For The Love Of Rugby

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Who doesn't love rugby? No man has played for England more than Ben Youngs. He’s also a scrum-half so he’s spent most of his 127 games chatting away to team-mates, opposition and referees. His mate Dan Cole also has over 100 caps, is still in the England squad, and has cult hero status thanks to his no-nonsense approach to most of life’s events. They’ve spent 20 years together at Leicester Tigers, toured together for the British and Irish Lions, and now podcast together every week. Throughout the Six Nations they’ll bring their ultimate guide to the championship, give you a behind the scenes tour of Twickenham, and tell you what really happens inside an England camp. They’ll occasionally have guests, and special correspondent Joe Marler will be on speed dial for whenever they need him.

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    • Mar 26, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from For The Love Of Rugby

    How We Became Professional Rugby Players

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 36:47


    Ben Youngs and Dan Cole answer your questions on becoming a professional rugby player while picking their teams of only Bens and Dans.

    Ranking The Top 10 Triple Hard B*stards

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 40:01


    Ben Youngs and Dan Cole take on the challenge of deciding who is the toughest rugby player of all time. Watch Danny Care & Joe Marler's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICrDBaAbXWk

    England Hit Rock Bottom. What Next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 71:59


    England have lost four matches in a Men's Six Nations Championship for the first time ever. With less than 18 months until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, can they get out of their slump? Luckily, Ben Youngs and Dan Cole are on hand to provide solutions to England's problems.

    Picking our Team of the Six Nations

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 65:09


    Forget the Oscars, the Six Nations has ended and you've got a ticket to the hottest ceremony in town: the For The Love Of Rugby Men's Six Nations Awards! Dan Cole and Anthony Watson pick their Six Nations XV, Player of the Championship, Breakthrough Player, Moment of the Six Nations and much more...

    Was This The Best Day Of Rugby EVER? | Six Nations Super Saturday Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2026 45:41


    Where do we even begin?! France have won the 2026 Men's Six Nations with a last-minute Thomas Ramos penalty to snatch the title from Ireland's grasp. The Champions were run close by a resurgent England in an all-timer in Paris. But Super Saturday did not stop there, serving up two more instant classics as Ireland overcame Scotland in an attack-at-all-costs encounter and Wales grabbed their first win in three years with an emphatic victory over Italy.

    It All Comes Down To This: Six Nations Super Saturday Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 46:07


    It's here. The finale of the greatest Six Nations Championship we've ever seen. Super Saturday beckons. Can Scotland win at the Aviva for the first time ever or are Ireland being written off at their peril? Will Italy clinch at an historic third Six Nations victory or will Wales end of a high? And most importantly... can England avoid the Wooden Spoon?

    Borthwick Doubles Down Ahead of France & Reacting to England Comments

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 49:31


    Steve Borthwick has named a largely unchanged side to travel to Paris ahead of England Rugby's final match of the Men's Six Nations, against France in Le Crunch. Plus, we answer your questions. Have Ben Youngs and Dan Cole kissed and made up after an explosive podcast on Sunday?

    Italy Plunge England Into Crisis & Scotland Smash 50 Past France

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 78:39


    A wild weekend of Six Nations action has ended with Scotland putting 50 on France and Italy beating England for the first time ever. Ben Youngs and Dan Cole analyse what happens now in a breathless championship.

    Ireland Defeat Reborn Wales & Coley Loves Carré

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 31:28


    Ireland defeated a spirited Welsh side in the first match of round 4 of the 2026 Men's Six Nations, but the name on Dan Cole's lips is tearaway loosehead prop Rhys Carré who thundered over for the moment of the championship.

    How Scotland Beat France, Answering Your England Questions & Ireland Host Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 40:37


    Ben Youngs and Dan Cole preview the fourth round of the 2026 Men's Six Nations as Ireland host Wales and France travel to Scotland. Plus, we answer your questions and react to the news that Dave Rennie has been appointed as head coach of the All Blacks.

    England Make 9 Changes For Italy: Will Borthwick's Gamble Work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 41:39


    Steve Borthwick has made nine changes to his starting XV as England Rugby head to Rome to play Italy in an enthralling Six Nations 2026 matchup. George Ford, Freddie Steward, Fraser Dingwall and Henry Arundell are amongst the casualties; whilst Fin Smith, Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly and Cadan Murley earn their first starts of the tournament. Ben Youngs and Dan Cole analyse if this gamble will pay off.

    How We Would Change Rugby: Boo Kickers, Sinbin Mics & Bring Back Brawls!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 67:59


    Ben Youngs, Dan Cole and Anthony Watson are joined by a star-studded panel of rugby fans to judge their weirdest and wildest rugby opinions. You have been warned.

    We Go Inside England Camp: What Now After Ireland Loss?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 74:47


    Just days after their loss against Ireland, Dan Cole and Ben Youngs are at Pennyhill Park for a special episode from inside England Rugby's Six Nations camp. We share an unrivalled insight into the mentality of a team struggling for form, recall the challenges of navigating the media as a player and hear from Ollie Chessum and Jack van Poortvliet.

    Scotland Break Welsh Hearts, France Party On & Answering Your England Comments

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 38:36


    The latest enthralling weekend of the 2026 Men's Six Nations has concluded with Scotland grabbing a last-ditch victory over a brave Wales in Cardiff and France overcoming a spirited Italy in Lille. Dan Cole and Ben Youngs break down all the action from round 3 and answer your comments from Ireland's victory over England.

    England Exposed by Ireland Masterclass | Six Nations Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 64:02


    Andy Farrell's Ireland side delivered a masterclass to thrash England Rugby at Allianz Twickenham to blow the Men's Six Nations Championship wide open. Ben Youngs and Dan Cole analyse what went wrong for Steve Borthwick's side in a record defeat.

    Pollock Starts for England & Ireland Deep Dive with Tommy Bowe and Donncha O'Callaghan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 74:22


    Irish rugby legends Tommy Bowe and Donncha O'Callaghan join Ben Youngs and Dan Cole to preview Saturday's huge clash at Allianz Twickenham as England host Ireland in the Men's Six Nations. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/ftlor Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

    Ireland Wobble Against Italy, England Inquest Begins & Who Can Stop France? | Six Nations Round 2 Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 39:05


    Ben Youngs and Dan Cole complete their review of the second round of Six Nations matches as France continue to impress with an eight-try win against Wales. Ireland beat Italy in Dublin in a fixture that was much closer than it's ever been before, but what does it mean? Is this a new Irish era? And did Jack Crowley do enough from the bench to earn a start against England? Meanwhile, the England inquest continues after Calcutta Cup defeat with a record number of your comments. And did bottom-of-the-table Wales do anything better this week?

    Scotland Demolish England in Calcutta Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2026 65:31


    Scotland serve up a Six Nations classic as they hammer England and scatter grand slam dreams all over Murrayfield. Ben Youngs, Dan Cole and Anthony Watson break down the whole game, while Scotland fans and players are surely still celebrating another Calcutta Cup victory.

    Why Scotland is the Perfect Test for England | Six Nations Round 2 Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 71:50


    Ben Youngs and Dan Cole bring you all the news and analysis ahead of one of the biggest games of the year - Scotland v England in the Six Nations. Captain Maro Itoje is back in the starting line-up, while Jamie George moves to the bench.   Andy Farrell has questioned the character of his Ireland players, so they'll be looking to avoid another dressing down after their game against Italy in Dublin. While Wales are struggling to sell tickets for their game against championship favourites France.

    England Dominate Wretched Wales & Italy Shock Scotland | Six Nations Round 1 Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2026 85:26


    Round 1 of the 2026 Men's Six Nations has come to an end. Dan Cole and Ben Youngs are here to pore over the action of an enthralling weekend.

    French Flair Tears Irish Apart in Paris | France v Ireland Six Nations Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 33:34


    The Six Nations is finally underway, with France putting on a dominant display against Ireland in Paris. Ben Youngs and Dan Cole analyse all the action from the Stade de France.

    England to Unleash Electric Pace & How Ireland Can Beat France | Six Nations Round 1 Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 63:33


    It's Sixmas Eve! Ben Youngs and Dan Cole preview the first round of mouthwatering Six Nations action.

    The Ultimate Six Nations Preview: England Grand Slam? Ireland Rebuild & Wales Misery

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 79:49


    Ben Youngs, Dan Cole and Anthony Watson are joined by a star-studded audience of all your favourite rugby influencers as they look ahead to the 2026 Men's Six Nations.

    We Go Inside Scotland Camp: Stash, Snoring and Captain Sione

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 65:42


    Scotland vice-captain Rory Darge and superstar winger Kyle Steyn tell Ben Youngs and Dan Cole what it's like to play for Scotland at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. How do you find out you're in the squad? And how do you know Finn Russell has arrived in camp? This is your definitive guide to life in the Scotland squad. For The Love Of Scottish Rugby is presented by Vodafone, proud partner of Scottish Rugby.

    Owen Farrell: Supporting England & Hilarious Memories ft. Ben Earl & Noah Caluori

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 52:18


    Three of rugby's biggest superstars Owen Farrell, Ben Earl and Noah Caluori join Ben Youngs and Dan Cole in the For The Love Of Rugby studio within the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Yes, you heard that right.

    Pollock Antics & Borthwick's Evolution: Inside England Rugby with Ollie Chessum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 58:46


    British & Irish Lion, Leicester Tigers captain and England rugby star Ollie Chessum joins Ben Youngs and Dan Cole in the For The Love Of Rugby studio to preview a huge Six Nations for Steve Borthwick's side.

    Harlequins Stun La Rochelle, Dupont Humiliates Sale & Who Replaces Razor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 50:23


    The final round of the Investec Champions Cup pool stages have concluded, so Dan Cole and Ben Youngs are on hand to dissect all of the action that saw some European giants dumped out of the competition. Plus, who will replace outgoing All Blacks boss Scott Robertson? And with England undergoing a shortage in tightheads props, there's surely one man to call...

    All Blacks in Crisis, European Giant Killing Inbound & Huwipulotu is Over

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 58:21


    The All Blacks have parted ways with head coach Scott "Razor" Robertson amid a turbulent performance review that has left the future of several key players, including Ardie Savea, in doubt. Closer to home, Ben Youngs and Dan Cole are back in the For The Love Of Rugby studio to preview the final round of the Investec Champions Cup pool stages as European giants face the possibility of being slain ahead of the knockouts.

    Bordeaux Boos Pollock and Saracens SHOCK Toulouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 69:12


    Henry Pollock gets booed as Bordeaux beat Northampton Saints, while Tom Willis scores for Saracens as they shock his brother Jack and Toulouse. Leinster leave it late to beat La Rochelle, Bath look set to top their pool and Bristol win yet again, but how many points is too many points? Why is Christian Wade wearing leggings? Why are wingers getting lifted in the lineout? And why are props kicking 50-22s now? These are some of the big questions Dan Cole and Anthony Watson try to answer, while also finding time to dial up Ben Youngs and ask him what he had for lunch at Harlequins.

    WHAT IS GOING ON at Quins? | In-form Genge tearing it up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 59:21


    WHAT IS GOING ON at Quins? Who is the most in-form rugby player in the world right now? And what would you like to see rugby leave behind in 2025? Ben Youngs and Dan Cole preview another round of European rugby, while diving into the hot topics from a busy Christmas period. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Our Most Requested Guest Ever: Around The World With Freddie Burns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 71:14


    At long last, Ben Youngs and Dan Cole are joined in the studio by none other than Rugby Globetrotter, Freddie Burns. Freddie shares stories about playing rugby across the world, THAT drop goal (obviously), his 2 week long career ending knee injury and many more. Sit back, relax and enjoy this episode which is of course, all about him.

    The Year of the Hybrid: Inside Rugby's Tactical Revolution

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 59:54


    Ben Youngs and Dan Cole are joined by analyst, author and general rugby nerd, Sam Larner to discuss the tactical revolutions we might see in 2026.

    For The Love Of Rugby Christmas Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 54:25


    Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, Anthony Watson and Shaunagh Brown don their Christmas jumpers for a special episode looking back on a sensational year of rugby!

    For The Love Of Rugby Awards 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 36:16


    Ben Youngs and Dan Cole are joined by HSBC ambassadors and Rugby World Cup winners Ellie Kildunne and Ruby Tui to crown the For The Love Of Rugby 2025 Awards!

    Leinster's Lions Struggle & Glasgow Refuse Toulouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 44:19


    Round 2 of the Investec Champions Cup draws to a close so Dan Cole and Ben Youngs gather in the For The Love Of Rugby studio to review the action. Leinster defeated a gritty Leicester Tigers, Glasgow Warriors produced a stirring comeback to beat Toulouse and Bath's tournament hopes were slashed in Toulon.

    Pollock Crashes Mitchell's Date, Fin Smith Partnership & Leinster Visit Leicester

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 58:10


    Northampton Saints, England & Northampton Saints scrum half Alex Mitchell joins Ben Youngs and Dan Cole to preview another huge round of Investec Champions Cup action!

    Bath Blitz Munster, Ioane's Leinster Debut & Where Are The South African Fans?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 65:25


    A thrilling opening weekend of Investec Champions Cup action has culminated so Ben Youngs and Dan Cole have gathered in the virtual For The Love Of Rugby virtual studio to pick over the action.

    Easy Route for England & Irish Quarter Curse? Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw Reaction

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 44:09


    The draw for Men's 2027 Rugby World Cup has been made so Ben Youngs & Dan Cole take it upon themselves to predict every single game to find out the winner.

    The Big Champions Cup Preview ft. Manu Tuilagi, Jamie George & Hugo Keenan

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 72:32


    Jamie George, Hugo Keenan and Manu Tuilagi join Ben Youngs and Anthony Watson to preview the greatest club competition in the world, the Investec Champions Cup. Can anyone stop the French clubs? Can Bath really reach the final? And, unfortunately for Hugo “Barry” Keenan, we deep dive into life at Leinster and why they just cannot get over the line in Europe. Play Fantasy Investec Champions Cup against Ben, Dan and Ant: https://www.superbru.com/investec_champions_cup_fantasy/pool.php?p=13104062

    Springboks Embarrass Wales, Habana on Etzebeth's Gouge & Scaz Meets Shaggy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 49:50


    Ben Youngs & Dan Cole are joined by South Africa rugby legend Bryan Habana to analyse a victory over Wales that was marred by an eye gouge by Eben Etzebeth. Meanwhile, it's been an incredible weekend at Emirates Dubai 7s: we've been bowled at by Sir Jimmy Anderson, coached the next Beauden Barrett and Red Roses World Cup winner Emily Scarratt drops in to tell us about her evening with Shaggy.

    Picking our Team of the Autumn Nations Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 36:59


    Ben Youngs and Dan Cole react to the 2025 World Rugby Men's 15s Dream Team and pick their team of the Autumn Nations Series.

    Curry v Contepomi & The Most Chaotic Game Ever

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 58:24


    England have won eleven games in a row, but everyone is talking about what happened in the tunnel after the match. Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi accused England flanker Tom Curry of being a “bully” and pushing him. Meanwhile, South Africa definitely bullied Ireland in Dublin in one of the most dramatic games of rugby we've ever seen, Wales are getting better under new coach Steve Tandy and a front rower has been named World Player Of The Year for the first time in 24 years. At last.  ☕ Blue Turaco Coffee: https://blueturacocoffee.com

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