Reposted by Tony Collins
Our latest episode with @collinstony.bsky.social of @icshc.bsky.social & @lborouniversity.bsky.social discussing his book on rugby league legend Roy Francis earlier this year is now LIVE!
Well worth a listen for lovers of rugby league and/or Black British history!
shows.acast.com/sport-in-his...
Well worth a listen for lovers of rugby league and/or Black British history!
shows.acast.com/sport-in-his...
November 12, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Our latest episode with @collinstony.bsky.social of @icshc.bsky.social & @lborouniversity.bsky.social discussing his book on rugby league legend Roy Francis earlier this year is now LIVE!
Well worth a listen for lovers of rugby league and/or Black British history!
shows.acast.com/sport-in-his...
Well worth a listen for lovers of rugby league and/or Black British history!
shows.acast.com/sport-in-his...
The new episode of 'Rugby Reloaded' talks to Kevin Fitzpatrick about his new Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust Hall of Fame documentary, and updates us on plans for the club's 150th anniversary next year. Listen now via: on.soundcloud.com/QXB7G78bsQNZ...
206. Oldham Rugby League Hall of Fame
This week we sit down with Kevin Fitzpatrick, a member of the Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust, to talk about his documentary on Oldham's Hall of Fame. It's a fascinating look at the history of the
soundcloud.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:18 AM
The new episode of 'Rugby Reloaded' talks to Kevin Fitzpatrick about his new Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust Hall of Fame documentary, and updates us on plans for the club's 150th anniversary next year. Listen now via: on.soundcloud.com/QXB7G78bsQNZ...
With just two days before the decisive second Ashes Test at Everton, relive the excitement of the 1986 Kangaroo tour with author Mark Flanagan in this classic 'Rugby Reloaded' episode: soundcloud.com/rugbyreloade...
142. Once Were Kangaroos - Mark Flanagan on the 1986 tour
In the wake of the BBC's excellent 'Once Were Lions' documentary, we look back on the 1986 Kangaroo tour of Britain with Mark Flanagan, author of 'The Invincibles: The Inside Story of the 1982 Kangaro
soundcloud.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:07 AM
With just two days before the decisive second Ashes Test at Everton, relive the excitement of the 1986 Kangaroo tour with author Mark Flanagan in this classic 'Rugby Reloaded' episode: soundcloud.com/rugbyreloade...
Could Germany have become a rugby-playing nation? Or could the US have been a bastion of soccer? Join me and Thomas Adam on the new 'Rugby Reloaded' as we discuss his new book 'The Global Spread of Football from the 1860s to the 1880s': on.soundcloud.com/jxKxLGPf5sgU...
205. The Global Spread of Football with Thomas Adam
This week we delve deep into the origins of the football codes across Britain, Europe and the Americas with Thomas Adam, author of the new book The Global Spread of football from the 1860s to the 1880
soundcloud.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Could Germany have become a rugby-playing nation? Or could the US have been a bastion of soccer? Join me and Thomas Adam on the new 'Rugby Reloaded' as we discuss his new book 'The Global Spread of Football from the 1860s to the 1880s': on.soundcloud.com/jxKxLGPf5sgU...
Before rugby league’s Ashes series kicks off this afternoon, watch the brand new documentary from @lucy_itv about Scotland’s rugby codebreakers and the struggles they suffered:
youtu.be/S9jcj5k2pIA?...
youtu.be/S9jcj5k2pIA?...
The Untold Story of Rugby Codebreakers | ITV Border
YouTube video by ITV News In Full
youtu.be
October 25, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Before rugby league’s Ashes series kicks off this afternoon, watch the brand new documentary from @lucy_itv about Scotland’s rugby codebreakers and the struggles they suffered:
youtu.be/S9jcj5k2pIA?...
youtu.be/S9jcj5k2pIA?...
The Countdown to the rugby league Ashes begins - and to kick it off here's a 'Rugby Reloaded' classic episode charting the incredible story of the 1946 'Indomitables' and the first post-war Ashes series: on.soundcloud.com/EMF3GoRrQUuD...
127. The 1946 Indomitables' rugby league tour
Less than a year after the end of World War 2 rugby league’s Lions toured Australia and New Zealand - a tour made possible thanks to an aircraft carrier, a military train & the President of the Genera
soundcloud.com
October 20, 2025 at 8:43 AM
The Countdown to the rugby league Ashes begins - and to kick it off here's a 'Rugby Reloaded' classic episode charting the incredible story of the 1946 'Indomitables' and the first post-war Ashes series: on.soundcloud.com/EMF3GoRrQUuD...
Reposted by Tony Collins
With the rugby league Ashes' series almost here, 'Rugby Reloaded' resumes its look at the cultural and social history of Anglo-Australian league, exploring how Australia turned the tables on England to become the game's dominant world power. Listen now via: on.soundcloud.com/qkAQwcAbifus...
204. A Cultural History of the Ashes (part two)
With rugby league's Ashes series imminent, part two of Rugby Reloaded's look at the cultural history of Anglo-Australian rugby league moves onto the post-World War 2 period.
It was an era when the b
soundcloud.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:48 AM
With the rugby league Ashes' series almost here, 'Rugby Reloaded' resumes its look at the cultural and social history of Anglo-Australian league, exploring how Australia turned the tables on England to become the game's dominant world power. Listen now via: on.soundcloud.com/qkAQwcAbifus...
With the rugby league Ashes' series almost here, 'Rugby Reloaded' resumes its look at the cultural and social history of Anglo-Australian league, exploring how Australia turned the tables on England to become the game's dominant world power. Listen now via: on.soundcloud.com/qkAQwcAbifus...
204. A Cultural History of the Ashes (part two)
With rugby league's Ashes series imminent, part two of Rugby Reloaded's look at the cultural history of Anglo-Australian rugby league moves onto the post-World War 2 period.
It was an era when the b
soundcloud.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:48 AM
With the rugby league Ashes' series almost here, 'Rugby Reloaded' resumes its look at the cultural and social history of Anglo-Australian league, exploring how Australia turned the tables on England to become the game's dominant world power. Listen now via: on.soundcloud.com/qkAQwcAbifus...
Reposted by Tony Collins
Who Was Britain’s First Black Professional Sports Coach?
Sports writer @collinstony.bsky.social visits Airlie Street to discuss a Hull legend who revolutionised rugby.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/3yrpeazn
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
@hullfcofficial.bsky.social
@hullkr.bsky.social
Sports writer @collinstony.bsky.social visits Airlie Street to discuss a Hull legend who revolutionised rugby.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/3yrpeazn
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
@hullfcofficial.bsky.social
@hullkr.bsky.social
October 14, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Who Was Britain’s First Black Professional Sports Coach?
Sports writer @collinstony.bsky.social visits Airlie Street to discuss a Hull legend who revolutionised rugby.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/3yrpeazn
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
@hullfcofficial.bsky.social
@hullkr.bsky.social
Sports writer @collinstony.bsky.social visits Airlie Street to discuss a Hull legend who revolutionised rugby.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/3yrpeazn
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
@hullfcofficial.bsky.social
@hullkr.bsky.social
Reposted by Tony Collins
And massive thanks to you @collinstony.bsky.social for a great book that does full justice to the brilliant Roy Francis. Buy it, people.
Massive thanks to Gavin Willacy for this review of ‘Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader’ in @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/sport/no-hel...
Roy Francis: the black rugby league coach who triumphed in a white world
The Welshman was a brilliant, original coach who had to fight against a culture that was prejudiced against him
www.theguardian.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:12 PM
And massive thanks to you @collinstony.bsky.social for a great book that does full justice to the brilliant Roy Francis. Buy it, people.
Why have American football and American soccer shared the same origin story from the 1860s? Find out more about the Boston Game and its curious afterlife with me, Mike Cronin and Kevin Tallec Marston on the new 'Rugby Reloaded': on.soundcloud.com/eZysXDAFx0x2...
203. The Boston Game and the Origins of Football in America
Our new episode investigates the origin story of football in America, in conversation with Mike Cronin and Kevin Marston, authors of 'Inventing the Boston Game: Football, Soccer, and the Origins of a
soundcloud.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Why have American football and American soccer shared the same origin story from the 1860s? Find out more about the Boston Game and its curious afterlife with me, Mike Cronin and Kevin Tallec Marston on the new 'Rugby Reloaded': on.soundcloud.com/eZysXDAFx0x2...
If you’re able to get to London on Monday 29 Sept, come to the launch of the new edition of one of the foundational texts of the history of sport in Britain (and I’m very chuffed to be invited as a panellist) - details below:
Are you interested in the history of sport?
A classic text - Dick Holt's Sport & the British - has been reborn. Join Dick & a panel of historians to discuss the new edition (followed by a drinks reception!)
When: 29 September, 5.30pm
Where: Senate House, London (or via Zoom)
Register below:
A classic text - Dick Holt's Sport & the British - has been reborn. Join Dick & a panel of historians to discuss the new edition (followed by a drinks reception!)
When: 29 September, 5.30pm
Where: Senate House, London (or via Zoom)
Register below:
Rewriting Sport and the British
www.history.ac.uk
September 21, 2025 at 11:44 AM
If you’re able to get to London on Monday 29 Sept, come to the launch of the new edition of one of the foundational texts of the history of sport in Britain (and I’m very chuffed to be invited as a panellist) - details below:
Heads Up! You can now listen to ‘Rugby Reloaded’ and its back catalogue via YouTube. Just search ‘Rugby Reloaded’ and every episode is available conveniently at your fingertips!
September 8, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Heads Up! You can now listen to ‘Rugby Reloaded’ and its back catalogue via YouTube. Just search ‘Rugby Reloaded’ and every episode is available conveniently at your fingertips!
Ahead of today’s Hull rugby league derby, find out about the sliding doors moment that could have turned this afternoon’s match inside out!
curiosityhull.co.uk/why-is-merse...
curiosityhull.co.uk/why-is-merse...
Why Is Mersey Street So Important For The History Of Rugby League In Hull? – Curiosity Hull
curiosityhull.co.uk
September 7, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Ahead of today’s Hull rugby league derby, find out about the sliding doors moment that could have turned this afternoon’s match inside out!
curiosityhull.co.uk/why-is-merse...
curiosityhull.co.uk/why-is-merse...
As we approach tomorrow’s massive East v West derby in Hull, I reveal the bone-chilling truth about Hull and Rovers!
Why Is Mersey Street So Important For The History Of Rugby League In Hull?
Writer @collinstony.bsky.social explains why @hullfcofficial.bsky.social used to be the east Hull team and @hullkr.bsky.social were from the west of the city.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/4j4jxrrs
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
Writer @collinstony.bsky.social explains why @hullfcofficial.bsky.social used to be the east Hull team and @hullkr.bsky.social were from the west of the city.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/4j4jxrrs
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
September 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM
As we approach tomorrow’s massive East v West derby in Hull, I reveal the bone-chilling truth about Hull and Rovers!
Massive thanks to Gavin Willacy for this review of ‘Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader’ in @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/sport/no-hel...
Roy Francis: the black rugby league coach who triumphed in a white world
The Welshman was a brilliant, original coach who had to fight against a culture that was prejudiced against him
www.theguardian.com
September 5, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Massive thanks to Gavin Willacy for this review of ‘Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader’ in @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/sport/no-hel...
The new ‘Rugby Reloaded’ takes a long look at the history of concussion in men’s rugby union. Can the concussion crisis be solved simply by changing the rules of the game, or is it more deeply rooted in the traditional culture of the sport. Listen now at: on.soundcloud.com/znn4SnROyaaH...
200. Rugby Union and Concussion
Today's episode is an edited version of a talk about rugby union's concussion crisis which I gave to the North of England Medico-Legal Society in Newcastle in April 2025, for which I'd like to thank A
soundcloud.com
September 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The new ‘Rugby Reloaded’ takes a long look at the history of concussion in men’s rugby union. Can the concussion crisis be solved simply by changing the rules of the game, or is it more deeply rooted in the traditional culture of the sport. Listen now at: on.soundcloud.com/znn4SnROyaaH...
Reposted by Tony Collins
What Does A Hull Office Supply Company Have To Do With The Birth Of Modern Football?
Sports writer Tony Collins visits the street corner where history was (sort of) made.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/2s3h6vp6
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
@collinstony.bsky.social
Sports writer Tony Collins visits the street corner where history was (sort of) made.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/2s3h6vp6
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
@collinstony.bsky.social
August 26, 2025 at 6:20 AM
What Does A Hull Office Supply Company Have To Do With The Birth Of Modern Football?
Sports writer Tony Collins visits the street corner where history was (sort of) made.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/2s3h6vp6
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
@collinstony.bsky.social
Sports writer Tony Collins visits the street corner where history was (sort of) made.
Supplementals: tinyurl.com/2s3h6vp6
@hulllibraries.bsky.social
@collinstony.bsky.social
The new 'Rugby Reloaded' looks at the life of Tonga's first-ever professional rugby player, Nan Halafihi, who played for Hull FC in the 1960 Rugby League Challenge Cup at Wembley. His son Nick talks about his incredible trailblazing father: on.soundcloud.com/wUT5LV2Nro3Y...
199. Nan Halafihi, the Tongan Trailblazer
This episode talks to Dr Nick Halafihi about the life and career of his father, Nanumi (Nan) Halafihi, the first Tongan to play at Wembley and the first-ever Tongan to play professional rugby league.
soundcloud.com
August 25, 2025 at 8:38 AM
The new 'Rugby Reloaded' looks at the life of Tonga's first-ever professional rugby player, Nan Halafihi, who played for Hull FC in the 1960 Rugby League Challenge Cup at Wembley. His son Nick talks about his incredible trailblazing father: on.soundcloud.com/wUT5LV2Nro3Y...
I had a great time talking about the life and times of black rugby pioneer Roy Francis on the William Hill Sports Book podcast - watch it on YouTube here: youtu.be/zcljJVKGFK0?...
Rugby pioneer Roy Francis: From slavery to sporting legend, how he revolutionised rugby coaching
YouTube video by talkSPORT
youtu.be
August 15, 2025 at 7:22 AM
I had a great time talking about the life and times of black rugby pioneer Roy Francis on the William Hill Sports Book podcast - watch it on YouTube here: youtu.be/zcljJVKGFK0?...
Tonight at 6.30! ‘Roy Francis: Wales’ Black Leader in a White World’ - the story of the pioneer of rugby coaching - available on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds
#RugbyLeague #BlackHistory #Wales
t.co/7GzPOw94Kl
#RugbyLeague #BlackHistory #Wales
t.co/7GzPOw94Kl
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0028hdf
t.co
August 11, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Tonight at 6.30! ‘Roy Francis: Wales’ Black Leader in a White World’ - the story of the pioneer of rugby coaching - available on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds
#RugbyLeague #BlackHistory #Wales
t.co/7GzPOw94Kl
#RugbyLeague #BlackHistory #Wales
t.co/7GzPOw94Kl
Lend me your ears! The documentary 'Roy Francis: Wales' Black Leader in a White World' is on BBC Radio Wales tomorrow (Monday) at 6.30pm. t.co/7GzPOw94Kl
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0028hdf
t.co
August 10, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Lend me your ears! The documentary 'Roy Francis: Wales' Black Leader in a White World' is on BBC Radio Wales tomorrow (Monday) at 6.30pm. t.co/7GzPOw94Kl
Reposted by Tony Collins
Radio alert! If you missed it the first time around, 'Roy Francis: Wales' Black Leader in a White World' - my BBC radio documentary - will be broadcast again on BBC Radio Wales next Monday at 6.30pm. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio Wales - Roy Francis: Wales' Black Leader in a White World
The first black man to coach a professional league and cup-winning sports team in Britain.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Radio alert! If you missed it the first time around, 'Roy Francis: Wales' Black Leader in a White World' - my BBC radio documentary - will be broadcast again on BBC Radio Wales next Monday at 6.30pm. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Radio alert! If you missed it the first time around, 'Roy Francis: Wales' Black Leader in a White World' - my BBC radio documentary - will be broadcast again on BBC Radio Wales next Monday at 6.30pm. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio Wales - Roy Francis: Wales' Black Leader in a White World
The first black man to coach a professional league and cup-winning sports team in Britain.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Radio alert! If you missed it the first time around, 'Roy Francis: Wales' Black Leader in a White World' - my BBC radio documentary - will be broadcast again on BBC Radio Wales next Monday at 6.30pm. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
If you're in or around Wigan, on Wed 11 June at 7pm I’ll be at Wigan Museum talking about #RugbyLeague pioneer Roy Francis to celebrate the publication of my new biography, 'Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader'. Free tickets here: shorturl.at/gKVFf
Ruby League legend Roy Francis book launch and signing with Tony Collins
An evening honouring Rugby League pioneer and trailblazer Roy Francis.
shorturl.at
June 6, 2025 at 8:23 AM
If you're in or around Wigan, on Wed 11 June at 7pm I’ll be at Wigan Museum talking about #RugbyLeague pioneer Roy Francis to celebrate the publication of my new biography, 'Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader'. Free tickets here: shorturl.at/gKVFf