Podcasts about rfu

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

Jo Yapp is the first-ever British & Irish Lions Women's Head Coach!On the inaugural tour to New Zealand next year, she will be leading the first ever group of women to play in the famous red jersey against the Black Ferns in Aotearoa.Jo talks about her journey from England captain, to coaching Worcester and the Wallaroos… and what it means to lead this historic new team.We also get some insight into the time Jo the Barbarians (& our Mo) when they almost missed kick off at Allianz Stadium… AND we get yet ANOTHER appraisal for Scaz's Six Nations stint as England Attack Coach, ably mentored by Jo Yapp, in her capacity as Head of Women's Pathway at the RFU.If you need to get in touch with Jo - you can contact her on the Scaz Hotline… Does that sound right? No, it doesn't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Prem rugby semi-final line-up is confirmed: Northampton hosts rivals Leicester and Bath play Exeter.Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan preview the semi-finals and ask is this the hardest season to predict who will make the final?Could an away side get a rare victory? They also discuss the teams near the bottom of the league. Who had the most disappointing campaign? And who has reasons to be optimistic?Plus, Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension to remain Ireland head coach until 2031. How big a blow is that to England and the RFU? And what does it say about the appeal of the England head coach job? ***Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Friday's Rugby Daily, I'm Cameron Hill.Coming up, Andy Farrell signs a new deal with the IRFU to stay on as head coach through to 2031,Leinster head coach Leo Cullen praises "genius" senior coach Jacques Nienaber,And Maggie Alphonsi slams the RFU over a sexism row involving one of its council members.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

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

Ashy and Chris are back with a bonus pod after Steve Borthwick spoke to the media for the first time since England's disappointing Six Nations campaign. Chris went inside the camp to see the England head coach who explained why he's selected Benhard Janse van Rensburg selection for the three-day training camp and what he expects the South African-born centre to bring. But what does his selection mean for Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh after they were omitted from the squad? We find out how Borthwick is planning to navigate a summer schedule that incudes matches on three different continents and if captain Maro Itoje could be rested. Borthwick also touches on the RFU review into England finishing fifth in the Six Nations.

Steve Borthwick's latest England training squad includes Benhard Janse Van Rensburg, who has qualified on residency grounds. Does it make sense for him to be parachuted directly into the set up? Or is it a bad look for the RFU and their talent pipelines?Alfie Reynolds, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher chat about that and the news that South African sides might pull out of the Champions Cup. Is this a good or a bad thing for the competition? Bordeaux attack coach Noel McNamara speaks to Will ahead of the Champions Cup final this weekend as they take on Leinster. The lads reflect on the end of the Women's 6 Nations as the Red Roses won the title again. And, they review a 'disgraceful' defeat for Bristol in the Prem as Pat Lam's side conceded over 90 points.***Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Rugby Pod, the lads dive into the RFU backing Steve Borthwick despite England's worst Six Nations in 50 years, as questions continue to be asked about direction. There's plenty of beef across the Premiership and URC with Saracens finding form, Leicester battering Northampton, Leinster eyeing top spot and controversy everywhere from croc rolls to red cards and VAR. Plus club takeovers, Ealing to the URC rumours, Halfpenny retirements and a huge live show announcement at Everton's new stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a huge weekend in the race for the Prem play-offs as the top two both lost. Ashy, Danny and Chris dive into Leicester's massive derby win over Northampton and discuss the electric atmosphere at Welford Road, the Tigers pack and if Henry Pollock needs to shake the pantomime villain image. Bath missed the change to go top after Exeter put them to the sword with an impressive second half display at Sandy Park. Are the Prem champions starting to run out of steam? Noah Caluori makes his pod debut fresh from an impressive Saracens win at Ashton Gate. He chats to us about his stunning breakthrough season and his ambitions with England ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. We also dissect the RFU's statement following the review into England's Six Nations campaign. Why was the review so vague? Do fans deserve more transparency from the RFU? And what can we expect from Steve Borthwick's side moving forward?

Despite England having their worst ever men's 6 Nations campaign why has an RFU review backed Steve Borthwick in his role as head coach?Alfie, Alex and Will discuss the RFU's decision, what needs to change for England and why the review process if so secretive.Plus, they chat about whether Cornish Pirates will become a Prem club after they acquired funding from an American private equity group, the latest twists and turns in the race for the play-offs and Elgan joins them to look ahead to a grand slam decider in the Women's 6 Nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up today, Leo Cullen takes aim at the haters after Leinster booked their spot in the Investec Champions Cup final.French TV takes aim at Bath criticism of their broadcast of their semi-final defeat to Bordeaux,And the RFU set their aims for the next 18 months, after giving their backing to England head coach Steve Borthwick.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Three of the women responsible for investing in and building the future of women's rugby in this England join Elma for a game of ‘Dragons Den' & a vital conversation around the business potential of women's rugby.Director of the Women's Game at the RFU, Alex Teasdale, Owner of Sale Sharks, Michelle Orange, and Women's Sport Consultant, Jenny Mitton put the world of women's sport to rights in the fallow week.We unpack the huge Women's Six Nations numbers, what's driving the growth of the game, and why the fan experience—from Allianz, The Aviva & Murrayfield to grassroots clubs—is changing everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Monday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, the full reaction to Ireland's massive Six Nations win over Scotland at the weekend.Is Steve Borthwick safe after a defiant display against France, or could the RFU call in emergency cover as England head coach,Matt Williams on the one glaring issue in rugby after the Six Nations,And a pair of ex-Munster coaches create history in the Rugby Europe Championship.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, I'm Cameron Hill.Coming up, squad updates from the Ireland and Scotland camps ahead of their Triple Crown showdown in Dublin.The pressure mounts on England head coach Steve Borthwick, despite reassurances from the RFU around his future.And another Australian star defects to union, and it's not gone down at all well among the rugby league community.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Round five of the Six Nations is in the books and it will go down as one of the great weekends in the tournament's history!Alan and Charles are joined in studio by the Telegraph's Chief Sports Writer, Oliver Brown, to unpack England's defeat to Italy and their third of this year's championship.Gavin Mairs checks in from the England camp in Verona to discuss the RFU's stance on under-fire coach Steve Borthwick who looks set to stay until at least the summer, despite the wretched campaign so far.Next up for England is a trip to Paris to take on a French side who are no longer chasing a Grand Slam. That's because they were soundly beaten by a brilliant Scotland on Saturday, so we ask just how much credit Gregor Townsend is due for turning around his side's fortunes.Scotland could go top of the standings if they beat their bogey side Ireland on the final weekend. It's a similar situation for Andy Farrell's men who got past Wales on Friday night in Dublin.Plus we tackle all your questions as well! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHRISTIAN DAY | Italy v England Six Nations preview | MasterChef to RPA leader | Rugby Paper Roundup | Six Nations 2026 In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by one of rugby's most influential player voices — RPA General Secretary Christian Day — for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the pitch. From cooking under pressure on MasterChef to negotiating under pressure in rugby's corridors of power, we explore the man behind the governance role — but first, we start with the Six Nations. Following England's bruising defeat to Ireland, we assess the fallout heading into the fallow week. What questions will Steve Borthwick's squad be asking themselves after back-to-back humblings? Was the 12-match unbeaten run overhyped? And with Italy looming, is there genuine banana-skin potential? Away from Test rugby, Christian opens up on his surprise MasterChef appearance — where his passion for cooking began, how food culture has evolved in professional rugby, and whether elite sport shares traits with high-pressure kitchens. We also cover: •⁠ ⁠Cooking as a mental escape from pro rugby pressures •⁠ ⁠Signature dishes & dressing room food culture •⁠ ⁠Nutrition's evolution in the modern game •⁠ ⁠Financial fragility across the club landscape •⁠ ⁠Player welfare challenges in 2026 •⁠ ⁠Contract security & career transition support •⁠ ⁠The global calendar and player workload debate •⁠ ⁠Relationship dynamics between the RPA, RFU & Premiership Rugby •⁠ ⁠Women's player representation and professional growth •⁠ ⁠How the on-field product is evolving — collisions, breakdown and safety balance From Premiership finals to judges' tables, it's a fascinating insight into life after playing — and life at the heart of rugby's decision-making table. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

As economic instability continues to confound politicians across the spectrum, the UK labour market remains fragile. With more young people than ever before not in education, employment or training (NEET) and the ever-present threat of AI-induced job losses, internal communicators must find novel ways to marry the delivery of key organisational information with the concerns of increasingly stressed and anxious workforces. In this episode, Neil Carberry shares his latest reflections on the current and emergent state of the UK labour market, offering insights for the internal communication professionals as they consider their priorities for 2026.   About Neil Carberry OBE, Chief Executive, REC Neil Carberry was appointed as Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation in June 2018.  He began his career in recruitment in 1999, before doing a post-graduate degree in Human Resources at the London School of Economics and specialising in employment relations. Joining the CBI in 2004, he led the CBI's work on the labour market, skills, energy and infrastructure. Neil spent a decade as a member of the council of the conciliation service ACAS and two terms as member of the Low Pay Commission, which recommends UK minimum wages. He was appointed an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours List of 2025. Neil is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the RSA and a member of the Company of HR Professionals. A seven-time nominee to the SIA staffing100 in Europe, Neil is also on the board and exec of the World Employment Confederation and of a Multi-Academy Trust in England. Neil is an RFU-qualified rugby referee and coach and is one of the 8000 co-owners who made Heart of Midlothian the UK's biggest fan-owned football club.   Find Neil on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-carberry-obe-95948938/ REC: https://www.rec.uk.com/

Palace Intrigue delivers devastating security revelations as Prince William and Princess Kate struggle with "exhausting" measures at Forest Lodge after masked intruders climbed six-foot fence while family slept nearby. Sources expose: "They both despise the checkpoints, the constant planning, and the feeling of being trapped. It makes them angry and sad in equal measure." Insiders reveal "nothing is spontaneous anymore. Even family time comes with risk assessments" as local residents fury erupts over closed-off areas. The couple's assessment: "William hates shutting people out, and Kate hates the sense of isolation" but "when it comes to the children, there's no hesitation." But Kate scores major bragging rights over William as she hosts England's championship women's rugby team at Windsor Castle in her first solo 2026 appearance. With Kate patron of RFU backing world #1 England versus William's Welsh Rugby Union backing #12-ranked Wales who crashed out early, the "scoreboard favours the Princess." Plus, intimate details of Kate's 44th birthday lunch at small Berkshire bistro with Carole and Pippa, and Diana Playground's £3 million revamp.Palace Intrigue is your daily royal family podcast, diving deep into the modern-day drama, power struggles, and scandals shaping the future of the monarchy.Hear our new show "Crown and Controversy: Prince Andrew" here.Check out "Palace Intrigue Presents: King WIlliam" here.

Sir James Wates CBE is Chair of the Rugby Football Union and Vestey Holdings Ltd. Formerly, he was Chair of Wates Group. Tune in to hear his thoughts: Key board-level decisions that helped grow Wates from 950m to 2bn revenues (02:20) How the board weighed the risks and benefits of increasing average transaction value (05:08) Key decisions the board used to assess risk (08:00) How the board decided when to quit and when to stick (10:03) CEO appointments: what's worked and what hasn't (14:02) Board succession planning: how to pick the right chair (18:11) How to handle redundancies as a CEO or Chair (22:45) The single governance practice Sir James would insist every family business adopt (26:12) Key lessons transitioning from a family to a fully independent chair (27:25) Independence versus centralisation in a group structure (30:21) Chairing the RFU: why Sir James took on the role and what it entails (37:54) ⚡The Lightning Round ⚡ (41:34)Host: Oliver Cummings Producer: Will Felton Editor: Penelope Coumau Music: Kate Mac Audio: Nick Kold Email: podcast@nurole.com Web: https://www.nurole.com/nurole-podcast-enter-the-boardroom

Why are we still telling female rugby coaches they are ‘not ready' to coach at the highest levels of the women's game, when we then say to male players ‘you can go straight into professional coaching when you come off the field'? This is just one of the thought-provoking questions Giselle Mather tackles on today's episode of The Game Changers podcast.Giselle is one of the most influential and pioneering figures in rugby. A formerEngland international and World Cup winner, Giselle's extraordinary coachingcareer has seen her consistently break new ground in the sport.  Giselle was the first woman to earn the RFU's Level 4 coaching qualification and has gone on to lead at the very highest levels of both the men's and women's professional game. In this candid conversation, Giselle relives the raw early years of the women'sgame, from the first Women's World Cup in 1991 to lifting the trophy in 1994,and explains how those experiences forged a coaching philosophy that puts the human before the athlete.Combining elite coaching with a busy family life as a mother of three, Giselle has coached at Wasps, London Irish, Teddington, Ealing Trailfinders and internationally as a coach for England Women and Head Coach for Team GB Women's Rugby 7s, along with the inaugural Women's Barbarians.Giselle shares how she's earned respect in men's environments, the principles that underpin her sessions and the leadership needed to build diverse staff teams where every player can connect and thrive. We talk about how visibility is the fastest route to equality for women's rugby,why elite athletes deserve the very best qualified coaches and how blunt gender quotas in coaching can backfire.Renowned for her vision, passion and commitment to developing people, Giselle has inspired players and coaches across generations. She's an extraordinary leader on and off the pitch.  Next week's guest is Somali professional boxer, model and campaign activist - Ramla AliThank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangersHosted by Sue AnstissProduced by Sam Walker, What Goes On MediaA Fearless Women production

Ń7ä, 阿爆, R.fu - zaljum 水 (日落版) Ń7ä, 阿爆, R.fu - zaljum 水 (日出版) 韓承燁, 沙羅曼蛇 - 夢遊 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The roots of this episode are in 1895 when the sport of rugby split in two and rugby league was born alongside its often distant relative! We're talking about the codebreakers, those who've crossed over and competed on both sides of the divide. Outside of our 40-year rule, but who must be mentioned, are Sir Billy Boston, Gus Risman and Clive Sullivan, three players immortalised as 'The Codebreakers' in a bronze statue in Cardiff Bay. All of them rugby league legends who started out playing union in the Welsh capital. Fellow countrymen who do make the list include Jonathan Davies. A World Club Challenge winner with Widnes and named Man of Steel at Warrington, who many feel his best years as a rugby player were in league. While Iestyn Harris made a big-money move from Leeds to Cardiff, before returning to Bradford where a Grand Final and World Club Challenge followed. Six Championships, four Challenge Cups and 45 caps for Great Britain and England earned Andy Farrell, at the age of 29, the switch to union with Saracens in a million-pound deal jointly funded by the RFU. Injury curtailed his playing career, but in turning to coaching he led Ireland to Six Nations success and the British & Irish Lions to victory down under. From that side of the world are contenders in the shape of Wendell Sailor, who not only played both codes, but also appeared on the Australian version of 'The Masked Singer'! Israel Folau, a somewhat controversial figure, actually competed professionally in three sports, union, league and Australian rules football. The late, great 'Inga The Winger', Vai'aiga Tuigamala, capped by the All Blacks and a multiple trophy winner with Wigan. While the 'offload king', Sonny Bill Williams, won the World Cup with the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015 and in-between returned to the NRL with Sydney Roosters winning a Premiership title. While nearer to home, huge names in the world of rugby in the form of 'Slammin' Sam Burgess, 'Ash the Splash' Chris Ashton and 'Billy Whizz', World Cup winner Jason Robinson, complete our top 10 contenders.

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.

Deborah Griffin is a pioneer of women's rugby. She played in the first known women's game in England in 1978 and helped create the first Women's Rugby World Cup in 1991. Having never picked up a rugby ball until she created a team at university in the late seventies, Griffin quickly became one of the sport's most instrumental figures. The RFU originally had little interest in female teams, so Griffin and her rugby friends established a separate Women's Rugby Football Union in 1983. The WRFU and the RFU integrated in 2012 and the women's game exploded. Deborah Griffin took up her presidency of the RFU this past summer. As England's Red Roses play in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, Griffin's name and those of other pioneers of the sport are stitched inside their official team jackets.Stephen Smith talks to friends and colleagues about Deborah Griffin's central role in bringing women's rugby to the fore. Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Lucy Proctor, Alex Loftus and Adriana Urbano Editor: Justine Lang Sound Editor: Gareth Jones

In this episode of the Women in Sport Summer Series, we explore how governance, marketing, and collaboration are driving transformation in women's sport—both in the UK and globally.Featuring Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of Women's Rugby at the RFU, and Dr Dana Lee Ellis, a leading academic in sport marketing and event governance, we unpack the strategic role of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, the power of inclusive networks, and the importance of visionary innovation initiatives.This conversation is part of the Women in Sport Summit, supported by the Institute for Advanced Studies, Spirit of 2012, and the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub at Loughborough University.Intros 0:00Leadership and collaboration: 3:50The eve of the Rugby World Cup: 8:14Amplification: 11:57Focus on women's sport: 14:08Sport beyond the event: 16:23Global and private examples: 23:51Inclusive leadership: 32:01Looking ahead: 38:27Key takeaway: 45:25#LoughboroughUniversity #ExpertsInSport #SportsInnovation#FemaleAthletes #Podcast #Rugby #rugbyworldcup #womensports Follow Loughborough University: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lborouniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lborouniversity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lborouniversity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lborouniversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/loughborough-university/ Website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as the club's new Head Coach. Lancaster has signed a two-year contract and arrives at the province with a wealth of coaching experience at the highest level of the sport, across all three major European leagues and at international level. He most recently served as Head Coach of Racing 92 in France, and before then enjoyed a hugely successful seven-year spell as Senior Coach of Leinster Rugby. With primary responsibility for the day-to-day coaching of the team, he helped lead Leinster to four consecutive PRO14 titles and four Champions Cup finals, including victory in the 2018 decider. As the news broke, Galway Bay FM's William Davies joined John Morley and Darren Kelly on Galway Talks. == He made the move to Leinster after four years as Head Coach of the England national team, with whom he led for four Six Nations campaigns and the 2015 Rugby World Cup in his native country. He was appointed to that role after four years as the RFU's Head of Elite Player Development, where his primary remit was to help young players realise their potential at club and international level. Lancaster began his coaching career over 20 years ago, as Head of Academy at Leeds RFU. He was then appointed Head Coach of the Leeds Tykes in 2006, leading them to promotion to the English Premiership in his first year in charge. After a further year as Head Coach, he was promoted to the RFU. As Head Coach, Lancaster will also have responsibility for defence, thereby completing next season's coaching team. Joining him will be new attack coach Rod Seib, scrum & contact coach Cullie Tucker, and lineout & maul coach John Muldoon. Lancaster will take up the role in time for the beginning of pre-season training in July, and will be formally presented to the media and wider Connacht supporters next month.

Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe look back on the Premiership action at the weekend. They look at Gloucester's continuing rise and ask whether Bristol have been figured out or are they just not executing well enough? And did Sale Sharks score the try of the season against Saracens? Plus Elgan Alderman reviews another 6 Nations grand slam for the Red Roses who beat France by a point. Was that the test John Mitchell's side really needed ahead of a home world cup? Also, Alfie and Alex are at Twickenham to hear from the top brass at the RFU, including chief executive Bill Sweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Other People's Money is our regular series on sports investment, with Matt Rogan, co-founder of Two Circles.The Women's Rugby World Cup kicks off in August, hosted in here in England. The tournament is a critical moment in the game's development. But what is the financial state of women's professional club rugby in this country. We talk to Genevieve Shore, herself a former England World Cup winner in 1994, who is now the Executive Chair of Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), the league that is part owned by the RFU.This episode of the Unofficial Partner podcast is brought to you by Sid Lee Sport.Sid Lee Sport is a new breed of agency that combines world class creativity with deep sponsorship expertise, flawless operational delivery, and a culture of marketing effectiveness. We've really enjoyed getting to know their team over the last couple of months. They're an impressive bunch, who believe that sports marketing can and should be done better.They have a creative philosophy of producing famous campaigns and activations that build buzz and conversation in a category that too often looks and sounds the same.And they're pioneering a new standard of effectiveness in sports marketing, using econometrics and attribution models to go beyond traditional media ROI.So if you're looking for an agency to take your brand to the top, get in touch with the team at Sid Lee Sport, where brands become champions.Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 400 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series, you can reach us via the website.

The rugby week from the Premiership, URC, Top 14. Reaction to Bill Sweeney surviving a no confidence vote at the RFU and a preview of the Champions Cup Round of 16. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you team news ahead of Ireland's W6N game with Italy in Parma on Sunday. We hear from Scott Bemand and Neve Jones on that Azzurri test. Leinster have been linked with a big-name replacement for Jordie Barrett. Conor Murray to reach 200 Munster caps in Castlebar tomorrow. Paul Gustard will not be Leicester coach next season, and Bill Beaumont calls for unity with the RFU.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you team news ahead of Ireland's W6N game with Italy in Parma on Sunday. We hear from Scott Bemand and Neve Jones on that Azzurri test. Leinster have been linked with a big-name replacement for Jordie Barrett. Conor Murray to reach 200 Munster caps in Castlebar tomorrow. Paul Gustard will not be Leicester coach next season, and Bill Beaumont calls for unity with the RFU.

Today on the show, perhaps for the last time, Alex, Ethan and Nic talk about the future of RFU, Amtrak sidelining Horizon car fleet, Paris banning cars on 500 streets, and how we should beef up traffic calming on bike routes.Send us a question: radiofreeurbanism@gmail.comPatreon: patreon.com/RadioFreeUrbanism Instagram: https://rb.gy/ezn9rzX(Twitter): https://x.com/RFUrbanism?s=20Alex: https://www.youtube.com/@humanecitiesEthan: https://www.youtube.com/@climateandtransitNic: https://www.youtube.com/@nicthedoorLinks: Amtrak Issues: https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/amtrak-sidelines-horizon-car-fleet-leading-to-widespread-cancellations/ Paris Car-free streets: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/paris-residents-vote-favour-making-500-more-streets-pedestrian-2025-03-23/

This week on The Sports Agents...First up, an exclusive interview with the most important man in English rugby union, Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU. He faces a vote of no confidence next week after accepting a £350,000 bonus, taking his pay to £1.1m, when clubs are going bust, redundancies have been made and the community game is crying out for help (02:30). Newcastle legend Alan Shearer celebrated with Gabby (and Sam Fender) as they won their first domestic trophy in 70 years (13:30).And we talked about Lewis Hamilton's back seat driver and a big win for Lando Norris at Formula One's opening weekend with one of the world's most decorated female racing drivers and Sky Sports F1 Analyst, Jamie Chadwick (20:30). Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the latest injury news ahead of the start of Ireland's Women's Six Nations campaign, and it's fair to say France have the worst of it. France men's head coach Fabien Galthié continues to moan about Ireland, despite their Six Nations title. Two more Leinster backs have extended their stays with the province. Another England winger has his Lions hopes dashed. And the RFU want a relaxation of the licensing laws around Twickenham.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the latest injury news ahead of the start of Ireland's Women's Six Nations campaign, and it's fair to say France have the worst of it. France men's head coach Fabien Galthié continues to moan about Ireland, despite their Six Nations title. Two more Leinster backs have extended their stays with the province. Another England winger has his Lions hopes dashed. And the RFU want a relaxation of the licensing laws around Twickenham.

The game on the pitch has never been better, yet rugby union's finances leave the game with an uncertain and precarious future. Rarely has the gap between how the sport would like to be perceived and the unvarnished reality felt wider. Nearly 30 years since the sport went professional, why is it struggling so badly to sustain itself and grow?The numbers involved are alarming. According to the last set of accounts (2023/24) for each of the home unions, they posted a combined loss in the last financial year of £72m.The financially picture is equally as bleak for the 10 Premiership clubs, who collectively lost £30.5m in the financial year 2022/23 and have net debts of over £300m.So how does rugby union put itself back on a more sustainable financial footing against a backdrop of spiralling player salaries, a downward trend in the cost of TV rights, and a crowded sporting marketplace when it comes to attracting new fans? Sonja McLaughlan, Sara Orchard and rugby union correspondent for the Times, Alex Lowe are joined by former Saracens and Harlequins CEO Mark Evans, RFU CEO Bill Sweeney and Gloucester owner Martin St Quinton to discuss what needs to change for rugby union to thrive.TIME CODES: 08:13 - Former Saracens and Harlequins CEO, Mark Evans 29:20 - CEO of the RFU, Bill Sweeney 48:35 - Gloucester owner Martin St Quinton

In this gripping episode of The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby, Alex, Hask, and Tins sit down with Bill Sweeney, the embattled CEO of the RFU, as he faces mounting scrutiny from every corner of England. With an SGM looming, record financial losses, grassroots discontent, and criticism from players, fans, and referees alike, Sweeney breaks his silence. From the future of the Championship to the controversial bonus payments and the state of English rugby at all levels. This is a critical conversation about leadership, and whether Sweeney and the RFU are fit for purpose in 2025 & beyond. ⌚️WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres

Danny is the only one bringing the festive cheer to the pod as we discuss life as a rugby player at Christmas and how many eggs Ashy has with his Christmas dinner. Chris outlines a tumultuous few weeks for the RFU that has seen Tom Ilube resign as chairman and Sir Bill Beaumont appointed in his place on an interim basis. Warren Gatland is staying on as Wales head coach and has been challenged to deliver success in the Six Nations, but what exactly does that look like for a team that didn't win a match in 2024? Bristol win on the road again as they thrash Leicester at Welford Road. Can they go all the way this season, or will they need to tone down their attacking style?

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and The Rugby Pod is bringing you the End of Year Awards & Christmas Special! Jim, Goodey, and Producer Rob look back on the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments of 2024 with plenty of laughs. From Ireland's epic comeback in South Africa to the RFU's financial skid marks, nothing is off-limits in this festive rugby roundup. Who's the player you'd least want to tackle? Who bagged the Shithouse of the Year award? Plus, we debate the best rigs, breakthrough stars, and even take a look at some utterly bizarre moments—like Leigh Halfpenny doing a haka or Gavin Coombes taking one for the team. Plus the big ones, Top Lad and best coach and player of the year. Grab a mince pie, crack open a beer, and join us for a few laughs as we wrap up 2024 in style! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashy critiques his son's performance as one of the three Wise Men in his school's nativity before we turn our attention to another weekend of Champions Cup action. It wasn't without its issues again as a number of clubs heavily rotated their teams, but Northampton went fully loaded to Pretoria to face the Bulls and Tommy Freeman joins us to tell them all about their bonus-point win. Glasgow fell agonisingly short in Toulon and Toulouse ran riot in Exeter with Antoine Dupont getting one try closer to Ashy's record. Away from the Champions Cup, Felix Jones has now officially left his role at the RFU. Can we expect him to pop up on the Lions coaching ticket next summer?

After the second round of action in Europe, Will, Alex and Elgan discuss if the South African teams are a help or hinderance to the competitionStormers head coach John Dobson was on the receiving end of a heavy defeat away at Harlequins, he joins the podcast to explain how he believes South African sides can remain competitive in the competition, and says it's too early to consider removing them.Northampton made it two wins from two in the competition, they defeated the Bulls away from home, and we speak to Alex Coles about the win and if it can be a springboard for success in their Premiership campaign.Plus we get an update on 'bonus gate' with the RFU set to hold a meeting later this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with a packed episode! Jim and Goodey dissect Ireland's final Autumn Nations match against the Wallabies, Caelan Doris' Lions captaincy credentials, and Schmidt's revivied Wallabies. Stephen Ferris joins to rate Ireland's performances, chat about rising star Sam Prendergast, and debate the Lions back row for 2025. Plus, Champions Cup dark horses, RFU bonuses, and your listeners' questions—Yorkshire puddings, best tours, and pre-Lions selection matches.Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris, Gareth, and Tom convene for the last time this autumn. Gareth updates us on Wales' situation as the many reviews into various aspects of professional rugby continue. Is the RFU being unfairly scrutinised for revealing record bonuses for its executives as its financial affairs are made public? And with Ireland hosting Australia this weekend, Chris ponders whether the Wallabies have enough left in the tank to pull off a surprise win in Dublin.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the Ireland team news for Saturday's test with Fiji - the debutants, the recalls, the first home starts, and the surfeit of tightheads. Andy Farrell gives his expectations of Sam Prendergast and Ciaran Frawley this week. Jamie Osborne discusses switching between centre and full-back. Jordie Barrett looks set to miss his start date at Leinster, as tributes paid to departing All Blacks Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. Plus, England's RFU's record deficit.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the Ireland team news for Saturday's test with Fiji - the debutants, the recalls, the first home starts, and the surfeit of tightheads. Andy Farrell gives his expectations of Sam Prendergast and Ciaran Frawley this week. Jamie Osborne discusses switching between centre and full-back. Jordie Barrett looks set to miss his start date at Leinster, as tributes paid to departing All Blacks Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. Plus, England's RFU's record deficit.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you details of Emerging Ireland's 36-24 win over the Pumas in Bloemfontein, and we get immediate reaction from head coach Simon Easterby.We check in with Linda Djougang ahead of Ireland's second WXV outing in Langley. Michael Cheika's received a ban from the RFU, and Leicester are not happy. And Agustin Creevy proves you're never too old for a change of scenery.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of that Emerging Ireland team to face the Pumas tomorrow. We hear from Munster defence coach Denis Leamy, who responds to Donnacha O'Callaghan's assessment that Munster should be embarrassed by their defeat to Zebre. There's injury news from Ulster and from Connacht as well today. Further rule changes could be on the way, if a group of high-profile French referees get their way. And Michael Cheika's in hot water with the RFU.

We're back after the summer break and to kick things off we've got a special interview with the Premiership's big new arrival. Chris and Ashy sit down with the new Leicester boss Michael Cheika to find out how he ended up at Welford Road and what keeps the experienced Aussie motivated as a coach. It's been a tumultuous off-season for Steve Borthwick and the RFU. We react to the news that Aled Walters has joined Ireland and Felix Jones will also leave his role as England defence coach. Plus, Twickenham has a new name and we hear all about Ashy's packed summer trying to keep his kids entertained during the school holidays.

I'm delighted to speak with Jonathan Pendlebury this week. Jonathan is the U18 Head Coach and Pathway Development Coach at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the national governing body for rugby union in England.  Jonathan oversees player development for the U17 and U18 year old (men) in the programmes and pathways of the RFU and the Premiership Rugby (PRL) Regional Academies in England. Jonathan is qualified to RFU Level 4 coaching award. He has experience coaching and working with all age groups and abilities from junior to senior. Prior to his position at the RFU, Jonathan worked at Wasps Rugby and with Yorkshire Carnegie as Academy Manager, building upon the experience he gained as a professional rugby player of ten years, having represented Premiership and Championship clubs until 2012. Jonathan has also completed a BSc (Hon) degree in Sport Coaching with Leeds Beckett, achieving first class honours. He also has a MSc in Sport Coaching.

It's Premiership semi-final week, so to kick things off we have a special episode with the directors of rugby from the four clubs competing for a spot at Twickenham this weekend. Mark McCall, Johann van Graan, Phil Dowson and Alex Sanderson are all together to chat to Chris about the challenges of a season that was delayed by the World Cup and put on hold during the Six Nations. Does a 10-team league work? And are we any closer to achieving promotion and relegation? They also discuss big name players leaving for France and whether the RFU should relax its eligibility rules for overseas players. And with four of the best fly-halves around on show this weekend, each DOR explains why their 10 is the best.