Rugby Union Weekly

Ashy and Chris are back with a bonus pod after Steve Borthwick spoke to the media for the first time since England's disappointing Six Nations campaign. Chris went inside the camp to see the England head coach who explained why he's selected Benhard Janse van Rensburg selection for the three-day training camp and what he expects the South African-born centre to bring. But what does his selection mean for Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh after they were omitted from the squad? We find out how Borthwick is planning to navigate a summer schedule that incudes matches on three different continents and if captain Maro Itoje could be rested. Borthwick also touches on the RFU review into England finishing fifth in the Six Nations.

How do you sum up the life and legacy of Scott Hastings? Chris, Ashy and Danny are joined by his close friend and former teammate Andy Nicol to share memories of the great man, both on and off the pitch, following his death over the weekend. Plus, as Steve Borthwick names his latest England training squad, the guys debate the inclusion of former South Africa Under-20 centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg. The Bristol Bears player qualifies for England through the five-year residency rule despite having no British heritage. And with a huge weekend of European finals ahead, is anyone backing against the French sides coming out on top?

Sara, Ugo and Katy Daley-McLean are podding pitch side immediately after the Red Roses won an eighth successive Six Nations title and fifth Grand Slam. Given the injuries, absentees and retirements - is this the best one yet? And does this latest triumph now make the Red Roses one of the greatest sports teams of all time? We chat to England centurion Marlie Packer who tells us she isn’t going to hang her boots up any time soon. We also pick our player of the tournament and look ahead to WXV Global Series in the autumn. Are John Mitchell's England young guns ready for a shot at Canada and New Zealand?

Will England claim an eighth successive Six Nations? Or will France finally beat the Red Roses and claim a first title since 2018? Ugo, Sara and former Ireland international Anna Caplice look ahead to the big showdown in Bordeaux. Could England's leaky defence cost them on Sunday? Are England demanding too much of their star centre Meg Jones? Ireland’s first standalone fixture at the Aviva is expected to attract 30,000 fans. Anna explains what a watershed moment this will be for Irish rugby. Wales face Italy hoping to avoid another wooden spoon – can Sean Lynn finally deliver a first Six Nations win? Plus, should Ireland and Wales enter a team in the PWR? Will it help close the gap to England in the future?

It was a huge weekend in the race for the Prem play-offs as the top two both lost. Ashy, Danny and Chris dive into Leicester’s massive derby win over Northampton and discuss the electric atmosphere at Welford Road, the Tigers pack and if Henry Pollock needs to shake the pantomime villain image. Bath missed the change to go top after Exeter put them to the sword with an impressive second half display at Sandy Park. Are the Prem champions starting to run out of steam? Noah Caluori makes his pod debut fresh from an impressive Saracens win at Ashton Gate. He chats to us about his stunning breakthrough season and his ambitions with England ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. We also dissect the RFU’s statement following the review into England’s Six Nations campaign. Why was the review so vague? Do fans deserve more transparency from the RFU? And what can we expect from Steve Borthwick’s side moving forward?