Show Notes
Jason Leonard reveals the untold side of rugby's biggest transitions - from an outrageous disciplinary hearing after England vs Scotland, to the brutal shift from amateur to professional, to the mindset that helped England win the 2003 World Cup.
If you love rugby, leadership, or the stories behind elite sport's biggest turning points, this one is packed with laughs, honesty, and hard-earned insight. Leonard sits down with Beefy and Bill Beaumont to revisit the moments that shaped his career, including the infamous Murrayfield incident, the chaos of early professionalism, and the pressure of being thrust into a World Cup final when every scrum felt like a battle of wills.
You'll hear how England's culture changed under Clive Woodward, why the move to professionalism shook up travel, training, and team standards, and how small tactical decisions like kicking for points and handling referees can decide the biggest matches in the world.
He also shares vivid Lions tour memories from South Africa and New Zealand, the story behind the "Fun Bus" nickname, and what it was really like playing through injury, adapting under pressure, and learning when to trust the process. Along the way, Beefy and Bill bring their own perspective on England, the modern game, and the ongoing debate around referees, coaches, and player welfare.
Jason Leonard is one of English rugby's most decorated forwards, a World Cup winner and Lions veteran whose career spans the amateur era, the dawn of professionalism, and the modern elite game. Essential listening if you want brilliant rugby storytelling, candid opinions, and a front-row seat to one of the game's great careers.
#Rugby #RugbyUnion #RugbyPodcast #RugbyStories #JasonLeonard #EnglandRugby #SixNations #LionsRugby #RugbyLegends #SportsPodcast #RugbyLife #OldBoysNewBalls #Beefy #Botham #Beaumont #OBNB #SportStories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Beefy & Beaumont 'Old Boys New Balls!'
He built a successful business from scratch and owns one of sport’s biggest global brands. But aged 38, Ryan Howsam could not even afford to put petrol in his car. Ian Botham and Bill Beaumont get Ryan talking about the move from double glazing salesman to serial entrepreneur, the gamble of taking over the former European Senior Tour, and why he renamed it the Legends Tour to give it a bigger future. He opens up about sponsorship, brand building, and the commercial reality behind sports businesses that look glamorous from the outside but are incredibly hard to make profitable.
PETER REID: Could the Man City clash spell the end for the Premier League? Former Manchester City player and manager Peter Reid fears the club’s clash with the Premier League could open a “can of worms” — and lead to a seemingly endless series of costly legal battles. In this conversation, the former England midfield general shares his concerns about what the dispute could mean for the future of English football, alongside a wide-ranging discussion of how the modern game has changed. From VAR and diving to the pressures facing managers, he offers a candid perspective shaped by a lifetime in football. The conversation also explores the teams, players and eras that shaped Reid’s career, including revelations from a chat with Diego Maradona, after his Hand of God knocked Reid and his England team-mates out of the 1986 World Cup. An hilarious Old Boys New Balls chat not to be missed by all football fans. #PeterReid #ManchesterCity #PremierLeague #Football #FootballPodcast #ManCity #OldBoysNewBalls #OBNB #Beefy #Beaumont #Botham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bill and Ian return this week for a mid-series catch up.
Danny Care won over 100 caps for England and spent 19 years wearing the number 9 shirt for Harlequins.
From re-building homes to building Cornish Pirates into the 'Wrexham' of rugby union.