About
Hosted by Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, and David Pembroke, Rugby Unity is the global rugby podcast that tackles the game’s biggest issues — on and off the field. This is where strong opinions meet smart analysis.Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie bring decades of international coaching experience at the very top level, while David Pembroke draws on 35 years as a rugby journalist and strategist. Together, they cut through the noise with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.Rugby Unity is more than a podcast. It’s a community of fans, players, coaches, and leaders committed to securing rugby’s future prosperity worldwide.One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.Get in touch: [email protected] your question answered on the show: Rugby Unity SurveyGet FREE exclusive content: SubstackDive into the world of rugby: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest Episodes
View all 128 episodesThe Moana Pasifika Problem: Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie
Women’s Six Nations boom and world rugby’s bigger vision

S2 Ep 114Six Nations and Super Rugby through International Referee Angus Gardner
David Pembroke sits down with top referee Angus Gardner for a straight-talking look at what it really takes to run elite rugby, from Super Rugby to the Six Nations. Angus opens up on getting “poleaxed” in Chiefs v Highlanders, the back condition that ended his playing days, and how refereeing became his way to stay in the game. They unpack how referees manage 800 decisions a match, what the “critical few” actually means, and why transparency with fans could lift understanding fast. The big debates are front and centre: flow vs accuracy, the shape of the game, Mark Robinson’s review into yellow cards and the TMO, plus Eddie Jones’s idea of a centrally contracted World Rugby referee squad. There’s also a sharp chat on communication, profiling referees, and what a home Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027 could mean.Also in this episode:● Angus Gardner’s refereeing journey from age 15● Super Rugby’s “critical few” and weekly reviews● Flow vs accuracy: how referees balance both● Yellow card buckets and the 20-minute red● TMO scope: Super Rugby vs World Rugby rules● Nations Championship excitement and 2027 World Cup ambitionPLUS: Refereeing travel, downtime on tour, and the tight-knit elite officials group.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 113Eddie Jones' work ethic and World Rugby’s big calls
David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie hold the fort while Eddie Jones is away touring with Japan U23, and it kicks off with a blunt reality check on what “tour” really means for staff: more toil, more review, and a constant hunt for one-percenters. From there, it’s a sprint through the weekend’s biggest talking points: the Investec European Rugby Championship’s eye-watering Round of 16 scorelines and why the tournament still struggles to cut through globally, plus Super Rugby’s Week 8 results and what the Western Force’s win over the Reds says about form, intent, and momentum. They also get into the uncomfortable truths around crowd numbers, the economics of attending live sport, and why rugby still lives and dies by referee interpretation, even with technology. Add in 2027 World Cup pillars, women’s rugby momentum, South African schools theatre, and Henry Pollock signing with Eddie Hearn.Also in this episode:● Eddie Jones touring: early starts, late finishes, relentless review● One-percenters in coaching: travel, jet lag, and talent ID● Investec European Rugby Championship lacks continuity and cut-through● Super Rugby Week 8: Crusaders, Chiefs, Force statement win● Referee profiles, 800 decisions a match, and TMO frustration● Women’s Six Nations, Pacific Four, and England ticket sales surgePLUS: The episode keeps circling one question: how rugby stays relevant, watchable, and financially sustainable.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 112USA Rugby’s big build to World Rugby 2031: Bill Goren CEO of USA Rugby
USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren joins David Pembroke for a straight, practical look at what it will really take to grow rugby in the United States before LA 2028, then the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and women’s in 2033. From the grassroots reality of a niche, club-led sport across a huge country, to the push for high school varsity status, NCAA progress on the women’s side, and the challenge of making rugby easy to find in a crowded US sports market, Goren lays out the opportunities and the hard bits. There’s also the big-ticket showcase: All Blacks v Springboks in Baltimore, plus what USA Rugby must do to turn one-off events into lasting fans, participation, and community support. And with the Eagles qualified for 2027, the focus turns to getting more time together, improving faster, and building a genuine pathway from kids to Test rugby.Also in this episode:● Bill Goren’s background across US pro sports● Why rugby is still niche in the United States● Imagine Rugby reaches about 500,000 kids in three years● High school and NCAA status: the next big targets● All Blacks v Springboks Baltimore: fan experience and strategy● USA Eagles plans after qualifying for 2027PLUS: How USA Rugby plans to align grassroots, high performance, and values like inclusion.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 111World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin on Rugby’s Global Calendar, the Strategic Plan + RWC USA 2031
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin joins David Pembroke to discuss the real hard questions facing our sport at the moment – rugby’s global calendar, player safety and cashflow are just the tip of the iceberg. Gilpin breaks down the real tension World Rugby is trying to solve: accuracy and flow, without treating it as a trade-off, and why too many law tweaks make life harder for officials moving between competitions. He explains the Mark Robinson match officiating review, what “shape of the game” stakeholders are pushing for, and why the strategic plan (targeting an early May launch) is centred on fans, player welfare, and growing the sport’s commercial engine. There’s also a big look ahead: strong early Rugby World Cup 2027 ticket demand in Australia, the long runway to USA 2031 and 2033, and how rugby can win in a brutal “attention economy”.● Alan Gilpin’s rugby journey from Gloucestershire to World Rugby● Six Nations weekend: Scotland v France, Italy’s big moments● Match officiating: accuracy versus flow is not a trade-off● Law trials across comps make consistency harder for referees● Mark Robinson review: TMO use, philosophy, elite officiating model● World Rugby strategy: fans, player welfare, commercial growth, USA 2031PLUS: Gilpin argues rugby’s future is more fans consuming more rugby, more often.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE:https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 110Six Nations innovations, Super Rugby law trials + introducing the Big 3!
SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE:https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈David Pembroke is joined by Ewen McKenzie (with Eddie Jones in San Diego) to rip through what’s changing in Super Rugby and what rugby still gets wrong off-field. Ewen breaks down the experimental laws: no more caterpillar rucks, faster ball, 30-second scrum set calls, and more quick taps that keep defences unstructured. They also flag a noticeable shift in how refs are handling intercept knock-ons and yellow cards, and the bigger issue: why World Rugby won’t clearly explain what’s changed. From there, it’s back to the Six Nations: what made it so competitive, why England’s Steve Borthwick looks set to stay through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and what selection and combinations might unlock them. Plus, Rugby Unity launches “The Big Three” on Substack, and they finish with Third Voice questions covering Wallabies physicality, Rugby World Cup 2027 conditions, alignment camps, and whether the Iran Israel War could disrupt the Nations championship.● Super Rugby law trials speed up rucks and scrums● Quick taps increase tempo and punish disorganised defence● Yellow card trend shifts on intercept knock-ons● World Rugby transparency and communication under the microscope● Six Nations competitiveness, England review, Steve Borthwick stays● Rugby Unity launches “The Big Three” Substack digestPLUS: David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie argue rugby must market itself harder, explain the laws better, and make it easier for fans to follow the game.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 109Does World Rugby needs fans on the board? Interview with United Rugby Fans founder Mark Philpott
David Pembroke is joined by Mark Philpott, a New Zealander based in Cancun who’s building United Rugby Fans, a fast-growing movement aimed at giving rugby supporters a real seat at the table with unions and World Rugby. Mark lays out why he thinks the game’s finances, grassroots infrastructure, and volunteer fatigue are the biggest pressure points, and why “fan empowerment” matters more than likes and clicks. They talk lessons from Football Supporters Europe, how fans ended the proposed Super League and earned a seat on UEFA’s board, and what rugby can copy to unlock smarter decision-making and better investment. Mark outlines URF’s plan to gather large-scale polling and survey data, plus early projects including a charity division, URF TV with Stacey Paetz, and a new global rugby book with contributors including Gordon Bray. The big question: can rugby act before a crisis forces change?● United Rugby Fans aims for a seat at World Rugby● Mark Philpott’s global nomad path to Cancun● Grassroots rugby needs cash, facilities, and volunteer support● Data, polling, and surveys to map fan priorities● Football Supporters Europe model and UEFA board representation● URF TV, charity work, book, and global awardsPLUS: A practical debate on how rugby can grow revenue beyond the World Cup cycle.Check out United Rugby Fans here: https://www.urfans.org/ 👈Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 108Six Nations Final Weekend: England v France classic, Ireland v Scotland + Wales v Italy
A Guinness Six Nations finale for the ages, and Rugby Unity breaks it all down. David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to review Ireland 43 Scotland 21, Wales powering past Italy, and that breathtaking England v France finish, 48–46, decided by the last kick. They get specific on why Ireland’s evolution under Andy Farrell is working, how Jamison Gibson-Park is running games differently to most nines, and why Scotland’s “disruptor” identity both lifts them and leaves them exposed. Wales’ momentum, selection consistency, and key spine players get a proper look, while Italy’s emotional hangover after their famous England win becomes a coaching case study. Then it’s straight into the big debates: advantage plus cynical play, yellow cards, 15 v 15, and whether Steve Borthwick should really be under pressure, with Michael Cheika rumours swirling.● Ireland 43 Scotland 21: depth, pace, control● Gibson-Park influence compared with Dupont and other nines● Wales selection consistency rewarded; Italy slow start punished● England v France 48–46: micro moments decide everything● Yellow cards, advantage, and 15 v 15 debate● Nations Championship Round 1 fixtures and why it mattersPLUS: World Rugby anti-doping investigation news involving Georgia, plus Rugby Europe Championship results and what’s coming in July.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 107Six Nations Super Saturday Preview! Ireland v Scotland, Wales v Italy + Le Crunch?
Super Saturday is here and Rugby Unity sets the table for a massive final weekend of the Six Nations, with David Pembroke joined by Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones. Before the previews, the boys get stuck into World Rugby’s new Nations Championship, why it adds real jeopardy to north v south match-ups, and why a global season still feels stuck in the mud. Then it’s into the match-ups: Ireland v Scotland in Dublin and how Ireland’s control, phase pressure and aerial contest can squeeze Finn Russell, even with Scotland’s confidence soaring. Wales v Italy gets billed as a surprise blockbuster, with Italy handling rare favouritism and Wales chasing a long-awaited win. And at the Stade de France, France v England brings heat, selection calls, emotional control, and the media pressure that comes with it.● World Rugby Nations Championship format and fixture excitement● Why a global season change looks unlikely pre-2028● Ireland v Scotland: contrasting styles and Finn Russell pressure● Wales v Italy: Italy favourites, Wales building belief● France v England: title stakes and emotional control● Eddie Jones on England’s kicking debate and media noisePLUS: A wider look at World Rugby governance, transparency, and faster decision-making.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 106Incredible Italy beat England in Rome, Scotland trump France at Murrayfield + Ireland hold off Wales
A blockbuster Six Nations weekend set the bar, and David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie reckon the biggest winner might have been World Rugby’s officiating. Scotland’s 50–40 shootout over France lit up Murrayfield, with the sunlight, kick-off tactics, discipline and Finn Russell’s influence all dissected. Ireland held off a fast-improving Wales 27–17, with big raps for Steve Tandy’s coaching and the rise of names like Rhys Carré and Dewi Lake. Then came Italy’s historic 23–18 first win over a flat England, with Maro Itoje’s late yellow card and Steve Borthwick’s pressure boiling over into an RFU statement. Off-field, Pemby notes Eddie Jones is in Sri Lanka for Chelsea’s wedding, but still ran coaching clinics and sessions for players ahead of tests vs New Zealand Under 85kg tour in April. Plus substitutions, fatigue, scrum data, instrumented mouthguards, and Rugby Europe Championship results.● Six Nations refereeing praised: tempo, authority, minimal TMO● Scotland 50–40 France: sun, kick-offs, discipline, lineout strike● Ireland edge Wales 27–17 as Wales keep improving● Italy beat England 23–18 as England discipline collapses● Substitutions, fatigue, and whether rugby needs fewer law changesPLUS: Nations Championship excitement grows as north-south battles loom, while Rugby Europe Championship finals day in Madrid sets up a full Saturday of matches.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 105Can Scotland beat France? Dave Rennie's Appointment + Italy v England & Ireland v Wales
Dave Rennie is confirmed as the new All Blacks coach, and Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie break down what it means, right now, with two years to a World Cup. David Pembroke digs into whether the All Blacks actually change style, what happens at 9 and 10, and why Rennie’s lack of attachment to any Super Rugby franchise could light a fire under selection pressure. There’s also a big Rugby World Cup 2027 ticketing update: 750,000 tickets sold in the initial pre-sale, with huge demand for Australia v New Zealand and knockout matches, plus the next application phase opening 19th of May. Then it’s straight into the Guinness Six Nations restart: Ireland v Wales at the Aviva, Scotland v France at Murrayfield with Angus Gardner in the middle, and Italy v England in Rome after Borthwick’s sweeping changes.Also in this episode:● Dave Rennie named new All Blacks coach● What changes in All Blacks style under Rennie?● Roigard, Barrett, Mo’unga selection pressure discussed● Brodie Retallick’s form in Japan highlighted heavily● Rugby World Cup 2027 tickets: 750,000 sold fast● Six Nations previews: Ireland v Wales, Scotland v France, Italy v EnglandPLUS: The panel debates World Rugby priorities, domestic competition sustainability, and what “hard decisions” really mean in coaching selections.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 104The Shape of the Game Review, England’s DNA + Super Rugby Roundup
World Rugby’s Shape of the Game summit was billed as a fix-it moment, but David Pembroke, Eddie Jones, and Ewen McKenzie aren’t buying the “no changes to the law” message. From depowered scrums and TMO scope, to red cards and the push for more 15-on-15 time, the crew break down why the sport’s governance keeps kicking the can down the road. There’s heat on the size and power of councils, with comparisons to the RFU’s reforms, plus frustration at the lack of transparency around the global season. On the field, the chat jumps from Ireland vs England and England’s “DNA”, to Super Rugby talking points like Brumbies vs Blues and the Fijian Drua beating the Hurricanes, plus a look at how kicking is shaping results. There’s also a quick snapshot of Germany’s broadcast boost and big Rugby Europe scorelines.Also in this episode:● World Rugby says no law changes after The Shape of the Game summit● Eddie Jones: too many people, no decisions made● Brumbies beat Blues 30-27 after yellow card swing● England reaction after Ireland loss and George Ford debate● Ewen McKenzie explains how scrums have been depowered● Super Rugby kicking stats: Reds, Drua, Crusaders, ChiefsPLUS: A blunt debate on governance, transparency, and whether rugby’s product matches its commercial ambitions.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 103Don’t Touch the Scrums! Shape of the Game Preview + Six Nations vs Super
David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie unpack the big agenda items that will be covered in the Shape of the Game conference in London, starting with the push to “depower” scrums and replace some restarts with free kicks. Eddie and Ewen are blunt: keep the scrum, speed it up, and protect rugby as a game for all shapes and sizes. From there, it’s straight into the global season debate, with both backing alignment for player welfare while warning everyone has to sacrifice something, not just Super Rugby. The 20-minute red card sparks a wider argument about keeping 15 on 15, with Ewen pitching better use of existing referee tools and stronger post-match sanctions. They also get into Six Nations form (Ireland’s response against England), Super Rugby trends, kicking and “meaningful” stats, plus quick hits on Andy Farrell, Stephen Larkham, injuries, Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s record run, and Rugby Europe Championship shocks.Also in this episode:● Eddie Jones rejects any move to depower scrums● Ewen McKenzie says scrums are already overmanaged● Global season backed to protect player welfare properly● 20-minute red card debate turns into 15v15 argument● Ireland v England analysed: intent, collisions, line speed● Super Rugby vs Six Nations stats: points, tries, ball-in-playPLUS: World Rugby transparency, refereeing consistency, and how attack trends are shifting across Six Nations and Super Rugby.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 102Ireland smash England, Sublime France + Scotland’s Narrow Escape from the Welsh!
Ireland dismantle England 42-21 at Twickenham and David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie pull apart why it got ugly. Ewen says England simply did not turn up physically, fell off tackles, lost the aerial contest and never got to their usual attacking kick game, while Ireland kept the tempo high with quick taps and sharp work in the air. Eddie adds a coach’s view from inside the stadium: Andy Farrell’s management of Jamison Gibson-Park, Ireland’s flatter “off nine” attack, and England’s emotional control going missing when the game turned. Scotland then survive a huge scare to beat Wales 26-23 after Wales led 20-3, before France continue their surge with a 33-8 win over Italy, with talk of Dupont’s influence, France’s collision wins, and what it takes to slow them down. The episode closes with World Rugby’s “Shape of the Game”, world rankings, and a big Brumbies statement win over the Crusaders.● Ireland’s tempo and aerial dominance breaks England early● Eddie Jones on England leadership and preparation drift● Gibson-Park and Ireland attacking flatter off nine● Scotland escape Wales ambush after 20-3 lead● France 33-8 Italy: Dupont, Ramos, collision wins● World Rugby TMO debate: speed, sovereignty, forward passesPLUS: The panel also hits World Rugby rankings, Rugby Europe Championship results, Under 20s Six Nations scores, and why Super Rugby’s Brumbies look the form team.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 101Six Nations Round 3: England v Ireland Showdown + Scotland eye up Wales & could France slip up against Italy
Six Nations round three is stacked, and Rugby Unity goes straight to the pressure points. David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie preview England v Ireland at Twickenham, including Jack Crowley starting at 10, Gibson-Park’s influence, and the big selection calls around Curry and Pollock, plus the ruck-speed battle and how the referee could shape it. There’s a proper salute to Maro Itoje on his 100th cap, and a blunt look at Wales v Scotland in Cardiff, including Wales’ current depth challenge and the impact of Matthew Carley’s card history. France v Italy in Lille gets the full treatment too, with real belief in Italy’s hardness, breakdown contest, kicking accuracy, and how an “off” France could be vulnerable. Then the chat widens: what’s actually happening across the Six Nations after two rounds, why intent and luck swing results, and why Super Rugby attacks can look stuck behind heavy line speed.● England v Ireland: Crowley starts, Gibson-Park returns● Curry’s match time and Pollock’s starting question● Itoje’s 100th test and England togetherness pressure● Wales v Scotland: Wales depth issues, Carley cards● France v Italy: Italy breakdown, kicking, real upset chance● Six Nations themes: intent, luck, discipline, short tournamentPLUS: Eddie and Ewen break down coaching messages, culture, and why structured attack is being tested by breakdown pressure and contestable kicks.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 100Six Nations: Superb Scotland, Fearsome France and Ireland escape Italy!
What a weekend of Six Nations rugby! The panel of David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie breakdown France’s slick skill, Scotland’s resilience, and Ireland’s relentless hustle. Plus, listen in as they scrutinize refereeing decisions, TMO controversies, and the evolving shape of the game. We also explore player movements to Super Rugby, top work-rates from Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx, and covers scores from Rugby Europe and U20 competitions. With a preview of this weekend’s clash between England and Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and France versus Italy, this is your must-listen take on rugby’s most heated debates.● Six Nations clash summaries and highlights● Refereeing controversies: yellow cards, TMOs, and decision inconsistencies● Player transfers: Warner Dearns and Harada into Super Rugby● Work-rate analysis: Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx● Scores from Rugby Europe Championship and U20 competitions● Upcoming match preview: England v Ireland, Wales v Scotland, France v ItalyPLUS: the ongoing quest for refereeing clarity, the future shape of rugby governance, and the relentless pursuit of faster, more exciting rugby.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 99Men’s Six Nations Rugby: Italy to upset Ireland + Can anyone stop England?
Six Nations rugby explodes this weekend as Ireland host Italy at the Aviva Stadium, Scotland take on England at Murrayfield and France travel to Cardiff to face Wales. Can Italy back up their Rome roar in Dublin, will England’s bench decide the Murrayfield test, or can Wales upset a reshuffled France in Cardiff?David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie as they put on their coaches' hats to pick apart selections, set-piece and breakdown battles, box kicks and game plans. Also in the episode: Rugby Europe headlines including Germany v Portugal, Super Rugby kick-off, the Raeburn Shield storyline and our Third Voice fan segment with tactical calls, tips and the week’s big questions.● Ireland vs Italy: Can Italy challenge in Dublin?● Scotland’s uphill battle at Murrayfield● France makes bold squad changes for Cardiff● Wales aims to shake off underdog status● Super Rugby season kicks off with intense clashes● The story of the Raeburn Shield and its historical significancePLUS: facing coaching pressures, fan voices from around the world, and the future of rugby competitions like the Nation's Championship.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 98Six Nations: Italy upsets Scotland, England dominates Wales + the TMO Strikes Again!
David Pembroke and rugby legends Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie break down Italy’s narrow victory over Scotland in Rome amidst wet conditions, Scotland’s struggles with set-piece consistency, and England’s commanding win over Wales. They tear into refereeing controversies surrounding yellow cards, propose bold solutions to restore game integrity, and forecast the biggest clashes in the second round, including Ireland vs Italy, Scotland vs England, and France against Wales. Plus, insights on the future of rugby amid global expansion, grassroots growth challenges, and the giant scale of the NFL’s business empire.Italy shocks Scotland in Rome — a tactical masterclass and weather can’t dampen the Six Nations dramaEngland dominates Wales in a physical clash, with refereeing controversies overshadowing the actionDiscussions around game integrity: yellow cards, consistency, and the future of officiatingRugby’s global perspective — travel, broadcast numbers, and the rise of Germany and RomaniaThe NFL’s winning formula — spectacle, billion-dollar ads, and potential lessons for rugbyPLUS: tackling game integrity issues, the future prospects of rugby in North America, and how grassroots participation can flourish in a professional era.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 Ep 97Men’s Six Nations France vs Ireland recap + Rugby World Cup 2027 Fixtures
In this episode of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to dissect the explosive start to the Six Nations, including France's commanding 36-14 victory over Ireland in Paris. They analyze France's tactical brilliance, the evolution of lineout laws, and the supercharged depth of French rugby. With insights into Ireland's struggles, England's strategic rebuild, and Wales' uphill battle amid ticketing struggles, this episode is a deep dive into the key storylines shaping rugby's biggest tournament. Plus, they tackle potential World Cup matchups, recent law trials in Super Rugby, and the critical role of coaching structures in a fast-changing game.● France's dominant win over Ireland — what does it mean for Six Nations and World Cup prospects?● The evolving debate on lineout contestity and law changes in rugby● French rugby's strategic depth — how youth policies and club success fuel national strength● Insights into England and Wales' tournament outlook amidst team rebuilding● Impact of recent Super Rugby law trials and TMO regulations● The importance of stable coaching teams and assistant roles in modern rugbyPLUS: the future of rugby law interpretations, the significance of community connections in World Cups, and the unfolding narrative of team depth and strategic innovation.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.