DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

We are officially strapped in for the Super Rugby qualifying finals. Martin Devlin sits down for a couple of massive, back-to-back exclusive interviews with Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss and Brumbies assistant coach Ben Mowen. We talk mental warfare, handling iffy weather, and why the regular season counts for absolutely zero once the do-or-die footy kicks off.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Reds coach Les Kiss during the Reds v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Tertius Pickard / action press)

Reds Lukhan Salakaia-Loto takes a line out ball during the Reds v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Tertius Pickard / action press)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hurricanes assistant coach Cory Jane joins the show ahead of their massive sudden-death quarter-final against the Brumbies in Wellington. We tackle the fallout from the heavy Crusaders loss, why the squad is ignoring the favorites tag, and how a brutal preseason strategy built around their 22-meter defense is paying off. Plus, we hear why Ruben Love is tracking toward a world-class future.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo during the Blues v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Saturday, 16 May 2026, (Photo by Blake Armstrong / action press)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s qualifying finals time! Martin and Jamie break down the stats and structures for the massive three-match schedule. We look at the top-form Hurricanes locking down key talent, the massive front-row injury headache threatening the Crusaders’ fortress, and a historic 1990s punch-up.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Chiefs Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi during the Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 30 May 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Roundtable time on DSPN, and we are laying down the 34 names for our All Blacks side. Martin, John Day, and Mark Watson don't fanny around with these three tests, debating the 19-15 forward split and why Dave Rennie needs to see this team under load before facing South Africa. We break down the front row anchors, settle the loose forward mix, and explain why a stint in the northern hemisphere officially proved what New Zealand rugby fans have known for ages about Rieko Ioane.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Ethan DeGroot during the match between New Zealand and South Africa in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, Saturday, July 15, 2023. (Photo by Lynne Cameron / action press)

Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo points during the Waratahs v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia. Friday, 6 March 2026, (Photo by Steven Markham / action press)

Blues Anton Segner during the Blues v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saturday, 25 April 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s be honest, people love to paint a negative picture about crowd sizes, but the numbers tell a very different story. Martin sits down for an exclusive chat with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley as the competition heads into the finals. We dive into the double-digit attendance growth across New Zealand, how the game outrates the Warriors on Sky, and the ongoing government funding battles for Super Round.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Jack Mesley Chief Executive Officer of Super Rugby Pacific speaks before presenting Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea his player award during the Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika, Super Rugby Pacific match, Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 31 May 2025, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices