The Ruck

England defeated Scotland 16-15 at Twickenham to win the Calcutta Cup for the first time in five years and keep their chances of winning the Six Nations alive. Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look back on a disjointed match in which Scotland wasted a number of opportunities. They ask if Gregor Townsend's side were unlucky, what went wrong for Finn Russell from the tee and where both sides go from here. Plus, what does the result and performances mean for a number of British and Irish Lions hopefuls? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe preview the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham this weekend. Mark is at the Scotland camp and discusses Finn Russell starting and whether the underdog tag helps Gregor Townsend's side. Whilst Alfie, Alex and Will are at the England training base and react to Ted Hill replacing George Martin in the matchday 23, why Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has now had shoulder surgery and how massive the match at Twickenham is for both sides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are joined by Sam Warburton to preview round three of the Six Nations. They look at the issues facing Welsh rugby following Warren Gatland's departure and question how much of an impact the interim head coach Matt Sherratt will have on the squad. Plus they look ahead to the Calcutta Cup between England and Scotland, discuss which openside flanker will miss out on the British and Irish Lions tour and debate the England fly-half position. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales' head coach in the middle of the Six Nations! Alfie, Will and Alex react to the bombshell news and also speak with Times columnist and former England forward Courtney Lawes. He chats about England's victory over France, his former club teammate Fin Smith and building upon victory. Mark Palmer reviews Scotland's limp defeat to Ireland at Murrayfield, the boys go through some of the listeners emails and question is this year's Six Nations destined to now be an Irish procession? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England beat France 26-25 in an exhilarating match at Twickenham to breath fresh life into their Six Nations campaign. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are in the stands to reflect on a massive victory for England. They ask what changed for them to be able to get over the line in a tight game, where it leaves Steve Borthwick's side heading into a rest week and if this golden generation of French players have let another opportunity slip through their fingers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of England hosting France at Twickenham in the Six Nations this weekend Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher react to the team selected by Steve Borthwick. They discuss Fin Smith starting at fly-half with Marcus Smith moving to full-back and ask the question of how big a match is this for England after their defeat to Ireland? Alfie also sits down to chat to Fin Smith as he prepares to start for the first time. Plus they are joined by L'Equipe writer Guillaume Dufy to get a French perspective on this England squad and Les Bleus hopes of winning another Six Nations title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the opening round of the 2025 Six Nations Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher review all the action and cast their eyes forward to this weekend. They're at England's training base where they speak with second-row Ollie Chessum about responding to defeat to Ireland and why England's bench continues to struggle making an impact. Mark Palmer previews a huge game for Scotland at home to the Irish, they go through the Ruck listeners burning questions and ask if there is any hope for Wales? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following England's 27-22 defeat to Ireland in the opening round of the 6 Nations, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes react to another disappointing defeat for Steve Borthwick's side. They ask why they continually lose to the best sides in the world, what they can do to change their fortunes and what hope they have next week against France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 Six Nations gets underway on Friday night as France host Wales in Paris. Shaun Edwards spent years with the Welsh team during Warren Gatland's first tenure and is now the French defence coach. He chats to Will Kelleher about his big milestone in this years championship, coaching Antoine Dupont, the struggles for rugby in Wales and what the 6 Nations means to him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the 6 Nations Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Mark Palmer preview the 2025 championship. They go through each team and address the big questions! How will Ireland fare without Andy Farrell? Are France the favorites? Is it now or never for Scotland? How on earth will England get on? And will Italy versus Wales be the wooden spoon decider? Plus, they also provide an update on Bill Sweeney, the RFU CEO, who spoke to the media last week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many teams can truly win this year's Champions Cup? Following the conclusion of the pool stages Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Peter O'Reilly look back on the action at the weekend and question whether anyone outside of Leinster, Toulouse or Bordeaux can win it. They discuss Beno Obano's red card for Bath in Dublin, whether out of the English clubs remaining Northampton are the team who could go the furthest and some big injury news for Scotland and England ahead of the 6 Nations. Plus, they touch on Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and France's squads which were announced last week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England have named their squad ahead of the 2025 6 Nations and Maro Itoje is the new captain, replacing Jamie George. Alfie, Will and Alex are at Twickenham to react to the squad and the change in captaincy. Plus, they're joined by head coach Steve Borthwick who explains why Itoje is the right man to now lead the team, whether the Premiership prepares English players for test matches and how good this young side can be in the years to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's another week and another update on the future of RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney. Alfie is back from Australia so he and Will try to explain what is happening and whether Sweeney will survive the latest attempt to remove him. Plus, they look ahead to the final round of pool fixtures in the Champions Cup and England's 6 Nations squad, which will be announced on Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are here for the first podcast of 2025!And because it is the first podcast of the year we have decided to kick things off with a bang! South Africa's double World Cup winning lock Eben Etzebeth joins us to reflect on his sensational 2024, his aims for the year ahead and his thoughts on South African sides in Europe and the huge clash this weekend with Toulouse!Plus.... Wlll and Alex give their halfway report on the Gallagher Premiership with the competition at its midway point, and we answer some of your criticism regarding our Lions Test XV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 2025 right around the corner Alfie, Alex and Will look ahead to the British and Irish Lions tour next year. They sit down to select their starting Lions matchday twenty-three for the first test against the Wallabies and run into some interesting selection dilemmas! Should they pick players based in France? Does Owen Farrell go on the tour? And, is it dangerous to go with a 6-2 bench split? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we reach the end of 2024 Alfie, Will and Alex have named their 15-a-side men's team for the year. Does Antoine Dupont get selected despite missing a chunk of the season to play 7s at the Olympics? Do any English players get in? And, what weighting do they give to the club game as well as international matches? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the second round of action in Europe, Will, Alex and Elgan discuss if the South African teams are a help or hinderance to the competitionStormers head coach John Dobson was on the receiving end of a heavy defeat away at Harlequins, he joins the podcast to explain how he believes South African sides can remain competitive in the competition, and says it's too early to consider removing them.Northampton made it two wins from two in the competition, they defeated the Bulls away from home, and we speak to Alex Coles about the win and if it can be a springboard for success in their Premiership campaign.Plus we get an update on 'bonus gate' with the RFU set to hold a meeting later this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the opening round of the Champions Cup Alfie and Will look back on the action and question whether the fixtures revealed anything they didn't already know about the teams and the competition. They also discuss a disappointing set of results for the English clubs and look ahead to the games this coming weekend. Plus, they have an update on the RFU bonuses 'scandal' and the latest on Coventry wanting to earn promotion to the Premiership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the news that Bill Sweeney and other RFU executives received hefty bonuses, Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe explain why this has happened when the union posted record losses. Alex reveals the reaction it has provoked from senior England players, RFU employees and the grassroots clubs and why it is another sign that those at the top of the RFU are out of touch. Plus, Alfie chats to the former Ireland international Simon Zebo to preview the start of the Champions Cup and the new women's 15s player of the year Ellie Kildunne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England beat Japan on Sunday to finish their Autumn so Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher discuss where the team currently are and ask if they have an identity crisis? Alex chats to former England psychologist Dan Abrahams about the what they can do from a mental standpoint to change their tight losses into victories, Alfie and Mark Palmer reflect on Scotland ending the year with a win over the Wallabies, plus the boys talk about Warren Gatland's future and the World Player of the Year winners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's November internationals end this weekend as they host Eddie Jones' Japan at Twickenham. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe look ahead to the match and ask what England have to gain following three losses on the bounce and question how many changes Steve Borthwick will make. Plus, Owen Slot joins to discuss Eddie Jones and his England tenure after his regime was put back in the headlines this month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie, Alex and Will are back, following defeats for Wales and England over the weekend, to talk about the future of Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatland. Mark Palmer and Peter O'Reilly discuss wins for Ireland and Scotland. Plus, the boys chat about reports of a breakaway franchise league and whether it could revolutionise domestic rugby or destroy the current system and they react to the nominations for World Rugby's player of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following England's 20-29 defeat to South Africa, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher review the action at Twickenham. They discuss how much pressure Steve Borthwick is under following another defeat and whether the perception of England as a rugby nation needs to be altered. Plus, they praise the Springboks for another hard fought win when not at their best and the brilliant performance from Cheslin Kolbe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe look ahead to England v South Africa this weekend. Courtney Lawes joins the pod to explain what it is like facing the Springboks, the challenge England are coming up against and the bad blood between the two sides after last year's World Cup semi-final. The boys also react to Steve Borthwick and Rassie Erasmus' team selections and ask whether playing the back-to-back world champions is the toughest thing to do in rugby and how England can get a much needed win? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are back at Twickenham to react to England's defeat against Australia. They ask where does it leave England's Autumn campaign? Why do they keep losing tight matches? And, have Australia shown they can compete on next years British and Irish Lions tour? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of England facing Australia this weekend Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher speak to the Sydney Morning Herald's Iain Payten about Joe Schmidt's Wallabies, including the state of Aussie rugby and whether they will be competitive for the British and Irish Lions tour next year. Peter O'Reilly also joins the pod to preview Ireland's match against New Zealand on Friday night. Plus, Will and Alfie discuss the big talking points from England's team selection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot were at Twickenham to watch England fall narrowly short against New Zealand again! From an empty Twickenham they react to another slim defeat in a game where they were leading and also discuss Joe Marler's retirement from international rugby. Plus, Mark Palmer joins the pod to assess Scotland's victory over Fiji and look ahead to an Autumn defining match-up against South Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's Autumn campaign gets underway this weekend against New Zealand so Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look ahead to the match. They discuss Steve Borthwick's team selection including Henry Slade and Ben Spencer's inclusion, as well as the importance of the match for Steve Borthwick's side. And, they discuss Joe Marler's comments on the Haka where he questioned it's place in the sport and how teams should be allowed to challenge it more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the November internationals Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher preview England's matches. They ask 'what is success?' for Steve Borthwick's side over the next month and hear from scrum-half Ben Spencer who is aiming to nail down a spot in the side. They chat to New Zealand CEO Mark Robinson about World Rugby's elections, the 20 minute red card trial and taking Nations Championship matches to the Middle East. Plus, they round up the Premiership after the opening 6 rounds and provide an update on the England player contracts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 has the potential to be a seminal year for women's rugby, as England hosts the World Cup. The Red Roses are the heavy favorites, so could the tournament do what the Euros did for the England women's football team? Alfie Reynolds and Elgan Alderman discuss how the major nations are shaping up ahead of next year and speak with Chief of Women's Rugby at World Rugby Sally Horrox about the exciting future for the sport and some of the challenges it faces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World Rugby are trialling 20 minute red cards in the upcoming November internationals. Will Kelleher, Stuart Barnes and Alfie Reynolds explain why and ask whether it is a good initiative or complicates an already confusing disciplinary process. Will speaks to England and Bath second-row Charlie Ewels to get a players perspective on the new rule. Plus the boys also discuss England's squad for their matches against New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Japan and review the Premiership over the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Elgan Alderman are back with the pod to run through all the action over the weekend. As well as rounding up 'derby weekend' in the Premiership, they discuss the possibility of 'away sections' in rugby and whether it would be a good idea or does it go against rugby's traditional values? Plus, an update on the expanded Championship and if it's fair for Wasps, Worcester and London Irish to be parachuted back into the second tier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of 'Derby Weekend' in the Gallagher Premiership Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds ask what is the biggest rivalry in the division? Will chats to Stuart Barnes who played for Bristol and Bath, as well as the former Northampton back-row Tom Wood for his insight into the East Midlands derby against Leicester. The boys also look back on the Premiership action over the weekend, dissect Steve Borthwick's England training squad and provide an update on Borthwick's attempts to rebuild his coaching setup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How big of a threat is French rugby to the English domestic game? Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds discuss whether the booming French system poses an existential threat to England, it follows a number of high profile England players deciding to play their rugby in France. To help them answer that question, Will chats to the Brive president Simon Gillham who discusses financial regulation, a successful TV deal and promotion/relegation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England have announced a new defence coach in Joe El-Abd but he'll take on the position part-time, whilst Felix Jones serves his notice period from Ireland. It's all a bit messy so Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds answer the big questions on what it means for Steve Borthwick and England ahead of the Autumn. Plus, they look back on the Premiership action at the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gallagher Premiership returned on the weekend but was it the spectacle that fans were hoping for? Bath were brilliant on Friday night to beat Northampton in a re-match of last seasons final but plenty of other matches were error strewn and sloppy. Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds ask why that was the case and whether rugby has an issue with the product on display? Plus, they review the opening weekend and explain the change to ITV's weekly Premiership highlights show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher made the trip to Manchester to have a chat with England and Sale fly-half George Ford. Injury ruled Ford out of England's summer tour so as well as previewing the new Premiership season he reflects on the matches against New Zealand, his fitness and return to playing, plus a possible move to rugby league at the end of his career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the Premiership season Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe make the trip to Newcastle to preview the new campaign. Following a season where the Falcons lost all of their matches they ask whether they can compete in the division this season? To help them answer that question they speak to Director of Rugby Steve Diamond, captain Callum Chick and Chairman Matt Thompson about the challenges that rugby in the North-East faces, Saudi Arabian investment, promotion/relegation and what success looks like for the club. Plus, are last seasons runners-up Bath favorites for the title this year? And, are we set for another hugely competitive race for the play-offs? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pod is back! Ahead of the new season Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher return with news about the new Professional Game Partnership. What is it? And why should supporters care? They go through some of the major talking points including the power it gives England head coach Steve Borthwick and plans for the second tier. They also discuss the shock resignation of England's defence coach Felix Jones and the renaming of Twickenham to Allianz Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the end of the season! Well, pretty much. Whilst Scotland and Wales still have matches to play, England and Ireland concluded their summer series against New Zealand and South Africa. Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher have one final dispatch from New Zealand as England lost narrowly to the All Blacks for the second week in a row. Was this another opportunity missed? And how do England become a team that wins tight matches against the top sides? And, Alfie Reynolds is joined by Peter O'Reilly to chat about Ireland's drawn series against the Springboks thanks to a last second drop goal. Is it the best result of the Andy Farrell era? Whilst Steve James and Mark Palmer to round-up results for Wales and Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie McCaw is one of the legends of the game. The double world cup winning former All Black captain did it all in an illustrious playing career. He sat down to chat with Will Kelleher and even went flying in a helicopter! They discuss life after rugby including commercial helicopter flying, extreme endurance racing and the pressure and privilege of leading the All Blacks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the first tests of the summer tours the podcast comes to you from around the world! Will and Alex reflect on England's narrow defeat to the All Blacks and ask whether it was a missed opportunity or further signs of the side making progress? Alfie chats to Peter O'Reilly who is in South Africa for Ireland's tour against the Springboks and Mark Palmer who was in Canada for Scotland's thumping victory. Plus Steve James is across Wales' tour Down Under where Warren Gatland's side suffered another defeat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of England's first test against the All Blacks this weekend, Will Kelleher asks 'how do you win in New Zealand?'. England have only won a test on New Zealand soil twice in their history, the last time being 2003. He chats to Lawrence Dallalgio and Neil Back who both played (and were sin binned!) in that victory 21 years ago. They reminisce about the tour which was a brutal pre-World Cup warm-up, getting kicked off the set of The Lord of the Rings and the unique challenge of taking on the All Blacks in their own backyard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The July tours are here! Ahead of All Blacks versus England and Springboks against Ireland Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Peter O'Reilly look ahead to the test series. Will and Alex are on the ground in New Zealand and discuss the type of match we could see, what would be 'success' for England on the tour, and the AB's appearing nervous. Will also chats to England number 8 Ben Earl and finds out what a test week looks like from a players perspective. And, Peter previews a highly-anticipated series between the World Champions and European champions as the mind games have started in South Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of England's two test series against the All Blacks, Will Kelleher chats to former New Zealand coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster. They discuss the honour and pressure of leading the All Blacks, as well as some of their great memories from World Cup wins to a dominant 2016. They also chat about the challenges facing rugby in New Zealand, look ahead to the up-coming series with Scott Robertson now in charge of the side and give their views on England following a World Cup semi-final appearance last year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds and Mark Palmer reflect on Glasgow's incredible victory in the URC final. Mark joins the pod from Loftus Versfeld in South Africa just hours after the full-time whistle, a match he says is the greatest victory for any Scottish side in the history of professional rugby! Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe were in Tokyo as England's summer tour got underway with a victory, they dissect the performance from Steve Borthwick's side, including Marcus Smith at fly-half, Charlie Ewels' red card and Ben Earl's cameo in the centres. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Borthwick has named his England squad to take on Japan in Tokyo this weekend so Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe - who are both in Japan - react to the team selection. They discuss Marcus Smith starting at fly-half, Chandler Cunningham-South's potential impact at blindside and the exciting opportunity for the team. They also question why Borthwick went early in naming his squad and delve into a revealing answer from Henry Slade about how much he's enjoying being part of this England setup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England face Japan in Tokyo this weekend so Alfie Reynolds speaks to Will Kelleher who is on the ground to bring us the latest from the England camp, they also discuss the match not being on television and why it is a reflection of the rugby media landscape. Mark Palmer looks back on the URC semi-finals including a huge win for Glasgow, the positive impact of the South African sides on the competition and a third straight year without silverware for Leinster. He also previews Scotland's summer tour to the USA, Canada, Chile and Uruguay. Finally, Hannah Botterman, the Bristol Bears and England prop joins the pod to preview the Premiership Women's Rugby final as Bristol face defending champions Gloucester-Hartbury. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northampton Saints are the Premiership champions for the first time in 10 years! Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe are back at Twickenham to reflect on their victory over Bath and to react to Steve Borthwick's England squad for their summer tour to Japan and New Zealand. They ask whether, despite having a player sent off, the Premiership final was a missed opportunity for Bath? And, is this a pivotal summer for the England career of Marcus Smith? They also chat about Northampton's ability to win ugly, the brilliant Premiership season we've just had and England's front row options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Reynolds and Stuart Barnes look back on the Premiership semi-finals as Northampton Saints and Bath booked their spots at a sold out Twickenham. They discuss the vast improvements in both sides' forward packs and the contrasting celebrations at Franklins Gardens and The Rec, as well as looking ahead to the final. They also review the defeats for Saracens and Sale and name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.