Rugby Union Weekly

The big shock of the weekend came up at Scotstoun as Glasgow stunned six-time champions Toulouse. Player of the Match Adam Hastings tells Ashy and Chris about their epic comeback and how the navigated the treacherous conditions at the ‘ice rink’. We also hear about Franco Smith’s coaching style and if winning their opening two Champions Cup matches has changed their outlook on this year’s tournament. Bath came unstuck at Toulon, Leinster scramble over the line against Leicester and Sale pick up a big win on the road. But there were still plenty of blowouts and low attendan...

Chris, Ashy and Ugo pick apart the opening weekend of the Champions Cup. Was it the shot in the arm the tournament needed? Or were there still too many predictable results? Edinburgh caused the biggest upset of the round in what was a great weekend for the Scottish sides. Can Prem champions Bath go all the way this year? Rieko Ioane made his Leinster debut, Mathieu Jalibert shone for defending champions Bordeaux and Noah Caluori scores on his Champions Cup debut. We also discuss the 12-week ban handed to Eben Etzebeth and whether he will actually benefit from time...

Chris, Tom and GRO bring you immediate reaction to the draw for the 2027 World Cup. England and Wales meet in Pool F while we can look forward to another instalment of the 'Tom English derby' as Scotland and Ireland were drawn together for the third World Cup in a row! But which team is the bigger winner from the draw down under? If South Africa are to deliver the three-peat they will have to do it the hard way - but would another Springbok win actually be good for the game? Tom gets all misty-eyed about French players we've...

Danny, Ashy and Chris dissect another dismal day for Wales as they end 2025 with a record home defeat. How much would the young Welsh players actually have learned from their 73-0 defeat to South Africa? We also discuss Eben Etzebeth’s red card for the eye gouge on Alex Mann that took the shine off another dominant Springboks win. We look at the return of the Prem and debate whether it’s easier than ever to score tries in the league. Will we see Benhard Janse van Rensburg in an England shirt in the near future? There is another setb...

In episode two of our bumper Champions Cup preview, Ashy and Chris catch up with Lions hero Hugo Keenan who reflects on his winning try in the MCG and Leinster's ambition to add fifth star to the jersey. High-flying Sale winger Tom Roebuck looks back on his breakthrough autumn with England and reveals he scored his try against the All Blacks with a broken toe! Pau are back in the tournament for the first time in 25 years and Joel Kpoku tells us they are keen to make a splash and targeting their opener against Northampton. Scarlets are also back...

It’s finally happened. The stars aligned and we managed to get Ashy and his old sparring partner Manu Tuilagi in the same room to talk about that infamous moment at Welford Road 14 years ago. Chris helps us finally get to the bottom of what sparked it, and we quiz Manu on life in France and his return to fitness. Is the former England centre seriously considering a switch to Samoa for the next World Cup? We do get round to previewing the new Champions Cup season with Saracens legend Jamie George, Glasgow's Rory Darge and World Cup winning Sp...

Are South Africa the best team ever? Did Wales offer a glimpse of optimism? And is Gregor Townsend still the man for Scotland? Chris, Tom and Gareth reconvene for the final time this year to unpack the Autumn Internationals. Tom wants Ireland to reset an ageing squad, while Gareth remains positive about Wales. And Chris brings up the substitutions debate, asking whether the game now relies on too many replacements.

Who were the big winners and losers this autumn? Ugo, Danny and Chris reflect on what we’ve learnt this November. Who has progressed and who has regressed? The Springboks have cemented their place at the top of the world game but who would win between them and the great All Blacks team from 2015? The officiating has been a huge talking point over the past four weeks, particularly after events in Dublin this weekend. How do we get the balance right between collision and evasion in the modern game as we strive for player safety? We reflect on Malcolm Ma...

England completed their first four-Test autumn clean sweep since 2016 with a nervy win over Argentina. Chris, Ashy and Paul Grayson praise England for battling past a spirited Pumas team on a scrappy afternoon at Twickenham. Max Ojomoh impressed on only his second cap with a try and two assists. Could he become England’s long-term 12 moving forward? He’s on the pod along with head coach Steve Borthwick. What should the expectations be for England now heading into the six nations? But are there still players who they haven’t figured out how to get the best from?

It's Nations Pod time and for the second week in a row Tom is reeling from another painful defeat for Scotland. After the capitulation against Argentina he believes now is the time for a new head coach. Wales are off the mark under Steve Tandy, but their issues were still laid bare despite the narrow win over Japan. GRO gives us the lowdown on darts-loving uncapped flanker Harri Deaves who is part of the Wales team tasked with facing the All Blacks. Ireland and South Africa renew their rivalry, England go in search of an 11th successive win and...

Are England now ready to win silverware? Why do Scotland keep choking on the big stage? Does the new Nations Championship devalue the World Cup? There is loads to discuss following another eventful weekend and the launch of World Rugby's long-awaited tournament. Ugo, Danny and Ashy debate how far England have come under Steve Borthwick as their winning streak continues. Scotland have another afternoon to forget at Murrayfield. Wales are off the mark under Steve Tandy and Mack Hansen takes centre stage in Dublin after his hat-trick and choice of footwear. Plus, Henry Pollock catches the eye once again...

Chris is with Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson to bring you reaction to England's first victory over the All Blacks at home in 13 years. We chat to the superb George Ford who dropped two goals and scored a crucial penalty to help extend their winning run to 10 matches. Is he playing the best rugby of his career? We also hear from Scott Robertson after their Grand Slam hopes were ended and ask where it went wrong for New Zealand. And after only a ninth victory over the All Blacks in 120 years, is this the best win of the Steve...

It’s Nations Pod time ahead of the third weekend of the autumn internationals. Tom is still reeling from Scotland’s narrow defeat by New Zealand, calling it the greatest missed opportunity in Scottish rugby history. But can they respond against the dangerous Pumas? After losing to Argentina in Steve Tandy’s first match in charge, Wales now host Japan in a must-win game, with Gareth not even prepared to countenance a Welsh defeat. We also tackle the latest rugby jargon and ask whether England’s stacked bench will make the difference against the All Blacks.

Are England capable of beating the All Blacks for the first time since 2019? And is this side ready to take a big scalp? Ashy and Chris head to the England team hotel and chat to Steve Borthwick about his selection which sees George Ford return at fly-half and Fin Smith drop out of the 23-man squad. They also catch up with Freddie Steward who gives a fascinating insight into dealing with the high ball under the new laws and he gives us a detailed account of how he dislocated his finger against Australia. Chris has also been to see...

Chris, Ugo and Danny unpick a jam-packed weekend of autumn rugby. The Springboks storm Paris with 14 men for another statement win. Are they the clear World Cup favourites two years out? Scotland fluff their lines yet again, will they ever end their All Blacks hoodoo under Gregor Townsend? England want to make 10 Test wins in a row but have injury concerns to deal with ahead of New Zealand's trip to Twickenham. What did we learn about Steve Tandy's Wales after they were humbled by Argentina? Plus, there was a big win for Italian rugby and more bold predictions for...

England have now won nine Test matches in a row after they finished strongly to beat Fiji 38-18 in Twickenham and set up a huge meeting with New Zealand next weekend. Chris, Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson react on-the-whistle from the Allianz Stadium, and we are also joined by England’s Jamie George and Fiji boss Mick Byrne. How much have England progressed over the past twelve months, and what areas will they need to improve on before next weekend? And who has presented Steve Borthwick with a selection dilemma? We also discuss Scotland’s heartbreaking defeat by the All...

Is Saturday’s game at Murrayfield Scotland’s best ever opportunity to beat the All Blacks? And what would count as a good autumn for Wales? Just some of the questions that Chris, Tom and Gareth tackle ahead of busy weekend of rugby. Chris argues that England’s strength in depth is their biggest asset, while Tom has serious concerns that Ireland lack the X factor. And Gareth confesses he’s starting to feel like the third wheel in this pod throuple after missing out on the Lion tour.

Which England player is compared to an annoying little brother? Ugo, Danny and Chris praise England's gameplan against Australia and heap praise on Sale's Tom Roebuck. Was it a red? Should it have even been a yellow? We debate the highly controversial Tadhg Beirne dismissal in Chicago and what went wrong for Ireland in the final 20 minutes as the All Blacks avenged their 2016 loss. We also discuss Antoine Dupont's new Toulouse deal and look ahead to this weekend's matches as the Steve Tandy regime begins. Plus, who should be in the frame for World Player of the Year?

England begin their autumn campaign with victory over Australia and extend their winning run to eight matches. Chris is back on the pod with Ashy and Matt Dawson to pick through a contest that was close until the hour mark. What are the big positives for Steve Borthwick and his men? We get the assessment of fly-half George Ford on the match and we discuss why the Wallabies struggled to match their performance at Twickenham this time last year.

Danny and Sara take the pod inside England's training base to preview their opening match of the autumn against Australia. Maro Itoje reflects on a memorable summer for him that saw him tie the knot and captain the Lions to series win over the Wallabies. He also talks about the team's aspirations this November and beyond. Are Steve Borthwick's side capable of winning the World Cup in two years? Richard Wigglesworth chats about his move to defence coach and what we can expect moving forward - as well as his admiration for Joe Marler's exploits on The Traitors. George...

Noah Caluori's meteoric rise continues after being named in England's squad for the autumn internationals. Ashy and Ugo discuss his inclusion and if it was the right decision to leave Adam Radwan out of the squad. What would a good November look like for England? Is a clean sweep possible? Lauren is back on the pod fresh from her honeymoon to give us the lowdown on the big news in Wales as the WRU announce they will be cutting one region. Is it realistically a straight shootout between Ospreys and Scarlets for survival? We look at Henry Slade and...

Sara sits down with England great Emily Scarratt to reflect on her illustrious career. After 17 years, two World Cups wins, 11 Six Nations title, a World Player of the Year gong and 119 caps for her country, ‘Scaz’ has finally hung up her boots. What is the best moment of her career? What is next? We hear about her upbringing on a farm in rural Leicestershire and how that prepared her for a career in rugby. We hear all about the celebrations in Ibiza following the 2025 World Cup win on home soil this summer. As well as the triumphs, Scarratt also look...

It was a dream weekend for Saracens' Noah Caluori. After scoring a remarkable five tries on Saturday, he was called up to train with the England senior side on Sunday. Ashy and Sara chat to the England head coach Steve Borthwick about English rugby's newest star. Could he actually make his England debut this autumn? But while Borthwick has gained another winger, he has lost a number eight after Tom Willis announced he is leaving English rugby altogether to rejoin Bordeaux. Who is the man to place him in the back row? Plus, we look back on another impressive...

We reunite two of Wigan's most famous sons for a special episode of the pod. Ashy chats to Andy Farrell about his new autobiography ‘The Only Way I Know’. They discuss his love of Wigan and how the other code and becoming a father at such a young age helped shape him. Farrell reflects on this summer's Lions tour and gives us an insight into the emotion surrounding calling up his son Owen to join the squad in Australia. Would he like to lead the Lions on another tour? We touch on his time in charge of Ireland and ask...

Danny, Ugo and Ashy review an action-packed derby weekend. Has Marcus Smith played his way into contention at fly-half this autumn? We also pick our England backline as it stands and there is an interesting shout from Ashy at inside centre. Could Bath really go the whole season unbeaten? How worried should Gloucester fans be this season? And after the top unions decided to block international players from joining R360, where does this leave the rebel-league?

Ugo, Danny and Ashy are back, but even though the Prem brought another weekend full of surprises they had to start the pod with the sad news that former England captain and British and Irish Lions legend, Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The guys all played with him and reflect on how the rugby community can get behind Lewis to support him and his family, during this difficult time. And they hear from Moody himself who spoke to BBC about his condition.

In terms of the Prem – Leicester’s win against Quins proved to b...

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...

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.

Sara Orchard, Claire Thomas, 2014 World Cup winner Kat Merchant and former Wales captain Philippa Tuttiett react to England winning their third World Cup, beating Canada 33-13 at the home of English rugby. A record crowd for women's rugby of 81,885 watched the Red Roses see off the Canadians at the Allianz Stadium, with Ellie Kildunne starring once again.

Hear from Natasha Hunt and one of the try scorers Abbie Ward, plus Ellie Kildunne and Meg Jones. England have now extended their record winning run to 33 games.

The team talk the relentlessness of England’s defence, which Ka...

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 fr...

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 ev...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

England’s new attack coach Lee Blackett chats to Ashy and Sara from the team’s training camp at Pennyhill Park. He explains why the time with England in Argentina was so special and why he loves coaching so much. But was it a tough decision to leave Bath having just won the treble? Is that the final rejig of Steve Borthwick’s coaching staff? England, and now Lions, lock Ollie Chessum also joins us to chat about his time in Australia this summer and the influence Richard Wigglesworth is already having as defence coach. Plus, Ashy attempts to give h...

And then there were four! Sara and Ugo reflect on the World Cup quarter-finals in Bristol and Exeter as England, France, New Zealand and Canada all booked their spot in the last four. Did England finally hit top gear at a rain-soaked Ashton Gate? Or were Scotland their own worst enemy as they slumped to another heavy defeat to the Red Roses? Lisa Martin and Kat Merchant reflect on a 31st consecutive win for John Mitchell's side. Ugo is down in Exeter with Claire Thomas and Anna Caplice to pick through a devastating defeat for Ireland who led France 13...

It’s World Cup quarter-final weekend, Ugo and Sara preview to Sunday’s matches in Bristol and Exeter – and the weather! Can Scotland beat England for the first time since 1999? Or will the Red Roses march into the semi-finals? We hear from returning captain Zoe Aldcroft and get the inside scoop on her weekend with the Princess of Wales in Brighton. Holly Aitchison also discusses her return from injury and her shopping addiction. Aoife Wafer returns for Ireland, but how fit is she? After falling short against New Zealand last week, are Ireland capable of causing the biggest shock of the...

On episode four of Barely Rugby Harriet, Meg and Hannah chat everything dating - from going out with fellow rugby players, advice for all the single listeners out there and bad Hinge dates. 

And as always all the big questions try to get answered... is Hannah or Meg a connector, are running clubs the new dating apps and if Hannah was a boy what name would she have?

And Meg and Hannah debate whether Harriet should dip her toes into the rugby world and date a player!

And is today the day that I...

Ugo Monye, Sara Orchard, Black Ferns World Cup winner Ruby Tui, 2014 World Cup winner Katy Daly-McClean and former Ireland backrower Anna Caplice are in Brighton as New Zealand thrash Ireland 40-0. Teenage wing Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored a hat-trick of tries in a ruthless display to set up a quarter-final against South Africa.

Anna talks why Ireland just couldn’t get into their flow and where they go from here as they face France next. The team also reflect on the whole weekend including where England need to improve as we enter the knockouts, plus Fijis huge win ov...

On the whistle reaction as England beat Australia 47-7 in Brighton.

Sara Orchard is joined by commentator Claire Thomas and World Cup winner Rachael Burford as England see off Australia despite a shaky first half performance. Sadia Kabeya and Kelsey Clifford both scored two tries to set up a quarter-final against Scotland. It was a World Cup whitewash for Wales who lost 28-25 to Fiji in an entertaining match in Exeter. How quickly can Wales fix their issues and where has it gone wrong at this World Cup?

On episode three of the pod Harriet digs deep into the lives of Hannah and Meg before their actual day jobs as professional rugby players! 

Meg tells the tales of being a delivery driver and the issue of not having toilet breaks - and Hannah on working as a painter and decorator.

The chat then turns to how Hannah and Meg both switch off - Meg's girlfriend is her hobby and looking after her dog, whereas Hannah likes colouring by numbers and is an actual golf fashionista! 

All the big questions get answered to...

Ugo, Sara, Katy Daley-McLean and Philippa Tuttiett reflect on a mixed day for the home nations at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. England and Scotland are into the quarter-finals, but defeat to Canada sees Sean Lynn’s Wales eliminated. Despite their tournament ending after only two matches, are there still plenty of positives for Wales to draw upon? The 92-3 victory over Samoa was the Red Roses’ biggest in World Cup history, but did the moment of the game belong to the Pacific Islanders? And who from an England perspective shone in Northampton? We also discuss Scotland reaching the la...

Can Wales shock Canada this weekend? Will Scotland and Ireland book their place in the quarter-finals? Sara and Philippa Tuttiett look ahead to a huge weekend for the three home nations. Sean Lynn has made a raft of changes, but are his side capable beating one of the tournament favourites to stay in the World Cup? Former Ireland international Anna Caplice explains how Scott Bemand how transformed the team on and off the field since taking charge and how far they have come since her playing days. Andy Burke from the BBC's Scotland pod outlines their progress and who...

On this episode of the pod Harriet gets some insight from Hannah and Meg all about life on tour - and secrets will be spilled!

Harriet finds out what's good and bad sharing room etiquette; from DJ'ing in the bedroom, having multiple alarms and why Hannah is a bad roommate... snoring might be involved!

As we know Hannah is the social animal of the group and she lets us in on some team bonding exercises from dirty bingo, to karaoke and darts (it basically turns into a stag do!)

Lock 'ins happen occasionally...

Do Scotland already have one foot in the World Cup quarter-finals? Fran McGhie’s hat-trick inspired the Scots to a record win over Wales in their World Cup opener, despite all the uncertainty around player contracts. Where did it all go wrong for Wales and why are they still not clicking under head coach Sean Lynn? Ugo, Sara, and Katy Daley-McLean discuss all this and more as they dissect the opening weekend for the home nations. Did the Red Roses justify their favourites tag after scoring 11 tries against the United States? Ireland also opened with an impressive bonus-point win wi...

On the whistle reaction as England beat the USA 69-7.

Sara Orchard is joined by 1994 World Cup winning Red Rose Giselle Mather and commentator Claire Thomas to reflect on England’s emphatic start to their World Cup campaign and the huge sense of occasion created at the Stadium of Light for the opening match. Was Ellie Kildunne the right call for player of the match? And how did the Red Roses still not exhibit their best play?

Plus, should the USA’s Alev Kelter have been given the yellow card? And where do the Americans go f...

Will cutting two of the four regions save the game in Wales? Ugo chats to Lauren Jenkins about the WRU's radical proposal that has sent shockwaves through the game in Wales. In this bumper pod you will also hear from two of the biggest names in world rugby. Ugo has been chatting to Ilona Maher ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup opener in Sunderland as she reflects on a remarkable year and tells us about her next career move. And Lauren has been to Bristol to catch up with Louis Rees-Zammitt, who is back after his spell in...

In this very first episode of Barely Rugby comedian Harriet Kemsley gets the lowdown on what life is really like for England stars Hannah Botterman and Meg Jones. Harriet knows absolutely nothing about rugby as the trio all meet for the first time - and nothing is off limits.

Harriet finds out all about dealing with boobs in a scrum and even has a feel of Hannah's cauliflower ear. They discover why Meg was called "new boy Megan" when she first started rugby and also how the pair cope with the stereotypes that's associated with the game...

Launching tomorrow is a brand spanking new mini podcast series called Barely Rugby (right here on the Rugby Union Weekly feed) where comedian Harriet Kemsley finds out all about life on and off the pitch for England stars Hannah Botterman and Meg Jones. There a five episodes that will drop every Wednesday over the course of the Women's Rugby Union World Cup - and nothing is off limits. Harriet is a rugby novice and throughout the episodes she finds out about everything - from dating team-mates, boobs in the scrum and the perils of touring! So subscribe right now...

With just over a week to go before England host the Women’s Rugby World Cup, how much has changed in the 34 years since Wales hosted the inaugural event? And what does the future look like?

Eleanor Oldroyd and Sara Orchard are joined by 1994 World Cup winner Giselle Mather and 2014 World Cup winner Rachael Burford to reflect on their experiences.

Also hear from Red Roses lock Abbie Ward getting ready for her third World Cup.

What was the best moment of the 2025 Lions tour? Who should have been crowned player of the series? Chris is joined by Tom English, Lauren Jenkins and Nigel Ringland to dissect the tour of Australia. We pick our combined XV from the Test series, how many Wallabies will make the cut? You’ll hear how Bundee Aki became a father for the fifth time in rather unusual circumstances and how Tom's tour got off to a tricky start in Perth.

The final Test match of this series had everything - drama, lightning, stoppages and monsoon like conditions which made it a very eventful game between the Lions and the Wallabies in Sydney.

In the end the weather appeared to favour the home side as Australia won 22-12 on the night – with Andy Farrell’s side taking the series victory 2-1.

Chris is joined by former Lions, Andy Nicol and Alex Cuthbert, as well as Aussie great Stephen Moore and ABC broadcaster Quentin Hull with all the on the whistle reaction.

The guys take shel...

On a filthy Sydney afternoon, we bring together a gang of loyal pod listeners to thrash out some of the major talking points of this Lions tour from a fans' perspective. How much do Lions fans just want to win, and how much do they want a close contest? How has this tour compared to others from a supporters' perspective? And does it matter if your country is represented in selection? We have people pop in from all across Britain and Ireland, as well as a number of ex-pats living in Australia, who give some excellent insight as to...

We’re podding from the Lions team hotel after Andy Farrell named his squad for the third Test in Sydney. Chris, Ugo and John Barclay discuss the two changes to the Lions starting XV with Blair Kinghorn replacing James Lowe on the wing and James Ryan coming in for Ollie Chessum at lock. Joe Schmidt has turned to veteran scum-half Nic White who bows out from international rugby on Saturday, but there is no Rob Valetini or Carlo Tizzano for the Wallabies. Can they match the performance they produced at the MCG to spoil the Lions’ party?

1997 or 1974? Two iconic tours to South Africa, but which one ranks higher? In the final episode of our top 10 series, Lions legends Jamie Roberts and Matt Dawson join Chris to rank the best tours of all time. We ask Jamie to rate his two tours - the 2013 win in Australia and the epic series against South Africa in 2009. We debate what makes a great tour - is it all about winning the Test series or are there other factors that determine success? And where does the only Lions series win against the All Blacks feature in our list?

We're in Sydney next to the opera house chatting to Wallabies legend Michael Hooper to get his take on THAT clearout and to discuss the health of Aussie rugby following the series defeat with the World Cup coming up in two years. We also chat to World rugby boss Alan Gilpin who has rejected Joe Schmidt's claim that the decision at the end of the second Test contravened the sport's player welfare drive. Chris also heads into the victorious Lions camp to chat to the captain Maro Itoje. Who has he bonded with on this tour? And what value...

Chris and Tom have made it to Sydney for final Test week and GRO is back in the Nations pod squad having been declared fit for selection. There is lots of love for Finn Russell and how he orchestrated the final moments of the game. Of course, Jac Morgan’s clearout is also a hot topic of conversation as another series delivers another controversial moment at the death. Do this Lions team need to win the series 3-0 to be considered one the greats? They have not whitewashed their opponents in the Test series since they toured Argentina in 1927.

What a match! The second Test in Melbourne had everything – drama, comebacks, grit and fight as the Lions fought hard to beat a much improved Wallabies side by 29 points to 26 – to take the series victory, meaning they have won a series for the first time in 12 years.

Chris is joined by Lions rugby royalty – Matt Dawson, Andy Nicol and Jamie Roberts - live from a bar with all the on the whistle reaction.

Andy wishes Australia played like that in the first Test, for Matt it was a match that had him on the edge of his...

Can Australia bounce back at the famous MCG to level the series? Or will the Lions clinch a second successive series down under? With nine Irishman in Andy Farrell’s team, Chris gets the Irish perspective on the second Test with friend of the pod Murray Kinsella from The 42. We also hear from Lions assistant coach John Fogarty on the significance of playing at Australia’s most iconic sporting venue and find out what legendary Lions captain Martin Johnson said to the players when handing them with their jerseys. And we track down one of the winning Wallabies from the...

Chris, Ugo and John Barclay react to Andy Farrell's team for the second Test against Australia. There's no Sione Tuipulotu or Garry Ringrose as Huw Jones and Bundee Aki make up the midfield. But Jac Morgan does make the 23 to give the huge travelling Welsh support something to shout about. What can we expect from the Wallabies at the MCG now they have Rob Valetini and Will Skelton in their side? And how much will conditions effect what we see on Saturday?

Will Andy Farrell make big changes for the second Test? Will the fitness of Joe McCarthy force his hand? Lauren steps in for GRO this week as we are forced to make our own selection calls ahead of the second Test. Has Jac Morgan done enough to force his way into the 23? A rugby nation holds its breath. We hear about Tom’s burgeoning love of cricket after a trip to the MCG as the Lions look to wrap up the series at one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. There’s also big news out of t...

Chris Jones and former Lions and Wales wing Alex Cuthbert give their on the whistle reaction as the Lions faced a test against the First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne. It was a tight match but the Lions had the edge in the end – in what was an exciting 80 minutes at Marvel Stadium.

Alex and Chris dissect what went right on the pitch – especially the first ten minutes for the visitors - and where improvements could be made with some set pieces not ‘clinical’ enough on the night. Captain Owen Farrell gets a shout-out as does Darcy Gr...

Who are the players that reached another level when they pulled on the Lions jersey? Who became more synonymous with the Lions than they did for their country? In episode five of our top 10 series, Matt Dawson and Jamie Roberts join Chris to rank the greatest Test match animals. They also explain how the red shirt “supercharged” their performances and we debate whether they should make the list.

Chris is live from Brisbane after the Lions beat the Wallabies 27-19 in the first Test. Former Lion Andy Nicol and ex Scotland captain John Barclay join the pod to give their expert analysis of what they saw on the pitch.

Both agreed it was a strong start by Andy Farrell’s men – then things went a little flat... Australian broadcaster Quentin Hull also drops by to give his insight into this Wallabies side and asks was a slow start to blame?

Finn Russell, Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne were some of the Lions players that...

The first Test in Brisbane is almost upon us! Can Australia defy the odds and shock the Lions at their spiritual home? Chris catches up with Lions legend Jamie Roberts to get his take on Jac Morgan's omission and what the impact will be on the Welsh fans' love for the Lions. Jamie also pinpoints where he expects Australia to target Andy Farrell's side tomorrow. We also get the Wallabies perspective with Geoff Parling, a former Lion himself. We hear how he's been preparing his players to deal with the emotion of facing the Lions on home soil.

Chris and Ugo are in Brisbane as Andy Farrell names his long-awaited Lions Test team. There are some big selection calls in the back row as Farrell weighs up form against pedigree, while it’s an all-Scottish midfield in an otherwise Irish and English dominated squad. How will Jac Morgan be feeling after being left out? And what are the other areas of debate? We also discuss the Australia team after they lose some big names up front and turn to a rookie with a famous name at fly-half, before haring across town to meet up with Wallaby great Wi...

Tom has managed his first round of golf of the tour and turns up to the pod with news of a hole in one – sort of! GRO is starting to get tour FOMO now that Chris is on the ground, but how will he feel after the series done? We discuss what we want from the Tests, and if the Wallabies can deliver jeopardy and drama we crave. Would three resounding wins for the Lions be a good thing? News of the Test team has started to emerge in Brisbane ahead of the announcement tomorrow and all signs point to...

The pod is on the ground in Australia with the Test series days away. Chris and Lauren are joined by Wallaby great Stephen Moore to look ahead to a special few weeks. But with Australia eighth in the world rankings, what will we get from the home side? And how much does the Australian sporting public need the Wallabies to fire? There is breaking news from the Lions camp with Mack Hansen a doubt and we discuss protocol on long-haul flights.

What is the most controversial moment in Lions history? Where does the infamous spear tackle on Brian O’Driscoll rank in our list? There's the infamous Battle of Ballymore and the '99' call to discuss, but our shortlist is littered with controversial moments that happened off the pitch. Matt Dawson and Jamie Roberts are at the heart of two of them. We get the lowdown on Matt's infamous newspaper column from 2001 that almost got him kicked off tour and Jamie takes us back to 2013 to relive arguably the most talked about selection call in Lions history.

It was a dominant performance by the Lions against the AUNZ invitational side in their last match before the first Test – where they confidently beat their opponents 48-0. Danny joins Ashy and Sara on the pod and today was all about which player had done enough to get picked for the first Test in seven days time.

Ashy and Danny both praised the Lions win – and this has made team selection for Andy Farrell much harder. They also get the latest on Luke Cowan-Dickie’s injury and confirm that Garry Ringrose will miss the first Test.

As a...

As England look to seal a series whitewash in Argentina, Chris chats to their latest centurion. George Ford reflects on a special day for him and the team last weekend and discusses how England are determined to back it up this Saturday. Ford also opens up on the disappointment of Lions selection and how he has dealt with setbacks over the course of his stellar career. And with Owen Farrell back available, have England ever had better options at number 10?

What can we expect from Owen Farrell this Saturday? Will he play at 10 or 12 when when he comes off the bench? Ugo and pod favourite John Barclay discuss Andy Farrell's final team selection before the first Test in Brisbane and debate where he plans to use his son. The Lions have been forced to call in more reinforcements at full-back after Blair Kinghorn's injury. The AUNZ invitational side is out and we're expecting a physical battle for the Lions in Adelaide. Plus, we ask John to pick his Test back row and get him to break down where it's...

It’s another win for the British and Irish Lions in Australia – a fourth straight victory. This time it was against the ACT Brumbies where it finished 36-24 – in what many were calling a mixed performance by Andy Farrell’s men. Chris, Ashy and Paul Grayson breakdown where things looked good for the Lions and where improvements could be made.

Ashy is not seeing progression as quickly as he would like and ask if some players are feeling the pressure. The guys try and answer some all important questions too – from do teams need an identity, is the Number...

What is the greatest try in Lions history? Matt Dawson and Jamie Roberts are back with Chris to rank the best tries ever scored in a Lions Test series. How do you compare a great team try to a moment of individual brilliance? Jerry Guscott makes another appearance in Top 10s and one Test match delivers two tries in the shortlist. Where will Dawson's dummy in 1997 rank? Does Jamie's try in the 3rd Test in 2013 make the cut?

Do we now know Andy Farrell's Test team? Chris, Gareth Rhys Owen and Tom English assemble for the Nations pod take on the Farrell's 23 for the Brumbies game on Wednesday. Who is in need of a a big performance in Canberra to nail down a Test spot? They reflect on a tricky few days for the Lions tour after an unconvincing display against the Waratahs and Joe Schmidt's comments about Australia after they scraped past a spirited Fiji in Newcastle. There’s more Owen Farrell chat as Tom and GRO clash over his call-up. We also praise England's resounding vi...

Chris Jones and Chris Ashton dissect the Lions 21-10 win over the New South Wales Waratahs.

The Lions remain unbeaten but weren’t impressive in their win over the New South Waratahs in Sydney. Two weeks before the first test the Chris’s pick what they think that side currently looks like and ask why the team hasn’t been able to hit the heights just yet. Plus what do they want to see from the next match against the Brumbies on Wednesday.

Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson are the only players to captain the British & Irish Lions on back-to-back tours. So for this episode they sit down together to discuss their incredible achievement. They talk leadership, feeling under qualified, handling pressure and the art of a good team talk. Martin also relives the famous series win over South Africa in 1997. You’ll hear about training in the dark, getting stitches during a match and Jeremy Guscott’s winning drop goal. He also recalls his tour to Australia in 2001 and where it all went wrong. He shares his biggest regret, the issues with...

Has bloodline loyalty influenced Owen Farrell’s Lions call-up? Coach Andy Farrell has drafted in his son to replace the injured Elliot Daly, sparking debate over whether family ties played a role. Chris, Danny and Tom unpack the backlash and ask whether it is the right call?

Is Andy Farrell closing in on his Test XV? The Lions ran in eight tries in a dominant 52-12 win over the Queensland Reds, with Tommy Freeman grabbing a brace. Chris and former Scotland captain John Barclay dissect the performance and are joined by Lauren Jenkins from the Suncorp Stadium. Plus, how much of a setback could Elliot Daly’s arm injury prove to be?

How big a blow is Tomos Williams’ injury to the Lions as he’s ruled out of the tour? And with so few nailed on starters for the first Test, should alarm bells be ringing? Tom, Chris and Gareth tackle those questions as the Lions gear up for their third game. Plus, Tom explains why the infamous "99" call from the 1974 South Africa tour might be more myth than reality.

What is the greatest moment in a Lions Test? Matt Dawson and Jamie Roberts join Chris to rank those iconic moments that every Lions fan will remember. Is Jeremy Guscott’s drop goal better than JPR Williams’? Which player had the howler of all howlers? And Chris tries his hand at recreating one of the all time great sporting speeches.

Ugo Monye & correspondent Chris Jones reflect on The British and Irish Lions eight-try win over Western Force in the first game of their tour on Australian soil. Plus BBC Sport reporter Lauren Jenkins joins the pod live from Perth.

00:30 What grade would you give it? 04:05 Initial thoughts on Tomos Williams’ injury 06:15 Lions ‘scruffy but clinical’ 09:10 How do Lions find the synergy? 13:20 Who should start at 9 and 10? 17:10 Lauren Jenkins joins the pod from Perth 22:35 Ugo’s team for Wednesday vs Reds 24:20 How is Lauren managing the jet lag? 26:05 Chris isn’t happy with Ugo’s team 32:55 Which players have put a f...

Chris, Tom and Gareth share their thoughts on the Lions Top 10 episode about icons. Were there any glaring omissions? Was it right that Brian O'Driscoll missed out? The guys have plenty to say, and share their thoughts on next week’s ranking of the greatest Lions moments.

Our Nations pod team of Chris Jones, Gareth Rhys Owen and a much-delayed Tom English discuss the Lions side to face the Western Force and ideas for future Lions tours.

Was Owen Farrell ever in contention for England’s summer tour to Argentina and the US? England head coach Steve Borthwick joins Chris and Danny to reveal all, and to outline what he expects from his young squad over the coming weeks. He also shares his memories of the British and Irish Lions from watching them as a kid to being part of the coaching staff in 2017. And Danny picks out a couple of England players he thinks could make an impact on tour.

Gareth Edwards, Martin Johnson or Willie John McBride? Who is the most iconic British & Irish Lion of all time? In the first episode of a new six-part series, Matt Dawson and Jamie Roberts join Chris to answer that very question. How many Wales legends of the 70s make the cut? Do any coaches make the list? Find out which former Irish and Lions captain misses out. Plus, Matt reveals which Lions legend inspired his dad to give him two middle names.

We’re again podding from the heart of Dublin after Argentina pull off a famous win over the Lions at the Aviva. Chris and Ugo are joined by two former Lions, Dwayne Peel and Anthony Watson, to debate what went wrong - and right - for Andy Farrell’s side, and what they need to fix as they fly to Australia. Did the Lions attack actually show plenty of potential? Will that accuracy come in time? And we pay homage to the Pumas who made a mockery of the bookies’ odds.

Chris, Ugo and 2009 Lion Luke Fitzgerald are in the heart of Dublin ahead of the Lions tour opener against Argentina. What should we expect from Andy Farrell’s men at the Aviva? And should the Pumas be such big underdogs? We hear from Jamie George after his week in Lions camp and Owen Farrell tells Sara why he’s glad Ashy was there to welcome him home. And Lauren Jenkins from Scrum V pops in to talk Jac Morgan, Tomos Williams, and whether the Welsh public will be embracing this Lions tour.

Bath and Leinster end their seasons on a high, lifting the Premiership and URC titles. Will Bath now kick on and pick up next season where they left this one? And what will this mean for Leinster after a few barren years? Owen Farrell is once again a Saracens player after his year in France comes to a premature end. Ashy gives us the inside scope having bumped into him while walking the dog. Plus, they look ahead to the Lions’ warm-up game with Argentina on Friday before they head Down Under.

The wait is over! Bath are Premiership champions again. They ended a 29-year wait for the biggest prize in English rugby with a narrow win over Leicester. Chris, Ashy and Matt Dawson are at Twickenham to bring you reaction to a momentous day for Bath. Finn Russell tells us what it means to clinch the treble and explains why he decided to pass to Max Ojomoh when he was clean through. We also assess where it went wrong for Leicester and whether Dan Cole should have seen yellow for his collision with Finn Russell. And what does the future...

It's the big one! Saturday sees the finale of the domestic season as Bath and Leicester go head-to-head at Twickenham for the Premiership title. Will Bath lift the trophy for the first time since 1996? Or will Leicester win a record-extending 12 title and send Michael Cheika and their club legends off into the sunset? Is Cheika using the emotion of Saturday to motivate his players? We hear from the Aussie and from Bath legend Tom Dunn, who explains how the club has risen again to the top of the English game under Johann van Graan. Plus, we look ahead to...

We go behind the scenes at the Lions training camp in Portugal to see how preparations have begun for the clash with Argentina in Dublin and the tour down under. Chris chats to Ellis Genge who's already striking up an unexpected 'bromance' with one of the Irish players he's usually slating on the pitch. Genge talks openly about trying to get out of his comfort zone in camp and how he's approaching his first Lions tour aged 30. Forwards coach John Dalziel stops by to talk Argentina and what has impressed him most since the players came into camp. Plus...

A massive weekend of finals await. Can Bath end their 29-year wait for Premiership glory? Will Leinster finally end their trophy drought? Danny, Ashy and Chris are on the sofa to break it all down. It’s also been a busy week for the Lions with injury and availability issues prompting Andy Farrell to bring reinforcements into camp. Could Argentina be favourites in Dublin? And can the proposed R360 breakaway league succeed? Or is this just rugby’s version of the Saudi league?

It's that time of year where we sit down with all four directors of rugby involved in the Premiership semi-finals. Johann van Graan, Michael Cheika, Alex Sanderson and Pat Lam all join Chris to reflect on a chaotic and action-packed year. We get Cheika's impression of the Prem and hear what the coaches feel sets the league apart. But what are the next steps in order to grow the club game in England? We also get an insight into the difficulty of capturing the right emotions during a high-pressure week, and find out why fly-halves are so invaluable to...

Jaden Hendrikse sent the rugby world into meltdown over the weekend for his wink at Jack Crowley. Was the Springbok scrum-half genuinely injured or not? There is plenty for Chris, Ashy and Ugo to debate, including the fine line between gamesmanship and bad sportsmanship. Ashy and Ugo share their own tales of opponents winking at them on the pitch and the times they overstepped the mark on the rugby pitch. We also look ahead to a bumper weekend of semi-finals in the Premiership and URC. Plus, Sarries legend Alex Goode joins us to reflect on his wonderful career, tells...

The fallout from the Champions Cup final continues. As the Bordeaux party made its way back to France, some of their players were still aiming jibes at Henry Pollock during their trophy parade. What advice do Danny, Ashy and Ugo have the young Englishman? We reflect on Bath's Challenge Cup triumph and the controversy surrounding Sam Underhill's tackle. There's a new tournament to look forward to in 2028, plus it's the final round of the Premiership this weekend. Will Gloucester or Saracens sneak into the top four on the final day? And what can we expect from the URC play-offs?<...

We're in Cardiff to bring you immediate reaction to the Champions Cup final as Bordeaux overpower Northampton to win club rugby's biggest prize for the first time. Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson, who lifted the cup with Saints 25 years ago, join Chris to pick the bones out of a thrilling and chaotic final. They discuss the impact of the injuries to Saints duo George Furbank and James Rahm early in the game and the countless TMO interventions. Damien Penaud scored twice to finish the tournament with an incredible 14 tries, but who else caught the eye for the new champions...