
The Ruck
558 episodes — Page 8 of 12

Where there's a Willis, there's a way
Owen Slot is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stuart Barnes and Steve James to review the weekend's Autumn Nations Cup action as well as the start of the new Premiership season. Plus, the team look ahead to Saturday's clash between Wales and England Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Autumn Leaves A Lot To Be Desired
Owen Slot is joined by Stephen Jones and Peter O'Reilly to discuss the opening weekend of the Autumn Nations Cup as well as Argentina's historic win against the All Black. Plus, Jonesie chats to former Wasps and Samoa star Dan Leo about his new film, Oceans Apart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Make Rugby Great Again!
Stephen Jones is joined by Alex Lowe, Adam Hathaway and Lawrence Dallaglio, who surprised the panel by admitting his new-found love for the French. Plus, the RFU's Terry Burwell explains the latest on the community game's plans post-lockdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And Now, The End is Near...
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stuart Barnes and Owen Slot as England's men and women win the Six Nations at the end of the longest season ever endured. But was the style and selection of Eddie Jones' side enough to inspire the panel? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Downpours, Dirty Deeds and Devon Doubles
Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Chris Jones and Alex Lowe to celebrate Exeter's double, preview the end of the Six Nations and ask how Eddie Jones can ignore the Simmonds brothers. Get The Times free for a month: thetimes.co.uk/theruck Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Final Countdown
Having watched Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears conquer Europe, Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones, Alex Lowe and Alan Dymock to look ahead to the Gallagher Premiership final. Get The Times free for a month: thetimes.co.uk/theruck Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And Then There Were Two...
Owen Slot is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stuart Barnes and Alex Lowe to discuss the Premiership play-offs, preview the Champions Cup final and pick The Ruck Premiership Team of the Season. Get The Times free for a month: thetimes.co.uk/theruck Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Swimming in Shark Infected Waters
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones as well as Fleet Street's finest Chris Jones and Adam Hathaway. The panel try to piece together a shambolic end to the Premiership season and rate Eddie Jones' first squad of the autumn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Future Without Fans?
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones and Owen Slot as they discuss the prospect of a future without fans and what that means for the professional game, fine wins for Exeter and Bristol in Europe and a fond farewell for Chris Robshaw at the Stoop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The (Ben) Moon's an Arrant Thief!
Stephen Jones is joined by Stuart Barnes, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot to discuss the likely winners of the European semi-finals, Timon of Athens' dodgy hamstring and Stuart launches a campaign to let Saracens defend their title if they win the Champions Cup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is the Cocoa Butter King..?
Alex Lowe is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones as they discuss the latest in the race for the play-off places, pay cuts for England players, the European quarter-finals and who should replace Matt Dawson on Question of Sport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fans, Fixtures and Farrell
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot and Alex Lowe as they work out how long Owen Farrell will be banned for, ask what supporters made of the new normal at The Stoop and reveal some exclusive news about England's autumn internationals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dylan Hartley Special
Owen Slot speaks to former England captain Dylan Hartley about his new book, The Hurt, how rugby's 'big boys don't cry' mentality is killing the game and why training ground injuries are the biggest threat to player welfare the sport is facing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You're Only as Good as Your 2nd XV (or 3rd. Maybe 4th...)
Stephen Jones, Lawrence Dallaglio and Chris Jones discuss squad rotation, Wasps winning at Bath, Exeter winning everywhere, fans returning to the Stoop and the prospect of South Africa's Super Rugby sides joining the Pro 14 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Mayhem
Lawrence Dallaglio, Stephen Jones and Adam Hathaway take a break in between the weekend and midweek fixtures to assess who's come flying out of the blocks and who's fallen at the first hurdle as Operation Restart continues in the Premiership and Pro 14 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Good, The Bad and The Rugby
Stephen Jones, Owen Slot and Stuart Barnes look back at the first live action for five months following rugby's return. Whilst a lot of teams were off the pace, the panel were impressed by some outstanding young English talent on display Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"'Twas the Night Before Rugby..."
On the eve of rugby's return, Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Alex Lowe to look ahead to the first round of Premiership matches for five months. Who will thrive playing summer rugby and which teams have had a good lockdown? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Operation Restart: Coaches Special
In the week of rugby's long-awaited return, Owen Slot sits down (virtually) with three of the Directors of Rugby taking on Exeter for the Gallagher Premiership title - Pat Lam of Bristol Bears, Sale's Steve Diamond and Chris Boyd of Northampton Saints Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Rugby, Jim, But Not As We Know It...
The Ruck reacts to the latest news on the changes being made by the RFU to the community game. Plus, Owen Slot, Stuart Barnes, Alex Lowe and Lawrence Dallaglio give their views on the Eight Nation "Cosmetic Cup" and Exeter axing the Big Chief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Operation Restart Player Special
In a special edition of The Ruck, Alex Lowe speaks to Wasps' rising star Jacob Umaga, Owen Slot finds out how the West Country's treating Ben Earl and Max Malins while Lawrence Dallaglio discovers if there's life after Leicester for Guy Thompson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All The Rugby, All of The Time!
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Ruck regulars Stephen Jones and Alex Lowe as they discuss the fallout from a 52-week season, Eddie Jones' pleas for less "finishers" and the continued crisis in Fijian rugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welfare, Warfare and Welford Road
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot. Find out what the panel make of midweek rugby and why they think Manu Tuilagi leaving Leicester is fantastic business... for Leicester Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where Are We And What Happens Next?
Owen Slot is joined by Rugby Player Association chairman Mark Lambert, Wasps chief executive Stephen Vaughan and leading rugby administrator Mark Evans to discuss the impact of coronavirus and explore what happens next to the sport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virtual Rugby Show Special
A special edition of the pod recorded live as part of the Virtual Rugby Show. Stuart Barnes hosts alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Alex Lowe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Contracts, Chaos and Canada!
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot, Stephen Jones and Alan Dymock as they discuss the latest developments around Project Restart, ponder whether singing 'Swing Low' should be banned and celebrate a big birthday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Players, Plans and Penalty Counts
It's back! Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stuart Barnes and Alex Lowe after rugby returned in New Zealand at the weekend. Plus, the Premiership's civil war with the players and plans for a new global calendar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby Returns!
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot and Alex Lowe to celebrate rugby's return to training in the Premiership and actual playing in New Zealand. They also discuss the salary cap and Sam Burgess' beef with the Ford family Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Cokanasiga Special
Alex Lowe catches up with the England and Bath winger, Joe Cokanasiga, who discusses recovering from the knee injury which dogged his World Cup, coping with family trauma during lockdown and an unusual start to his sporting career Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Will It Ever End..?
Stephen Jones is joined by Stuart Barnes, Owen Slot and Lawrence Dallaglio. The panel wonder when the rugby season will restart (if at all) following the latest Government guidelines on training Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caps, Cuts and Coaches
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot and Alex Lowe as they discuss the fallout from Lord Myners' salary cap review, more pay cuts for players as part of Operation Restart and why Gloucester are on the hunt for a new head coach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England Coaches Special
The Ruck heads to the heart of the England coaching set-up (virtually speaking) with Lawrence Dallaglio chatting to defence coach, John Mitchell, while Owen Slot catches up with Matt Proudfoot, Eddie Jones' new forwards coach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Strange Case of the Missing Rugby Writers
Owen Slot is joined by Mark Evans, Stephen Jones and Lawrence Dallaglio to discuss the repercussions of Bill Beaumont's re-election as Chairman of World Rugby. Plus, the panel debate The Times & Sunday Times list of Top 10 Players in the World Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Stories of our times - Hold your horses: should Cheltenham Festival have gone ahead?
Introducing our new free daily news podcast, Stories of our times. It takes you to the heart of the stories that matter, with exclusive access and reporting. Published for the start of your day, it is hosted by Manveen Rana and David Aaronovitch.Cheltenham Festival was the last major sporting event to take place prior to the national lockdown in the UK. But should it ever have happened? The four-day fixture took place in March and has since become a lightning rod for criticism around perceived government inaction on the coronavirus crisis. We talk to people who were there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premiership Problems
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stuart Barnes, Alex Lowe and Stephen Jones as they discuss the latest problems for the Premiership, defend European rugby and give their lockdown lowdown on the best books and films to keep you entertained Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Leonard Did What?!
Owen Slot turns quiz-master as he tests Ruck regulars Alex Lowe, Stephen Jones and Lawrence Dallaglio on their rugby knowledge as well as discussing the timetable for a possible finish to the Premiership season Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Youngs Special
Lawrence Dallaglio finds out what lockdown life is like for Leicester legend Ben Youngs. The England scrum half discusses Eddie Jones' new contract, being stuck on 99 caps and the challenges of keeping in shape whilst home schooling two toddlers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damian Hopley Special
Stephen Jones is in conversation with Damian Hopley, the chief executive of the Rugby Players' Association. They discuss the difficulties caused by the current lockdown and the pressure on players when they eventually do return. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lockdowns, Locals and Laporte
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined remotely by Stephen Jones and Owen Slot as they discuss a new contract for Eddie Jones, World Rugby's plans for a Club World Cup and how much Slotty's missing the pub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not Now, Cato!
Stephen Jones is joined by Mark Evans, Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot to discuss when we're likely to see rugby return and what shape the sport might be in when it does. Plus, find out which member of The Ruck team has a Pink Panther ringtone... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for Lions in a Lockdown
Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones dial in from different parts of the country as they discuss eggs, what 16-year-olds get up to in self-isolation and pick their Lions squad for next year's tour of South Africa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Happens Now?
With the sport suspended during the worsening coronavirus situation, Owen Slot is joined at a safe distance by Stephen Jones and Lawrence Dallaglio to discuss what rugby should do to combat the crisis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tries, Tantrums and Tackle Tickles
Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Alex Lowe get down and dirty on Joe Marler, the future of Eddie Jones, propping pugilists and coronavirus cancellations following the fourth round of this year's Six Nations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And Here Are Your Headlines...
Alex Lowe takes us through the big, breaking rugby news of the weekend with the help of Stephen Jones, Stuart Barnes and Nigel Botherway. TV rights, the coronavirus, law changes and mid-season transfers all feature, as well as some actual rugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Win A Grand Slam: John Rutherford
In the finals episode of our special Six Nations series, Owen Slot meets John Rutherford, the fly-half who guided Scotland to the Grand Slam in 1984 - only their second-ever clean sweep and the first in 59 years Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ohhhh Maro Itoje!
Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes to discuss wins for England, France and Scotland in the Six Nations. Plus, find out why the panel think Maro Itoje should be leading the Lions as well as his country Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Win A Grand Slam: Adam Jones
In the latest installment of our new Six Nations series, Owen Slot meets Adam Jones, the legendary Welsh prop who helped his country win three Grand Slams. But what inspired a young All Blacks supporter to become one of Wales' all-time greats? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Knives Are Out...
Lawrence Dallaglio and Stephen Jones offer sympathy to Owen Slot after his ski holiday was rudely interrupted by news of funding cuts in the Championship and coaching cuts at Wasps. The team also look ahead to an intriguing weekend in the Six Nations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Win A Grand Slam: Will Carling
In the second part of our special Six Nations series, Owen Slot speaks to Will Carling - a man who captained his country to three Grand Slams during England's golden era of the early 1990s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(No) Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Lawrence Dallaglio is on his lonesome with the rest of The Ruck team scattered around the country trying to get from Edinburgh. But that doesn't stop Owen Slot and Stephen Jones helping him to discuss Storm Ciara, beer bottles, sausages and even some Six Nations rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Win a Grand Slam: Brian O'Driscoll
In the first of a special Six Nations series, Brian O'Driscoll talks to Owen Slot about Ireland's 2009 Grand Slam success. The former captain is open and honest about what held him and the team back for a decade before finally completing the clean sweep Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.