Rugby Union Weekly

Chris, Ashy and Ugo pick apart the opening weekend of the Champions Cup. Was it the shot in the arm the tournament needed? Or were there still too many predictable results? Edinburgh caused the biggest upset of the round in what was a great weekend for the Scottish sides. Can Prem champions Bath go all the way this year? Rieko Ioane made his Leinster debut, Mathieu Jalibert shone for defending champions Bordeaux and Noah Caluori scores on his Champions Cup debut. We also discuss the 12-week ban handed to Eben Etzebeth and whether he will actually benefit from time out the game.

Chris, Tom and GRO bring you immediate reaction to the draw for the 2027 World Cup. England and Wales meet in Pool F while we can look forward to another instalment of the 'Tom English derby' as Scotland and Ireland were drawn together for the third World Cup in a row! But which team is the bigger winner from the draw down under? If South Africa are to deliver the three-peat they will have to do it the hard way - but would another Springbok win actually be good for the game? Tom gets all misty-eyed about French players we've never heard of as we imagine just how special a French World Cup win would be.

Danny, Ashy and Chris dissect another dismal day for Wales as they end 2025 with a record home defeat. How much would the young Welsh players actually have learned from their 73-0 defeat to South Africa? We also discuss Eben Etzebeth's red card for the eye gouge on Alex Mann that took the shine off another dominant Springboks win. We look at the return of the Prem and debate whether it's easier than ever to score tries in the league. Will we see Benhard Janse van Rensburg in an England shirt in the near future? There is another setback for R360 and we look ahead to Wednesday's World Cup draw.

In episode two of our bumper Champions Cup preview, Ashy and Chris catch up with Lions hero Hugo Keenan who reflects on his winning try in the MCG and Leinster's ambition to add fifth star to the jersey. High-flying Sale winger Tom Roebuck looks back on his breakthrough autumn with England and reveals he scored his try against the All Blacks with a broken toe! Pau are back in the tournament for the first time in 25 years and Joel Kpoku tells us they are keen to make a splash and targeting their opener against Northampton. Scarlets are also back in the competition and we sit down with their captain Josh Macleod for an open and honest conversation about how tough it is to be a Welsh player right now with all the uncertainty around the club game.

It's finally happened. The stars aligned and we managed to get Ashy and his old sparring partner Manu Tuilagi in the same room to talk about that infamous moment at Welford Road 14 years ago. Chris helps us finally get to the bottom of what sparked it, and we quiz Manu on life in France and his return to fitness. Is the former England centre seriously considering a switch to Samoa for the next World Cup? We do get round to previewing the new Champions Cup season with Saracens legend Jamie George, Glasgow's Rory Darge and World Cup winning Springbok Deon Fourie.

Are South Africa the best team ever? Did Wales offer a glimpse of optimism? And is Gregor Townsend still the man for Scotland? Chris, Tom and Gareth reconvene for the final time this year to unpack the Autumn Internationals. Tom wants Ireland to reset an ageing squad, while Gareth remains positive about Wales. And Chris brings up the substitutions debate, asking whether the game now relies on too many replacements.

Who were the big winners and losers this autumn? Ugo, Danny and Chris reflect on what we've learnt this November. Who has progressed and who has regressed? The Springboks have cemented their place at the top of the world game but who would win between them and the great All Blacks team from 2015? The officiating has been a huge talking point over the past four weeks, particularly after events in Dublin this weekend. How do we get the balance right between collision and evasion in the modern game as we strive for player safety? We reflect on Malcolm Marx being crowned World Player of the Year and pick our players of the autumn.

England completed their first four-Test autumn clean sweep since 2016 with a nervy win over Argentina. Chris, Ashy and Paul Grayson praise England for battling past a spirited Pumas team on a scrappy afternoon at Twickenham. Max Ojomoh impressed on only his second cap with a try and two assists. Could he become England's long-term 12 moving forward? He's on the pod along with head coach Steve Borthwick. What should the expectations be for England now heading into the six nations? But are there still players who they haven't figured out how to get the best from?

It's Nations Pod time and for the second week in a row Tom is reeling from another painful defeat for Scotland. After the capitulation against Argentina he believes now is the time for a new head coach. Wales are off the mark under Steve Tandy, but their issues were still laid bare despite the narrow win over Japan. GRO gives us the lowdown on darts-loving uncapped flanker Harri Deaves who is part of the Wales team tasked with facing the All Blacks. Ireland and South Africa renew their rivalry, England go in search of an 11th successive win and Tom gives reveals his favourite drinking spot in Dublin.

Are England now ready to win silverware? Why do Scotland keep choking on the big stage? Does the new Nations Championship devalue the World Cup? There is loads to discuss following another eventful weekend and the launch of World Rugby's long-awaited tournament. Ugo, Danny and Ashy debate how far England have come under Steve Borthwick as their winning streak continues. Scotland have another afternoon to forget at Murrayfield. Wales are off the mark under Steve Tandy and Mack Hansen takes centre stage in Dublin after his hat-trick and choice of footwear. Plus, Henry Pollock catches the eye once again for some unusual antics during the haka.

Chris is with Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson to bring you reaction to England's first victory over the All Blacks at home in 13 years. We chat to the superb George Ford who dropped two goals and scored a crucial penalty to help extend their winning run to 10 matches. Is he playing the best rugby of his career? We also hear from Scott Robertson after their Grand Slam hopes were ended and ask where it went wrong for New Zealand. And after only a ninth victory over the All Blacks in 120 years, is this the best win of the Steve Borthwick era?

It's Nations Pod time ahead of the third weekend of the autumn internationals. Tom is still reeling from Scotland's narrow defeat by New Zealand, calling it the greatest missed opportunity in Scottish rugby history. But can they respond against the dangerous Pumas? After losing to Argentina in Steve Tandy's first match in charge, Wales now host Japan in a must-win game, with Gareth not even prepared to countenance a Welsh defeat. We also tackle the latest rugby jargon and ask whether England's stacked bench will make the difference against the All Blacks.

Are England capable of beating the All Blacks for the first time since 2019? And is this side ready to take a big scalp? Ashy and Chris head to the England team hotel and chat to Steve Borthwick about his selection which sees George Ford return at fly-half and Fin Smith drop out of the 23-man squad. They also catch up with Freddie Steward who gives a fascinating insight into dealing with the high ball under the new laws and he gives us a detailed account of how he dislocated his finger against Australia. Chris has also been to see the New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson who wants to deliver a Grand Slam this autumn.

Chris, Ugo and Danny unpick a jam-packed weekend of autumn rugby. The Springboks storm Paris with 14 men for another statement win. Are they the clear World Cup favourites two years out? Scotland fluff their lines yet again, will they ever end their All Blacks hoodoo under Gregor Townsend? England want to make 10 Test wins in a row but have injury concerns to deal with ahead of New Zealand's trip to Twickenham. What did we learn about Steve Tandy's Wales after they were humbled by Argentina? Plus, there was a big win for Italian rugby and more bold predictions for week three.

England have now won nine Test matches in a row after they finished strongly to beat Fiji 38-18 in Twickenham and set up a huge meeting with New Zealand next weekend. Chris, Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson react on-the-whistle from the Allianz Stadium, and we are also joined by England's Jamie George and Fiji boss Mick Byrne. How much have England progressed over the past twelve months, and what areas will they need to improve on before next weekend? And who has presented Steve Borthwick with a selection dilemma? We also discuss Scotland's heartbreaking defeat by the All Blacks and ask what lessons Gregor Townend's side can take going forward.

Is Saturday's game at Murrayfield Scotland's best ever opportunity to beat the All Blacks? And what would count as a good autumn for Wales? Just some of the questions that Chris, Tom and Gareth tackle ahead of busy weekend of rugby. Chris argues that England's strength in depth is their biggest asset, while Tom has serious concerns that Ireland lack the X factor. And Gareth confesses he's starting to feel like the third wheel in this pod throuple after missing out on the Lion tour.

Which England player is compared to an annoying little brother? Ugo, Danny and Chris praise England's gameplan against Australia and heap praise on Sale's Tom Roebuck. Was it a red? Should it have even been a yellow? We debate the highly controversial Tadhg Beirne dismissal in Chicago and what went wrong for Ireland in the final 20 minutes as the All Blacks avenged their 2016 loss. We also discuss Antoine Dupont's new Toulouse deal and look ahead to this weekend's matches as the Steve Tandy regime begins. Plus, who should be in the frame for World Player of the Year?

England begin their autumn campaign with victory over Australia and extend their winning run to eight matches. Chris is back on the pod with Ashy and Matt Dawson to pick through a contest that was close until the hour mark. What are the big positives for Steve Borthwick and his men? We get the assessment of fly-half George Ford on the match and we discuss why the Wallabies struggled to match their performance at Twickenham this time last year.

Danny and Sara take the pod inside England's training base to preview their opening match of the autumn against Australia. Maro Itoje reflects on a memorable summer for him that saw him tie the knot and captain the Lions to series win over the Wallabies. He also talks about the team's aspirations this November and beyond. Are Steve Borthwick's side capable of winning the World Cup in two years? Richard Wigglesworth chats about his move to defence coach and what we can expect moving forward - as well as his admiration for Joe Marler's exploits on The Traitors. George Ford is also on the pod after he was handed the keys to number 10 and we look ahead to the big clash in Chicago as Jack Crowley gets the nod at fly-half against the All Blacks.

Noah Caluori's meteoric rise continues after being named in England's squad for the autumn internationals. Ashy and Ugo discuss his inclusion and if it was the right decision to leave Adam Radwan out of the squad. What would a good November look like for England? Is a clean sweep possible? Lauren is back on the pod fresh from her honeymoon to give us the lowdown on the big news in Wales as the WRU announce they will be cutting one region. Is it realistically a straight shootout between Ospreys and Scarlets for survival? We look at Henry Slade and Exeter's form and another incredible milestone for Ma'a Nonu.

Sara sits down with England great Emily Scarratt to reflect on her illustrious career. After 17 years, two World Cups wins, 11 Six Nations title, a World Player of the Year gong and 119 caps for her country, ‘Scaz' has finally hung up her boots. What is the best moment of her career? What is next? We hear about her upbringing on a farm in rural Leicestershire and how that prepared her for a career in rugby. We hear all about the celebrations in Ibiza following the 2025 World Cup win on home soil this summer. As well as the triumphs, Scarratt also looks back on the heartache and setbacks she suffered.

It was a dream weekend for Saracens' Noah Caluori. After scoring a remarkable five tries on Saturday, he was called up to train with the England senior side on Sunday. Ashy and Sara chat to the England head coach Steve Borthwick about English rugby's newest star. Could he actually make his England debut this autumn? But while Borthwick has gained another winger, he has lost a number eight after Tom Willis announced he is leaving English rugby altogether to rejoin Bordeaux. Who is the man to place him in the back row? Plus, we look back on another impressive Exeter performance, the Irish fly-half battle and one of the worst attendances of all time.

We reunite two of Wigan's most famous sons for a special episode of the pod. Ashy chats to Andy Farrell about his new autobiography ‘The Only Way I Know'. They discuss his love of Wigan and how the other code and becoming a father at such a young age helped shape him. Farrell reflects on this summer's Lions tour and gives us an insight into the emotion surrounding calling up his son Owen to join the squad in Australia. Would he like to lead the Lions on another tour? We touch on his time in charge of Ireland and ask what he still wants to achieve as a coach after the disappointment of the quarter-final exit at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. And will Farrell Snr ever coach England in the future?

Danny, Ugo and Ashy review an action-packed derby weekend. Has Marcus Smith played his way into contention at fly-half this autumn? We also pick our England backline as it stands and there is an interesting shout from Ashy at inside centre. Could Bath really go the whole season unbeaten? How worried should Gloucester fans be this season? And after the top unions decided to block international players from joining R360, where does this leave the rebel-league?

Ugo, Danny and Ashy are back, but even though the Prem brought another weekend full of surprises they had to start the pod with the sad news that former England captain and British and Irish Lions legend, Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The guys all played with him and reflect on how the rugby community can get behind Lewis to support him and his family, during this difficult time. And they hear from Moody himself who spoke to BBC about his condition. In terms of the Prem – Leicester's win against Quins proved to be a comeback for the ages with Ugo admitting that Harlequins are in a hole right now. Even though his Sale side lost to Bath, chat turns to George Ford and if he has the smartest rugby brain in the Prem – and has Owen Farrell given Saracens a lift? Away from matters on the pitch, the trio critique Chris Robshaw's Strictly performance and Ugo has agreed to a bet if Chris does better than he did…. and is Ashy's ‘Ash splash dive' coming back on trend?

Danny makes his long-awaited pod return as he joins Ashy and Ugo to review the opening round of the Prem season. Have Bath already underlined their credentials as favourites? The league is awash with English wingers, but does Henry Arundell fit into Steve Borthwick's plans? One game back and we are already debating whether Owen Farrell will play for England again after Saracens spoilt the Red Bull party in Newcastle. There is the Sarries rebrand to discuss, the return of LRZ to Bristol and dramatic comeback at the Gardens. Plus. there is a new Springbok superstar on the scene and Ashy analyses Noah Caluori's splash.

Sara sits down with England captain Zoe Aldcroft - and the World Cup trophy - to hear all about the Red Roses' celebrations after beating Canada on Saturday. Head coach John Mitchell talks about the future of the women's game and his own future after England's World Cup triumph. Will he lead the Red Roses in 2029 down under? And is he considering the Lions job in 2027? Sarah Bern teaches us the lyrics to England's anthem this World Cup and opens up on what the sport has given her.

Sara Orchard, Claire Thomas, 2014 World Cup winner Kat Merchant and former Wales captain Philippa Tuttiett react to England winning their third World Cup, beating Canada 33-13 at the home of English rugby. A record crowd for women's rugby of 81,885 watched the Red Roses see off the Canadians at the Allianz Stadium, with Ellie Kildunne starring once again. Hear from Natasha Hunt and one of the try scorers Abbie Ward, plus Ellie Kildunne and Meg Jones. England have now extended their record winning run to 33 games. The team talk the relentlessness of England's defence, which Kat believes won them the game. Kat and Philippa also give their opinion on Hannah Botterman's yellow card and how it should have potentially gone to the bunker. Plus everyone gives their thoughts on John Mitchell and what the future could hold for the head coach.

England or Canada – who will be crown world champions on Saturday? Ugo, Sara and Claire look ahead to Saturday's World Cup final at Twickenham. World Player of the Year nominee Meg Jones tells us what it would mean to lift the trophy that has eluded the Red Roses for over decade and speaks eloquently and candidly about the adversity she has faced over the past year. John Mitchell says this is the week where he earns his money, but can he take England to the promise land on home soil? Does his future depend on it? We also hear from Asia Hogan-Rochester, who reveals the unique way Canada have been preparing for the atmosphere at Twickenham and she discusses her glittering impact since switching from Sevens.

Harriet heads into the England camp to catch up with Hannah ahead of the World Cup final. Meg is tied up with interviews after being nominated for World Player of the Year, so we have a new Red Rose alongside them in Amy Cokayne. Is she a big fan of the series? And how much has Harriet watched of the Red Roses journey to the final? We hear about Amy's role as a police officer in the RAF and how many people she has arrested. And she reveals her matchday underwear of choice. We have a quiz on everyone's two favourite subjects - dating and rugby. Meg joins the conversation and talks about her big nomination and what tattoo her and Hannah plan to get after the final.

Is this the biggest match in the history of the women's game in England? With the World Cup final just days away, Sara is alongside 2014 World Cup winner Kat Merchant to preview Saturday's showdown at Twickenham between the Red Roses and Canada. They get a fascinating insight into Canadian rugby with former international Lesley McKenzie, who explains the complexities and challenges of representing the nation. We also hear from RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney on the importance of a Red Roses win and how they plan to build on the success of the tournament.

There's a big Lions feel to the second part of our Prem rugby pod. Ashy and Sara speak to new Leicester DOR Geoff Parling fresh from coaching the Wallabies in Australia. We find out how he's settled in at his old stomping ground and what his vision is for the club. Then we chat to Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman about their experience on tour and what we can expect from their respective clubs this season. Will Sale finally go all the way? Can Northampton bounce back after losing their crown to Bath last season? We also talk Faz, proposals and Maro's wedding with Andy Onyeama-Christie. Plus, Tyrone Greene talks about life at Quins without DC and a summer of upheaval at Quins.

The Red Roses will play Canada in the World Cup final after they battled past a stubborn French side in Bristol. Sara is joined by 2014 World Cup winner Kat Merchant and commentator Claire Thomas to analyse another England victory over France. Ellie Kildunne scored two tries on her comeback but there were still issues with England's attack. We hear from head coach John Mitchell and prop Hannah Botterman. Canada stole the show on semi-final weekend with a resounding victory over the Black Ferns. Will they spoil the part at Twickenham next Saturday? Plus, Sara, Kat and Claire all pick their England XV for the final which throws up some surprise selections in the backline.

Ugo, Sara and Claire Thomas look ahead to England's semi-final against France in Bristol. Will the Red Roses make it 17 in a row against France and reach another World Cup final? How is head coach John Mitchell dealing with the pressure? He chats to Sara and explains his decision to bring Ellie Kildunne straight back and also explains his selection at fly-half. Bristol local Abbie Ward who has a big revelation about her room mate and we discover how much she really likes to play the French. We also touch on the second semi-final between Canada and New Zealand and ask whether you should ever bet against the Black Ferns.

The new Prem rugby season is almost upon us! Ashy and Sara head to the launch at Twickenham to catch up with someone from every club ahead of the big kick-off on 25th September. In part one they chat to Prem winner Max Ojomoh, who is still sporting a bracelet given to him by a Bath supporter at their title parade. Exeter's Henry Slade tells us why this year will see a change in their fortunes. Steve Diamond talks about the Red Bull takeover at Newcastle and how they plan to reach the top four in the next three seasons. Gloucester's Seb Atkinson reflects on his time in Argentina during the summer where he won his first England caps, and what the ambition is at Kingsholm this season. Plus, we hear from one of the league's most exciting new signings - Bristol's Tom Jordan. He tells us where he's going to play this season, what made him leave Glasgow to join Pat Lam and we find out how Louis Rees-Zammit is settling in.

In this final episode of the mini-series Meg and Hannah put Harriet to the test - to see how much she has actually learnt about rugby! Talk turns to fitness with Hannah loving a battle on the pitch...but running not so much - whereas Meg likes the athleticism of the sport. Puppy yoga and weightlifting get a mention in how to keep fit and we find out about the importance of gym etiquette and avoiding testosterone corner! Social media gets discussed and how they all deal with trolls online - and how the social norms of body types across the game is changing and that being strong is also important! Meg and Hannah delve into all things kit - and reveal who's the fussiest! We discover the pair are definitely in the long shorts camp and chat the perils of wearing tight ones (if you know, you know!)Also the perks of getting free stuff gets brought up and how Hannah always seems to lose when it comes to dinner roulette...

England's new attack coach Lee Blackett chats to Ashy and Sara from the team's training camp at Pennyhill Park. He explains why the time with England in Argentina was so special and why he loves coaching so much. But was it a tough decision to leave Bath having just won the treble? Is that the final rejig of Steve Borthwick's coaching staff? England, and now Lions, lock Ollie Chessum also joins us to chat about his time in Australia this summer and the influence Richard Wigglesworth is already having as defence coach. Plus, Ashy attempts to give his old Leicester team mate a bit of media training.

And then there were four! Sara and Ugo reflect on the World Cup quarter-finals in Bristol and Exeter as England, France, New Zealand and Canada all booked their spot in the last four. Did England finally hit top gear at a rain-soaked Ashton Gate? Or were Scotland their own worst enemy as they slumped to another heavy defeat to the Red Roses? Lisa Martin and Kat Merchant reflect on a 31st consecutive win for John Mitchell's side. Ugo is down in Exeter with Claire Thomas and Anna Caplice to pick through a devastating defeat for Ireland who led France 13-0 at half-time. There was also a plenty of controversy as France back row Axelle Berthoumieu was eventually cited for an alleged bite on Ireland's Aoife Wafer.

It's World Cup quarter-final weekend, Ugo and Sara preview to Sunday's matches in Bristol and Exeter – and the weather! Can Scotland beat England for the first time since 1999? Or will the Red Roses march into the semi-finals? We hear from returning captain Zoe Aldcroft and get the inside scoop on her weekend with the Princess of Wales in Brighton. Holly Aitchison also discusses her return from injury and her shopping addiction. Aoife Wafer returns for Ireland, but how fit is she? After falling short against New Zealand last week, are Ireland capable of causing the biggest shock of the World Cup so far?

On episode four of Barely Rugby Harriet, Meg and Hannah chat everything dating - from going out with fellow rugby players, advice for all the single listeners out there and bad Hinge dates. And as always all the big questions try to get answered... is Hannah or Meg a connector, are running clubs the new dating apps and if Hannah was a boy what name would she have?And Meg and Hannah debate whether Harriet should dip her toes into the rugby world and date a player!And is today the day that Ilona Maher finally, finally answers the phone to Hannah...

Ugo Monye, Sara Orchard, Black Ferns World Cup winner Ruby Tui, 2014 World Cup winner Katy Daly-McClean and former Ireland backrower Anna Caplice are in Brighton as New Zealand thrash Ireland 40-0. Teenage wing Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored a hat-trick of tries in a ruthless display to set up a quarter-final against South Africa. Anna talks why Ireland just couldn't get into their flow and where they go from here as they face France next. The team also reflect on the whole weekend including where England need to improve as we enter the knockouts, plus Fijis huge win over Wales.

On the whistle reaction as England beat Australia 47-7 in Brighton.Sara Orchard is joined by commentator Claire Thomas and World Cup winner Rachael Burford as England see off Australia despite a shaky first half performance. Sadia Kabeya and Kelsey Clifford both scored two tries to set up a quarter-final against Scotland. It was a World Cup whitewash for Wales who lost 28-25 to Fiji in an entertaining match in Exeter. How quickly can Wales fix their issues and where has it gone wrong at this World Cup?