Le French Rugby Podcast · Le French Rugby Podcast

Joe Marchant

·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

Stade Français star Joe Marchant explains why he left England after a World Cup and how a bizarre Eddie Jones ultimatum ended his international career.

The episode opens with hosts Tim Graves and Johnny Beattie setting the scene for the final round of the Top 14 regular season. They discuss Racing 92's narrow qualification for the playoffs, secured by a losing bonus point against Bayonne in torrential rain. The conversation shifts to Bordeaux's controversial management of Mathieu Jalibert, who tore his hamstring late in a meaningless game and is now out of the playoffs. The hosts analyze Toulouse's loss to Lyon and their extended break before the semi-finals. They highlight Sam Whitelock's farewell try for Pau and ugly fan scenes at the Pau-Perpignan match. The main interview features Stade Français center Joe Marchant, who discusses his first season in France, life in Paris, and Stade's league-best defense under coach Paul Gustard. Marchant reveals Gustard's prank of playing his girlfriend's singing videos in team meetings. He details his England career, including Eddie Jones' ultimatum that led to his departure and his subsequent World Cup involvement under Steve Borthwick. Marchant explains his move to France was driven by Premiership salary cap issues and a desire for a new challenge. He compares the Top 14 to the Premiership, noting the intense away atmospheres and larger players. The interview covers Stade's playoff prospects, with Marchant predicting Bordeaux will beat Racing 92 in the barrage. He identifies Sekou Macalou and Paul Gabrillagues as key Stade players. The hosts and Marchant debate England's policy of not selecting overseas-based players, with Marchant citing Jack Willis as an example of someone benefiting from French rugby. The episode concludes with analysis of the promotion/relegation play-off between Grenoble and Montpellier, and celebration of Vannes' historic promotion to the Top 14.

As heard by us

A brisk playoff-week listen with Joe Marchant at the center.

Tim Graves and Johnny Beatty work through a hectic final round of the Top 14 regular season, with Racing hanging on to the last playoff spot, the promotion race still alive, and the barrage and access match looming over everything.

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Why you'd press play

Play this if you want the playoff stakes and Joe Marchant's inside angle.

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