James O’Connor: The Original Poster Boy

James O’Connor was the first of his kind - a teenage prodigy who transcended the back pages to become the face of Australian rugby. James O’Connor joins Alex, Hask and Tins to discuss the heavy crown of early fame, his global "rock star" journey which climaxed in a Parisian prison to his settled life at Leicester Tigers. The boys dive into the week’s massive news: Henry Pollock’s alliance with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom. We ask: Is rugby finally ready to embrace a superstar, or will the "tall poppy" syndrome strike again? 🏠 00:59 Settling in Leicester Life 🌍 07:03 Nomadic Career Choices 🌟 15:12 Growing Up in Spotlight ✍️ 21:09 Eddie Hearn Signs Pollock 📣 31:14 Let Stars Promote 🤕 45:22 Injuries and Spiral 💔 48:35 Paris Rock Bottom Story 💪 52:48 Rebuilding Discipline 🏉 57:48 Wallabies Ambitions and Standards 🧠 01:08:19 The Coaches Who Shaped JOC 🗒️ GBR Survey: 🚴‍♀️ Race To The Slater Cup 🌎 EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 📗The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Unloaded: ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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James O’Connor: The Original Poster Boy is an episode from The Good, The Bad & The Rugby by Folding Pocket.

This episode is 87:35 long.

This episode was published on Mar 31, 2026.

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