EP4 - Maggie Alphonsi

12/08/20 • 50 min

World Cup winning legend, Maggie Alphonsi MBE is one of the best known names in women’s international rugby. “Maggie the Machine” captained England with 74 caps, scored 28 tries and helped England win seven consecutive Six Nations crowns and the 2014 World Cup Final. A formidable force on the pitch, she hands over her phone to Craig Doyle who opens up her contact book to speak to those who know her best. In an enlightening and personal interview, Maggie reveals her struggles as a child and how she overcame a serious physical disability to become one of the world’s top rugby players. Those closest to her tell their part in her journey, which is both moving and at times hilarious. They reveal the surprising way Maggie spent a £500 sports grant and why she pulled a toilet off the wall while on tour. Plus, the England Men’s Captain Owen Farrell recalls how Maggie the Machine floored him during a training session. .......................................... The Contact Book with Craig Doyle is an original by 3 Rock Production for Auddy #doylecontactbook Special thanks to all of our guests on the show. Presenter, Craig Doyle Theme Music by Owen Parker Series Producer, Keith Doyle Sound editing, Mark Sharman Album Art, Nicole Stewart Executive Producer, Andrew Sampson

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EP3 - Sean Fitzpatrick

In this episode, one of the greatest All Black of all time, the “All Black’s All Black” - Sean Fitzpatrick hands over his contact book. Craig delves into “Fitzy’s” life and career, calling up those who were part of it. We hear from the person who first spotted his talents on the field and how Sean went back to work as a carpenter after winning New Zealand’s first Rugby World Cup. Sean also reveals how he never wanted to be the captain of the All Blacks but being so made him a better person. He explains how losing The World Cup final in 1995 changed his life forever. Other legendary All Blacks line up to heap praise on their former captain, who was capped a total off 121 times and only missed 2 matches in a decade. They also reveal secrets including what the ice baths were really used for. The tough man of rugby, Sean tells how he regrets never telling his father he loved him and how he now makes sure he tells his daughters he loves them as often as possible. We also discover how, because of Sean, the Haka is now performed before matches in the most unlikely place. This is a fascinating and entertain insight into one of the world’s greatest ever players which will be enjoyed by everyone not just rugby fans. .......................................... The Contact Book with Craig Doyle is an original by 3 Rock Production for Auddy #doylecontactbook Special thanks to all of our guests on the show. Presenter, Craig Doyle Theme Music by Owen Parker Series Producer, Keith Doyle Sound editing, Mark Sharman Album Art, Nicole Stewart Executive Producer, Andrew Sampson

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EP5 - Will Carling

This week Will Carling, England’s youngest ever rugby captain, hands his contact book over to Craig Doyle. On the Contact Book, Will admits he is nervous because “There’s a lot that shouldn’t be coming out’. The episode is full of honest and revealing tales about the life and times of the rugby legend. These stories include the full, uncensored history about the time he was sacked for calling all 57 of those who ran the English game of rugby “old farts”. Carling also mentions how when he first got the call to be captain, he answered assuming he was being dropped from the squad. We even learn why when meeting the England team, Nelson Mandela was asked about road tax. Will also candidly delves into the period where he was in the full glare of the world’s media, for all the wrong reasons – reflecting on how his journey from the back pages of newspapers to the front almost destroyed his life and those around him. Craig Doyle calls up some of Will’s closest friends who, for the first time, shed light on how they had to help him through this most difficult period. This episode is enlightening, moving and funny in equal measure. Our thanks to the contributors to Will Carling's episode Jack Rowell Brain Moore Tony Underwood Alex Hambly Andrew Harle Joan Howgill ......................................... The Contact Book with Craig Doyle is an original by 3 Rock Production for Auddy #doylecontactbook Special thanks once again to all of our guests on the show. Presenter, Craig Doyle Theme Music by Owen Parker Series Producer, Keith Doyle Sound editing, Mark Sharman Album Art, Nicole Stewart Executive Producer, Andrew Sampson