Rugby Union Weekly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On episode three of the pod Harriet digs deep into the lives of Hannah and Meg before their actual day jobs as professional rugby players! Meg tells the tales of being a delivery driver and the issue of not having toilet breaks - and Hannah on working as a painter and decorator.The chat then turns to how Hannah and Meg both switch off - Meg's girlfriend is her hobby and looking after her dog, whereas Hannah likes colouring by numbers and is an actual golf fashionista! All the big questions get answered too - like could Hannah be a swimwear model?And does Ilona Maher finally, finally pick up the phone to Hannah?