In one of the most revealing and thoughtful rugby conversations we’ve ever had, Episode 86 of the Lekker Rugby Pod takes you deep into the mind of Franco Smith — Glasgow Warriors coach, Springbok flyhalf, and arguably one of the most visionary thinkers in the game today.Speaking to us from Italy on the eve of his son’s wedding, Franco opens up like never before. This is not your usual rugby interview. This is about how he thinks. How he sees the game. How he leads. How he builds character, not just players. And why the future of rugby might depend on coaches who are willing to connect, listen, and rethink everything.We explore his journey from Springbok flyhalf to international coaching force. We unpack his personal values — from faith to family — and how those shape his coaching philosophy. We talk about leadership, locker room dynamics, player psychology, and what it takes to get a team playing with soul. He also gives us a rare look into the systems and decisions behind Glasgow’s best-ever season, and why adaptability, purpose, and emotional intelligence might be rugby’s next frontier.Could Franco Smith be a future Springbok head coach? Maybe. But one thing’s for sure — you’ll see the game differently after this.This is the Lekker Rugby Pod at its very best. Only on Megafoon Rugby.

Sharks majority owner Marco Masotti sits down with Harry Jones for an unfiltered conversation about the high-stakes world of professional rugby ownership. From Wall Street boardrooms to the Kings Park locker room, Masotti shares how a casual connection to South African expats evolved into a bold rugby investment strategy.This episode goes deep into how the Sharks franchise is being rebuilt from the ground up after COVID, with a 57% spike in attendance and major strides in academy and youth structures. Marco and Harry unpack what it means to grow rugby commercially without losing its soul. They explore the pressures of running a club that still posts financial losses, while trying to expand its footprint in Europe and North America ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.They also explore the emotional and cultural weight rugby carries, the challenge of attracting younger fans, and why transformation isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a creative advantage. From squad management and coaching reviews to big dreams of Sharks academies in New York and a more united South African rugby landscape, this is a masterclass in the business and soul of the game.For anyone interested in the future of rugby, this conversation is essential viewing.

In one of the most earth-shattering moments of the Bulls’ recent history, head coach Jake White is facing a full-blown internal revolt. Multiple senior players and assistant coaches have taken their concerns directly to Bulls upper management — a move that has stunned just about everyone inside and outside Loftus.In this special episode of the Lekker Rugby Pod, MW Welman and Harry Jones grapple with the gravity of what's unfolding — and what it means for the Bulls going forward.For MW, this story is more than just reporting. It’s personal. He’s walked the halls of Loftus, built genuine relationships inside the setup, and has long admired Jake White as a coach and figure in the game. The developments of the past few days have left him deeply unsettled. There's disappointment. Sadness. A sense that something important is breaking.But MW lays out what he’s learnt from those close to the situation — honestly and carefully. No melodrama. Just the uncomfortable truth: that this isn’t a minor issue. It’s a rupture. And it’s taken many by complete surprise.Harry digs into the bigger questions: What went wrong? Can trust be rebuilt? And what happens next?This episode isn’t about point-scoring or panic — it’s about trying to make sense of a moment that feels like a turning point.Nobody expected the Bulls’ season to end with an off-field explosion like this. If you care about the Bulls, about Jake White, or about the state of South African rugby leadership — this one matters.