Clara’s Verdict
Owen Farrell’s quote on the cover — « I want absolutely nothing to do with this book » — is the best possible advertisement. The Good, The Bad & The Rugby – Unleashed is the companion book to the massively popular podcast, and it delivers exactly what podcast fans want: more anecdotes, less curation, zero restraint. Alex Payne, James Haskell, and Mike Tindall are not three men who have ever been accused of excessive discretion, and this book is testament to that quality across seven hours of audio produced by HarperCollins.
I should be transparent: I’m a literature person who came to this for the audiobook review, not because I track the Premiership. The book won me over anyway. There’s a generosity and warmth to these three that transcends sport entirely, and the behind-the-scenes account of building a podcast into a major media property is genuinely interesting regardless of your feelings about rucks.
About the Audiobook
Released in October 2024, this is structured around the backstory of the Good, Bad & Rugby podcast — how it evolved from its predecessor House of Rugby, how the three personalities found their dynamic, and what has happened on tour, at Windsor Castle (yes, there is a chapter about meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales), and in various situations that apparently required lawyers on standby. Tindall’s royal connections add a layer that few sports podcasts can claim, and the book makes good use of that access without becoming a royal memoir.
Haskell provides most of the physical comedy — near-death DJ set experience included — while Payne is entertainingly self-deprecating about his broadcasting career’s various low points. The book also covers the state of world rugby more seriously than you might expect, including considered reflections on where the sport is heading. That Payne, Haskell, and Tindall have thought carefully about rugby’s future alongside the chaos and banter gives the book more substance than the cover might suggest.
The Narration
The audiobook is presented by the three hosts, which is the obvious right choice and the format that podcast fans will find most natural. The chemistry that makes the podcast work carries directly into the recorded format; this sounds like the show rather than a formal reading of a book. The dynamic between the three is well-established and comfortable, and there’s genuine warmth in how they relate to each other’s stories. At seven hours, it moves quickly and never feels padded.
What Readers Say
Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 330 reviews — a substantial sample. MZY2015 gave five stars and noted the book « covers a lot of ground — rugby itself and also the background to the GBR podcast, » calling it « so much more than just a few stories. » Sarah Belfield gave five stars and wrote, crucially: « I have no interest in rugby but I really enjoyed this book » — which is perhaps the most useful endorsement for a non-rugby reviewer to share. Dr McConnell offered the most critical perspective: « probably a bit too introspective for me, » finding some sections too focused on internal podcast dynamics. DPWW bought it as a gift for rugby-mad sons and noted they were thoroughly pleased.
Who Should Listen?
Existing GBR podcast listeners will find this essential supplementary material. But the book’s appeal extends to anyone interested in how sporting media personalities build careers beyond the pitch, how friendships sustain over decades of shared professional life, and what the combination of high achievement and genuine self-awareness looks like. Sarah Belfield’s experience — zero rugby knowledge, high enjoyment — should give non-fans confidence.
Listen to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby – Unleashed on Audible UK — and don’t be put off by the front cover if rugby isn’t your thing.
