The Rugby Paper Podcast

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by 84-cap former England centre and 2014 World Cup winner Rachael Burford to preview the opening round of the Women’s Six Nations — with a huge occasion on the horizon. The sun is shining, anticipation is building, and England are set to face Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in front of over 75,000 fans — a landmark moment for the Red Roses as they look to lay down an early marker. We break down the big game through a centre’s lens, from the midfield battle and England’s tactical approach to how Ireland can stay in the contest — including the threat posed by players like Aoife Wafer, Erin King and the Dalton-Higgins midfield pairing. We also discuss Meg Jones’ role as captain, England’s best centre combination, and the key battleground that could decide the match. Beyond Twickenham, we preview the rest of Round One — including Wales v Scotland and France v Italy — and give our predictions for how the tournament will start. Plus, we touch on a major story in the men’s game, with Courtney Lawes returning to English rugby with Sale Sharks and targeting a potential comeback for the 2027 World Cup. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠England v Ireland — handling the occasion at Twickenham •⁠ ⁠Tactical breakdown — where the game will be won and lost •⁠ ⁠Ireland’s key threats and how they can challenge England •⁠ ⁠Meg Jones’ captaincy and England’s midfield combinations •⁠ ⁠Wales v Scotland — styles, matchups and prediction •⁠ ⁠France v Italy — storylines and players to watch •⁠ ⁠Courtney Lawes’ return and what it could mean for England Plus, Rachael brings insight from her own England career — and we finish with a fun quickfire, including her go-to Nando’s order, dressing room stories and life away from rugby. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

RED ROSES SELECTION! Six Nations 2026 + PWR Insights | ft Claire Thomas | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by TNT Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live broadcaster Claire Thomas to preview the Women’s Six Nations — and explore the incredible momentum building behind the game. Women’s rugby fandom in the UK has surged from 7.94 million to 13.21 million since last summer’s Rugby World Cup, and now the Red Roses are set to play in front of over 70,000 fans against Ireland in the opening round. Is this the moment the women’s game truly hits the mainstream? Claire brings a unique perspective having covered Premiership Women’s Rugby week in, week out — offering insight into how the domestic game is shaping England’s squad, style and strength in depth heading into the tournament. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠How well the PWR prepares players for the step up to Test rugby •⁠ ⁠England’s incredible depth — and the selection headaches it’s creating •⁠ ⁠Which players are hitting form at just the right time •⁠ ⁠Meg Jones as captain — leadership, communication and presence •⁠ ⁠The big England XV debates — who starts and who misses out? •⁠ ⁠Whether attacking trends in the PWR are feeding into England’s style •⁠ ⁠The matchday atmosphere and growth of the domestic game •⁠ ⁠Why storytelling and player personalities are driving fan engagement Plus, Claire shares her standout PWR players ready to shine on the international stage, the best atmosphere she’s experienced this season, and the selection calls she’s most intrigued by heading into Round One. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

70,000 FANS FOR RED ROSES OPENER! | Meg Jones Captaincy + Women’s Six Nations Launch | ft Victoria Rush | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by No Woman No Try director and content creator Victoria Rush, fresh from the Women’s Six Nations media launch, to unpack a huge moment for the Red Roses — on and off the pitch. With over 70,000 tickets already sold for England’s opening game against Ireland, we ask whether this is the moment women’s rugby truly goes mainstream. Victoria gives behind-the-scenes insight from the launch, including the mood in the England camp, the growing connection between players and fans, and how storytelling — through the release of ‘England, Meet England’ — is helping drive the game’s rapid rise. We also break down England’s squad announcement, the appointment of Meg Jones as captain, and whether this feels like evolution or more of the same from a dominant Red Roses side. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠What the 70,000 ticket figure really means for the women’s game •⁠ ⁠Inside the Six Nations media launch — what fans didn’t see •⁠ ⁠Meg Jones as captain — leadership style and early impressions •⁠ ⁠The role of storytelling in growing rugby audiences •⁠ ⁠Whether fans are now buying into personalities as much as performances •⁠ ⁠Can anyone stop England — or are they still streets ahead? •⁠ ⁠Which nations could challenge the Red Roses this year Plus, Victoria shares her standout personalities from the launch, who impressed most off the pitch, and her overall feeling heading into the tournament. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby analyst Sam Larner to reflect on what many are calling the greatest Six Nations ever — and ask the big question: is Test rugby in its strongest place yet? With record try-scoring, high-tempo matches and attacking rugby on show throughout the championship, we break down what’s driving the shift in style and whether this is a sustainable evolution of the international game. We also zoom out to the global picture and tackle one of rugby’s biggest challenges — how the sport can crack the USA market. With a Rugby World Cup on the horizon and growing investment stateside, what needs to happen for rugby union to truly break through in one of the world’s biggest sporting landscapes? Plus, Sam brings key data insights to the table to explain where the game is heading next — and what it means for players, coaches and fans alike. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: [https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc](https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc)... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: [https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper](https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper) Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. [https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/](https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/)

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan “Fox” Davies to preview a dramatic Super Saturday finale to the Six Nations. With France, Ireland and Scotland all still in the title hunt, we break down the key matchups that will decide the championship. Can Scotland end their long wait for a win in Dublin? Will England avoid their worst Six Nations campaign by upsetting France? And after signs of improvement, can Wales finally break their long losing run when they face Italy? Fox also gives his thoughts on one of the tournament’s standout performers, Tommaso Menoncello, after the Italy centre tore England apart — and discusses just how good the 2024 Six Nations Player of the Championship really is. We also talk about Wales’ recent resurgence, the challenge of offering honest analysis while respecting the players on the pitch, and what Super Saturday could mean for the wider narrative around the tournament. We also discuss: •⁠ ⁠Wales’ revival and belief returning to the squad •⁠ ⁠Scotland’s chance to make history in Dublin •⁠ ⁠England’s search for answers after a difficult campaign •⁠ ⁠The title race permutations heading into the final round •⁠ ⁠The wider state of the game — and whether Fox is optimistic about rugby’s future Plus, we open the fan mailbag, with questions from listeners covering: •⁠ ⁠Could Wales beat England right now at the Principality? •⁠ ⁠What’s really going wrong with England? •⁠ ⁠Why are coaches with rugby league backgrounds thriving in union? •⁠ ⁠Fox’s favourite British & Irish Lions team-mate from tour You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

CHRISTIAN DAY | Italy v England Six Nations preview | MasterChef to RPA leader | Rugby Paper Roundup | Six Nations 2026 In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by one of rugby’s most influential player voices — RPA General Secretary Christian Day — for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the pitch. From cooking under pressure on MasterChef to negotiating under pressure in rugby’s corridors of power, we explore the man behind the governance role — but first, we start with the Six Nations. Following England’s bruising defeat to Ireland, we assess the fallout heading into the fallow week. What questions will Steve Borthwick’s squad be asking themselves after back-to-back humblings? Was the 12-match unbeaten run overhyped? And with Italy looming, is there genuine banana-skin potential? Away from Test rugby, Christian opens up on his surprise MasterChef appearance — where his passion for cooking began, how food culture has evolved in professional rugby, and whether elite sport shares traits with high-pressure kitchens. We also cover: •⁠ ⁠Cooking as a mental escape from pro rugby pressures •⁠ ⁠Signature dishes & dressing room food culture •⁠ ⁠Nutrition’s evolution in the modern game •⁠ ⁠Financial fragility across the club landscape •⁠ ⁠Player welfare challenges in 2026 •⁠ ⁠Contract security & career transition support •⁠ ⁠The global calendar and player workload debate •⁠ ⁠Relationship dynamics between the RPA, RFU & Premiership Rugby •⁠ ⁠Women’s player representation and professional growth •⁠ ⁠How the on-field product is evolving — collisions, breakdown and safety balance From Premiership finals to judges’ tables, it’s a fascinating insight into life after playing — and life at the heart of rugby’s decision-making table. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

ENGLAND v IRELAND | Twickenham Response or Irish Statement? | ft Pat McCarry | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Irish rugby writer Pat McCarry to preview a huge Six Nations showdown at Twickenham. England’s 12-match unbeaten run is over. Grand Slam hopes are gone. Suddenly Steve Borthwick’s side are under pressure again after their Murrayfield setback. But Ireland arrive wounded too — facing questions about decline, selection calls and long-term direction under Andy Farrell. We break down whether Scotland was just a blip for England — or a deeper warning sign — and examine Borthwick’s selection shake-up, including Tom Curry’s return, Henry Pollock’s first Test start and changes in the midfield and back three. On the Irish side, Jack Crowley replaces Sam Prendergast as part of five changes, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Furlong back, Josh van der Flier restored, and Caelan Doris shifting to No.8. Is the fly-half debate becoming a distraction? And is the ‘ageing Ireland’ narrative fair — or media overreaction? We also reflect on Maro Itoje’s 100th cap — where does he rank among modern England forwards — and ask the big question: who needs this more? We cover: • Murrayfield hangover — reality check or exposed flaws? • Form vs reputation in England’s selections • Ireland’s leadership core under scrutiny • Tactical battle: territory v multi-phase pressure • Breakdown war — Curry v Ireland’s back row • Title implications heading into Super Saturday Plus, quick previews of: • Wales v Scotland — buoyant visitors against crisis-hit hosts • France v Italy — two years on from that 13-13 drama, can this one stay competitive? Final call: Twickenham response or Irish resurgence? You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by the king of rugby compilations, Andrew Forde, to break down the biggest stories heading into Round Two of the Six Nations. The pair react to England’s team news ahead of Saturday — with Maro Itoje returning, Luke Cowan-Dickie coming in for Jamie George, and Fin Smith handed the No.10 shirt — before making their Round Two predictions, including whether Italy can cause another shock in Dublin. Andrew also discusses the viral rise of his YouTube channel, how he got started producing rugby compilations, and why highlight culture is playing a growing role in the sport’s digital reach. We also dive into the “Henry Pollock effect” — why the young back row is generating so much buzz — and Andrew builds a dream XV made up entirely of players he’s created highlight reels on. Plus, with the U20 Six Nations underway, we discuss emerging stars like Tom Bowen and Kalvin Gourgues, and whether early highlight exposure accelerates hype around young players. The show rounds off with a look at Super Rugby Pacific’s return, including new law tweaks designed to speed the game up — from quicker taps to breakdown changes — and what they could mean for the global game. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier: https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Ben Coles from The Observer to discuss the first round of Six Nations matches, team news across all nations, and the pair make their round 1 predictions. Coles also shares what stood out when he was recently face to face with South Africa's prestigious leader, Rassie Erasmus, in Cape Town. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches – while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Pau No.8 Carwyn Tuipulotu to discuss Uini Atonio's sudden retirement, France's mind boggling selection calls and what's life like in the Top 14. Carwyn stresses the need for more personalities in the game through the use of social media and also gives an insight into what's life like inside one of rugby's most prestigious families and the pressures from fans and media that come with that. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches – while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Huw Griffin from HG Rugby to discuss further turmoil off the pitch for the Welsh regions in the URC, while the pair also assess Wales', Scotland's and France's Six Nations squads, and the headline names who have failed to make the cut. Ben and Huw also pay tribute to Jamie George, who will be hanging up his boots at the end of the 2027 World Cup, and discuss why the EPCR competitions are failing to engage supporters. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches – while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/part...

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby columnist Paul Williams to discuss the breaking news that Scott Robertson has been sacked by New Zealand, how Bristol Bears are flying in the Champions Cup and how Cardiff could be a shining light for Wales, offering some much needed positivity amidst a turbulent time for Welsh rugby. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Sale Sharks winger Obi Ene to discuss this weekend's Champions Cup fixtures, which include the tyro player's first European start in the battle of the Sharks as Sale meets Durban. The pair also discuss the newly rebranded Champ as Obi talks us through the brilliance of the second tier and the future of the Prem amidst rumours of ring fencing. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by the Rugby Coach Weekly editor Dan Cottrell to reflect on last week's European Champions Cup action, this weekend's Prem fixtures, which includes a blockbuster Big Game 17, and how the sport's coaching is constantly evolving. Check out the Rugby Coach Weekly's YouTube channel here: @RugbyCoachWeekly You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code at the end of the video! Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by the RugbyAnalyst to reflect on the final Autumn Nations Series before next year's Nations Championship commences, and how Premiership Rugby clubs can capitalise on England's recent success on the continent. Check out the RugbyAnalyst's YouTube channel here: ‪@rugbyanalyst‬ You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code at the end of the video! Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therugbypap... #Rugby #TheRugbyPaper #RugbyPaper #autumnnationsseries #englandrugby #southafrica #springboks #walesrugby #irelandrugby #scotlandrugby

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by RugbyAsia24/7 Editor Steve Noble to talk through all things Japan, as well as why South Africa can't ignore Steve Borthwick's red-hot England, and the legendary Siya Kolisi! You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code at the end of the video! Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therugbypap... #Rugby #TheRugbyPaper #RugbyPaper #SiyaKolisi #SouthAfrica #England #Japan

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Sportswriter and Producer Pat McCarry to talk through Ireland's upcoming match against South Africa, and why so many teams are fearful of Steve Borthwick's red-hot England! You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code at the end of the video! Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therugbypap... #Rugby #TheRugbyPaper #RugbyPaper #Ireland #SouthAfrica #England

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by TRP writer Joseph Terry to discuss all things Champ Rugby and BUCS Super Rugby! You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code at the end of the video! Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therugbypap...

In this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Roundup... Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by former Fiji international Nemani Nadolo as Steve Borthwick's men prepare to take on the Flying Fijians at Twickenham on November 8. The boys preview the match and talk all things Fiji, as well as some interesting stories from Nemani's playing career, which included stints at Leicester Tigers, Montpellier and NEC Green Rockets! You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link (https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...) OR by scanning the QR code at the end of the video! Remember to follow us across social media for more content and to keep up-to-date with the latest rugby news! X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therugbypap... #Rugby #TheRugbyPaper #RugbyPaper #England #SteveBorthwick #Fiji #Fijian #NemaniNadolo #Australia

What a Super Saturday to close what's been a truly fantastic edition of the Six Nations! Drama, superb tries and headlines typified what's been two superb months of action. Join host Ollie Little and the full house of Rugby Paper columnists to review the weekend, discussing the potential start of an era of French dominance, whether Peato Mauvaka should have seen red and where Wales can go now. The guys also pick their Player of the Tournament, Try of the Tournament and Moment of the Tournament, before having their latest crack at a British & Irish Lions XV now that the auditions are over! Finally, time for a break for the Rugby Paper Podcast. We wanted to thank you so much at home for your continued investment in the podcast - it wouldn't be possible without you! We hope to see you again very soon.

After a cracking weekend of rugby in which the championship tilted in French favour following their stunning win in Dublin, Ollie Little, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain are joined by Wales and British & Irish Lions winger Alex Cuthbert to review the weekend and preview Super Saturday. The guys look back at the weekend, discussing France and particularly Louis Bielle-Biarrey's attacking talents, Antoine Dupont's injury and England's midfield conundrum. They also debate whether Scotland can stop the French, and if Wales can end their 17-game losing run against England on Saturday. Technical difficulties interfered with the introductory section of the episode, and so you join a couple of minutes in!

A slightly new dynamic for you all today - host Ollie Little has given the columnists the week off! He is joined by Italy, Benetton and former Harlequins winger Louis Lynagh for a general life chit chat! The guys discuss Louis's whirlwind move from England training squads into the Italy starting lineup, gym and Call of Duty and of course previewing a tantalising Six Nations R4!

Three fixtures told three hugely different stories in the third round of the 2025 Six Nations. Ireland held off a promising performance from Wales, England scraped past Scotland for the first time in five years and France broke records in bouncing back to beat Italy. Plenty to discuss as always, as the podcast debates whether England got lucky against Scotland and if Finn Russell is losing grip of the British & Irish Lions test jersey. For this one, join host Ollie Little, columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher and renowned rugby commentator for the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports and BT Sport Nick Heath.

It's almost time for the third round of the 2025 Six Nations, and the headline fixture of the weekend takes place at Twickenham as England host Scotland. With the fixture's winner set for a position to make a charge at winning the Championship and competition for British Lions spots coming up, the stakes couldn't be higher. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to preview the all-important fixture is former Scotland and British and Irish Lions fly-half Craig Chalmers.

A weekend full of statement wins and in the aftermath, a mid-tournament coaching departure. Join the guys to review how England got the job done at Twickenham against a wasteful French side, as well as discussing Ireland's damning 11th consective victory over Scotland. For Wales, a record low 14th straight defeat; news broke of Warren Gatland's departure as head coach just an hour before the guys recorded. They react to the news and debate what's next for Welsh rugby. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to discuss all, former England centre (though currently based in France!) Jamie Noon.

Three home wins marked the start of the 2025 Six Nations as France thrashed Wales, Scotland conquered Italy and Ireland saw off England. So much to look back on and look forward to as Round Two looks even more tantalising. Will England stick or twist with their selection? Is Antoine Dupont getting even better? Does defeat for Wales this weekend spell the end? Scotland or Ireland?! Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher to debate all is rugby performance coach and analyst, Irishman Brett Igoe.

Here. We. Go. The Six Nations is just two sleeps away and we can't wait! Join host Ollie Little and a special panel of Rugby Paper columnists Chris Hewett and Nick Cain, but also Richard Isaac from the Rugby Analyst as the guys welcome England, British & Irish Lions and Bath legend Jerry Guscott to preview the Championships. Is third place a success for England? Will there be a Grand Slam winner? Can Wales stop the rot? We debate all in this one - just hours before Steve Borthwick named his side to face Ireland - and stay till the end to hear our winner, players of the tournament and ones to watch. Don't forget to play along with our predictions league as well - check them out on the Rugby Paper website!

What to make of that Champions Cup weekend? On one hand we saw a classic in Northampton's victory over Munster, however the issues with the tournament were highlighted by Toulouse and Bordeaux's drubbings of Leicester and the Sharks, who crashed out at the group stage along with the other South African sides. How can the tournament become more competitive? Is the schedule too much for Springbok sides? Alongside this scrutiny the countdown to the Six Nations is well and truly on. 10 days out, England and Scotland suffer injury blows so how does this leave selection looking? Join host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain for a deep dive.

Join Ollie Little, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett for this week's Rugby Paper Podcast edition, recorded just half an hour after it was announced that Maro Itoje would be England's captain for the Six Nations. The guys react to the England squad announcement before welcoming on former Fiji and Glasgow Warriors scrum half and winger Niko Matawalu. Just as he was on the rugby pitch, Niko is pure entertainment, providing some fantastic stories from his time in the UK.

Happy new year one and all and welcome back to the Rugby Paper Podcast! We hope you had a restful holiday season and are as excited as we are about the year of rugby ahead. Kicking off a Lions year in style with the Six Nations just a month away, the guys are joined by former Australia, Northampton Saints, Waratahs and now Narbonne winger Taqele Naiyaravoro. The gang discuss his time in England, how Cheslin Kolbe transformed the modern-day winger as well as learning about his distant relationship to Josua Tuisova. Also tune in as the guys discuss England's injury-hit back three as well as that Northampton v Bath thriller.

In our last episode of 2024, the gang is back together in full force. Host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher come together to review the Champions Cup weekend gone by and debate the tournament's changed format. Don't miss the Rugby Paper Podcast's awards for 2024, as the guys pick their Player of the Year, Team of the Year, Match of the Year and very finally, Podcast episode of the Year! The podcast also pay tribute to former England outside back Tom Voyce, who tragically lost his life in the floods caused by Storm Darragh at the start of the month.

Join us for this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Podcast as Harlequins flanker Jack Kenningham joins host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett and Nick Cain following his side's narrow defeat by Racing 92 in the opening round of the Champions Cup. The guys discuss the tournament's format, Jack's return from injury and England dream as well as the impact of Joe Marler's retirement around camp! Our thoughts and prayers go out to former England international Tom Voyce's family following his disappearance in the Storm Darragh floods over the weekend.

A jam-packed Autumn Series has come to an end, with Australia pushing hosts Ireland right to the limit in Dublin on Saturday, with the Irish ultimately holding on. Australia have now played all four of the home nations in back to back weeks and will return home with two wins, and what could have been a third. Today, the guys look at how next summer's British & Irish Lions tour down under is shaping up, as well as picking their match, player and surprise of the Autumn. To do so, Ollie Little, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher are joined by Test Rugby and Super Rugby commentator Sean Maloney!

England got back to winning ways with a routing of Japan at Twickenham on Sunday. However after five consecutive defeats prior questions burn even stronger than they did before the Autumn. Do England keep faith in the blitz defence? Who are the back row/midfield combinations to take the team forward? Is Steve Borthwick the right head coach? Joining the guys today to assess where England stand is former England and London Irish winger and ITV and Premiership Rugby broadcaster Topsy Ojo.

Three weeks into the Autumn internationals and England and Wales both remain winless. Question marks hang over Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatland's futures going into the final full weekend of November action. With more tantalising fixtures coming up this weekend including Fiji's trip to Ireland, the guys are joined by fearsome Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo to discuss what Steve Borthwick is like as a coach, Fiji's awesome backline and Josua Tuisova's calves! In a cracking episode, Nemani also picks the best four wingers he has ever shared a rugby field with.

It was a great weekend to be south of the equator as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji and Argentina handed out defeats to Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Italy. England fell short from a winnable position for the fifth time in six matches against a rejuvenated Wallabies side, while Wales slipped to new lows with a record-equalling tenth consecutive defeat. Today the guys are joined by former Australia international Joe Tomane. Revelling in his side's win and the arrival on the world stage of Joseph Sua'ali'i, the guys also give their predictions for the upcoming blockbuster weekend of Autumn action.

With an eight point lead England seemed in control at Twickenham, only for a New Zealand fight back and some questionable substitutions to once again deny the men in white for the third time in as many months. Did England's tactics blow it? How good is Wallace Sititi? Should New Zealand receive a fine for advancing their haka? The guys are joined by British and Irish Lions and Wales wing Alex Cuthbert to review all, as well as looking ahead to England v Australia and Wales's Autumn international campaign as a whole.

We loved this one! Following last week's 20-minute red card debate amongst the guys, we thought it best to call upon someone entrusted with enacting its introduction to northern hemisphere test rugby this Autumn. Ollie Little, Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by RFU international referee and one of the best in the world Luke Pearce to discuss the logic and implications of World Rugby's decision, as well as the guys previewing the Autumn Internationals as a whole.

With the rugby world divided over the trial of the 20-minute red card during the November internationals, it's only right that the Rugby Paper Podcast weighs in. Join host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain for an intense debate around its introduction to northern hemisphere test rugby. The guys also discuss Newcastle's first victory in 581 days, ending a 25-match losing streak!

We love a prop episode! The self-professed 'oddball' Nick Auterac joins host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett and Nick Cain for this one. The former Saracens, Bath, Harlequins and Northampton front row is now pursuing a career in TV and film composition, and joins the guys to discuss how it's going as well as look back on his career! Stick around for the final ten minutes as the gang also react to England's Autumn squad announcement.

After a few weeks debating the dramatic final rounds of the Rugby Championship, time to revisit the Gallagher Premiership! Three rounds in and despite question marks around how Saracens would enter their new era, they sit unbeaten at the top of the table. However, the winless Exeter Chiefs have endured their worst ever start to a season. One of Exeter's success stories so far this season has been Olly Woodburn, who has been moved to outside centre due to midfield injury struggles. He joins host Ollie Little and Chris Hewett to discuss how he has found the switch, how the Chiefs can bounce back and the need for speed!

The Rugby Championship has a new winner for the first time since 2019, as South Africa clinched the last trophy available to them with a resounding 40-point win over Argentina. At the other end of the table, Australia finish the tournament with just one win and bottom of the table for the second year running. Despite performances improving somewhat for the Wallabies throughout the tournament, the situation is still pretty bleak, not least one year out from a British and Irish Lions tour. Joining Ollie Little, Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to give his take is a good friend of the podcast and Australian rugby great David Campese.

For the first time since their involvement in the Rugby Championship, Argentina have secured a win against the other three nations in a single tournament. They downed reigning World Champions South Africa on Saturday to give themselves a slim chance of winning the Rugby Championship for the first time. Joining the guys to revel in his nation's win and assess their chances of doing the double on Saturday is former Argentina and Saracens centre, Marcelo Bosch. The guys also discuss Eben Etzebeth's phenomenal career as he becomes the most-capped Springbok of all time, as well as discussing whether Argentina would host a British and Irish Lions tour!

The Gallagher Premiership returns! Can Northampton defend their title? How will Saracens fare without Owen Farrell? Will Newcastle give a better account of themselves? Ex-England centre Luther Burrell joins Ollie Little, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to discuss all for this one. A former Saint and Falcon, Luther has seen it all in the Premiership. The guys discuss concussion in rugby, how the top sides are looking and stay until the end for title predictions and ones to watch!

The Rugby Paper Podcast's microscope moves south of the equator for today's episode, as in the latest round of the Rugby Championship South Africa wrapped up their fourth consecutive win against the All Blacks before Argentina condemned Australia to their largest ever defeat. The Springboks continue to go from strength to strength under Rassie Erasmus, while question marks remain over whether Australia will be able to competitively host the British and Irish Lions next summer. Joining Ollie Little and Brendan Gallagher for this one is former South Africa lock, Juandré Kruger.

Welcome to a new season of the Rugby Paper Podcast! As the 2024/25 season is about to get underway, what better way to start it than welcoming Racing 92 head coach and former England head coach Stuart Lancaster! Stuart discusses the impact Owen Farrell has had at Racing since he arrived six weeks ago and looks ahead to his debut as well as the Top 14 season as a whole. He also discusses Siya Kolisi's likely departure and how Racing can match Toulouse. The guys then discuss this week's announcement of the RFU's new 'enhanced contract' scheme for 25 England players, as well as the worrying implications behind the departures of England defence coach Felix Jones and strength and conditioning coach Aled Walters.

In the fortnight that has passed since the last episode of the Rugby paper Podcast, we have had the first two rounds of this year's Rugby Championship. A win for Argentina over New Zealand on their turf was the eye-catcher of weekend one, whilst Australia's struggles have continued at the hands of the irresistible Springboks. Ollie Little, Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain lay out the glaring issues in Australian rugby a year out from the British and Irish Lions tour, as well as previewing the upcoming repeat of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand.

While things are a bit quieter in the rugby world what better time to take a deep dive into the laws of rugby! Ollie Little and the full house of columnists in Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher are joined by RFU referee and Rugby World Cup Final 2023 TMO Tom Foley. On the menu today, the 20 minute red card, forward passes and Tom's decision to step away from international rugby following the controversy at Rugby World Cup Final 2023.

Summer Olympics season is upon us! As the rugby season draws to a close, all eyes have turned towards the game's shorter format in Paris, as the best Sevens players in the world are targeting Olympic gold. Antoine Dupont leads hosts France as favourites in the men's draw, whilst in the women's draw Team GB are trying to go one better having finished fourth in both Tokyo and Rio. Joining the guys in this one is Team GB star Ellie Boatman, who talks about what it's like to be at her first Olympic Games, Team GB's prospects, as well as her inspirational journey to rugby in which she had to overcome an eating disorder.