Inside Rugby’s R360 Mess with Christy Doran and Chris Jones
R360 was meant to breathe new life into rugby. Instead, it’s been shoved all the way back to 2028, and no one seems convinced it’ll ever actually launch. So, on the DSPN we brought in two of the best: Christy Doran from The Roar and long-time rugby journalist Chris Jones, to help us figure out what on earth happens next.
Christy talks through what the delay really means, why key investors walked, and why signing players six to 12 months before a World Cup makes the whole concept almost impossible. He also explains the chaos now facing league converts who quit their NRL deals expecting this thing to exist.
Then, Chris Jones joins us with 40 years of perspective, calling R360 everything from a pantomime season to rugby’s latest attempt to copy the IPL without understanding rugby’s actual market.
No players, no coaches, no broadcast deal, and a billion-euro budget? You can guess his verdict.
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28:22
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28:22
Are the All Blacks’ Coaches Under Threat? Jamie Wall Explains
We’re wrapping the season with one of the sharpest minds in New Zealand rugby media. Jamie Wall jumps in with us to take a clear, honest look at where the All Blacks really sit right now, and why Scott Robertson’s second year has created more questions than answers.
Jamie talks us through the coaching setup, what Razor actually does day to day, and whether the assistants should be feeling a bit nervous as NZ Rugby begins its end-of-season review. We also dig into the set piece struggles, the attack going missing at key moments, and why the South African tour next year could define the entire coaching group.
Plus, Jamie gives us some great context on Wales, the Springboks’ ridiculous depth, and why one shining performance at Eden Park might still matter.
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25:46
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25:46
Greg Martin On Wallabies Chaos And The Change to Les Kiss As Coach
Greg Martin is back talking Wallabies, and how Aussie has managed to sink to their worst calendar year on record. It’s a rough watch for fans, and even Marto admits the players coming home are “embarrassed” about what 2025 has turned into.
We revisit that false dawn in Johannesburg, the Lions series they could have won, and how everything since has unravelled. Marto talks openly about constant selection changes, the lack of a genuine five-eighth, and the impact of losing Will Skelton.
He also gives us a window into Joe Schmidt’s final months, why Les Kiss wasn’t involved on tour, and how messy the transition has become behind the scenes.
Find every episode and discover your next favourite podcast on the rova app or rova.nz
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14:09
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14:09
Tony Johnson Breaks Down All Blacks' WILD Season
Tony Johnson joins us for a full, honest debrief on the All Blacks season, and we get straight into what worked, what didn’t, and what absolutely has to change. Martin fronts with his C+ assessment of the year, pointing to those three costly losses and the frustrating habit of following big wins with flat performances.
Tony digs into the big-picture issues - leadership on the field, the domino effect of mistakes, and why the England loss felt so deflating even after a strong start. There’s plenty of positivity too, from the emergence of real depth at lock and prop.
We look at the next two years, the coaching questions that still linger, what the attack is actually trying to be, and the brutal schedule ahead.
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26:41
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26:41
Let's Be Positive About The All Blacks, And 2026 Test Season Outlook
We start with Martin’s five positives from the All Blacks season: the crucial Eden Park win over South Africa, the undeniable world-class status of Cam Roigard and Ardie Savea, the loyal “rah-rah” fans, next year’s stacked schedule, and the blessing that the World Cup isn’t until 2027 .
Then, Marty and young producer Lachlan rip through What Has More Chance Of Happening? Will the All Blacks win their four-test South Africa series? Could Razor realistically lose his job if results crumble? Are England any chance of winning the Ashes if they refuse to change their approach? All that and much more!
Find every episode and discover your next favourite podcast on the rova app or rova.nz
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Martin Devlin is a seasoned sports broadcaster in New Zealand, famous for his high-energy, no-nonsense style on both radio and TV.
He’s covered everything from the FIFA World Cup to the Rugby World Cup and is known for his passion for the game.
Now, he’s about to take things up a notch by launching the DSPN—The Devlin Sports Podcast Network.
DSPN promises to be a wild ride through the sports world, packed with Devlin’s signature energy, bold takes, and insider insights.
Get ready for sports talk that’s fast-paced and unapologetically Devlin!
New Zealand