DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

The 1996 All Blacks tour of South Africa remains one of the most important moments in New Zealand rugby history, and in this DSPN Summer Series episode, Sean Fitzpatrick explains why. Fitz takes Martin Devlin back inside that iconic tour, reflecting on what it meant to finally win a test series in South Africa after decades of heartbreak. He talks about the pressure of carrying history, the significance of neutral referees, the transformation of South Africa through sport, and the lifelong bonds formed with teammates. Tony Johnson then joins Martin to revisit the most memorable All Blacks versus Springboks matches they’ve seen, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup semi-final, Eden Park classics, Cape Town battles, and moments that swung entire campaigns in a single lineout or tackle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Running a Super Rugby franchise looks glamourous from the outside. The reality is a whole lot tougher. On the DSPN, Marty sits down with Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee as he prepares to step away after more than a decade in the role. Avan reflects on the highs of winning in 2016, the lows of recent financial pressure, and what it’s really like trying to balance performance, people, and profit in modern rugby. They get into crowd numbers, star power, NZ Rugby’s influence, player payments, and why Super Rugby viewership is booming while bums on seats are not. Avan also opens up about leadership under scrutiny, tough calls, and the Hurricanes haka controversy, speaking candidly about what he learned from one of the most challenging moments of his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to be an All Black? According to Murray Mexted, it starts in the head. In this DSPN Summer Series chat, Marty catches up with one of New Zealand rugby’s most respected voices to talk frankly about where the All Blacks are at and where they need to go. Murray questions selection instability, constant experimentation, and the growing focus on fitness over mental toughness. They discuss the pressure of wearing the jersey, the responsibility that comes with it, and why chopping and changing players risks damaging the All Blacks’ winning culture. Murray also reflects on the heavy Wellington loss to South Africa, the impact of replacements on team resilience, and why test rugby is no place for experimentation. With a brutal South African tour looming, Murray believes this is the ultimate test. A chance to rebuild belief, consistency, and the All Blacks’ edge ahead of the next World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is rugby still working the way we think it is? In this Summer Series episode of the DSPN, Martin Devlin and Mark Philpott from United Rugby Fans talk honestly about the state of the game, from grassroots clubrooms right through to the All Blacks. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about where rugby is thriving, where it’s broken, and why so many volunteers are holding the whole thing together with little support. Martin reflects on his own journey as a rugby fan, the moments that hooked him for life, and what decades behind the microphone have taught him about fans, pundits, and the difference between opinion and reality. The chat dives deep into officiating, the role of technology, the frustrations around the TMO, and why rugby feels more complicated than it needs to be. There’s also a blunt assessment of the All Blacks’ year, grassroots struggles, pathways for young players, and why winning still matters more than ever in New Zealand rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a Warriors fan isn’t for the faint hearted. And few people understand that better than Zane, also known as The Warriorholic. In this chat on the DSPN, Marty catches up with one of the most passionate and positive voices in Warriors fandom. Zane talks about why perspective matters, how COVID changed the way he viewed sport, and why remembering players are people first has become central to everything he does online. They dive into the Warriors’ recent seasons, expectations versus reality, Andrew Webster’s impact, squad depth, injuries, and what’s still missing to genuinely contend for a premiership. Zane also explains why his optimism isn’t blind faith, but grounded in watching reserve grade, tracking development players, and understanding how clubs actually build success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices