The Ruck

The 3rd round of the Nations Championship saw New Zealand hammer Ireland, England hold on to win against Argentina and South Africa destroy Wales.

Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all the action and Mark Palmer joins to reflect on Scotland's summer.

Could it be the end of Siya Kolisi as the Springbok captain? Are Ireland no longer one of the best sides in the world? And, did the officials get the big decision right at the end of Argentina vs England?

Can Scotland now compete...

England finished their Nations Championship matches this summer by beating Argentina 24-31!

Steve Borthwick's side produced some of their best rugby of 2026 but also suffered the same disciplinary issues which saw them almost collapse to draw.

The TMO saved England when Argentina thought they had scored a try with the final play of the match. So, after a mad match Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are back in Buenos Aires to reflect on the game, Steve Borthwick's punchy post-match comments and the Nations Championship as a whole.

They discuss whether...

Argentina host England in the Nations Championship this weekend!

Can Los Pumas make it another Argentine win following the football World Cup semi-final?

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are in Buenos Aires to reflect on an incredible night in the capital and to look ahead to the weekend. They explain why Henry Pollock has been named on the bench by Steve Borthwick, why this is England's biggest test of the summer and the advantage of having Marcus Smith at full-back.

Plus, can Ireland be the first side to win at...

After the second round of the Nations Championship Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all of the action.

They ask which nation might be able to compete with South Africa at the next World Cup and what style of rugby could cause them problems. That's after a weakened Springboks team beat Scotland despite an impressive display from Gregor Townsend's men.

Plus, are the All Blacks under Dave Rennie once again playing to their strengths? Should Henry Pollock start for England away in Argentina? And, Peter O'Reilly looks ahead to...

England absolutely dismantled Fiji 73-8 to return to winning ways on the second weekend of the Nations Championship.

Fiji were ill disciplined and lacking accuracy as Steve Borthwick's side put them to the sword.

From Merseyside Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher reflect on a bizarre and messy match. They ask what can England take away from the victory given that Fiji were so poor? Does this ease the pressure on Steve Borthwick? Or is the real test how they get on next week against Argentina?

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It's the second round of the Nations Championship with England taking on Fiji in Liverpool.

How much pressure are Steve Borthwick's team under after their defeat to South Africa?

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher look ahead to the match and focus on the growing frustration among England fans. They chat about the need for both a result and a performance against a very dangerous Fijian side. Plus, could the success of the England football team at the World Cup distract attention from the under-pressure head coach?

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The opening weekend of the Nations Championship produced some brilliant matches!

Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Elgan Alderman look back on all the action, including a tight victory for New Zealand against France, an important win for Wales versus Fiji and Scotland beating Argentina away.

Peter O'Reilly chats about Ireland's narrow win against Australia where the hosts missed a penalty kick on the last play to win it. Plus, the boys ask how much pressure England and Steve Borthwick are under after they were hammered by South Africa? Barnsey explains why he's made...

England's opening match in the Nations Championship saw them hammered 45-21 by South Africa at Ellis Park.

From the stadium Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan reflect on the match. They ask how much pressure this piles onto England ahead of games against Fiji and Argentina? What does it mean for Steve Borthwick? And, can anyone stop the Springboks winning a third straight World Cup next year?

Nobody expected England to win, but even so, how alarming was the performance? Did the way they rallied at the end of the second half...

What are the odds that England beat South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday?

From South Africa, Will Kelleher is joined by Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan to look ahead to England’s massive opening clash in the Nations Championship at Ellis Park. The panel debates whether Steve Borthwick's side can pull off a monumental upset on South African soil. Is this team stronger than anything they selected in the 6 Nations? How will Henry Pollock perform as he faces the Springboks for the first time? And, how will England play, following their dismal 6 Nations?

The inaugural Nations Championship starts this weekend but does rugby need it? Do fans even know or care what it is?

Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan are in South Africa ahead of England's match in Johannesburg on Saturday. They ask whether the re-vamped format will be successful or if it will struggle to breakthrough during a busy summer of sport.

Could it be a good thing long term? Or is it an unnecessary innovation?

They also look ahead to the opening weekend of fixtures and discuss the incredibly...

Northampton Saints are the champions of England!

They beat Exeter Chiefs 26-17 in the final to be crowned champions for the second time in three years.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan look back on the match and ask what does it mean for Northampton? Does this cement them as the latest dynasty in English rugby?

Will Exeter be able to bounce back from this defeat? And, why is it that the Prem final always delivers such a great occasion?

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Northampton Saints will play Exeter Chiefs in the Prem final on Saturday.

Alfie and Will are at Sandy Park in Devon as they look ahead to the match and chat to Exeter's Director of Rugby Rob Baxter and winger Olly Woodburn.

They discuss whether Northampton Saints will win a second title in three years or whether Exeter are about to finish a remarkable run to the title.

Baxter chats about his pride in getting the club back to the final and what they have learnt from their previous trips to...

Northampton will face Exeter in the Prem final!

Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on the semi-final weekend which produced two excellent matches as Northampton beat rivals Leicester and Exeter produced a comeback to win away against Bath.

Despite all their success under Rob Baxter, was this one of Exeter's great days? They became only the 7th team in Prem history to win away from home in a semi-final.

Have they played their final already? Or can they produce another remarkable result?

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The Prem rugby semi-final line-up is confirmed: Northampton hosts rivals Leicester and Bath play Exeter.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan preview the semi-finals and ask is this the hardest season to predict who will make the final?

Could an away side get a rare victory?

They also discuss the teams near the bottom of the league. Who had the most disappointing campaign? And who has reasons to be optimistic?

Plus, Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension to remain Ireland head coach until 2031. How big...

With one week of the regular season remaining Alfie, Will and Elgan look ahead to the final weekend in the Prem.

They chat about the crunch fixtures as Bath host Leicester and Exeter play Saracens and ask who will make it into the play-offs?

With Bristol now out of the running for the top four they ask what next for the club? Is this another season of underachievement? And, have Sale hit rock bottom following their last-gasp defeat away to lowly Newcastle?

Plus, Saracens and England full-back Elliot Daly chats...

Alex and Will are in Bilbao to reflect on the Champions Cup final!

Bordeaux have won back-to-back titles to join the elite sides in European Club rugby. What makes them so special? It is now 6 years in a row that a French club have been crowned Champions of Europe, how can anyone catch them?

What does this defeat mean for Leinster? Their 5th Champions Cup final defeat in a row and is this one the most damaging of the lot?

Plus, do EPCR need to do more 'destination' cities for...

Steve Borthwick's latest England training squad includes Benhard Janse Van Rensburg, who has qualified on residency grounds. Does it make sense for him to be parachuted directly into the set up? Or is it a bad look for the RFU and their talent pipelines?

Alfie Reynolds, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher chat about that and the news that South African sides might pull out of the Champions Cup. Is this a good or a bad thing for the competition?

Bordeaux attack coach Noel McNamara speaks to Will ahead of the Champions Cup final...

Despite England having their worst ever men's 6 Nations campaign why has an RFU review backed Steve Borthwick in his role as head coach?

Alfie, Alex and Will discuss the RFU's decision, what needs to change for England and why the review process if so secretive.

Plus, they chat about whether Cornish Pirates will become a Prem club after they acquired funding from an American private equity group, the latest twists and turns in the race for the play-offs and Elgan joins them to look ahead to a grand slam decider in the Women's 6...

Bordeaux and Leinster reached the Champions Cup final after defeating Bath and Toulon, respectively. The defending champions Bordeaux now have a chance to win back-to-back titles, while Leinster will hope to finally end their Champions Cup drought.

But were Bath hard done by? It appeared that match officials were not shown replays for some high tackles. Was this the case?

Is it a problem unique to matches broadcast in France? Or is it a wider issue that needs fixing?

Plus, they discuss both semi-finals in detail, including Leo Cullen's bizarre, 6...

Shane Christie was one of the brightest rugby stars in New Zealand before suffering multiple concussions, leading to a brain injury that would slowly take everything from him. And his experience is far from unique. In this deeply personal account, David Walsh talks to Shane's former partner, Holly Parkes, to ask, What happened? What does Shane's story reveal about the sport he loved deeply? And can rugby survive the fallout? 

This is part one of a two-part special investigation into the crisis facing this global game. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to th...

The British & Irish Lions are exploring the possibility of touring Japan, Argentina or France. Is this a dangerous erosion of tradition? A shameless money grab? Or a brilliant thing to propel the Lions into a "different stratosphere"? And, what would it mean for the traditional tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia?

Alfie, Alex and Will are in studio to discuss the future of the Lions and ask what do they want to be in the professional era?

Elgan looks back on the latest round of the Women's 6 Nations and they discuss...

It was a week of contrasts in both the Prem and Women's 6 Nations.

In the Gallagher Prem the league continues to attract new investment but Sale were humiliated at home on Sunday, whilst Gloucester, Newcastle and Harlequins also suffered heavy defeats. Was that down to a lack of jeopardy due to no relegation? Or other factors?

Scotland v England at Murrayfield set a new record attendance for a standalone women's sporting event north of the border. But, on the pitch are the sides further apart than ever after England's thumping win? When will...

Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Charlie Morgan look back on the Champions Cup quarter-finals.

They ask which was better...Bath and Northampton's epic high-scoring tussle at The Rec? Or the heavyweight clash between Bordeaux and Toulouse?

Was Henry Pollock unlucky to be shown a yellow card so late in the contest? And, despite defeat, will Northampton be confident of getting revenge in the Prem final?

Are Leinster going under the radar and could they actually win the Champions Cup this season?

And, the boys look back on...

The last-16 of the Champions Cup delivered! Following an exciting weekend Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman, Alex Lowe and Mark Palmer look back on the action.

They chat about the competition finally bursting into life with some excellent matches including, the Stormers narrow defeat to Toulon and Bath getting past Saracens.

Elgan was in France to see Toulouse and Bordeaux dismantle Bristol and Leicester and asks if anyone can stop the two giants of French rugby?

Mark reflects on the fortunes of Edinburgh and Glasgow and whether Franco Smith's team could...

Following a trio of showpiece matches at big stadiums in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Will and Charlie are back in studio to review the action.

They discuss Geoff Parling's fiery altercation with broadcaster TNT before Gloucester vs Leicester and ask was the head coach right or wrong? And, does it summarise rugby's battle between traditionalists and those trying to modernise the game?

They also ask whether neutral semi-finals would be a good thing or damaging to the jeopardy in the season.

Castres tight-head prop, and Times columnist, Will Collier joins...

Sir James Dyson has become a 50% shareholder at Bath, so what does that mean for the club and for English domestic rugby?

Will it cement the clubs place at the top of the PREM for years to come? And it will it encourage further investment into the league?

Alfie Reynolds is joined by Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher to answer all those questions and chat about the return of the Prem. With Saracens' defeat is it now 5 teams vying for a spot in the top 4? Why are Harlequins lacking such an...

The 2026 6 Nations is over!

One of the great championships went down to the final kick of the final match. Thomas Ramos knocked over a penalty to break English hearts and deny Ireland the title.

The morning after the events in Paris, Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on an incredible finale and the tournament as a whole.

Where on earth has that England performance been? Does it soften the blow of England's worst ever 6 Nations campaign?

France are the champions...

Super Saturday is almost here as the 2026 6 Nations reaches its conclusion.

Who will win the title as France, Scotland and Ireland are all in the running?

In a championship that has had plenty of twists and turns, will there be another shock on the final weekend?

Alfie, Will and Alex are outside a Parisian cafe to look ahead to the weekend. They dive deep into England's struggles by tackling a mountain of listener questions and explaining what has gone wrong for Steve Borthwick's side. Will he remain as the head...

What a weekend of 6 Nations action!

Italy recorded their first-ever win against England, Scotland produced one of their best performances to put 50 points on France and Wales continued their revival in defeat to Ireland.

Alfie, Elgan and Charlie look back on all the action and ask where this weekend ranks all-time in 6 Nations history?

They also discuss what makes Scotland so impressive after their victory gives them a shot at the title on Super Saturday? How damaging was the defeat for France and what does it mean that they will...

England have lost to Italy for the first time!

Following a historic day in Rome, Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher are in the Stadio Olympico to unpack an incredible occasion and hugely damaging England defeat.

What does the future hold for Steve Borthwick? Can he continue as England head coach? How can a team that won 12 matches in a row suddenly look so lost?

They also heap praise on Italy and discuss why this is a significant moment for Italian rugby and the 6 Nations as a whole.

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England make the trip to Rome in the 6 Nations following two defeats and two terrible performances against Scotland and Ireland. So how much pressure are they under ahead of facing Italy on Saturday?

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are on the streets of the Eternal City to look ahead to the match. They chat about the raft of changes Steve Borthwick has made for the game and what that tells us about the position England find themselves in. Is it bold selection or panic?

They also speak with the Italy winger...

Last week the English league system saw its biggest shake-up since the dawn of professionalism: it was confirmed that from 2029/30 the PREM will change to a franchise system and there will be no promotion or relegation starting next season.

Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Stuart Barnes join Alfie Reynolds to chat about those developments. Is this an inevitable step to try and fix a system which doesn't work? Or is it betraying the very essence of sport?

They also look ahead to round 4 of the 6 Nations. How important is this week for England...

It's a fallow week in the 6 Nations so Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Stuart Barnes discuss all of the action from round three.

They chat about Scotland's nervy performance in Cardiff as Gregor Townsend's side (just!) got the victory. Was this Scotland banishing demons from previous campaigns? Or have they once again failed to back up an impressive performance against England?

Barnsey gives his verdict on what on earth is going wrong for England following a terrible day at Twickenham in defeat to Ireland. And, Elgan was in Lille as France remained unbeaten...

England's hopes of a 6 Nations title went up in smoke as they lost to Ireland at Twickenham.

Following a loss to Scotland a week ago, Steve Borthwick's side produced another lacklustre and dreadful performance.

Alfie, Will and Charlie try to pick through the bones of a galling defeat which will ask major questions of this England team. Will it be a performance which ends England careers for some players? Is this 6 Nations campaign salvageable? And, why have the wheels come off so spectacularly?

Plus, they chat about Ireland's excellent display!<...

Following defeat to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup last weekend, England host Ireland in round three of the 6 Nations on Saturday.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Charlie Morgan are at the England training base ahead of the match and ask whether England or Ireland are under more pressure heading into the fixture? They chat about Steve Borthwick's squad selection, with Henry Pollock making his first start and Maro Itoje set to earn his 100th cap for his country.

Jack Crowley is set to start at fly-half for the Irish, is that...

The second round of the 6 Nations produced plenty of thrills and spills! Scotland stunned England in Edinburgh, Ireland got up and running by beating Italy and Wales shipped fifty points in defeat to France.

Alfie Reynolds is joined by Elgan Alderman, Charlie Morgan and David Walsh to look back on the action and preview round three. They ask whether anyone will prevent a French Grand Slam? Whether there is any evidence to suggest Wales are able to win a match this year? And, how damaging was England's performance in the Calcutta Cup?

They...

Scotland destroyed England 31-20 to win the Calcutta Cup!

From the stands at Murrayfield Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer and Will Kelleher try to unpick a crazy match.

The ghosts of Calcutta Cups past came back to haunt England as they once again produced a lacklustre performance in Edinburgh. Their losing streak in the Scottish capital continues. But Scotland were brilliant and bounced back from defeat to Italy the week before.

What does this tell us about both sides? Are France the best side in the 6 Nations by some distance? And...

It's Calcutta Cup week as Scotland host England in the 6 Nations.

Alfie, Alex and Will are in Edinburgh to look ahead to the match. They discuss the pressure on Gregor Townsend and Scotland, England's poor record north of the border with their last win being back in 2020 and Steve Borthwick's squad for the match on Saturday.

They chat about England's continuing drive for positional versatility and ask 'how good are Scotland?' who come into the fixture on a poor run of form, despite the quality of their side on paper.

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On the opening weekend of the 6 Nations Scotland lost against Italy to heap pressure on Gregor Townsend, Ireland lost to France who produced a statement performance and England hammered Wales.

Alfie Reynolds is joined by Owen Slot and The Times' new signing, Charlie Morgan, to look back on all the action.

The boys discuss whether Townsend departing seems inevitable, whether Andy Farrell has done a poor job in regenerating this Ireland team and whether Thursday night 6 Nations rugby works.

Plus, they look ahead to round two which includes a massive...

England got their 6 Nations campaign up and running with a ruthless 48-7 victory over Wales who endured a torrid day at Twickenham.

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman look back on all the action and discuss whether the result actually could have been worse for Wales who saw four players yellow carded. And, where do Steve Tandy's side can go from here as they welcome France to Cardiff next weekend?

They look ahead to England's trip to Edinburgh to face Scotland, chat about who impressed the most including Henry Arundell who scored...