By the Balls

UK-based journalists John Davidson and Ross Heppenstall discuss the latest sports topics of the day and endeavour to give you the story behind the stories. Lots of opinion, insight and detail on the world of rugby league, rugby union, football and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

Last refreshed: July 20th, 2025 at 1:52 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Episode 4: Denver, Diving, King Kane and African destruction

Ross and Gary are joined by a special guest, writer and author Gavin Willacy, to talk about the contervsial England vs New Zealand Test in Denver, the first week of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, American rugby league, the revival of the Springboks and ponder whether Super League is now in the midst of a civil war. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Jun 21, 2018•54 min

Episode 3: 2018 World Cup Special

John, Ross and Gary break down the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, look at the England and Australian teams, the merits of Gareth Southgate, and pick their favourites and teams to impress in the tournament. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

Jun 12, 2018•28 min

Episode 2: Rectums, Barton, Integrity Units and club vs country battles

John, Ross and special guest Gary Carter dissect the Tomkins brothers' viral video, the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, the rise of Warrington, transition at Leeds Rhinos, Widnes' appointment of Francis Cummins and whether Super League needs an integrity unit. They also get stuck into the appointments of Joey Barton at Fleetwood, Frank Lampard at Derby, the current state of Leeds United, as well as Eddie Jones' war of words with Bath owner Bruce Craig. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://w...

Jun 05, 2018•51 min

Episode 1.5: A bit more of the first show with the Toronto v Leigh rivalry, Waney and Fast Eddie

John and Ross continue their first episode chat on the Summer Bash and the growing Toronto v Leigh rivalry, but also talk about Shaun Wane's departure, a changing of the guard at Wigan, and whether Eddie Jones is now under pressure with England after four losses on the trot. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

May 30, 2018•17 min

Episode 1: Kicking things off with Kiev and Blackpool

The maiden episode of By the Balls, where sports journalists John Davidson and Ross Heppenstall talk about the Champions League final and the 'success' and future of rugby league's Summer Bash. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

May 30, 2018•16 min

← Prev

Hosted on Spotify for Creators (Anchor)

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android