Mel Reuben has been a Leeds rugby league fan for almost 80 years. In this episode of 'Rugby Reloaded' he looks back at his life in the game, discusses his favourite memories and reflects on what rugby league means to him.
Along the way, we find what it was like to stand on the terraces in the 1940s, travelling to away matches before motorways, the importance of the game to Leeds' Jewish community, watching players such as Gus Risman, Lewis Jones and Brian Bevan, and much much more!
For more on the history of rugby and the other football codes, take a look at www.rugbyreloaded.com (where you can find the links for this episode) and follow me on X via @collinstony
10 Aug 2026
216. The 1946 Indomitables Redux
In this episode we talk to Martin Whitcombe and Huw Richards about their long-awaited book on Great Britain's 1946 tour to Australia and New Zealand, 'The Indomitables - Rugby League's Greatest Tour' (St David's Press). It's a huge and hugely important book on an extraordinary trip across the hemispheres less than a year after the end of World War 2.
The players underwent deprivation on the journey followed by a hero's welcome as they made their way across Australia, returning as the only British team to go through an Ashes series undefeated. It's probably the best book ever written about a rugby tour in any code!
For more on the history of rugby and the other football codes, take a look at www.rugbyreloaded.com (where you can find the links for this episode) and follow me on X via @collinstony
21 Jul 2026
215. The Early History of York RLFC with Ian Lockwood
Super League's York rugby league club are one of the oldest rugby clubs in Britain. As with all clubs at that time they were formed by young men of the middle classes, but barely twenty years later they had become dominated by working-class players and spectators.
Ian Lockwood's new book - 'The History of York RL 1868-1914' - tells the story of the club's first five decades, its struggles, it successes and the controversies that saw it transformed from an elite rugby union club to a stalwart of rugby league.
If you enjoy this episode, check out the book, which costs £10 + £2 P&P. Email Ian at ilockwood65@gmail.com for details or send a cheque for £12 to Ian at 5 Alma Terrace, Skipton BD23 1EJ. Don't forget to include an address to send the book to!
Who has been a guest on Rugby Reloaded
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Harry Jepson
Anthony Broxton
Matthew Brown
Duncan Stone
Geoff Armstrong
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5.0 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
18 ratings
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