Rugby Union Weekly

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

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

We're at Pennyhill Park speaking to England legend, and pod favourite, Jamie George ahead of his 100th cap this weekend. He tells Chris and Ashy how it feels "surreal" to be reaching a century of caps for his country but how he remains as driven as ever. George also opens up about how difficult it was to lose the England captaincy before the start of the 2025 Six Nations and how head coach Steve Borthwick broke the news to him. Plus, we put England's latest centurion to the test with a special quiz on his international career so far.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

Is this the week Ireland take a huge step towards Six Nations history? The pod is back as we start the build-up to round four with Grand Slam winner Donncha O'Callaghan. What impact will the trio of retiring greats have? One man who will miss the France showdown is centre Garry Ringrose, but we lament the process that means he will only miss the one championship match. Plus, Felix Jones has a new job, there's a big departure at Leicester and we wrap up the PWR semi-finals.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

We’re in Allianz Stadium Twickenham reacting to England’s win in the Calcutta Cup over Scotland.Chris Jones is alongside Matt Dawson and Fraser Brown after a dramatic finish to the Calcutta Cup which saw England take their first win since 2020. Hear from Ellis Genge on his delight at the result following the dramatic climax to the match.Sara Orchard is joined by Philippa Tuttiett in Cardiff after a resurgent Wales lost out on the Triple Crown to Ireland. They react to Garry Ringrose’s red card, and where the result leaves Wales heading toward the final stages of the Six Nations.

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2025

Sara meets up with former Lions room-mates, Tommy Bowe and Alex Cuthbert to get the mood in the Welsh capital before Ireland steam-roll into the Principality Stadium. They ask with the new “boss bounce back” could Wales get a confidence boost with Matt Sherratt at the helm - or will Ireland dominate once again with an historic third successive Six Nations title in their sights?Tommy and Alex try to find an Ireland weakness – as Simon Easterby continues to be linked to the Wales job. And focus also goes to the much changed Ireland side, which Tommy points out is still as strong as ever. Also England senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth joins the pod to chat to Sara about his Calcutta Cup memories – as the last time he featured as a player, things did not go to plan….

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt is on the pod fresh after naming his team to face Ireland this weekend. He's made eight changes following the defeat to Italy and says the team "picked itself". What can Welsh rugby fans expect from Sherratt's team after less than a week in situ? We also get to the bottom of his nickname 'jockey'. Chris then heads to the Scotland team hotel to catch up with Tom English and Andy Burke from the BBC's Scotland rugby pod. They discuss Finn Russell's selection, the three changes after the defeat to Ireland and look at the battle between the two packs. Will Scotland create more Calcutta Cup history on Saturday or will it finally be England's day?

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

Scotland rarely used to win the Calcutta Cup. Now, they can't stop winning it. What is behind this dramatic turnaround? Chris, John Barclay and Danny look at Scotland's resurgence and the impact the it's had on the rivalry. John tells us how importance of the win in 2018 which ended a 10 year wait for the trophy. How much has that turned the tide? Danny was part of the England team that put 60 points on Scotland back in 2017, but has also been on the losing side in 2018 and 2024. He explains what the difference is between the Scotland of 2017 and now. John picks the three players that have inspired Scotland to four successive wins and we also look ahead to this weekend's clash at Twickenham.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

Chris and Ashy head to Pennyhill Park to chat to Ollie Chessum, who will make his first Test start in nearly a year on Saturday. He tells us the win over France will count for nothing if England can't back it up this weekend and win a first Calcutta Cup since 2020. Chessum also tells us what sets him apart from other locks and how ]he's changed since playing with Ashy at Leicester. Steve Borthwick is also on the pod and promises England will deliver more attacking rugby this weekend and how they plan to deal with Scotland's Finn Russell, whether he plays or not.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

Can England finally end their Calcutta Cup hoodoo or will Scotland make history? Can Wales win a first Test match since 2023 or will Ireland seal the Triple Crown? Ugo, Danny and Ashy preview round three of the Six Nations as all four home nations do battle this weekend. With England looking to build on their impressive win over France, we look at the key selection decisions facing Steve Borthwick this week. Which England player does Ashy compare to an Allen key? Can Finn Russell inspire Scotland to a record fifth successive win in this fixture and does his spot as Lions' fly-half depend on it? Ashy gives us an insight into new Wales interim boss Matt Sherratt, plus we discuss the decision to call-up Gareth Anscombe, Max Llewellyn and Jarrod Evans.

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach after a record 14 successive Test match defeats. Chris and Ugo bring you reaction to the news in a special bonus pod. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will take over as interim head coach for the remaining three games of the Six Nations. But who will be Gatland's long-term successor? We get the thoughts of Wales' fly-half Rhys Patchell on Gatland's departure and what the WRU need from their new head coach. Is interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby a realistic option? And after a dismal end to his Wales tenure, how will Gatland be remembered in the years to come?

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

After two rounds only one team is still in with a chance of a Grand Slam. We look at another Ireland win over Scotland who extended their winning run to 11 matches. Why do Scotland struggle so much against the Irish? Where has Sam Prendergast's performance in Edinburgh put him in the pecking order for the Lions 10 jersey? Chris, Ugo, ashy and Johnnie Beattie wrap up events at Murrayfield and dissect England's win over France in more detail. Is Fin Smith now the chosen England fly-half? And what next for Wales after a 14th straight Test defeat, have they reached rock bottom or is there still worse to come?

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2025

We’re at the Allianz stadium reacting to England’s dramatic 26-25 win over France thanks to a late Elliot Daly try in the 79th minute. Chris Jones is alongside Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson to dissect how England found a way to win and overcome a tough French side. Hear from head coach Steve Borthwick after that huge win at Twickenham.Gareth Rhys Owen and James Hook join the pod from the Stadio Olimpico after Wales suffered a 14th successive defeat after losing 22-15 to Italy. That loss sees Wales drop to their lowest ever position in the world rankings and will pile the pressure on head coach Warren Gatland.Timecodes: 1’22 – How England found a way 6’15 – Steve Borthwick with Chris 11’13 – Fin Smith 21’13 – What went wrong for France? 28’15 Gareth Rhys Owen & James Hook on Wales v Italy 37’11 Matt & Paul on Wales

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

Gregor Townsend chats to us ahead of Scotland's huge clash with Ireland in round two of the Six Nations. He addresses their losing run against Ireland and how they plan to fix it. Townsend also explains the decision to pick Tom Jordan at 12 and if Lions selection is starting to creep into the conversation in camp. Sara is joined by Johnnie Beattie who outlines the areas where Scotland can exploit Ireland on Sunday. We also look ahead to a big day at Twickenham for England with France in town for 'Le Crunch'.

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

The Smiths both start as Steve Borthwick tinkers with his England team for the visit of France this weekend. How will this affect England's gameplan? What happens if they lose to a Tier 1 nation for a record eighth game in a row? Danny and Chris look ahead to Le Crunch at Twickenham where two years ago France put 50 points on England. You will hear from fly-half Fin Smith on the pod, who has vowed to get their attack flowing and tells Sara about his relationship with Marcus Smith and George Ford. We also hear from Warren Gatland ahead of their clash with Italy in Rome.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

What would Andy Farrell's Lions team look like if the first Test against Australia was next week? What positions are still up for grabs? And where is Farrell spoilt for choice? Ugo and Chris discuss all this and chat to the Wallabies captain Harry Wilson to get his take on the Lions after playing all four home nations during the Autumn Nations Series. Are there certain players he is keeping an eye on during the Six Nations? And after Netflix announced they will not be doing another series of Full Contact, how big of a missed opportunity is it to grow the game? What is the best way to capture a new audience while keeping loyal fans engaged - does the perfect balance exist? With the Superbowl this weekend, we ask what can rugby learn from the NFL and what a bit American promotion would do for the Lions tour.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

Is Antoine Dupont the greatest of all time? Chris and Ashy quiz England senior coach Richard Wigglesworth on what makes the French scrum-half so special. Are there any weaknesses in his game and what attributes make him so unique? England take on the favourites for the 2025 Six Nations at Twickenham this Saturday. What lessons have they learned from their defeat in Dublin? It's seven successive defeats in a row against tier one nations and Ashy says it's time to stop the rot, but how do you tackle a French side full of so much flair and confidence? Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is back on the pod to give following his first Test start since 2022. He gives us an insight into the intensity of training this week and the challenge of facing the French up front.

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

Chris Jones, Gareth Rhys Owen, and Tom English are back to dissect the highs and lows of the Home Nations following the weekend’s action. Gro’s pleas not to start the pod with Wales go largely ignored, as Warren Gatland’s side hits a new low. Would a loss to Italy on Saturday actually be a blessing in disguise, forcing a total reset? Tom argues that England’s squad is over-hyped while concerns grow over the inexperience of their coaching staff. And how costly could Scotland’s habit of switching off during games be when they face Ireland? Plus, Chris moderates an impromptu game of "Bleakness Top Trumps."

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Ugo Monye, John Barclay and Sam Warburton look back at the opening weekend of the 2025 Six Nations. Did Ireland silence their critics following that dominant second half display against England? Does Steve Borthwick ring the changes with the French in town this weekend? Scotland are still finding their feet without captain Sione Tuipulotu, but has John found the answer for Gregor Townsend? Is Saturday's meeting between Italy and Wales already a wooden spoon decider? Sam has plenty to say on the state of the Welsh game and whether he would welcome a Six Nations relegation play-off. Plus, our team of the week featuring Romain Ntamack and predictions for round two.

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2025

We're in the Aviva stadium to bring you all the reaction to England's defeat to Ireland in Dublin. Chris Jones is alongside Grand Slam winners Tommy Bowe and Matt Dawson as Ireland get their quest for a historic three-peat off to a perfect start. They discuss Simon Easterby's first game in charge of Ireland and how impressive they were in the second half. But where did it go wrong for England after a promising start? Tommy asks whether there is a fitness issue. And is England's bench still an issue?

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2025

Sara Orchard is with Philippa Tuttiett and Ugo Monye in Paris to react to disappointment for Wales in their opening match against France. What went so wrong for Wales, and what went so right for France? Plus, Chris Jones speaks to Ellis Genge ahead of England’s opener against Ireland, and Matt Dawson joins him in Dublin to look ahead to Saturday’s match.BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week: Saturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2025

Ben Curry is on the pod ahead of his first England start alongside his twin brother Tom. We find out what Ben learnt from Ashy at Sale and discover the two goals that kept him motivated during what he calls 'the dark times'. He also talks openly about how difficult it is to be constantly compared to your twin brother. We also react to the Ireland team and look ahead to a big day for Sam Prendergast and his battle with Marcus Smith. Ugo and Sara join from some rather lavish surroundings in Paris to preview the opening match of the tournament between France and Wales. Plus, there are a couple of surprises in Gregor Townsend's Scotland team to face Italy. BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week:Friday 31st January France v Wales 2015 kick-off - 5 LiveSaturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025