No Rucks Given

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 woes & demotion to Welsh u20s
55:00 Selection to Welsh World Cup Squad
01:04:20 Christ’s take on the decline of Welsh Rugby
01:08:53 General Rapid Fire Questions
01:12:44 “Drivn” Fitness App & Christ’s life outside rugby
01:17:40 Episode Recap

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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 laurels. His commitment to outworking his peers and remaining grounded has placed him on the international stage where he is now excelling.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro & Welcome02:35 Family & Early Life05:00 Discovering Rugby19:03 Breaking into Professional Rugby25:10 Harlequin’s & Senior Professional Rugby52:10 England Call Up56:50 Injury Woes01:09:15 Leaving Harlequin’s, Benetton & Italy Call Up01:16:04 Italy Call Up👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby

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.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro & Welcome04:47 Family & Early Life10:03 Discovering Rugby17:39 Breaking into Professional Rugby30:44 Representing Australia41:35 Life Struggles & Career Reflections55:10 Exeter Chiefs56:50 Closing Thoughts👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby

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, creating the physical and abrasive threat we see terrorising Premiership Rugby today.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro & Welcome01:30 Family & Early Life13:50 Discovering Rugby22:45 Semi-Professional Rugby38:30 Breaking into Professional Rugby1:02:00 Exeter Chiefs1:14:49 England & Six Nations1:23:29 Closing Thoughts👍 Like & subscribe for fortnightly rugby podcasts🎧 Listen or Watch on YoutTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow us on Instagram: @NoRucksGivenPodcast TikTok: @nrg.podcast#RugbyPodcast #EnglandRugby #ProfessionalRugby