The Ruck Rugby Podcast

England have beaten the All Blacks for the 9th time in their history! Steve Borthwick's side ran out comfortable winners for a statement victory.Alfie, Alex and Will react to the result and discuss what it now means for England moving forward. They pay tribute to George Ford who produced an outstanding performance to guide England to victory. And, they ask what does it tell us about this New Zealand team? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Blacks legend and double world cup winning New Zealand captain Richie McCaw joins Alfie, Alex and Will to look ahead to the match against England this weekend.He explains why an All Blacks team should never be 'developing', what makes Ardie Savea such a great player and how he thinks the game will go at Twickenham. The boys also explain why it is such an important match for the Steve Borthwick England era and why his team selection shows what sort of match we could have in store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Stuart Barnes look back on the latest from the November internationals. They're joined by Mark Palmer to reflect on an agonising defeat for Scotland against New Zealand and ask will they ever beat the All Blacks? They also chat about South Africa's stunning performance away to France in Paris on Saturday night and Steve Tandy's Wales tenure starting with defeat to Argentina.Plus, they look ahead to the matches coming up this weekend, including England's game against New Zealand as Stuart explains why he thinks George Ford should start at fly-half and whether England should be the favorites to win the match. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher look back on England's victory over Fiji at Twickenham. For the second week in a row Steve Borthwick's side managed to win the match comfortably despite not being at their best. Plus, Fiji gave further evidence that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with at international level.With New Zealand next up for England, they ask how well the first two weekends of November have prepared them to take on the All Blacks. And, question who should play at fly-half, George Ford or Fin Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the second weekend of November internationals so Alfie, Alex and Elgan look ahead to the action.They are at the England training base so discuss another very interesting squad selection from Steve Borthwick. Including Chandler Cunningham-South getting the opportunity at number 8, Maro Itoje dropping to the bench and Marcus Smith being deployed at full-back.Plus, they look ahead to the other matches at the weekend, especially Wales v Argentina, France v South Africa and Scotland hosting New Zealand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie, Will and Owen Slot are back to review all the November internationals over the weekend and preview the upcoming round of fixtures.They are joined by double world champion Springbok, Steven Kitshoff, who looks back on that epic world cup quarter-final in 2023 between France and South Africa and looks ahead to the sides meeting again in Paris on Saturday. He also chats about his life threatening and career ending neck injury which forced him to retire earlier this year and his new business ventures which includes bomb squad beer, named after the famous Springbok replacements. He gives his view on England's own attempt at the bomb squad and the rise of Henry Pollock.Plus, will Scotland's autumn be defined by how they get on against New Zealand? Could we really see Ben Earl start at centre against Fiji? And will that clash in Paris determine who is the best side in the world? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie, Alex and Will react to England's victory over Australia at Twickenham as Steve Borthwick's side started their November campaign with a 25-7 win.They chat about the impact of the England bench, Henry Pollock (of course!) and how they got over the line.Alfie makes the case for the match being an example of how England have progressed over the last 12 months but Alex & Will are more measured in their assessment of the result against an under-strength Wallabies side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England begin their November internationals this weekend by welcoming Australia to Twickenham.Alfie and Alex are at the England training base to preview the match. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold matchday squad and explain why the England head coach is under-appreciated for the brave selection decisions he makes. They chat about Tommy Freeman starting at outside centre, the back-row balance and what would constitute success for England this coming month.They also chat about the Wallabies who aren't at full strength, how they have developed since the British & Irish Lions tour and the battle at the set-piece. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the start of the November internationals so Alfie and Will look ahead to the matches this weekend, including England's game against Australia. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold selection of moving Tommy Freeman to outside centre, which means no Ollie Lawrence, as well as George Ford starting at fly-half. Sam Warburton chats to Will about the WRU's plans to cut the number of regional sides from four to three and he also explains why despite their current poor form Wales should be capable of having a competitive national side again. And, the boys round up the Prem rugby action by asking who has impressed them the most following the first block of fixtures? Plus, which countries will have a successful Autumn campaign and who will be left disappointed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie, Alex and Will are at England's training base after Steve Borthwick announced his training squad ahead of the November internationals. Teenage sensation Noah Caluori has been fast-tracked into the set-up, could he genuinely play a role next month? Owen Farrell isn't a part of this squad but will he return to international duty in the future? And, what does Tom Willis' move to Bordeaux next year, which makes him ineligible for England, tell us?Plus, the boys look back on the PREM action over the weekend including brutal defeats for Harlequins, Gloucester and Sale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie, Alex and Will question whether the rugby establishment wants to see R360 - the new global franchise competition - be successful. It follows last week's announcement by eight of the world's top unions that players who sign-up will be banned from international selection. So they ask how much of a setback is this for the organisers? What questions do they need to come out and answer? And, could the disruption actually be a good thing for the game!?Plus, they discuss what England's backline could look like for the November internationals, in particular does Owen Farrell return and who starts at fly-half? And, give their view on what the big talking points in the sport will be come the end of 2025. Will the Springboks have asserted their dominance? Will Ireland have dropped off? And where on earth will Wales be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of 'Derby Weekend' in the Gallagher PREM, Will Kelleher heads to the midlands to chat to Northampton Saints. He speaks with Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, plus two of the clubs British & Irish Lions in Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman. Fin explains that wanting to earn more caps for England was a big motivation for signing a contract extension, despite the lure of R360. And find out why he was disappointed with his performances on the Lions tour. Tommy Freeman brings up his 100th Saints appearance on the weekend so he reflects on the journey to this point and discusses what the future might hold. Will he be a 13 going forward?Plus, Phil Dowson looks ahead to a big East Midlands derby against Leicester Tigers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody has announced that he has motor neurone disease, so, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes join Alfie Reynolds to pay tribute to a great man and brilliant player. Tom Kershaw also discusses his investigation for The Times earlier in the year where he looked into the links between elite sportspeople and MND. They also look back on the second weekend of the PREM and ask whether Newcastle were correct to part ways with Steve Diamond and if it's too early to view Bath and Saracens as the best two clubs in the division. It was the opening weekend for the CHAMP which saw the return of Worcester Warriors, their back-rower Matt Kvesic chats to Alfie and Alex. And, Stuart explains why 2025 was the best Rugby Championship we've ever seen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Promotion and relegation, franchising and the rugby pyramid; these are all issues that are so fundamental to the state of English rugby, and things so few people agree on. So, to tackle these meaty topics Will and Alex go to Twickenham to meet Simon Gillham, the chair of the new Tier 2 board, and vice-president of French Pro D2 side Brive. Can the Champ, which relaunches this weekend, and the Prem finally get on, coexist and thrive together? How could promotion to the top flight work? Will London Irish return like Worcester Warriors have? And Will there be an end to "self-interest" on all sides? We discuss it all, and rattle through the news from the opening round of the Prem, plus the finale of The Rugby Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are world champions! The Red Roses have won the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup so outside Twickenham Alfie, Elgan and Alex look back on the final and the tournament as a whole. They ask what this moment will mean for women's rugby in England? And, what it will mean for the women's game as a whole as other unions play catch up to this all conquering England side? They dissect the performance and credit England's dominance in the final over Canada, plus talk about the job John Mitchell has done as head coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weekend England face Canada in the Women's Rugby World Cup final. Alfie and Elgan look ahead to the match and ask if the Red Roses can finally get over the line and become world champions. How big a burden are the psychological scars from previous failures? Will it be a seminal moment in the history of women's rugby in England? And, has this tournament broken through to new audiences outside of rugby circles? Alfie also chats to Red Roses legend Rocky Clark who admits it will be an emotional moment watching them play in front of a sold out Twickenham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new season is here! Ahead of domestic rugby restarting Alfie and Will are at Twickenham to look ahead to the action. It's been a huge summer of change at Newcastle who are now owned by Red Bull, so Director of Rugby Steve Diamond explains what that means for the club and how they can start looking up the table. The season kicks off on Thursday night as Sale host Gloucester, so Sale Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson looks ahead to that and reveals he was watching on in awe at Tom Curry during the Lions tour. Alex and Will then speak with PREM Rugby CEO Simon Massie-Taylor who explains that the league is in a great place, why they decided to rebrand and who he thinks will win the title! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie and Elgan are at the England team hotel ahead of their semi-final against France in the World Cup this weekend. They chat to second-row Morwenna Talling following her player of the match performance against Scotland. They also look back on all the other quarter-final action and ask whether Ireland were unlucky that France's Axelle Berthoumieu wasn't shown a red card for biting but instead only banned retrospectively. Plus, what next for South Africa and Scotland following excellent campaigns? And, who will progress into the final? They also round up another brilliant weekend of action in the Rugby Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Women's World Cup is into the knockout rounds! Ahead of the quarter-finals Alfie and Elgan are at Twickenham where they chat to the Managing Director of the tournament Sarah Massey. They discuss the great attendances during the pool stages, TV viewership and the importance of growing women's rugby. They also ask whether New Zealand displayed their title credentials for the first time at the weekend and whether the Black Ferns meeting England in the final is the ideal match-up. Plus, Fiji beat Wales for their first win over northern hemisphere opposition, Australia caused England problems and John Mitchell has injury concerns ahead of the last-8. They also round up the action in the Rugby Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second round of the women's rugby world cup provided the best two matches of the tournament so far! Alfie and Elgan are down near Brighton to review all the action and preview the final round of pool matches. They discuss who will progress from Pool A out of Australia and the USA and hear from the Wallaroos co-captain Emily Chancellor as Australia hope to upset England this weekend. They also ask if South Africa qualifying for their first quarter-final at a women's world cup can be the inspiration their women's side need? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the opening round of fixtures at the women's Rugby World Cup, Alfie and Elgan look back on all the action. They discuss the Red Roses performance against the USA and question who impressed out of France, Ireland, New Zealand and Canada as the sides best placed to trouble England. They also reflect on a brilliant Scotland performance against Wales but also how disappointing Sean Lynn's side were. Plus, how big an issue are the one-sided score lines across the opening weekend? Alfie heads to Bristol to chat with Louis Rees-Zammit on his return to the sport and they also round up the latest results in the Rugby Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The women's world cup starts this week so Alfie Reynolds and Elgan Alderman look ahead to the tournament. They ask whether 2025 is going to be the year that England are finally crowned world champions and who out of France, Canada and New Zealand are best placed to trouble them. They preview every pool, speak about who the stars of the world cup will be and discuss whether a home world cup win could be the Red Roses 'lionesses' moment. Plus, they round up the latest from the Rugby Championship, including Australia's historic comeback victory over South Africa at Ellis Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Lions tour Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher bring you one final pod from Australian soil.They reflect on a joyous 7 weeks covering the tour, including their final reflections on the test series and what the future of the Lions tour looks like. How can they make the tour games in Australia more engaging? Should there be a Barmy Army-style supporter package to make it affordable for a younger audience? And, have the Wallabies' performances in the final two matches given hope for their home world cup in 2027? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia ended with one of the most bizarre test matches!Biblical rainfall and a thunderstorm delayed proceedings before Australia won the match in Sydney. Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe join Alfie Reynolds to round up the occasion and the series as a whole.They ask whether Australia were under-prepared for the first test and how much that cost them in the three game series? Is a 2-1 series victory for the Lions an accurate reflection of how good they are? And, what on earth was going on when play was stopped early in the second half? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot preview the third and final test in the 2025 Lions tour.They discuss why Andy Farrell naming such a strong squad is no surprise as the Lions eye a 3-0 series victory. Plus they ask whether Australia are capable of winning the match to avoid being labelled the 'worst' opposition the Lions have faced.They also salute Tadhg Furlong as he is set to start his 9th straight test and how much winning on Saturday will determine the Lions' legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the controversial ending to the 2nd test between Australia and the Lions, Will and Alfie are joined by Christy Doran, rugby editor of The Roar, to get the Aussie perspective. They chat about how Australian rugby can be successful ahead of a home world cup in 2027 and the importance of winning the final test in the series. Plus, the boys provide an update from the Lions ahead of the final test and ask what is the purpose of a Lions tour? Winning or something more? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British & Irish Lions have won the test series against Australia! Hugo Kennan scored the winning try in the final play of the game to cap off an extraordinary match at the MCG.Alfie, Alex and Will reflect on a match which will go down in Lions history. They chat about Jac Morgan's controversial clear out at the end of the game, how impressive the Lions were to come from behind and the utter devastation for Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the second test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions, Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell have named their sides.Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher, Owen Slot and Alfie Reynolds are in Melbourne to look ahead to what could be a series clinching match for the Lions, or will Australia respond to their defeat in Brisbane?They discuss both team selections, including Garry Ringrose ruling himself out through injury, Will Skelton's return for the Wallabies and Joe Schmidt's anti-hype approach to the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British & Irish Lions won their final tour game on Australian soil as they beat the First Nations and Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.Alfie, Alex, Will and Owen are pitch side to review the match and ask whether it was the best tour game so far? And, does it give an idea on how Australia could beat the Lions int he second test? They also discuss all the selection dilemmas facing Andy Farrell, including whether Owen could feature on Saturday, who replaces Joe McCarthy and whether Jac Morgan could will be involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British & Irish Lions are 1-0 up in the test series against Australia. They won 27-19 in Brisbane to gain a huge advantage in the three test series. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are on hand to look back on the match. They discuss a very impressive Lions performance in which they physically dominated the Wallabies and ask how Australia can get back into the series? Plus, they praise Ellis Genge, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry and Finn Russell's performances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia and the Lions have named their matchday squads for the first test in Brisbane on Saturday. Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are alongside Alfie Reynolds to go through all the big talking points. The Wallabies are without Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, how big a blow is that to their chances? Why has Andy Farrell selected Tom Curry over Jac Morgan? And, is this a Lions squad designed to overpower Australia? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the week of the first test between the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions!Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones are in Brisbane to look ahead to the match. They ask whether the tour matches have adequately prepared the Lions for the series. Plus, what do the latest call-ups tell us about the modern tour? Do they devalue the brand or show the midweek matches between tests need to be a thing of the past?Plus, Will chats to Justin Harrison and Owen Finegan to look back on 2001 when Australia beat the Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British & Irish Lions are heading to Brisbane to prepare for the first test match against the Wallabies.They defeated a combined Australia and New Zealand XV 48-0 in Adelaide but lost Luke Cowan-Dickie to injury and will be without Garry Ringrose for the first match of the test series. Jamie George has been called up as cover at hooker.Alfie, Will and Alex look back on the match and also discuss who Andy Farrell could select in his matchday 23 for that game in a weeks time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British & Irish Lions defeated the ACT Brumbies 36-24 in Canberra. Another win for Andy Farrell's side but was it another performance which adds more questions for this Lions side?Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are alongside Alfie Reynolds in an empty GIO Stadium to reflect on the match. They ask how much the Lions are holding back ahead of the test series against Australia? Is fatigue and the busy travel schedule catching up with the side? And, could Blair Kinghorn be ruled out of the tour? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Farrell has named his side to take on the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday and it is the strongest of the tour so far. So, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are alongside Alfie Reynolds to ask whether this is the side who will start the first match of the test series against Australia? They chat about which players are fighting to keep their spots in the team and what it tells us about how the Lions are approaching the series. They also reflect on Australia's unconvincing victory over Fiji and whether the incessant TMO interventions are becoming a major problem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British & Irish Lions defeated the NSW Waratahs 21-10 in Sydney for their third straight victory on Australian soil. But, are problems emerging for head coach Andy Farrell?Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe reflect on the performance and question whether the players are executing the gameplan in the way the coaches want. They also discuss who is dropping out of test match contention and what the Lions need to do on Wednesday against the Brumbies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Owen Farrell has been called up to the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad!Following the biggest news of the tour so far, Alex Lowe, Stephen Jones and Will Kelleher chat through the reasons for and against Andy bringing Owen onto the tour. Is he too out of form? Or does his vast experience outweigh the risks in his selection? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie, Will and Alex are at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to review the Lions beating Queensland Reds 52-12 to win back to back games on Aussie soil. They chat about Elliot Daly picking up an arm injury which could rule him out of the tour and where that leaves Andy Farrell and his full-back options. They heap praise on Jac Morgan who put in a strong performance in the back row and Alex questions whether the Lions could be playing an ambitious attacking style in these tour games to try and fool the Wallabies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie, Will and Alex react to the news that Tomos Williams' Lions tour is over! The Wales scrum-half suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday so Scotland's Ben White has been called up in his place.They also discuss all the other big talking points from Andy Farrell's squad to play the Queensland Reds on Wednesday, including the half-back partnership of Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell, the return of Maro Itoje and the back-row balance.Plus, they speak to Queensland Reds assistant coach, John Fisher. He previously worked at London Irish so chats about the incredible talent they had at the club when it went under, how they can tactically exploit the Lions in a few days and what a great occasion taking on the best of the northern hemisphere will be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British & Irish Lions are up and running Down Under. They defeated the Western Force 54-7 in Perth and Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Stephen Jones and Will Kelleher are here to review all of the action. They've decamped to the hotel lobby to look back on the action including the Lions being unable to catch a restart, why Ben White needs to be called up as injury cover immediately and whether we are heading for a tour where the midweek side is actually closer to the test team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From The Ruck, the rugby podcast from the Times & Sunday Times we present: The Red Lions.A special three-part podcast series covering 75 years of the British & Irish Lions through the voices of the players involved and the pages of The Times and Sunday Times.The Lions have been rugby's great adventurers since 1888. But it was not until the 1950 tour of New Zealand that they adopted their famous red jersey.Through this series we will build a golden thread that links that band of intrepid adventurers - the last to go on tour by boat - with this year's ultra professional squad of Lions who will take on Australia.Episode three begins with the Lions struggling for success in the professional era and unable to emulate the triumph of '97 before finishing with the strangest Lions tour of all, during covid times in South Africa. In between Ian McGeechan and Warren Gatland steer the famous red jersey to glory in defeat, victory and a draw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From The Ruck, the rugby podcast from the Times & Sunday Times we present: The Red Lions.A special three-part podcast series covering 75 years of the British & Irish Lions through the voices of the players involved and the pages of The Times and Sunday Times.The Lions have been rugby's great adventurers since 1888. But it was not until the 1950 tour of New Zealand that they adopted their famous red jersey.Through this series we will build a golden thread that links that band of intrepid adventurers - the last to go on tour by boat - with this year's ultra professional squad of Lions who will take on Australia.On episode two we track the Lions from 1977 to the glory of 1997, as they struggle to emulate the invincibles of '74 before their crowning glory of South Africa in '97, which catapulted the Lions brand into a whole new stratosphere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.