The Rugby Pod

The lads are back and feeling fresh from some winter sun in Miami and the Cayman Islands, and ready for a massive few weeks. With no Six Nations action last weekend, we’re taking a look at who has put their names forward for the Lions squad, including the big calls at 8 and 10. We’ll also preview this weekend’s massive matchups, with a bit of beef in the build up to Ireland v France) love to see it. The lads ask if Scotland need a statement win, or can Wales build on their momentum from their recent resurgence. Plus, will England let their players off the leash and put in a dominant performance against Italy, or will we see history at Allianz as the Italians look for their first ever win against England. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England have finally got their hands back on the Calcutta Cup, but was it Scotland throwing it away or England winning it? We get Jim’s take on a gut-wrenching defeat for the Scots and whether Finn’s Lions hopes have taken a hit, and Goodey and Bigs give their take on the England perfroemance. Wales put in a much-improved performance against Ireland—are they turning a corner? Ireland reclaims the triple crown with another strong performance from Prendergast. And France absolutely battered Italy to set up a massive game in Dublin. Plus, refereeing controversies, Lions chat, and tales from our live show with Super Gav. Enjoy and make sure you’re subscribed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a cracking day of Six Nations action, we hear from the coaches and captains in the aftermath. Borthwick & Itjoe react to England’s performance, while Gregor Townsend gives Scotland's take on their disappointment and some big decisions. Matt Sherratt and Jack Morgan reflect on Wales’ incredible resurgence in Cardiff and whether he's considering making the role more permanent, while Simon Easterby and Dan Sheehan give their take on the atmosphere and another Irish victory and Triple Crown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Six Nations is back this weekend, but there’s been plenty to talk about off it too. Warren Gatland has walked just days after Wales’ 14th straight defeat—Bigs gives us the inside track on what really went down. We break down what his departure means for Wales, the impact of interim boss Matt Sherratt, and whether it gives them any hope against Ireland. Then, it’s all about the Calcutta Cup. England are riding high after their win over France, but could another loss to Scotland derail their progress at Allianz Stadium? We discuss Finn Russell’s Lions credentials, England’s selections, and our predictions for the weekend. Plus, is Fabien Galthié really under pressure after France’s slow start? We look at Italy v France and call our winners for all the key Six Nations clashes. Settle in, enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Biggar sits down with England legend Johnny Wilkinson for an exclusive chat on The Pod. The two fly-halves go deep into the pressures of international rugby and the mindset needed to perform at the highest level. Wilkinson reveals the best captain and leader he played under, the scrum-halves that got the best out of him, as well as his iconic Toulon team talk. The lads share stories about the coaches that got the best out of them and Bigs also gets Wilkinson’s take on Andy Farrell, Ireland, the current Six Nations, Fin Smith, the battle for the Lions’ No. 10 jersey and we cover more listener questions. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads are on great form after a cracking weekend of Six Nations ruggers. They were at Allianz stadium for England v France, so they chat about the electric atmosphere and break down an England win in the context of the tournament, but also in terms of the Borthwick and Itoje eras — we also look at whether Finn Smith has cemented himself as the 10 over Marcus. We cover Ireland's impressive performance in Scotland as Prendergast continues his march as Sexton's successor. Jim gives his take on what it means for Scotland going into a huge game against England. Meanwhile, Italy’s well-managed win over Wales shows a new maturity, but also surely spells the end for Gatland. Plus, Joe Schmidt’s exit from Australia leads to speculation and some big names putting their names forward for the Wallabies gig. Don’t miss our legends lunch at Brigadiers in London this Saturday, tickets for this and our next live shows in Cardiff and Plymouth are on our website! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Biggar and Andy Goode are back to break down a massive weekend in the Six Nations. England welcome France to Allianz Stadium in a crunch match that could shape the title race for both teams— Can England’s new-look attack deliver? Scotland face Ireland in Edinburgh, where the Scots are desperate to derail Irish Grand Slam hopes. And in Rome, Wales have no room for error in a must-win clash against Italy. Biggar gives his take on what Wales need to fix, Goodey gives his England-French thoughts and whether Borthwick has got his selections right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Round one is done and dusted and how good is it to have the Six Nations back on our screens?! England showed some promise in the first half against Ireland, but a second-half fight back saw the hosts turn things around in Dublin—what went wrong for Borthwick’s men, and how did Ireland’s bench make the difference? Scotland made hard work of it against Italy but eventually pulled away, with Huw Jones stepping up in Tuipulotu’s absence. Meanwhile, France absolutely dismantled Wales in Paris—are they the team to beat this year, and are we seeing any real signs of improvement from Gatland’s side? We’ll be breaking it all down, looking ahead to round two, and answering your listener questions—including which past England player could turn things around and which players put their hands up for each team in the first round of action. Enjoy and make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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This week on The Rugby Pod, we’ve got a very special guest – we're joined by one of the most decorated and toughest coaches in either code of rugby, the legendary Shaun Edwards OBE. From his Wales Grand Slam-winning years to building France’s defensive juggernaut, Shaun gives us an insight into what makes him one of the sharpest minds in the game. Dan Biggar gets stuck in with his old coach, reminiscing about their first meeting in Wales camp, Shaun’s no-nonsense approach, and his famous defence from his 12 years with Wales. The lads also dive into his move to France, the World Cup heartbreak, and what’s next for Les Bleus heading into the Six Nations. Plus, we get Shaun’s take on Antoine Dupont, his coaching philosophy, and whether he fancies another shot at international head coaching… or even a return to the British & Irish Lions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices