Behind the Ruck: A rugby podcast with a twist
Juan de Jongh and Rudy Paige are known for their skill, agility and expertise on the rugby field, having worn the Springbok jersey with pride. But beyond the try line, these two rugby legends have found a new way to connect with fans and share their love of the game — through their hit podcast Behind the Ruck. Mixing humour, heart and raw honesty, the duo have turned a simple idea into a popular platform that goes beyond rugby, creating something special for the community.
Juan de Jongh recalls how the idea for Behind the Ruck was born. It wasn’t during a formal meeting, but out on the golf course where the two ex-Springboks often relaxed and talked about life beyond rugby. As they swung their clubs and enjoyed the downtime, the conversation turned to the next chapter in their lives and how they could continue contributing to the rugby community. Juan recalls, “We realised we still had so much to give back, especially to the younger generation. We wanted to share our experiences, educate people about the game we love and bring out the human side of rugby players.”
Initially, the podcast idea seemed like a distant project — just something tossed around during their golfing sessions. But as Juan approached the end of his playing career, the time became right. With more availability, the podcast took off, evolving into a weekly passion project that allows them to inform, entertain and showcase the untold stories of rugby players. As the podcast gained momentum, it quickly became clear that fans were craving this kind of content.
Consistency has been a major key to the podcast’s success. Since its launch, they have made it a point to release a new episode every Thursday at 18:00. The pair is dedicated to ensuring that they meet this schedule week after week, despite the hard work involved behind the scenes. “It’s the consistency and our passion that keep it going,” says Juan. “The love we have for the show, interacting with people and keeping it fun have been crucial to where we are now.”
While the podcast has gained a loyal following, it hasn’t come without its challenges. As with any new project, there have been growing pains – from forgotten equipment to coordinating schedules with guests. But the duo has embraced these challenges, learning to adapt and stay flexible. “The biggest lesson we’ve learned is how to recover when things go wrong. Whether it’s forgetting a cable or having to reschedule a guest, we’ve figured out how to make it work,” Juan laughs. “Podcasting has been a learning curve. Beyond the conversations, there’s the technical side of things – setting up cameras, editing audio, and managing production. I’m learning every day. It’s not just about sitting down and talking; there’s so much more to it, and I want to keep absorbing everything I can.”
When it comes to selecting topics and guests, the ever-evolving rugby landscape provides no shortage of material. From URC matches to Springbok performances, there’s always something timely to dive into. What makes Behind the Ruck stand out is the deep connection the two friends have with their guests — many of whom they played alongside or against during their rugby careers. Their shared experiences allow for more relatable and engaging conversations, adding a personal touch that resonates with listeners.
Over the course of their 60-plus episodes, one interview stands out to Juan as particularly memorable. Speaking with Hacjivah Dayimani, a fellow player with an inspiring background, left a lasting impact. “Hearing about his background and how he approaches life was a real eye-opener. And it’s amazing how much I’m still learning through these conversations, even after 17 years in the game.”
The podcast has also helped strengthen their bond with the wider rugby community. Wherever they travel — whether to George or Johannesburg — they’ve been embraced by fans who tune in every week. They affectionately refer to their listeners as “ruckers” and it’s not unusual for the hosts to meet enthusiastic ruckers in person when they’re out and about. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with listeners loving the authentic, relatable and often humorous approach that Behind the Ruck brings to rugby commentary.
As they look to the future, Juan and Rudy are committed to keeping things fresh and exciting for their audience. They’re always thinking of ways to improve the podcast, from new guests to special projects that will keep their ruckers on their toes. “We’re excited for what lies ahead. There are a lot of good things coming and we just want to keep making this something our listeners love,” Juan says.
At its core, Behind the Ruck is about more than just rugby — it’s about bringing out the human side of the sport. The guys strive to show fans the personal stories behind the players, giving listeners a chance to understand what makes these athletes tick both on and off the field. “We like to bring out the human factor. It helps people see players in a new light and understand their perspectives when things go well — or when they don’t,” Juan explains.
For athletes thinking about their next steps after rugby, Juan has some simple advice: follow your passion. “Whatever drives you, go for it. Whether it’s podcasting, media or something completely different, if it gives you that energy to get up in the morning and do it, just go for it,” he encourages.
As the podcast continues to grow, Juan believes there’s an untapped space in rugby media for more player-led platforms like Behind the Ruck. He sees potential for other players to create content that’s both informative and enjoyable, shining a positive light on the game. “There’s room for more players to share their stories. Every player has a community behind them and rugby fans want to hear what they have to say.”
Staying relevant in an ever-evolving media landscape is no small feat, but Juan and Rudy found that staying connected to their audience is key. Whether through social media interactions or meeting fans in person, they make an effort to give back to the ruckers who have supported them along the way. “The ruckers are the reason we are where we are. We just want to keep giving back to them and making it worthwhile,” Juan concludes.
With Behind the Ruck, Juan de Jongh and Rudy Paige have created something exceptional. It’s more than just a podcast — it’s a space where rugby fans can connect, learn and laugh while getting to know the people behind the game. Their journey from rugby stars to podcast hosts is an inspiring reminder that passion, consistency and a willingness to learn can lead to something extraordinary.