Podcast · Sport

No Rucks Given Podcast

by Paul Brown-Bampoe · English · Sport

No Rucks Given is a rugby podcast hosted by two current professional players - Paul Brown-Bampoe & Ross Vintcent - sitting down with fellow pros to tell the real stories behind the careers. From grassroots pitches to the elite level, we explore how players made it, the setbacks along the way, and wh

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 6 min
Latest: 24 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

24 Sep 2026 · 58 min

NRG Episode SEASON OPENER: Paul Brown-Bampoe

This week on No Rucks Given, the tables are turned. Ross Vintcent takes the interviewer’s seat as we finally dive into the story of NRG co-host Paul Brown-Bampoe - and the journey that took him all the way to professional rugby with Exeter Chiefs. Paul opens up on the road behind the shirt: his upbringing, his route into rugby, the setbacks and sacrifices along the way, and what it really took to turn the dream of professional sport into a reality. But this episode goes far beyond rugby. Paul speaks candidly about the pressures that come with chasing success, the lessons he’s learned away…

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Earlier episodes 8 most recent

9 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
NRG Episode #8: Sebastian Negri
In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sit down with Italian international and Benetton back-row powerhouse Sebastian Negri.Born on a farm in Zimbabwe, Seb’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice and determination. Forced to leave his home country with his family during a period of political unrest, he grew up in South Africa before pursuing his rugby dream across three continents. From Zimbabwe to Durban, from Hartpury College in England to the international stage with Italy, Seb’s journey is unlike any other. We dive into his childhood experiences, the challenges his family faced, and how…
1 May 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
NRG Episode #7: Tom Hooper
In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sit down with Tom Hooper to unpack his rugby journey. From under-9’s flyhalf to destructive Wallaby forward, he’s carried his enthusiasm and passion for the game across the pond to Exeter where he is making some serious waves. Tom “Hoops” Hooper approaches everyday with an attitude of getting better. That relentless energy and desire dictates his style of play.👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby
1 Apr 2026 · 54 min
NRG Episode #6: CARWYN TUIPULOTU
In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sit down with Carwyn Tuipulotu to unpack a journey that’s had it all - early hype, tough setbacks, and a determined return to form. Now thriving at Pau, Carwyn shares the honest realities of chasing potential in professional rugby.👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby
20 Mar 2026 · 47 min
NRG Episode #5: Stephen Lorenzo Varney
In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sat down with Stephen Lorenzo Varney before his six nations campaign with “THE ITALY”. We discuss his rise in professional rugby from uninterested golf player to an Italian International staple. Stephen’s work-rate, discipline and his all in/all out mentality offers a very unique perspective on how to make it to the international stage.👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby
3 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
NRG Episode #4: Christ Tshiunza
In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sat down with Christ Tshiunza to discuss his rise in professional rugby from Congolese asylum seeker to seasoned Welsh international. Christ’s focus on remaining present in the moment and his refusal to form any expectations for his rugby career offer a very unique perspective on how to make it to the international stage. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 01:10 Intro & Welcome 01:53 Family & Early Life 05:00 Acclimatising to Wales 11:00 Intro to Rugby 19:35 Early Rugby Career at Cardiff 31:20 How Christ joined Exeter Chiefs 35:38 Selection to Wales senior Team 47:55 Injury…
S1 · E3 · 15 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
NRG Episode 3: Louis Lynagh
In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sat down with Louis Lynagh to discuss his journey to professional rugby.We met with Louis before his training camp for the Italian Men’s National Team, not long before his dominant performance against Scotland where he bagged a try in their 18-15 triumph. We cover his upbringing, which was hugely shaped by his Australian International father Michael Lynagh, his rise through the Harlequin’s academy to becoming a Prem staple, injury woes, as well as his complicated root to international rugby. Despite his natural talent, Louis wasn’t one to rest on his…
S1 · E2 · 21 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
NRG Episode #2: Scott Sio
In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sit down with Scott Sio to discuss his journey in professional rugby.We discuss everything, from his early years under the tutelage of his World Cup playing, Samoan International father, David Sio to his time repping Australia in the 2015 World Cup. Despite being somewhat of a young prodigy, off the pitch challenges involving grief and bouts of alcoholism had the potential to derail Scott’s career, despite these struggles Scott was able to realise his full potential through his unwavering commitment to three pillars: FAMILY, FAITH & RUGBY.⏱️…
S1 · E1 · 5 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 25 min
NRG Episode #1: Ethan Roots
In this episode of No Rucks Given, we sit down with Ethan Roots to talk about his rise in professional rugby.We discuss everything, from his early years as an aspiring professional mixed martial artist to his time repping the England Jersey during the 2024 Six Nations. Throughout his journey, Ethan experienced many moments of extreme career acceleration, followed by deep challenges both on and off the pitch. His self-belief encapsulated by his motto of “Don’t limit yourself, don’t let others limit you, and don’t bulls*** yourself” has pulled him through many a challenging circumstance,…

About No Rucks Given Podcast

No Rucks Given Podcast is a English sport podcast from Paul Brown-Bampoe. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Paul Brown-Bampoe
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 6 min
Latest episode: 24 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1867038704
Rights: Paul Brown-Bampoe

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