#198 - Alex Mead - Pathways should be banned as a word

This week I'm joined by Alex Mead: editor of The Rugby Journal, managing director of sports content agency Sporting Eric, and a player, coach and chairman at Southgate RFC.

Alex moved Southgate from a pitch hidden behind the trees to a public park in Palmers Green, and he has strong views on minis rugby: keep it fun, accept every kid, and stop talking about pathways. As he puts it, "I think pathways should be banned as a word."

We also cover his rugby journey from Brixham, a season on the TV show Total Rugby (including his first ever sushi, with Eddie Jones in Tokyo), meeting his hero Graham Dawe, how The Rugby Journal's covers come together, where the name Sporting Eric came from, and Rugby Kitchen of the Year, won by 84-year-old volunteer Keith and Caernarfon RFC.

Plus Alex takes on the Rugger Law Bore question, picks his worst and best kits, and tells the story behind his Sons of Serevi tattoo.

His closing message: support your smaller rugby clubs, because that's what gives the game its character.

LINKS
The Rugby Journal: https://www.therugbyjournal.com
Sporting Eric: https://sportingeric.com
Southgate RFC: https://www.southgaterugby.co.uk
Brixham RFC: https://brixhamrfc.co.uk
Rugby Kitchen of the Year: https://www.therugbyjournal.com/rugbykitchenoftheyear
The early day motion for Caernarfon's rugby kitchen: https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/66495
Rugby Photographer of the Year 2026 winners: https://www.therugbyjournal.com/rugby-blog/rugby-photographer-of-the-year-2026-winners-revealed
Rugby Lives podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0b4FRL7IRGY5oQMZ6wRkmq
Rhino Rugby: https://www.rhinorugby.com
Graham Dawe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Dawe
Southwark Tigers: https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-and-media/southwark-tigers-burning-bright
The Amateur Rugby Podcast: https://amateurrugbypodcast.com

If you've enjoyed this one, the best thing you can do is mention the podcast to someone next time you're down your local rugby club. And until then, get out and play.