Rugby Union Weekly

Jaden Hendrikse sent the rugby world into meltdown over the weekend for his wink at Jack Crowley. Was the Springbok scrum-half genuinely injured or not? There is plenty for Chris, Ashy and Ugo to debate, including the fine line between gamesmanship and bad sportsmanship. Ashy and Ugo share their own tales of opponents winking at them on the pitch and the times they overstepped the mark on the rugby pitch. We also look ahead to a bumper weekend of semi-finals in the Premiership and URC. Plus, Sarries legend Alex Goode joins us to reflect on his wonderful career, tells us what's next and gives Ashy grief for not naming him player of the match in his final game!

The fallout from the Champions Cup final continues. As the Bordeaux party made its way back to France, some of their players were still aiming jibes at Henry Pollock during their trophy parade. What advice do Danny, Ashy and Ugo have the young Englishman? We reflect on Bath's Challenge Cup triumph and the controversy surrounding Sam Underhill's tackle. There's a new tournament to look forward to in 2028, plus it's the final round of the Premiership this weekend. Will Gloucester or Saracens sneak into the top four on the final day? And what can we expect from the URC play-offs?

We're in Cardiff to bring you immediate reaction to the Champions Cup final as Bordeaux overpower Northampton to win club rugby's biggest prize for the first time. Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson, who lifted the cup with Saints 25 years ago, join Chris to pick the bones out of a thrilling and chaotic final. They discuss the impact of the injuries to Saints duo George Furbank and James Rahm early in the game and the countless TMO interventions. Damien Penaud scored twice to finish the tournament with an incredible 14 tries, but who else caught the eye for the new champions? We analyse Henry Pollock's performance in his first final and ask if Saints' run to the final was a one-off or whether English clubs can continue to compete at the top end of Europe.

Ashy and Chris take the pod on the road to Franklin's Gardens ahead of Northampton's Champions Cup final against Bordeaux. They chat to captain Fraser Dingwall about the size of the occasion for the players and the club. Can they draw inspiration from the class of 2000? And what makes the bond between the Saints team so special? Scrum-half Alex Mitchell reflects on an emotional few weeks for the club and himself personally as he was named in the Lions squad to tour Australia. We also get some fascinating tactical insight from head coach Sam Vesty on they stop this formidable Bordeaux team and deal with star winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

It's a big day for Danny as he pods for the first time as an ex-player. He tells Chris and Ugo all about his emotional farewell at The Stoop and what is next for him besides building forts in his back garden. Can DC's former club shock Bristol on the final day of the season and blow the play-off race wide open? If you could only pick one fly-half from the URC or Prem to win you a final, who would it be? There is more uncertainty in Welsh rugby and we are joined by former Ireland sevens captain Harry McNulty to discuss the IRFU scrapping their men's programme. Plus, should you ever play a Six Nations match on Thursday?

The Lions squad continues to dominate the pod agenda as speculation intensifies around the two extra players Andy Farrell said he would take on tour. Ugo is convinced Owen Farrell will get one of those places, but is there another Englishman who could also get the nod? Danny and Ashy give their take on the 38-man squad and explain just how tough it is to miss out on selection after Mike Brown's comments about his omission in 2017. We also look back on a special farewell for Peter O'Mahony at Thomond Park, hear all about Ashy's eventful train journey back from Cardiff and react to the news that Geoff Parling will replace Michael Cheika as Leicester DOR next season.

The Nations pod is back to run the rule over Andy Farrell's 38-man squad for the British & Irish Lions. Chris, Tom English and Gareth Rhys Owen see how the squads they picked after the Six Nations compare. GRO is forced to address the elephant in the room as only two Welsh players made the cut. How many more players will be called up? And will Owen Farrell end up in Australia after all? GRO makes a bold call for the 1st Test and shares the WhatsApp debate between Chris and Tom about two number 10s in the group chat.

We are at the O2 for the Lions squad announcement. Fresh from presenting the show, Ugo joins Chris to dissect the 38-man squad. Andy Farrell talks through his selection and why he decided to take Henry Pollock on tour and make Maro Itoje captain. Marcus Smith, Fin Smith and Finn Russell are on the plane, but could there be another fly-half added further down the line? Meanwhile Itoje sits down with us to reveal all the details about the captain's dinner and why he feels now is the right time to be leading the Lions.

After Northampton stunned Leinster to reach the Champions Cup final, what impact could that result have on Andy Farrell's Lions squad? Ugo, Danny and Ashy discuss who played their way into contention and whose place could now be under threat. Is Maro Itoje now favourite to be named captain on Thursday? Northampton DOR Phil Dowson joins us to relive that epic victory in Dublin and and gives us a great insight into Henry Pollock and how Saints masterminded the victory over a Leinster team packed full of Irish internationals. Plus, there's more change at Exeter and Bath's dream of a treble continues.

Fresh from his Ash Splash at the weekend, England and Northampton star Henry Pollock is our special guest on this week's pod. Pollock chats to Ugo and Ashy about the Champions Cup semi-final with Leinster this weekend and his remarkable rise through the ranks over the past 12 months. We also learn how he deals with criticism on social media and how he stays grounded away from the pitch. There is plenty to discuss in the Premiership as Sale impress again. Is George Ford played his way onto the Lions tour? Plus, what's going on at Exeter? Scarlets and Cardiff boost their URC play-off hopes and do the Red Roses have an issue dealing with pressure?

England held off a late France fightback to secure a fourth consecutive Grand Slam and a seventh straight title. Sara Orchard is joined by Kat Merchant, Katy Daley-McLean and Claire Thomas to dissect how England nearly let the title slip away. The team chat England's performance with questions around selection and how this England team would fair at the World Cup which is fast approaching. James Burridge catches up with scrum-half Natasha Hunt and how she is feeling after that narrow victory at Twickenham. There are also questions around the other end of the Six Nations table with Wales and Italy playing Sunday for the wooden spoon.

Only France stand in the way of England securing a fourth consecutive Grand Slam. Sara Orchard and Philippa Tuttiett preview the final weekend of the Six Nations, including the big showdown at Twickenham. Red Roses head coach John Mitchell talks about the connection he has formed with his players and how he is still assessing his options at fly-half. French rugby expert Paul Eddison joins the pod to give us the lowdown on their championship, and why they are struggling to keep pace with England. We also look ahead to a huge game for Wales in Italy as Sean Lynn warns his players their World Cup hopes could be in jeopardy if performances don't improve.

Christian Wade is our special guest on the pod! He chats to Ugo, Ashy and Danny about his shock move to rugby league and how it all came about. Does this mean Ashy's Premiership try-scoring record is safe? We also react to Johnny Sexton joining Andy Farrell's Lions coaching team and look at the impact on those in contention for the 10 jersey this summer. Plus, Leinster sign another All Black, and it was a big weekend in the race for a Premiership play-off place.

We are all set for a Grand Slam showdown at Twickenham after England thrashed Scotland and France edged past Italy in Parma in round four. Sara is joined by World Cup winner Katy Daley-McLean and former Scotland international Heather Lockhart to bring you reaction to another big Red Roses win. Who did enough to secure a place for next week's decider against France? What were the positives for Scotland? And can France finally end their losing streak and stop another England Grand Slam?

With the Red Roses on course for a fourth successive Grand Slam, has the competition becoming too predictable? What can be changed to help make the Six Nations more competitive? Sara Orchard and Philippa Tuttiett discuss what can be done, and crucially, how the other nations can close the gap on England. We go inside the Scotland camp to get the thoughts of head coach Bryan Easson and we hear from Rachel McLachlan who wins her 50th cap on Saturday. Plus, England lock Abbie Ward shares some exciting news and talks to us about her husband Dave Ward leaving Bristol Bears.

Ugo, Ashy, and Danny look back on the four Champions Cup quarter-finals, with Leinster's emphatic 52-0 win over Glasgow stealing the spotlight. Can anyone stop them? The lads weigh in with their picks for who they think will go all the way. Plus, with Andy Farrell set to name his Lions squad in just three weeks, does he know which three fly-halves he'll take to Australia?

Sara Orchard is joined by England World Cup winning captain Katy Daley-McLean to discuss Saturday's action in the Women's Six Nations. France beat Wales 42-12 before England thrashed Ireland 49-5 – and this after Ireland had taken a 5-0 lead. So what does that mean for the Championship? How impressive were England and what next for Ireland? We hear from Ireland coach Scott Bemand, while former Wales captain Philippa Tuttiett leaves a voicenote with her thoughts on the performance of Wales. Oh, and Sara and Katy also look forward to Scotland's match against Italy on Sunday.

Sara Orchard is joined by former Wales captain Philippa Tuttiett to look ahead to Round 3 of the Women's Six Nations.The two weigh-in on the debate surrounding Sarah Bern and Jasmine Joyce's recent post-match TikTok. We then hear from Sarah Bern herself, as well as Ireland's Aoife Wafer and Amee-Leigh Costigan ahead of Ireland v England on Saturday.Finally, Sara and Phil preview the weekend's other matches: France v Wales and Scotland v Italy.

Does the round of 16 need to be scrapped? Are Leinster a better team than Ireland? When will English sides be able to compete for club rugby's biggest prize again? Ugo, Danny and Chris pick through a tricky weekend in the round of 16 for the Champions Cup, as the Irish and French clubs underlined their dominance and Premiership clubs were eliminated. Plus, we talk Jack Willis, Jack Crowley and Tommy Freeman.

This is the story of one of rugby's most notorious matches, told by those who were there. A European Cup quarter-final between Harlequins and Leinster was always going to be big - but nobody knew how big. Players from both sides including Ugo Monye and Brian O'Driscoll, commentators, coaches and referee Nigel Owens recall how events unfolded before, during and after the moment that Quins winger Tom Williams staggered from the field with fake blood dripping from his mouth. The Leinster officials see through the plot straight away - but can they expose the wrongdoing? To listen to the full series, search for Sport's Strangest Crimes on BBC Sounds.

Is the hype around Henry Pollock justified? Is he England's next superstar? If you've lost heavily, should you be dancing with an opponent on TikTok? Sarah Bern and Jaz Joyce-Butchers went viral after England's big win over Wales but some fans didn't think it was appropriate. And as we head into the round of 16 of the Champions Cup, Mark McCall rests his big England stars for the trip to Toulon. Ugo, Chris and Ashy debate all this and more.

Sara Orchard is joined by former England flyhalf Katy Daley-McLean and former Wales international Philippa Tuttiett to reflect on England's 11-try thrashing Wales in front of a record crowd of over 21,000 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Sara Orchard and Philippa Tuttiett preview the second round of the Six Nations as England prepare to take on Wales at the Principality Stadium. Philippa and Sara discuss playing at the bigger stadiums but with less fans, versus smaller stadiums that is more likely to sell out. Sara has been into the England camp and caught up with centre Meg Jones who speaks very openly about the death of both her mum and dad last year and this being the first England match without them. Meg talks about what makes teammate Ellie Kildunne so good ahead of her winning her 50th cap this weekend and how she is feeling about playing at the Principality stadium. We also hear from Kayleigh Powell and how Wales are preparing as they head into this huge fixture. Plus Sara and Philippa chat how France are not at the level of England right now and how Scotland can take confidence from their win against Wales. Philippa also shares her views on Eoife Wafer and her potential to be a stand-out player for Ireland. This episode includes themes of addiction. If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed in this interview, BBC Action Line has links to organisations that can offer help and advice.

Sara and Ashy are in central London chatting to Lions head coach Andy Farrell and four of his assistant coaches in this bumper pod. Farrell tells us whether he will pick French-based players this summer, how many names are on his shortlist for captain and why a lack of Lions coaching experience won't be a problem for his team. Wiggy reflects on his rise through the coaching game and how his family reacted to the news. We also chat to Ireland scrum specialist John Fogarty who treats us to his best Andy Farrell impression. John Dalziel explains how proud he is to be on the Lions coaching ticket, but is feeling 'huge responsibility' to represent Scotland on the tour. There is no Wales representation among the coaching staff, but will that change between now and the end of June? Plus, Simon Easterby reflects on his stint as interim head coach at Ireland and how the experience will benefit him in Australia.

Chris, Danny and Ashy dissect a chaotic weekend of Premiership action. Records were broken at Ashton Gate, but are defences making it too easy? We have some breaking news regarding the Lions coaching staff and we attempt to set the scene ahead of Thursday's RFU SGM.

The Red Roses won again, Scotland and Wales produced another thriller and Ireland pushed France all the way in Belfast. Sara rounds up the opening weekend of the Women's Six Nations and we start in York. World Cup winners Kat Merchant and Katy Daley-McLean look back at England's 30th successive Six Nations win. But why did their performance drop off so dramatically in the second half? And did the Helena Rowland experiment at fly-half work? Commentator Claire Thomas joins us as we look back at Scotland's narrow win over Wales on Saturday. Scotland's Helen Nelsen caught the eye and Sara explains why her performance reminded her of Katy in her prime. We talk Ireland too as head coach Scott Bemand says it's time to ditch the tag of 'plucky losers' after their defeat to France.

With round one of the 2025 Women's Six Nations about to start we check in with the players from England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to see how preparations have gone. Sara Orchard and 2014 Rugby World Cup winner Kat Merchant are at the tournament launch to find out how strong the players are, as they discuss their weights sessions and who prefers arms or legs in the gym. There is also a round of 'rate it or hate it' to see which players know their Welsh cakes from their Irish stout. Zoe Aldcroft, Helen Nelson, Hannah Jones, Neve Jones and Manae Feleu are all in the hot seat. Jones also gives us the view from the Welsh camp after a difficult year for her side that sees new head coach Sean Lynn arrive in a Rugby World Cup year.

The 2025 Women's Six Nations is about to start with a Rugby World Cup also just around corner meaning the stakes are higher than ever. All the home nations are in action and Rugby Union Weekly catches up with all the head coaches: England's John Mitchell, Ireland's Scott Bemand, Scotland's Bryon Easson and Wales new coach Sean Lynn ahead of his first tournament fresh from leading Gloucester-Hartpury to their third PWR title. With England's Red Roses going for a seventh Championship title in a row, Sara Orchard and 2014 RWC winner Kat Merchant are at the tournament launch to discuss their chances along with France and Italy.

Rugby union was rocked to its core by an episode that involved deception, cover-ups, recriminations and life-changing consequences for those involved. Hosted by actor and award-winning documentary maker Ross Kemp, with reporting by BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones, this series uncovers new details and untold stories about the infamous ‘Bloodgate' scandal.Kemp takes listeners on an intense journey into how a simple blood capsule triggered a series of events that shook the sport.At the heart of this story is Tom Williams, the young Harlequins player who found himself caught up in a scheme to cheat during a critical match. He opens up about his role in the cover-ups and the decision to blow the whistle on the whole operation, revealing the conspiracies, secret deals, and the aftermath. The podcast not only features interviews with rugby icons like Brian O'Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Ugo Monye, Nick Easter and referee Nigel Owens, who were on the pitch on that fateful day, but also esteemed journalists and investigators, who reveal how they exposed the plot and covered the messy consequences. To listen to the full series, search for Sport's Strangest Crimes on BBC Sounds.

What was the most impressive win in the 2025 Six Nations? And which nation actually exceeded expectations this year? Chris, Tom English and Gareth Rhys Owen are back for one last Nations Pod. Tom is claiming a unique Grand Slam for Scotland despite their fourth place finish. But what was the main reason behind another disappointing campaign for Gregor Townsend's side? Are there still more questions than answers when it comes to the future of Welsh rugby following another wooden spoon? And if Andy Farrell needs any help selecting his Lions squad we are here to help. Tom, GRO and Chris have trawled through all the stats and data to pick their 38-man squads for Australia.

Who underperformed and who overachieved in the 2025 Six Nations? Ugo Monye, Sam Warburton and John Barclay are back to round up an eventful tournament that saw France crowned champions on 'Super Saturday'. What next for Wales after a 17th Test defeat on the spin? Sam puts forward some radical ideas to fix Welsh rugby which includes cutting one of the regions and creating an Anglo-Welsh league. Did England silence their pre-tournament critics? And have they found their formula for success? We celebrate the most successful Six Nations coach of all time and there's no surprise who gets our vote for player of the tournament. What is stopping Scotland from progressing and are they still to reach their peak under Gregor Townsend? Head to the BBC Sounds YouTube channel to watch the episode in full.

Does this Six Nations title signal the start of a dominant period for France? Have England laid down a marker with their record win in Cardiff? And where do Wales go from here, after an 17th successive test defeat? Fraser Brown, Sara Orchard and Chris Jones react to France's win over Scotland in Paris to claim the 2025 Men's Six Nations championship and reflect on the tournament. Shaun Edwards joins the pod after becoming the first man to win the six Six Nations titles. We're in Cardiff with Matt Dawson and Ken Owens after a statement 68-14 win for England condemns Wales to record-equalling defeat. And we'll discuss what impact the final weekend of the championship might have on Andy Farrell's British and Irish Lions selections.Timecodes: 01:00 – France Scotland reaction 07:35 – Shaun Edwards interview 16:06 – A statement win for England? 28:13 – Where do Wales go from here? 36:50 – Where does this Six Nations leave Lions selections?

The pod comes from a Parisian bistro ahead of France against Scotland - the match that will decide the destination of the Six Nations title. Scotland have shown they're capable of producing some of their best rugby against the French - so are they capable of playing spoiler? Finn Russell is back in Paris and Sara has grabbed a word with him. Fraser Brown and Tom English reckon he's a shoo-in for the number 10 Lions jersey. Plus there's a story about when ‘tackle school' went wrong for Grant Gilchrist.

Is this finally the weekend Wales end their losing run? Chris is greeted in Cardiff by Wales and Lions legend Jamie Roberts to preview the fixture he says brings the best out of the every aspect of Welsh rugby. Tomos Williams discusses his form and teaming up with his Gloucester team-mate ‘Chicken' on international duty. Chris then heads into the England camp to speak to Sale's Tom Roebuck ahead of his first Test start. There's still more to unpick from that England backline with the rugby correspondent for the Times Alex Lowe and Jack Crowley's selection at 10 this weekend prompts more Lions fly-half debate.

Marcus Smith is back in the starting XV. Tommy Freeman moves to outside centre. Tom Roebuck get his first Test start, but there's no room for Ollie Sleightholme. All this and more for Ugo and Sara to discuss as Steve Borthwick names his England team to face Wales in Cardiff this Saturday. Ben Earl is also on the pod as we get his take on playing in Cardiff, facing the 'phenomenal' Jac Morgan and lining up alongside the Curry brothers once again.

Bialle-Biarray, Penaud, Freeman… a few of the players who have made their try-scoring mark on this year's Six Nations. With a number of individual records up for grabs on Super Saturday, Chris and Ashy discuss the men who have taken the Championship by storm. Tommy Freeman is our guest as he looks to become the first Englishman to score a try in every single round of the Six Nations. And we are joined by Bordeaux coach Noel McNamara who tells us what it is like to coach some of France's most electric players, with Bialle-Biarray on the verge of tournament history and Penaud closing in on French rugby greatness.

Did we just witness one of the greatest away performances in Six Nations history? Chris, Gareth and Tom struggle to recall a more impressive display than France's dominant showing at the Aviva on Saturday. Have Ireland reached a stage where they must start introducing fresh talent? Tom questions whether England's performance against Italy truly justifies the "love-bombing" they've received. Meanwhile, doubts are surfacing over whether Wales employed the right tactics in their loss to Scotland. Chris also highlights the debate around bonus points, as Wales could potentially finish above Italy in fifth place despite failing to secure a win.

Chris is joined by Ashy and Matt Dawson at Twickenham to reflect on the fourth weekend of the Men's Six Nations.The guys discuss England's 47-24 win against Italy, where Steve Borthwick's side do enough to remain ‘in the hunt' for the Championship going into the final weekend. And Wales v Scotland pales in comparison to France's high quality win against Ireland to put the Championship in their hands, albeit without Antoine Dupont available.Looking ahead to the final weekend, Ashy and Daws have a sneaky feeling that Wales could do a number on England at the Principality, with Ollie Lawrence's injury not helping either! And who could make a lasting impression on Andy Farrell in a bid to secure a place on the Lions tour?

We're in Dublin reacting to an extraordinary French victory to end Irish hopes of a Grand Slam and put themselves in pole position for the Six Nations title next week.Donncha O'Callaghan joins Chris to give the Irish perspective on a first home defeat in this competition for four years. We also hear from number 8 Jack Conan.Up in Edinburgh Johnnie Beattie and James Hook have their say on Scotland's win over Wales which saw Gregor Townsend's men clinging on at the end despite having led 35-8 at half time.

Is playing Ireland in Dublin the ultimate challenge in northern hemisphere rugby? Shaun Edwards thinks so, and we hear how he's been motivating himself and the French players ahead of Saturday's showdown in Dublin. Chris chats to Gavin Mairs, chief rugby correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, and senior writer at ESPN Tom Hamilton. We look at Fabien Galthie's mind games this week with his comments in the press about Sam Prendergast. And speaking of Prendergast, just how big a day is this for him in his burgeoning international career? There's more on France opting for a 7:1 split and do Scotland really have cause for concern this weekend?

Chris is joined by Johnnie Beattie and French rugby journalist Paul Eddison to dissect the teams for round four. Does this France team need to win in Dublin to silence the French critics? There are plenty of talking points after Fabien Galthie named his team on Thursday, he's opted for a 7:1 split on the bench again and brought Romain Ntamack straight back in. We discuss Jamie Osborne's selection on the right wing and what Simon Easterby is hoping to gain from it. And how is Johnnie feeling about Wales visiting Murrayfield? Are there even nerves creeping in despite facing a team that's lost its last 15 matches?

Will we finally see England's attack click? Marcus Smith drops to the bench and Elliot Daly starts at full-back for England's Six Nations clash against Italy this weekend. Danny and Sara discuss the changes Steve Borthwick has made, plus Fraser Dingwall joins the pod as he starts alongside Ollie Lawrence in midfield. We hear about the challenge that has kept the players entertained in camp during the Six Nations and how special it will be to line up alongside four Northampton team-mates on Sunday.