Rugby Union Weekly

Danny makes his long-awaited pod return as he joins Ashy and Ugo to review the opening round of the Prem season. Have Bath already underlined their credentials as favourites? The league is awash with English wingers, but does Henry Arundell fit into Steve Borthwick's plans? One game back and we are already debating whether Owen Farrell will play for England again after Saracens spoilt the Red Bull party in Newcastle. There is the Sarries rebrand to discuss, the return of LRZ to Bristol and dramatic comeback at the Gardens. Plus. there is a new Springbok superstar on the scene and Ashy analyses Noah Caluori's splash.

Sara sits down with England captain Zoe Aldcroft - and the World Cup trophy - to hear all about the Red Roses’ celebrations after beating Canada on Saturday. Head coach John Mitchell talks about the future of the women’s game and his own future after England’s World Cup triumph. Will he lead the Red Roses in 2029 down under? And is he considering the Lions job in 2027? Sarah Bern teaches us the lyrics to England’s anthem this World Cup and opens up on what the sport has given her.

England or Canada – who will be crown world champions on Saturday? Ugo, Sara and Claire look ahead to Saturday's World Cup final at Twickenham. World Player of the Year nominee Meg Jones tells us what it would mean to lift the trophy that has eluded the Red Roses for over decade and speaks eloquently and candidly about the adversity she has faced over the past year. John Mitchell says this is the week where he earns his money, but can he take England to the promise land on home soil? Does his future depend on it? We also hear from Asia Hogan-Rochester, who reveals the unique way Canada have been preparing for the atmosphere at Twickenham and she discusses her glittering impact since switching from Sevens.

Harriet heads into the England camp to catch up with Hannah ahead of the World Cup final. Meg is tied up with interviews after being nominated for World Player of the Year, so we have a new Red Rose alongside them in Amy Cokayne. Is she a big fan of the series? And how much has Harriet watched of the Red Roses journey to the final? We hear about Amy’s role as a police officer in the RAF and how many people she has arrested. And she reveals her matchday underwear of choice. We have a quiz on everyone’s two favourite subjects - dating and rugby. Meg joins the conversation and talks about her big nomination and what tattoo her and Hannah plan to get after the final.

Is this the biggest match in the history of the women's game in England? With the World Cup final just days away, Sara is alongside 2014 World Cup winner Kat Merchant to preview Saturday's showdown at Twickenham between the Red Roses and Canada. They get a fascinating insight into Canadian rugby with former international Lesley McKenzie, who explains the complexities and challenges of representing the nation. We also hear from RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney on the importance of a Red Roses win and how they plan to build on the success of the tournament.

There's a big Lions feel to the second part of our Prem rugby pod. Ashy and Sara speak to new Leicester DOR Geoff Parling fresh from coaching the Wallabies in Australia. We find out how he's settled in at his old stomping ground and what his vision is for the club. Then we chat to Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman about their experience on tour and what we can expect from their respective clubs this season. Will Sale finally go all the way? Can Northampton bounce back after losing their crown to Bath last season? We also talk Faz, proposals and Maro's wedding with Andy Onyeama-Christie. Plus, Tyrone Greene talks about life at Quins without DC and a summer of upheaval at Quins.

The Red Roses will play Canada in the World Cup final after they battled past a stubborn French side in Bristol. Sara is joined by 2014 World Cup winner Kat Merchant and commentator Claire Thomas to analyse another England victory over France. Ellie Kildunne scored two tries on her comeback but there were still issues with England's attack. We hear from head coach John Mitchell and prop Hannah Botterman. Canada stole the show on semi-final weekend with a resounding victory over the Black Ferns. Will they spoil the part at Twickenham next Saturday? Plus, Sara, Kat and Claire all pick their England XV for the final which throws up some surprise selections in the backline.

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...