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Rugby Union Weekly

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live

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Ugo Monye, Chris Jones, Danny Care and Chris Ashton bring you special guests and cover the biggest stories in rugby union.

We'd love to hear from you on the pod; email rugbyunionweekly@bbc.co.uk or search for 5 Live Sport on social media to send us a message.

119 Episodes
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Sara sits down with Zoe Aldcroft after she was appointed Red Roses captain for 2025. Aldcroft tells us what it means to lead the team in a World Cup year and how supportive Marlie Packer has been since replacing her as skipper. We hear all about Aldcroft's leadership style and what motivates her to always go the extra mile. She also revisits the heartbreak of losing to the All Blacks in the last World Cup final and how it affected her love for the game. Head coach John Mitchell explains the reasons behind the change of captain and what qualities he admires most in Aldcroft. He also explains how he and the leadership group are dealing with being the 'hunted' at the upcoming World Cup.
Danny, Ashy, and Sara look back at a busy final weekend of the Champions Cup pool stages. They ask whether anyone can challenge Toulouse to lift the cup in May. Is Ashy’s European try-scoring record under threat after Damian Penaud scored six tries at the weekend. And the guys pay tribute to Anthony Watson who announced his retirement last week.
Ohhh Maro Itoje!

Ohhh Maro Itoje!

2025-01-1443:333

Ugo, Ashy and Chris are in Twickenham to bring you reaction to the news that Maro Itoje is the new England captain. It was the big headline as Steve Borthwick named his 36-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations. But with 88 Tests under his belt, why is now the time right for Itoje to lead the team? We hear about his interests off the field and why he is different to previous captains. Tom Willis made the cut but there is no place for Henry Pollock. So what will England's back row look like? We also pick our backline for England's opener against Ireland in Dublin and how to get the best out of Ollie Lawrence.
Danny is back from his weekend in Toulon and heads straight from the airport to join us Ashy and Chris for the pod. Danny reveals what Dan Biggar said to him on the pitch at the weekend and how difficult it is to find a restaurant in Toulon in January. Everyone is talking about Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad. There's an uncapped fly-half and plenty of experience returning to the fold but it's one or two surprise omissions that have raised a few eyebrows. We also look ahead to an intriguing final round of matches in the Champions Cup pool stage and look at who is best-placed to receive one of two golden tickets that guarantee a home advantage all the way to the final.
One more year

One more year

2025-01-0654:021

Danny has some big news for the pod and we round up an entertaining yet controversial weekend in the Premiership. There was a blockbuster at Franklin’s Gardens as Northampton edged past Bath at the death thanks to Finn Smith. Are the champions still in the play-off race despite being in eighth? Ollie Lawrence has apologised for his role in the incident with Alex Mitchell, but did the England centre overstep the mark? George Skivington's Welsh contingent continue to impress for Gloucester but which Premiership player is being held back by Wales' 25-cap rule? Ashy gives us an insight into French rugby as Owen Farrell is voted the worst signing of the season, plus Ilona Maher makes her Bristol debut and England are heading to Argentina for this summer.
2025 here we come!

2025 here we come!

2024-12-3001:01:22

Ugo, Ashy and Chris head into the studio in central London to record the last pod of 2024. Ashy gets a few Christmas gripes off his chest before we look ahead to a bumper year in 2025 and put our prediction skills to the test. Who will win the Six Nations and will we see a Grand Slam? And in what order will the home nations finish? We pick our Lions bolters and ask if there is anyone that can stop the Red Roses winning the World Cup. We also round-up a chaotic end to 2024 on the field as Exeter finally win a game, Bath put nearly 70 points on Saracens and Sale dominated Bristol at Ashton Gate. We also put forward a solution to solve the issues with the Champions Cup - remember you heard it here first!
Danny is the only one bringing the festive cheer to the pod as we discuss life as a rugby player at Christmas and how many eggs Ashy has with his Christmas dinner. Chris outlines a tumultuous few weeks for the RFU that has seen Tom Ilube resign as chairman and Sir Bill Beaumont appointed in his place on an interim basis. Warren Gatland is staying on as Wales head coach and has been challenged to deliver success in the Six Nations, but what exactly does that look like for a team that didn't win a match in 2024? Bristol win on the road again as they thrash Leicester at Welford Road. Can they go all the way this season, or will they need to tone down their attacking style?
Where is Tommy?

Where is Tommy?

2024-12-1646:35

Ashy critiques his son’s performance as one of the three Wise Men in his school’s nativity before we turn our attention to another weekend of Champions Cup action. It wasn’t without its issues again as a number of clubs heavily rotated their teams, but Northampton went fully loaded to Pretoria to face the Bulls and Tommy Freeman joins us to tell them all about their bonus-point win. Glasgow fell agonisingly short in Toulon and Toulouse ran riot in Exeter with Antoine Dupont getting one try closer to Ashy’s record. Away from the Champions Cup, Felix Jones has now officially left his role at the RFU. Can we expect him to pop up on the Lions coaching ticket next summer?
Chris and Ashy are back to preview round two of the Champions Cup and we find out what role Ashy's son is playing in his Christmas nativity. George Ford is on the pod ahead of Sale's big clash against Racing 92 on Friday. He also reflects on England's autumn and that drop goal against New Zealand. Could a dramatic schedule change reignite interest in the Champions Cup? And what are the big clashes to look forward to this weekend?
Stars and Storms

Stars and Storms

2024-12-0954:51

Ugo, Danny and Chris look back at the opening weekend of the Champions Cup. La Rochelle weathered the storm - quite literally - to beat Bath on the opening night, but did the first round manage to showcase the best of the competition? The pre-tournament favourites all won handsomely, but which British team has the best chance of going deep in the tournament? Henry Pollock continues to make waves, and at only 19 what is the best way to nurture him and the next generation of talent? We also hear all about Danny's experience of the Stade Dominique Duvauchelle and how many Christmas trees he has this year.
Ilona Maher special

Ilona Maher special

2024-12-0526:071

Sara takes the pod to Bristol to track down American rugby sensation Ilona Maher, who has just announced she will be playing in the PWR next year. Sara chats to her about her first impressions of British food - and the weather! Which Bristol team-mate has she already bonded with? And now she's converted from Sevens to 15s, where will she play? We also hear all about her amazing rise to become the most followed rugby player in the world, why she loves the sport and how she hopes to inspire the next generation of young girls to play rugby,
Ugo, Danny and Ashy are back on the sofa to discuss the return of the Premiership, but Ashy is surprised by what he saw over the weekend. Has the gap between the domestic and international game ever been greater? Newcastle won again and Exeter lost again. Gloucester and Bristol continue to thrill and both claimed impressive wins on the road. But it meant Joe Marler's farewell didn't go to plan. We look at Andy Farrell's to-do list as he starts work as the Lions head coach and ponder how Scotland players will be in his starting backline. Plus, there is some exciting news in the PWR as Bristol confirm the signing of American superstar Ilona Maher.
The Big Autumn Review

The Big Autumn Review

2024-11-2657:07

The curtain has come down on the autumn for England, Scotland and Wales. Danny, Chris and Ashy assess where each team are at after testing themselves against the best from the southern hemisphere. How should England reflect on their autumn after only one win in four? And which players' stock has grown this November? Danny's upset the Scotland fans and shares some of the kind messages he's received after Gregor Townsend's side beat Australia in Edinburgh. The WRU have started their review into Wales' autumn, but could Warren Gatland still be in involved come their Six Nations opener in Paris? There's controversy at the World Rugby awards and with Ireland yet to complete their autumn schedule, we start looking at some of the issues awaiting Andy Farrell when he becomes Lions head coach.
Chris and Paul Grayson are at Twickenham to bring you reaction to England's dominant victory over Japan. It ended a run of five straight defeats for Steve Borthwick, but how happy is he with the team's progress this autumn? Jamie George is also on the pod and we get Eddie Jones' take on a tough day at the office for Japan and a less than ideal return to Twickenham for the former England head coach. We are also in Monaco for the World Rugby awards as Sara sits down with the men's and women's player of the year. South Africa forward Pieter-Steph du Toit claimed the men's award for a second time while Ellie Kildunne was crowned the best women's player after a stellar year with the Red Roses.
The Nations Pod

The Nations Pod

2024-11-2101:00:031

Chris, Tom, and Gareth are back for the penultimate pod of the autumn. They save the Wales chat for the end, as Gareth tries to make sense of the challenges facing the team. Chris questions whether England's coaching staff might be short on experience, while Tom argues that Scotland's clash with Australia is a must-win, believing it could define their entire year.
Is time running out for Warren Gatland? Wales have now lost 11 successive Test matches and conceded 50 points at home for the first time. Chris, Ugo and Ashy discuss what needs to change to get Welsh rugby back on track. Is the issue bigger than the head coach? England are also on a losing run. Are there still question marks around their identity under Steve Borthwick and is fitness one of the reasons behind their inability to close out games? Plus, the nominees for the World Rugby Awards are out and the Haka is back in the spotlight – quite literally!
The Nations Pod

The Nations Pod

2024-11-1401:00:221

Chris, Tom and Gareth return after a clean sweep of defeats for the home nations. They begin with the narrative in Wales as more pressure is being heaped on Warren Gatland. Gareth asks whether the WRU are considering his future. Despite their poor showing against the All Blacks, Tom isn’t concerned for Ireland. And Chris tries to explain what is going on behind the scenes at England.
Chris and Ashy bring you a special pod looking ahead to England's massive game against the World Champions South Africa at Twickenham. You'll hear from Ellis Genge on the challenge of facing the Boks up front and how they've been picking themselves up after the shock defeat to Australia. We also Jerry Flannery on how special it is to be working with the double World Cup winners. Follow the Autumn Nations Series on BBC Sounds: Friday 15th November: Ireland v Argentina - 20:10 Saturday 16th November: Scotland v Portugal - 15:10 | England v South Africa - 17:40 | France v New Zealand - 20:10 Sunday 17th November: Wales v Australia - 16:10
It was a weekend to forget for the Northern Hemisphere in the Autumn Nations Series. Ugo, Danny and Chris look back on a clean sweep for the Southern Hemisphere sides as the home nations all lost on home turf. To blitz, or not to blitz, that is the question facing England after they shipped 42 points against the Wallabies. Is it time for them to adopt another defensive system? What next for Wales after they suffered a record-equalling 10th Test in a row? Will the WRU give Warren Gatland the time to turn things around? Ireland lost their unbeaten home record as the All Blacks continue to impress under Scott Robertson. And South Africa got the better of Scotland once again, centre Andre Esterhuizen joins us from Edinburgh airport as they start their prep to face England. Plus, we talk 20-minute red cards.
Chris, Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson bring you reaction to a bonkers game at Twickenham as Max Jorgenson scored an 84th minute to inflict another defeat on England. Why aren't they able to hold onto a lead? England led by 12 points in the first half and then fought back to lead 37-35 with only two minutes to go, but couldn’t see it out. We hear from England captain Jamie George and head coach Steve Borthwick immediately after the full-time whistle on where it went wrong. Is it a coaching issue or a psychological one? “A megastar in the making,” that was verdict on Joseph Suaalii's Test debut as he picked up player of the match as the Wallabies won at Twickenham for the first time since 2015.
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Comments (29)

Sim Clack

Ugo...out of touch! The point is, tv covetage is dispersed and it means another subscription. A mate of mine who already has Sky + TNT didn't bother/want to subscribe. oh, he's an ex-player/club captain. and now chairman of his local club. Says it all.

Dec 10th
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Ray Handley

it's Ben currently jumping up and down fist pumping that an opponents contact lens has fallen out?

Oct 20th
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David McEvoy

Corbs talking gibberish... CJ talking sense.

Jun 8th
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John P

very annoyed by ugo's blinkered views re. tackle height. This is not wanted or needed by the majority of the playing public. what makes you think you know better than those playing in the community that will be impacted by this change, or worse still the many that won't be impacted as they will walk away from the game. the science is agenda driven and patchy at best. Rugby is a contact sport, there's risk, players know this and still choose to play as do fighters in mma or boxing, as do jockeys in horse riding. People should be allowed to make their own decisions. Ugo you are entitled to your views, but give those who are impacted the same respect to air their's. This is a wrong decision that needs to be cancelled before it causes further harm to our already damaged sport

Jan 25th
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Alex Wenz

Some serious English bias in the last few pods 30+ mins of England 15 mins for the other 3 nations. Disappointing

Jul 12th
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Tim Simpson

i999

Jun 15th
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David McEvoy

Armadillo? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Feb 10th
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Ross Edwards

Amazing thanks thanks Ugo & Jonesy!

Nov 18th
Reply

e-n M

what is wrong with your podcast at the moment? impossible to download...can only listen live, no download, and on the go listening possible. disappointing :(

Aug 8th
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Peter peter

Grow a spine, Eddie Jones and take some responsibility for your terrible decisions.

Apr 1st
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Peter peter

English pod for England fans.

Mar 16th
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Peter peter

Dump Chris Jones and I'll listen more regularly.

Feb 23rd
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Peter peter

As a Welshman I'VE called 5 from 6!! I shouldn't have backed Italy this weekend. Any jobs going boys?

Feb 16th
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Thomas Good

wait what? nobody comments on these?!?! think ive just found my in with the glamorous trio of jonesy, uges and danny boy!

Feb 12th
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Konrad Höije

Horrible to hear Hugo complaining about being black compared to being disabled. The context was pupils being tolerant towards people being different. I think Hugo should apologise and seriously consider his views on disabled people. Konrad

Dec 4th
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Warren Daly

Wagon circling on this tackle. Poor show from Ugo and DC

Sep 8th
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Russ Abbott

On your mention of the dreaded global rugby calender here are some thoughts Midweek games are ok but unlike some members of the panel, some of us half to work until 4.00pm +. So the alternatives for me are take holidays or try to rush the ground through Leicesters rush hour traffic. The whole summer rugby debate is creating a north south divide on another podcast a rfu spokesman stated that the semis and semi finals would be held in July allowing people still to go on holiday in Aug. The midlands and above start there school holidays at the beginning of July, as well as the whitsun break. This would make fans have to miss the business end of the season. Many fans I have spoken to have said there would be no point in having a season ticket as they would miss something like 4 games. Im really really hoping rugby stays a winter game

Sep 7th
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Andrew Wilson

The story of the burger bar queue is certainly amusing 🍔🍟🤣!

Jun 23rd
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Sandcastle •

Diversify the game? Thought rugby was meant to be a sport, a competition between people. Didnt realise that skin colour was so important, so long as you have the right skin colour, good forbid anyone ask for more white rugby players, white people are evil. But hey, when most pro rugby teams are made up of Fijians, Samoans, Welsh, English, South Africans, Americans, canadians, Japanese, kiwi's or Australians, you'd have thought diversity was already a thing. But no, let's make this all about skin colour. Because the melanin content of your skin is so important, what, don't believe me? Just ask apartheid South Africa, they will tell you how important skin colour is.

Jun 17th
Reply (1)

Tom Nam

why do your podcasts never work when posted on Mondays?

Mar 9th
Reply