Neil Back: Hand of Back, Banned for Pushing Ref & England World Cup Win! | Stick to Rugby EP 27

Topsy Ojo and Lewis Moody join Lawrence and Katy this week as they sit down with England legend Neil Back for an unfiltered look back at one of rugby’s most fascinating careers. Neil reflects on the controversies that defined him — from being banned for (allegedly) pushing a referee to masterminding the infamous “Hand of Back” in the 2002 European Cup Final and if he has any regrets. There’s plenty of British & Irish Lions reaction too, as the panel debates this year’s squad, Neil shares his Lions memories and lifts the lid on what really happens on tour. He opens up about his journey from being laughed at as a youngster to lifting the 2003 World Cup, and explains how a six-month ban shaped the player he became. There are stories of brutal bleep tests, fierce rivalries and chaotic moments — including the time Back knocked out a fan after the 1999 World Cup. 00:00 - Lewis Moody & Topsy Ojo Step In For Shanks & Scott! 05:07 - Dream Teammates: Past or Present 08:25 - Teaser 09:33 - Behind-the-Scenes & Delicacy of the Week 10:09 - Quickfire Questions 20:24 - Neil Back’s Sporting Upbringing 24:05 - Breaking the Mould as a Back Row Forward 28:01 - Nottingham, Leicester & England U21s 32:07 - Leicester Standout Moments 35:27 - Drinking Culture 37:41 - Leicester vs Wasps Rivalry 40:47 - Pilkington Cup Final & 6-Month Ban 42:37 - The Hand of Back Explained 47:27 - England’s 2003 World Cup Win 50:00 - Fight With a Fan in 1999 52:20 - Dean Richards & Clive Woodward 55:15 - The Holy Trinity Back Row 01:00:09 - World Cup Anti-Climax? 01:02:45 - Lions First Test Picks & New Format Debate 01:12:45 - Either/Or Quiz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.