Rugby League World Cup 2021

This is Impact

The Official Rugby League World Cup Podcast

All roads lead to England - where Rugby League World Cup 2021 is ready to take centre stage.
Ahead of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, we bring you a unique series of in-depth conversations with some VERY special guests. Some are superstars of the game, others have never stepped foot on a pitch. Everyone has rugby league imprinted on their soul… Our discussions reveal how and why.

Episodes

Episode 1: Mal Meninga

This is Impact kicks off with an icon of rugby league and a true hero of Australian sport. Mal Meninga has won every honour as a player, captain and coach. He guided Australia to World Cup glory in 2017; this autumn, he’s trying to steer the Kangaroos to success once again. Meninga discusses his upbringing in a rugby league family, what drives him on, his passion for the sport’s growth, and his thoughts on who will succeed at Rugby League World Cup 2021.

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Episode 2: Clare Balding

In episode two of This is Impact, Charles is joined by England and St Helens forward Jodie Cunningham. The pair sit down with Clare Balding. One of Britain’s most well-known and respected sports broadcasters, Clare is also the current President of the Rugby Football League. Clare has almost 30 years’ experience covering some of the biggest sporting events from across the globe. A proud advocate for women’s sport and the growth of rugby league, she discusses her introduction to rugby league with the BBC, her hopes for full professionalism for female rugby league players, and what lessons the sport can learn after the success of England’s women footballers at Euro 2022.

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Episode 3: Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

This week Charles is joined by England Wheelchair star James Simpson, as they meet a Paralympic legend - Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. After a decorated athletic career, Tanni is now a prominent sports administrator and politician, devoting much of her time to campaigning for inclusivity both in sport and across society. The trio discuss the increased coverage of para-sports, Tanni’s passionate support for Wales, and preview what is set to be a highly competitive wheelchair competition.

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Bonus Episode: Shaun Wane and Gareth Southgate

In this special bonus podcast we sit down with two of England’s most prominent and successful coaches. Shaun Wane, England Men’s Rugby League Coach and Gareth Southgate, England Men’s Football Manager and Football Foundation Supporter. Ahead of their respective World Cups this autumn Shaun and Gareth discuss their personal relationship with each other, transitioning to the international coaching arena and how they will handle the pressure they will face in the coming months as they bid to lead England to more sporting success.

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Episode 4: Honey Hireme-Smiler

Joining the podcast from her home in New Zealand, Honey Hireme-Smiler is an iconic figure in rugby league, who played for her country across three different codes. Her try-scoring feats led the Kiwi Ferns to glory in 2003 and 2008. Now retired, “Honey-Bill” is turning her skills to yet another sport with great success.

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Episode 5: Tom Aspinall

Charles gets to grips – quite literally – with UFC star Tom Aspinall, as he recovers from his recent fight in front of a sell-out crowd in London. They discuss Tom’s relationship with England Head Coach Shaun Wane, the skills rugby league stars could learn from mixed martial artists, and whether the heavyweight contender can make an impact on the pitch the way he does in the octagon!

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Episode 6: Sir Clive Woodward

When codes collide - Kyle Amor joins Charles as they meet rugby union legend Sir Clive Woodward to discuss his secret love and passion: rugby league! Sir Clive reveals an incredible story of going undercover in Warrington, why he tried to name his son after a Manly legend, and explains how signing Jason Robinson was his biggest achievement…

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Episode 7: Jenny Meadows

Former Olympic athlete Jenny Meadows joins Charles to chat about growing up in Wigan alongside rugby legends. With just over a week until the World Cup kicks off, Jenny explains how she’ll be involved in the tournament behind the mic, and recalls being quizzed about rugby league on Mastermind!

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Episode 8: Kevin Sinfield

Leeds Rhinos and England icon Kevin Sinfield OBE sits down with Charles in the final episode of ‘This Is Impact’, on the eve of kick-off at Rugby League World Cup 2021. While his legacy as one of the game’s greatest ever players is assured, Sinfield’s legend continues to grow off the pitch, due to his work raising millions for research into Motor Neurone Disease. The former England captain discusses his latest incredible fundraising challenge – which will conclude during the Men’s Rugby League World Cup Final – and reflects on his personal memories of playing in three World Cups.

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