Rugby Union Weekly cover image

Rugby Union Weekly

Latest episodes

undefined
8 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 2min

The Nations Pod

What a thrilling Six Nations! From Scotland's surprising claim of a unique Grand Slam despite their fourth place, to the ongoing questions surrounding Welsh rugby after yet another wooden spoon. The speakers dive into the intricacies of Lions squad selections, analyzing player strengths and coaching dynamics. They also reflect on the historical decline of leadership in rugby and revisit the infamous Bloodgate scandal. With a light-hearted approach, they celebrate community spirit, youth rugby, and upcoming events like the Women's Six Nations.
undefined
13 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 53min

The Six Nations review with Barclay and Warburton

Sam Warburton, a former Welsh rugby captain, and John Barclay, a key player in Scottish rugby, dive into the highs and lows of the recent Six Nations tournament. They dissect why Wales struggled and propose bold changes for its future. The duo praises England's newfound strategy and the critical role of coaching in reshaping teams, particularly France. They also ponder Scotland's potential under Gregor Townsend and discuss the heavy burden of leadership during championships. Insightful, candid, and full of rugby passion!
undefined
Mar 16, 2025 • 46min

Six Nations: France take the title and England thrash Wales

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?
undefined
Mar 15, 2025 • 33min

Six Nations: It all comes down to this

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.
undefined
Mar 14, 2025 • 39min

Six Nations: We’re in Cardiff with Williams and Roebuck

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.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 46min

Six Nations: Borthwick's backline reshuffle

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.
undefined
Mar 12, 2025 • 47min

Six Nations: The Record Chasers

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.
undefined
Mar 11, 2025 • 59min

The Nations Pod

Did we just witness one of the greatest away performances in Six Nations history? Chris, Gareth and Tom struggle to recall a more impressive display than France's dominant showing at the Aviva on Saturday. Have Ireland reached a stage where they must start introducing fresh talent? Tom questions whether England’s performance against Italy truly justifies the "love-bombing" they’ve received. Meanwhile, doubts are surfacing over whether Wales employed the right tactics in their loss to Scotland. Chris also highlights the debate around bonus points, as Wales could potentially finish above Italy in fifth place despite failing to secure a win.
undefined
Mar 9, 2025 • 48min

Six Nations: The Weekend Review with Ashy and Dawson

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?
undefined
Mar 8, 2025 • 37min

France win in Dublin to take control of Six Nations

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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode