Rugby Union Weekly

Late TMO drama as 13-man England beat Argentina 19.07.2026 29мин

Sara, Ashy and Matt Dawson bring you reaction to crazy night Santiago del Estero as England hang on to beat Argentina. But should Bautista Delguy's last-minute try have stood? Was Henry Slade's covering tackle legal? A combined seven yellow cards were shown on Saturday, with England receiving four in the second half and twice being reduced to 13 players. Why are England still struggling with their discipline? Immanuel Feyi-Waboso impresses Ashy with his performance and Tommy Freeman delivers again on the other wing, but what does all this mean for England's centre combo? And after racking up 25,000 miles, and two Test wins, has this summer window been a success Steve Borthwick and ended any speculation around his future?

The Nations Pod 15.07.2026 53мин

Chris, Tom and GRO preview the final round of the Nation’s Championship this summer. Can Sam Prendergast cement his position as Ireland's number one fly-half as Andy Farrell's side look to become the first team to win at Eden Park since 1994. Can the Wales maul bring them any joy against the Springboks in Durban? The pod is full of admiration for Jesse Kriel and it prompts GRO to quiz the guys on the most-capped centre partnerships in Test rugby. Is it time for Fiji to move away from the offload game? And can England end the summer on a high? Tom explains why he's got Argentina as favourites in Santiago del Estero.

Nations Championship: Tries and tribulations 13.07.2026 1ч 2мин

Danny, Ashy and Chris look back at round two of the Nation’s Championship with the north and south both on six wins each. Scotland scored four tries and pushed the Boks all the way in Pretoria. Did they show the England coaching team the best way to attack the double world champions? Danny reacts to Marcus Smith’s cameo at scrum-half against Fiji and we look ahead to England’s trip to Argentina as the injured Alex Mitchell is replaced by Raffi Quirke. We also look at the logistics issues hampering the tournament and discuss whether some teams are getting an unfair advantage. Will Jordan broke the All Blacks try record at the weekend, but does he make our all-time Nee Zealand back three? The game of the weekend sees Ireland head to Eden Park. Can Andy Farrell’s side finally end the All Blacks’ 32 year, 52 Test, unbeaten home record?

Pollock hat-trick helps England end losing run 11.07.2026 41мин

Ashy and Chris bring you instant reaction from the Hill Dickinson stadium as England thrashed Fiji in Liverpool to end their five-match unbeaten run. But what are the positives for England after such a one-sided victory over a disjointed Fiji? We hear from Steve Borthwick who heaps praise on his defence despite scoring 73 points. Noah Caluori is back on the pod after a devastating Test debut. He set up a try with his first touch in international rugby and scored a try with his second. Ashy was impressed with the young winger but it was Tommy Freeman who caught his eye. Should Freeman continue on the wing? And Henry Pollock came on to score an impressive second-half hat-trick. Does he now start in Argentina or was his impact exactly why he’s suited to coming off the bench?

Slade takes centre stage against Fiji 09.07.2026 55мин

Ashy and Chris go inside the England camp ahead of the must-win Test against Fiji. After the defeat at Ellis Park, Ashy quizzes skipper Jamie George on the England gameplan against the Boks and why they keep repeating the same mistakes. Centre Henry Slade is also on the pod to discuss his return to the starting XV and England’s state of flux in midfield. Can Slade replicate the influence he's had at Exeter for his country? Finn Russell is back for Scotland. Ashy and Chris look ahead to their clash in Pretoria and react to Louis Rees-Zammit dropping to the Wales bench. Why hasn’t the Welsh winger managed to replicate the form eh showed before his NFL stint?

The Nations Pod: Stick to Egg-Chasing 08.07.2026 1ч 5мин

Fresh from his jaunt following Scotland in the World Cup, Tom joins Gareth and Chris to unpick the big talking points from the weekend and look ahead to the second round of the Nations Championship. They assess Scotland's Finn Russell dilemma, ask if South Africa has an advantage with its teams playing in Europe, and discuss whether England's clash with Fiji could define Steve Borthwick's future.

Musings from the Nations Championship 06.07.2026 1ч 2мин

What did we learn from the opening weekend of the Nations Championship? Ashy, Ugo and Danny look back on a dramatic first round of fixtures and ahead to what next weekend has in store. They ask why England appear to have made little progress since the Six Nations, whether Wales can build on their win over Fiji against Argentina, and how impressive Scotland were without their talisman, Finn Russell. Plus, there was also time to compare weekends, with Ashy enduring the great outdoors on a camping trip he absolutely hated, while Danny somehow found himself living the high life in the Royal Box at Wimbledon.

England blitzed and bossed by the Boks 04.07.2026 40мин

Chris and Grays are at Ellis Park to react to England’s comprehensive defeat by world champions South Africa. After an early Boks blitz, England fought back to make it close at half-time, so what was behind the Springboks’ dominant second-half display? Why were England bossed in key areas? And after five defeats in a row, how important is a win next weekend against Fiji? We hear from 50-cap man Cheslin Kolbe as well as England captain Jamie George and coach Steve Borthwick.

The Nations Championship is here! 03.07.2026 36мин

Chris and Paul Grayson take you through the opening round of the Nations Championship as the north v south battles begin. Chris heads to Ellis Park and catches up with England’s vice-captain Ollie Chessum ahead of England’s big test against the Boks. We speak to a confident Jo’burg local before catching up with George Furbank, who reflects on a hectic couple of weeks as he prepares for his first England start since 2024. We also discuss the other home nations fixtures this weekend. Can Scotland win in Argentina without Finn Russell? Is Australia v Ireland too close to call? And are Wales deservedly big underdogs against Fiji?

England team and the best Boks ever? 02.07.2026 50мин

Chris and Paul Grayson react to the England team to face South Africa. George Furbank gets a first start for nearly two years while Henry Pollock is on the bench. We head inside the England team hotel to catch up with Jamie George. He gives us a great insight into their preparations and reprising his role as captain. Springbok fly-half Manie Libbok is also on the pod, and we are joined by the voice of South African rugby commentator Matt Pearce to discuss whether this is the greatest Boks side of all time.

In Jo’burg with Sir Kev 30.06.2026 39мин

Chris and Paul Grayson are in Johannesburg ahead of England’s huge Nations Championship opener against South Africa. They are joined by the sport’s newest knight, Sir Kevin Sinfield, to talk about being awarded the knighthood and his determination to continue raising awareness for MND. Sinfield discusses England’s approach this weekend at Ellis Park and how they are dealing with the unique challenges of playing in the spiritual home of Springbok rugby.

Nations Championship: Good for the game? 29.06.2026 1ч 2мин

The inaugural Nation's Championship is here, but are fans actually excited about it? Do they even understand the format? Chris, Danny and Ashy dig into the new competition, the logistical nightmare facing travelling supporters and the huge challenge for players playing back-to-back matches in different continents. Rassie Erasmus has already named his team to face England this weekend, does this help with Steve Borthwick's selection dilemmas? Will Henry Pollock be unleashed in Johannesburg? Is it Ben Spencer or Alex Mitchell at nine? Plus, we discuss the three things England need to do if they are to beat the Boks. Ashy shares his memories of playing South Africa at Ellis Park and Danny explains what it’s like to play at altitude and how it effects players. And after Jack Willis captained Toulouse to a record-extending 25th Top 14 title, we debate whether he could ever be lured back to England and what the RFU could do to make it happen.

Final Thoughts and the England Squad 22.06.2026 1ч 4мин

Did the new Prem champions, Northampton, make a mistake by letting George Furbank leave? And has Steve Borthwick got the balance right in his Nations Championship squad? Ugo, Chris and DC take a more considered look back at Saturday's Prem final, asking whether Exeter could have done more to trouble Saints. As England's squad for the Nations Championship is named, Ugo asks whether the team should start to be built around Henry Pollock. They also discuss the merits of neutral venues for semi-finals, consider who might succeed Leo Cullen at Leinster, and make their predictions for the Top 14 and PWR finals.

Saints beat Exeter to the Prem title 20.06.2026 51мин

Chris Jones is joined by Matt Dawson and Chris Ashton as Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham to claim their second Prem title in three years. They break down where Northampton edged the final, and discuss whether they're already building the foundations of a dynasty. We hear from man of the match Henry Pollock and Exeter captain Dafydd Jenkins. Plus, do the RFU need to a plan to ensure there's a pathway for the Prem's best coaches, including Saints' director of rugby Phil Dowson, to lead England?

Prem Final Preview with Furbank and Baxter 18.06.2026 57мин

Can Exeter pull off an upset and beat Northampton at Twickenham on Saturday? Chris and Ashy look ahead to the Prem final and discuss where the game could be won and lost. Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter joins the pod to explain why belief is growing within the Exeter camp, while departing Northampton captain George Furbank reflects on the feel-good factor around the Saints and why he's determined to sign off with one last piece of silverware.

Saints or Chiefs? 15.06.2026 1ч 5мин

Have Exeter shown enough to convince us they can beat Northampton in Saturday’s Prem final? Ugo, Chris and Ashy look back at both semi-finals and assess whether the Chiefs have the game to upset the favourites. Or are Northampton simply operating on another level? Plus, with Steve Borthwick naming his 33-man squad to face a France XV on Friday, they debate whether Ollie Lawrence can count himself unlucky to miss out.

Prem play-offs: DOR special 11.06.2026 52мин

The pod has been given exclusive access to the four directors of rugby ahead of this weekend's play-offs. Chris heads to the Prem awards in central London to sit down with Phil Dowson, Johann van Graan, Rob Baxter and Geoff Parling to reflect on the Prem season so far and the quality of rugby. Has there been too many blowouts? And have the recent law changes made it a better or worse spectacle? We also look at the gruelling schedule for the game's top international players. Should Maro Itoje and his fellow Lions be rested this summer? What do the DORs think to the Champions Cup and how that is scheduled? We hear about the changes to the pool stages next season and what the four coaches would change about the competition. We also delve into the relationship between the clubs and England and whether the players should be spending more time with club than country.

Slade, semi-finals & send-offs 08.06.2026 54мин

Exeter are into the Prem play-offs and Ugo, Ashy and Danny are joined by Henry Slade to reflect on a memorable win over Saracens, and the Chiefs’ remarkable transformation. Slade also discusses his outstanding form after ending the regular season finishing as the league’s top points scorer. We also break down the final round of the Premiership season, including Bath securing a home semi-final thanks to Thomas du Toit’s try-scoring exploits. With Northampton hosting Leicester and Bath welcoming Exeter, will we get an away win in the play-offs this weekend? Plus, it's report card time for those teams that didn’t make the play-offs. We also round up the URC semi-finals after Glasgow’s dramatic collapse against the Bulls, discuss Leinster’s latest shot at silverware, and react to Andy Farrell committing to Ireland until 2031.

Mark McCall: End of an era 04.06.2026 47мин

Chris and Ashy head to the Saracens training base for a special pod about one of the most influential figures in English club rugby history. After 17 trophy-laden years at Sarries, Mark McCall is standing down as director of rugby at the end of the season. We speak to the man himself who explains why now is the time to move on, and what place he is leaving the club in. Two of Sarries’ senior players, Ben Earl and Nick Tompkins, share their memories of being coached by McCall, and explain what makes him such a good leader. We are also joined by journalist Gavin Mairs to discuss McCall’s legacy. Is he the best director of rugby in PREM history? How much does the salary cap scandal of 2019/2020 tarnish his reputation? And will the RFU miss a trick if they don’t tap into his experience?

The Sandy Park showdown & Edwards to England? 01.06.2026 58мин

All eyes are on Sandy Park this weekend as Rob Baxter and Mark McCall go head-to-head for one last time. Danny, Ugo and Chris look back on Exeter’s impressive win at Leicester that sets up Saturday’s showdown with Saracens for the final play-off spot. Who will come out on top? Will anybody other than Northampton rotate this weekend? It’s now only one win in five for Bath, what is behind their recent slump? Newcastle produced one of the comebacks of the season to stun Sale for a first win since January. There were four home wins as the URC quarter-finals went to form, but who is favourite to life the title in June? Plus, what next for Shaun Edwards amid reports he could be leaving France? Should unions be making a move if one of rugby's most decorated coaches becomes available? There’s also Worcester's Championship play-off triumph to discuss and Jo Yapp's appointment as the first women's British & Irish Lions head coach.