Rugby Union Weekly

Sara and Ashy are in central London chatting to Lions head coach Andy Farrell and four of his assistant coaches in this bumper pod. Farrell tells us whether he will pick French-based players this summer, how many names are on his shortlist for captain and why a lack of Lions coaching experience won't be a problem for his team. Wiggy reflects on his rise through the coaching game and how his family reacted to the news. We also chat to Ireland scrum specialist John Fogarty who treats us to his best Andy Farrell impression. John Dalziel explains how proud he is to be on the Lions coaching ticket, but is feeling 'huge responsibility' to represent Scotland on the tour. There is no Wales representation among the coaching staff, but will that change between now and the end of June? Plus, Simon Easterby reflects on his stint as interim head coach at Ireland and how the experience will benefit him in Australia.

The Red Roses won again, Scotland and Wales produced another thriller and Ireland pushed France all the way in Belfast. Sara rounds up the opening weekend of the Women’s Six Nations and we start in York. World Cup winners Kat Merchant and Katy Daley-McLean look back at England’s 30th successive Six Nations win. But why did their performance drop off so dramatically in the second half? And did the Helena Rowland experiment at fly-half work? Commentator Claire Thomas joins us as we look back at Scotland’s narrow win over Wales on Saturday. Scotland’s Helen Nelsen caught the eye and Sara explains why her performance reminded her of Katy in her prime. We talk Ireland too as head coach Scott Bemand says it's time to ditch the tag of 'plucky losers' after their defeat to France.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

Tom Hamilton, a Senior Writer at ESPN and rugby expert, joins the conversation to dissect the monumental challenge of facing Ireland in Dublin. Shaun Edwards believes it's the ultimate test, and Hamilton highlights how Fabien Galthie's strategic mind games are in play. The episode examines Sam Prendergast's pivotal moment in his emerging career and France's bold 7-1 bench split. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of Irish rugby and the immense pressure faced by Scotland and England as they navigate the Six Nations gauntlet.

Johnnie Beattie, a former rugby player and commentator, joins Paul Eddison, a seasoned French rugby journalist. They discuss the critical France vs. Ireland match, debating whether France needs a win to silence critics. Johnnie shares insights on Wales' visit to Murrayfield, despite their poor form. The talk also explores tactical choices like the 7:1 bench split and player selections, including Romain Ntamack’s return and Jamie Osborne’s debut. The duo highlights the pressure on both teams and the emotional stakes at play.