Rugby Union Weekly

Jack Conan, Leinster and Ireland number eight, revisits painful Champions Cup finals and Leinster’s quest for a fifth title. Will Skelton, Australia and La Rochelle’s powerhouse lock, discusses Achilles recovery, Ronan O’Gara’s influence and life after rugby. Nathan Hughes reveals how an eye check saved his sight, while Nizaam Carr explores South Africa’s European challenge and playing during Ramadan.

A 71–48 thriller sparks debate over whether Premiership rugby has too many tries and if defensive standards are slipping. Christian Wade reaches 100 league tries as records come under threat. The discussion covers a fragmented European calendar, improving matchdays, academy pathways versus a draft, Shaun Edwards’ move to Argentina, and resurgent Australian and Scottish rugby.

Peter O’Mahony, former Ireland and Munster captain with 114 caps and multiple Six Nations titles, looks back on a remarkable career. He discusses Joe Schmidt’s transformation of Ireland, Andy Farrell’s contrasting approach, World Cup heartbreak, Munster’s intense expectations, Lions camaraderie, his rivalry with Scotland, and the lasting impact of Anthony Foley’s death. Retirement, coaching, and lawn care also feature.

Brendan Venter’s bizarre Saracens role sparks debate over secrecy, reputation and rigid tactics. Sale’s physical revival, stop-start refereeing and Bristol’s media openness also take centre stage. There’s praise for Bristol’s balanced attack, Gloucester’s stunning rebuild and Louis Rees-Zammit’s try-scoring return, while Harlequins’ crisis deepens. Bath survive another Exeter thriller, Newcastle show promise and Kev Sinfield’s inspiring week gets a salute.

Jo Yapp, former England captain and head coach of the British & Irish Lions women, joins Whitney Hansen, Black Ferns head coach and ex-player. They discuss pioneering leadership, rugby family roots, mentors and the historic 2027 Lions Women’s Tour. Topics include New Zealand’s 2022 World Cup aftermath, selecting a squad for six matches in five weeks, creative match-day entertainment, global investment and the legacy they hope to create.

The Premiership returns with 52 tries, four away wins and plenty of drama. Gloucester’s defensive statement, Saracens’ red-card survival and Northampton’s flowing attack lead the talking points. Welsh signings make an immediate impact, while Christian Wade closes in on history. International rugby also takes centre stage, with a thrilling Red Roses victory and Australia’s stunning win over South Africa.

Kat Merchant, former England wing, World Cup winner and rugby analyst, joins the reaction to England’s dramatic 26-19 victory over New Zealand. Zoe Harrison relives turning a missed penalty into a last-gasp intercept try. The discussion covers England’s defensive transformation, Shaun Edwards’ influence, late-game decision-making, growing crowds and the rising generation of Black Ferns.

Natasha Hunt, England scrum-half and two-time World Cup winner, reveals her matchday rituals, career ambitions and the debate over rugby’s size 4.5 ball. Red Roses head coach John Mitchell discusses England’s rivalry with New Zealand, lessons from Canada and Shaun Edwards’ defensive influence. Maud Muir and Sadia Kabeya bring line dancing, camp banter and colourful teammate descriptions.

Premiership directors reveal their anonymous title, play-off and player-of-the-season picks, sparking bold predictions from the panel. Newcastle’s revival, the league’s best finishers and which players could become coaches are also debated. Shaun Edwards’ move to the Red Roses prompts discussion about his defensive impact, England’s future and whether a route to the men’s team could follow.

Fin Smith, Northampton’s England fly-half and Premiership champion, targets a historic legacy and weighs Henry Pollock’s million-pound potential. Louis Rees-Zammit, Welsh speedster and Bristol wing, opens up about rebuilding after American football. England prop Finn Baxter recalls a royal Twickenham day and his World Cup hopes. Expect contract drama, brutal beach training, rivalry holidays and punishing pre-season stories.