosphere is like, and why developing standards will take time through coaching and school pathways. They also cover Nikola’s pre-festival masterclass week, focused on fundamentals, confidence, safe learning environments, and enjoyment. The conversation compares rugby development in Greece with Fiji’s grassroots upbringing and the impact of high-performance structures and the Drua on Fiji’s future. Nikola reflects on his playing career at Glasgow, Bath and France, his current coaching in Spain, and highlights coaches Dave Rennie and Townsend plus player Finn Russell.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:36 How Nikola Joined Aegean Sevens

01:40 Greece Rugby Revival

02:55 Festival Vibe and Growth

04:26 Crete Connection and Timing

05:13 Masterclass Week Breakdown

06:21 Coaching Confidence and Fun

09:03 Learning Through Mistakes

10:30 Rugby Roots in Fiji

11:58 Village Life Builds Skills

15:43 Community and Youth in Greece

17:08 Tier Two Nations Rising

18:14 Retirement and Drua Dreams

19:20 Why the Drua Matters

20:09 HPU Pathways Rising

21:51 From Camps to Pros

23:01 Greece Sevens Growth

27:01 Fiji Hosting Tier One

28:53 Best Clubs Played

31:41 Coaching and Masters

33:08 Top Coaches Learned

34:43 Finn Russell Genius

38:46 Festival Farewell

Six Nations Review: Ireland 2nd, Wales Bounce Back, France Edge England & Why Rugby Must Market Itself Better

Rugby TTL review an exceptionally competitive, high-scoring Six Nations, praising the new format with only one mid-tournament break while debating the Thursday opener versus a preferred Friday night start. They recap Ireland’s win over Scotland, arguing the scoreline was flattering as Scotland started strongly but ran out of steam, and highlight Ireland’s improved cohesion, squad depth, and new faces such as Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien, and Stuart McCloskey amid injuries and selection changes. Wales’ victory over Italy is discussed as a needed response after Italy’s prior week high, with praise for Wales’ young talent and work rate. The France–England finale is called a classic, with England improved but undone by missed kicks and a late Thomas Ramos winner, alongside strong criticism of the referee and discipline issues. They also cover their fantasy leagues, rule-breaking controversy, and pick standout players including Rhys Carre, Ferrari, and McCloskey, before closing with ideas to better commercialize and promote rugby through creators, access, and smarter advertising.

00:00 Six Nations Recap
01:09 Format And Scheduling
02:37 Weekend Fixtures Setup
02:58 Ireland Scotland Breakdown
07:56 Ireland Depth And Injuries
15:28 Wales Italy Reaction
18:30 Rugby Marketing Debate
25:23 Social Media And Stars
27:58 Women Sevens And Access
35:43 France England Thriller
38:25 Kicking Discipline And Stats
44:42 Referee Controversy Rant
45:19 Referee Controversy
46:21 Captain Welfare Debate
47:26 Fantasy League Setup
50:40 Unchanged League Drama
53:19 Public League Winners
55:46 High Scoring Tournament
56:32 Growing Fan Engagement
01:00:39 Going Live Next Year
01:02:13 Draft Ideas For Fantasy
01:03:39 Player Of Tournament Picks
01:15:49 Lions Squad Talk
01:18:05 England Tactics And Kicking
01:21:44 Fixing Advantage Rule
01:25:16 Season Wrap And Thanks