Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast this week interviews Mark Pollard, who shares his rugby journey. Mark talks about his early days playing rugby, his experiences at different clubs, and the enjoyment he found at the highest level. He also discusses playing rugby while serving in the Navy and the opportunities it provided to play in different countries. The conversation touches on players who have made it professionally, the dedication required to succeed, and the importance of the social aspect of rugby. The conversation explores the challenges and sustainability of professional and amateur rugby. It discusses the financial viability of professional rugby and the limited opportunities for players outside the top 1%. The conversation also touches on the difficulties of developing professional rugby and the lack of a clear pathway. The impact of the pandemic on rugby clubs is highlighted, with many struggling to survive. The importance of community and family involvement in rugby clubs is emphasized, as well as the need to make the club attractive and inclusive for all members. The conversation explores the challenges of attracting crowds to rugby games and the lack of accessibility to top-level rugby clubs. The distance to travel and the cost of transportation are major barriers for fans. The conversation also touches on the importance of community rugby and the need for funding and support at the grassroots level. The hosts discuss the potential of adapting rugby at a community level, such as scheduling games on Saturday mornings to allow fans to attend matches in the afternoon. They also mention the importance of having a strong club structure and the financial implications associated with sustaining a higher level of rugby.

This episode of the Rugby Through the Leagues podcast introduces the purpose of the podcast, which is to shine a light on grassroots rugby and rugby below tier one. The host discusses the lack of coverage and exposure for rugby in non-tier one countries and emphasizes the potential for growth and development in these regions. He also highlights the success of teams like Georgia and Portugal in international competitions and the need for more opportunities for tier two nations to compete against tier one teams. The host concludes by expressing his ambition to visit and cover games in various European leagues and promote accessibility to international rugby.