The Ruck

Will Kelleher, Elgan Alderman and Mark Palmer bring you the latest episode of The Ruck. They look back on the Premiership and URC semi-finals following some big results, including Leinster's surprise defeat to Munster. Dan Biggar joins the pod as his Toulon side prepare to face Glasgow in the Challenge Cup final. Plus, the panel preview the Champions Cup final as well! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe, Alan Dymock and Stuart Barnes look back on the final round of the Premiership season and preview the semi-finals this coming weekend. Stuart voices his frustration about the dominance of driving mauls, plus Steve Jones interviews Jersey Reds director of rugby Harvey Biljon after the club won the Championship. Alex, Alan and Stuart talk about grief in rugby, Gregor Townsend's new contract with Scotland and name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe and Steve Jones look back on the semi-finals of the Champions and Challenge Cups. They discuss Leinster and La Rochelle setting up a repeat of last year's final after they beat Toulouse and Exeter respectively in their semi-finals. Producer Alfie caught up with former Red Rose, Rachael Burford, after England won yet another Grand Slam in front of a record crowd at Twickenham. Plus, Alex and Steve talk about the latest regarding London Irish and further concerns about their finances, plus they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe round up all the latest across the Premiership, Women's 6 Nations and the European semi-finals. They are joined by the Chairman of European Club Rugby, Dom McKay, to discuss the challenges facing the Champions Cup from the administrative point of view. Plus, they are also joined by Exeter centre Henry Slade to look ahead to their match against La Rochelle. Jess Hayden talks all things Women's 6 Nations as England setup a Grand Slam decider this weekend at Twickenham against France. And, they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe look back on the latest round of the Gallagher Premiership as the race for the top 4 hots up. They reflect on Chris Ashton scoring his 100th Premiership try and the controversial red card for Olly Woodburn. London Irish Head Coach Les Kiss joins the show as they prepare for their final two matches of the season, which could see them reach the play-offs for the first time since 2010. And, Jess Hayden talks all things women's Six Nations as England and France continued their winning ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Jones and Stuart Barnes look back on the quarter-finals in the Champions and Challenge Cups. Jess Hayden joins the show to preview the third round of the women's 6 Nations. Plus, Steve and Stuart name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Jones, Adam Hathaway and Stuart Barnes look back on the last-16 of the Champions Cup and ask whether it was one of the greatest rounds in the competitions history? They also look ahead to the quarter-finals this coming weekend, Jess Hayden joins the show to look back on round two of the Women's 6 Nations and they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Stephen Jones look back on the latest round of Premiership fixtures and also preview the last-16 in the Champions Cup. They chat with RPA General Secretary Christian Day on the 'State of the Game' and what the players would like to gain from the next Professional Game Agreement. Plus, they also look back on the opening round of the Women's 6 Nations with former Red Rose, Rachael Burford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Jones and Alan Dymock look back on the conclusion of the men's 6 Nations along with Pete O'Reilly. They assess Ireland's famous Grand Slam as well as covering all the big talking points from victory over England, including Freddie Steward's red card. They are also joined by Jess Hayden to preview the start of the women's 6 Nations this weekend. And, they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Stephen Jones look back on the latest round of the 6 Nations. They dissect what went wrong for England as they suffered their heaviest Twickenham defeat to France and Wales returning to winning ways with victory away to Italy. Plus, they speak with former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman as Ireland beat Scotland and are set to win the Grand Slam if they can win against England this Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Jones, Will Kelleher and former Wales captain Sam Warburton look ahead to the penultimate round of the 6 Nations as Wales travel to face Italy, England host France and Ireland meet Scotland. They also speak to Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson on the club's impressive Premiership form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe, Stephen Jones and Alan Dymock look back on the third round of the 6 Nations. They discuss Italy's improvements as they pushed Ireland close in Rome, England's victory over Wales in Cardiff and a missed opportunity for Scotland as they lost to France. Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher, Stephen Jones and Steve James look ahead to the third round of the 6 Nations. They are joined by former Wales international Tom Shanklin to ask whether Wales v England will go ahead with potential strike action taking place by Welsh players. They also preview Italy v Ireland and Scotland's trip to face France and they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher, Stuart Barnes and Alan Dymock look back on the second round of the 6 Nations. Including Ireland against France which is being called one of the greatest 6 Nations games ever, Scotland's impressive win over Wales and England beating Italy. Plus, Will chats to the former Scotland international Scott Hastings, who was a part of the last Scotland side to win their opening two matches of a Championship. And, the panel name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stephen Jones pick the bones out of the opening weekend of the 6 Nations. Including Scotland winning the Calcutta Cup again, Ireland's dominant win over Wales and Italy's narrow defeat to France. They also speak with Gloucester and Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney to look ahead to Italy's trip to Twickenham this weekend and name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Jones, Will Kelleher and Mark Palmer look ahead to the opening round of the 6 Nations. England host Scotland at Twickenham, Wales meet Ireland and Italy play France. They chat to the former Scotland captain John Barclay to preview the Calcutta Cup, as well as looking ahead to the rest of the matches. Will provides an update on the RFU's controversial plan to lower the tackle height and they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are at the 6 Nations launch with the 2023 tournament a little under two weeks away. Will chats to the Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend to look ahead to their opening match against England at Twickenham, he also speaks to 6 Nations Chief Executive Ben Morel about the upcoming Netflix documentary and the state of the Championship. Plus, Will and Alex discuss the RFU´s tackle height changes for the community game, the latest from the Champions Cup and name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Stephen Jones are on location at Twickenham to react to Steve Borthwick naming his England squad for the upcoming 6 Nations. They also discuss Eddie Jones' return to international rugby after he was named as the new Australia Head Coach, look back on the weekend in the Champions Cup and name their God or Goddess of the Week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher is joined by Alan Dymock of Rugby World and the Chief Exec of Fijian Drua, Mark Evans!We look back on the recent round of Premiership action including a huge win for Newcastle over Leicester, another defeat for Bristol and a last gasp Owen Farrell drop goal which saw Saracens edge out GloucesterIt was a costly weekend for new England head coach Steve Borthwick, Owen Farrell could be banned for England's Six Nations opener after being cited for a dangerous tackle, meanwhile Luke Cowan Dickie and Tom Curry look set for a spell on the side lines after picking up knocks.There is some positive news coming from the England camp, Nick Evans has been added to their backroom staff, Mark Evans talks about his role in bringing him from New Zealand to the UK and what impact he could have as part of Steve Borthwick's teamAnd as always we have our God and Goddess of the week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher, Stephen Jones and Stuart Barnes are here for the first show of 2023!We look back on the recent round of Premiership action including Saracens sublime win over Exeter and also the fallout from Joe Marler's incident with Jake Heenan which saw him subsequently banned for six weeks.Saracens Nick Tompkins joins the show to discuss this weekends game with Gloucester, the departure of Wayne Pivac from Wales and the return of Warren Gatland ahead of the Six NationsPlus there's a bit of England chat as Steve Borthwick made further changes to his backroom staff as well as our God and Goddess of the week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas from everyone at The Ruck! Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Alan Dymock look back on 2022 by naming their men's XV team of the year, plus a number of other end of year awards! Will chats with England and Saracen's Zoe Harrison to look back on her year, which included another 6 Nations Grand Slam and a world cup final defeat. And, the panel say what they would like to see happen for rugby in 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Jones, Stuart Barnes and Elgan Alderman react to Steve Borthwick being unveiled as England's new coach. He replaces Eddie Jones and leaves Leicester Tigers along with defence coach Kevin Sinfield. They also look back on the latest round of results in the Champions Cup and name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher is joined by Stuart Barnes and Elgan Alderman to look back on the Champions Cup. They talk about the format of the competition and whether it needs changing and review the opening round of results. Plus, they discuss Eddie Jones' departure as England head coach and the latest on Steve Borthwick being lined up as a replacement. Finally, Will chats with Northampton Saints captain Lewis Ludlam following their European defeat to defending champions La Rochelle and his views on Eddie Jones, who gave him his England debut. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher, Stephen Jones and Stuart Barnes react to Warren Gatland returning to Wales. They also look back on the Premiership and discuss the negative impact of not having relegation. Plus, they chat to Stormers Head Coach John Dobson ahead of South African sides joining the Champions Cup this weekend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stephen Jones look back on the final two games of the Autumn as Wales and England fell to awful defeats. They debate the futures of Wayne Pivac and Eddie Jones, as well as hearing from former England number 8 Nick Easter on England's current struggles. Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week and pay tribute to Doddie Weir. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe and Alan Dymock look back on the latest round of the Autumn Nations Series including a 25-all draw between England and New Zealand, as well as a famous victory for Georgia over Wales. Plus, they speak with Portugal captain Tomas Appleton after they qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, discuss Rassie Erasmus latest ban and the winners of World Rugby's end of season awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Jones, Will Kelleher and Stuart Barnes bring you the latest - and very busy - episode of The Ruck. They chat to Jess Hayden to look back on a dramatic Women's World Cup final as the Red Roses lost 34-31 to the Black Ferns. Plus, Elgan Alderman and former World Cup winner Rachael Burford reflect on the final from out in New Zealand. Steve, Will and Stuart also review the action from the Autumn Nations series this weekend, including Rassie Erasmus' latest criticism of match officials and they talk about World Rugby end of season award nominations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England face hosts New Zealand in the World Cup final this weekend. Jess Hayden and Elgan Alderman look ahead to the match and discuss all the key talking points ahead of the final. Jess also catches up with England's Tatyana Heard, who is on the bench for the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe look back on the weekend's fixtures in the Autumn Nations Series. They discuss Argentina's victory over England, the lack of atmosphere at Twickenham and all the other results from the weekend including wins for France, New Zealand and Ireland. Wales fly-half Dan Biggar joins the show following his move from Northampton Saints to Toulon. Plus, the boys look ahead to the Women's World Cup final between England and New Zealand and name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Hayden, Rachael Burford and Stephen Jones look ahead to the semi-finals at the Women's World Cup as England face Canada and New Zealand play France. Jess also catches up with England's most capped international player, Sarah Hunter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look ahead to the Autumn Nations series which gets underway in full this weekend. They chat about England's training camp in Jersey, plus hear from Jess Hayden as the Red Roses make it into the semi-final of the World Cup and they look back on the latest round of fixtures in the Gallagher Premiership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Hayden and 2014 Rugby World Cup winner Rachael Burford preview the quarter-final stages of the World Cup. They are also joined by England prop Maud Muir who talks about personality traits, beach cricket and England's formidable driving maul. Plus, they discuss the fixture clash which sees New Zealand's men and women's sides playing at the same time this weekend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Steve Jones bring you a very busy episode! They speak with Sale centre Sam James following Sale's defeat to Harlequins, Jess Hayden joins the show to look ahead to the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup, they round up all the rest of the action in the Gallagher Premiership and ask whether central contracts could come into English rugby? Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Hayden and Rachael Burford look ahead to the final round of pool stage matches this weekend and explain what the quarter-finals might look like. They look back on last weekend's fixtures, including a scare for England against France! Plus, they ask why this World Cup is more competitive than previous tournaments and speak to Squidge Rugby about Wales' defeat to New Zealand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are on-location at Twickenham stadium as Eddie Jones announces his England squad for the up-coming internationals. They explain the situation with Wasps, who have entered administration and hear from ITV commentator Nick Heath following another weekend at the Women's World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Hayden and Rachael Burford look back on the opening weekend of the Women's World Cup, including wins for England and Wales. They speak with the Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and England's Sadia Kabeya. Plus, they preview this weekend's fixtures, including a huge clash between France and England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe hosts the latest episode of The Ruck and is joined by former England performance analyst Ross Hamilton to look at some of the tactical trends in the opening five rounds of the Premiership. He speaks with Simon Halliday, the former Chairman of European Club Rugby, about the state of the domestic game and his ideas to help it progress. And, Jess Hayden looks back on the opening weekend of the Women's Rugby World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Hayden hosts a new weekly Thursday episode of The Ruck ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup. Throughout the tournament she'll preview the weekends fixtures. Ahead of the opening round she speaks with World Cup winner Rachael Burford to look ahead to the tournament getting underway, current England player Sarah Beckett on the disappointment of missing out on selection and Wales scrum-half Keira Bevan on their match against Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Dymock and Stuart Barnes look back on another highly entertaining weekend in the Gallagher Premiership, including big wins for Saracens, Newcastle, Sale and Harlequins. They also chat about the concerning attendances so far this season and speak to Christian Day, Head of Player Affairs at the RPA, about the situation with Worcester, after the club entered administration. Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe and Alan Dymock are on-location in Twickenham. They look back on a brilliant weekend of Premiership rugby and provide an update on the latest for Worcester and Wasps who continue to face financial difficulties. Alan interviews Stormers Head Coach John Dobson whose side won the URC last season despite being put into administration. Eddie Jones has named an England training squad ahead of the Autumn and the Rugby Championship concluded over the weekend. So the boys give their thoughts on both of those plus name their God or Goddess of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A very busy show this week! Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes look back on the latest round of fixtures in the Gallagher Premiership. Jess Hayden joins the show to react to the England World Cup squad. Plus the panel discuss the future of the Premiership with continued uncertainty about Worcester Warriors, debate the controversial ending to the Wallabies versus All Blacks game and pay tribute to the late Eddie Butler. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are joined in the studio by Mark Evans to look back on the opening weekend of Gallagher Premiership rugby. Before chatting about the action on the pitch, they explain the chaotic decision making regarding whether to play games following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and ask if it is time for the Premiership to have an independent Commissioner? They reflect on opening weekend victories for London Irish, Bristol, Gloucester, Sale, Harlequins and Exeter. And, discuss the on-going uncertainty about Worcester Warriors future. Finally, they name their God or Goddess of the week and speak to Mark about becoming the CEO of Fijian Drua in Super Rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are back to preview the new Gallagher Premiership Season! This week the pod comes from Twickenham and the official season launch. They speak to Sale Sharks fly-half George Ford and the Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson. As well as Wasps Director of Rugby Lee Blackett, Saracens and England hooker Jamie George and the newly capped England winger, Tommy Freeman from Northampton Saints. Plus, they also speak with Worcester Warriors Director of Rugby Steve Diamond following a summer of financial uncertainty at the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Counter Ruck podcast, Will Kelleher sits down and chats with Bristol and England prop Kyle Sinckler. They talk about his recovery from injury, ambitions outside of rugby and his holistic approach to life. A full write up of the interview is available in The Times and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Stuart Barnes bring you the final Ruck of the season! They discuss the conclusion of the summer tours with Ireland and England returning victorious but Wales and Scotland on the end of defeats. Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman joins them to assess Ireland's historic series victory over the All Blacks and they name a God or Goddess of the Week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Dymock is joined by Stuart Barnes to look back on an historic weekend of rugby as Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland all defeated Southern Hemisphere opposition to set up series deciding matches. Mark Palmer also joins the podcast to reflect on why Scotland were able to win the 2nd test against Argentina and Will Kelleher gives his thoughts on England's victory in Brisbane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe preview the 2nd test between Australia and England after Eddie Jones announced his squad. They debate the 4 changes for England and discuss the surprising selections, including two debutants! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Dymock looks back on the opening weekend of fixtures across the summer tours where Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland all fell to defeat. He hears from Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher Down Under, Liam Napier from the New Zealand Herald, Brendan Nel in South Africa and The Sunday Times in Scotland's Mark Palmer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher bring you a bonus edition of the podcast from Down Under. Australia and England have announced their sides for the three test series which begins on Saturday. Alex and Will un-pick the interesting story lines and headlines from both camps and also give an insight into their first few days in Perth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Alex Lowe in Australia and Will Kelleher travelling Down Under, Alan Dymock looks ahead to the upcoming summer tours for Ireland, Scotland and Wales. He is joined by Mark Palmer from The Times in Scotland to preview Scotland's series in Argentina, former Ireland hooker Sean Cronin chats about a mouth-watering tour for Ireland in New Zealand and broadcaster Lauren Jenkins is in South Africa ahead of Wales' tour against the World Champions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.