Rugby Union Weekly

Chris is joined by John Barclay at the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh to quiz the men hoping to lead their nation to glory in 2026. Are England and France the clear favourites for the title? They chat to Steve Borthwick about the added expectation this year after they racked up 11 wins in a row in 2025. Andy Farrell says Ireland are the hunters not the hunted this year, but how will their lengthy injury list impact their chances of regaining their title? Steve Tandy makes his pod debut as he talks openly about the off-field issues that are looming over another campaign Wales. What does success look like for them this year? Gregor Townsend tells us this is the best Scotland squad he’s had, but can they put their disappointing autumn to one side and finally mount a serious title challenge? They start in Rome and our favourite multilingual coach Gonzalo Quesada is back to talk fashion and what it would mean to finally beat England in the Six Nations.

The fourth and final stop on the Nations Pod Guide is Ireland’s Fair City. From Croke Park to the Aviva, from Temple Bar to Ballsbridge - Chris, Tom and GRO discuss what makes Dublin special and so much more than a rugby city. Tom teaches us about Ross O’Carroll-Kelly, we get the lowdown on his favourite Dublin pubs and playwrights, and he even recites some poetry! But it’s not all highbrow conversation, we get stuck into Temple Bar, the Guinness and what’s it like on Paddy’s Day during a Six Nations weekend. How does the Aviva’s atmosphere compare to the other home nations’ stadiums? And what is the greatest achievement in Irish rugby history? Plus, we revisit England’s visit to Lansdowne Road in 2003 and the cultural and historical significance of their match at Croke Park in 2007.

As the Premiership heads into its mid-season break, Ugo and Ashy look back on a packed weekend of action. They start with one of the games of the season as Bath edged Gloucester at Kingsholm, with Charlie Atkinson outstanding. Are Bath still the force they were last year, or are teams starting to work them out? Harlequins are back under the spotlight, with Ashy asking whether, in another sport, Jason Gilmore would already be gone. Is an injury-hit squad finally catching up with Sale, or is their attack the bigger concern? They also reflect on Mark McCall’s pending departure at Saracens, and why Brendan Venter may be the perfect person to step in. And, is retiring from international rugby still a thing?

Ashy and Chris are in the player’s gym at Twickenham to dissect England’s Six Nations squad and chat to head coach Steve Borthwick. He talks through his picks at tighthead and calling up Exeter number eight Greg Fisilau. We ask how close Northampton’s George Hendy was to making the cut and how many of those named on the rehab list will play in the early part of the tournament. Borthwick also speaks about their opener against Wales and being quizzed about selection by fans in the street. Away from the Six Nations, there is also some big news from Saracens to discuss as Mark McCall announces he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

The next stop on the Nations Pod Guide is Edinburgh. GRO teaches Chris and Tom a Max Boyce classic and explains why the trip to the Scottish capital is so special for Wales fans. After initially declaring he doesn’t have much to say about the city, Tom tells us about his favourite pubs and praises the commitment of the Scottish rugby fans despite the lack of success in the Six Nations era. The guys also talk Bill McLaren, Flower of Scotland and recall some of their standout moments at Murrayfield down the years. You’ll also find out why the commentary position presents plenty of challenges for broadcasters.

The hosts reflect on a dramatic finish to the Champions Cup pool stage, highlighting Quins' stunning upset of La Rochelle. Glasgow's perfect record raises questions about their championship potential. There’s a spirited debate on Scott Robertson's exit from the All Blacks and his future in club coaching. Bristol fans express frustration over a challenging draw while the team’s injuries are dissected. The knockout stage draw reveals some imbalanced match-ups, and Saracens' struggle prompts a discussion on their aging squad. Could Glasgow be the dark horses this season?

Chris, Tom and GRO are back for the second instalment of the Nation’s pod guide and this time they’re talking about the home of English rugby - Twickenham. Is it still the one scalp that all teams want in the Six Nations? Tom and GRO discuss their complex relationship with HQ and why it is such an intimidating venue. They also share their experiences both good and bad of playing against England. We also tackle the Twickenham cliches – from the picnics in the car park to the fashion choices, plus we remember some of the great Twickenham moments away from the Six Nations.

Danny, Ugo and Chris review an eventful Champions Cup weekend that produced another big upset after Saracens stunned six-time champions Toulouse. They reflect on the battle between the two Willis brothers and if the result means Sarries are back to their best. Henry Pollock rekindled his love-hate relationship with the Bordeaux fans. We wonder if Damian Penaud is on some kind of assist bonus and we welcome our first ever mortgage advisor onto the pod. Will Crane has gone from the Champ to the Champions Cup after he answered an SOS call from George Skivington. He tells us all about his crazy start to 2026 and his love for the game.

What makes a great Six Nations city? Is it all about the atmosphere on match day? The stadium itself? Or more about the pubs and the nightlife? In this special mini-series, Chris, Gareth and Tom bring you their ultimate guide to all four cities across the home nations as we begin our build-up to the Six Nations. First up, it’s the home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. GRO makes a passionate case for why his city stands above the rest, and the guys share their favourite match-day memories and break down what makes Cardiff such a unique place to watch Six Nations rugby.

It’s the first pod of 2026 and there is plenty to discuss with club statements and statement performances on the pitch. Chris, Ashy and Ugo look at what we can and assess the runners and riders ahead of the Six Nations which begins in Paris one month today. Are England finally ready to deliver silverware or will Ireland rise again under Andy Farrell? We analyse the growing issues at Harlequins and Gloucester after damaging defeats at the weekend. What will the coaching reshuffle look like at Kingsholm? And how have Quins gone from champions to languishing at the bottom of the table? We also talk Billy Searle and Adam Radwan’s form at Leicester and Mark McCall’s comments following another Saracens defeat.