The Rugby Paper Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Rugby Paper
The podcast for the UK’s best-selling rugby newspaper! Join host Ollie Little, regular columnist Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and an array of quality guests for in-depth discussion on the biggest stories on and off the pitch in the world of rugby!
Today’s guest on TQL Rugby Podcast is club and country legend of Irish Rugby, Shane Byrne! With 41 international caps to his name, one British & Irish Lions Tour and a staggering 115 for Leinster and 49 for Saracens, Shane’s record is hard to match and speaks for itself. In one of the most insightful interviews I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in, Shane dove deep into what training was like when he first laced up his boots to how well drilled and professional the coaching and training is now and that the whole process deserves more recognition praise. With over a decade of experience in the front row from scrums to throw-ins, Shane has plied his trade across many countries and clubs and undoubtably set the benchmark for future generations of hookers to follow. Since retiring in 2007, Shane is now the Director of Arklow Waste Disposal, however, he has also been welcomed with open arms in the world of television with regular appearances as a captain on “Know The Score” to his first film appearance in “Mrs Brown’s Boys D’movie”. We discuss Shane’s standout moments, life after rugby, becoming a TV panellist and film star, wonderful praise and opinions on the current game, player development and ideas for Leinster’s next head coach! Thank you so much Shane for your time today! Remember to like, share and subscribe and you can also listen to this episode wherever you stream your podcasts! Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast! #rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinster #leinsterrugby #ireland #blackrock #dublin #legend #sportsshow #sports #film
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by South African rugby journalist Avuyile Sawula to review a fascinating opening chapter, with the Springboks finishing top after a perfect three-from-three record, the All Blacks rediscovering their swagger, England ending the window on a high, and the road to November already taking shape.
In my final video about the summer leg of the Nations Championship, I break down what has been an exceptionally action-packed tournament that, with thanks to the new format, has revolutionized the Summer and Autumn Internationals! From edge-of-seat thrillers to one-sided bulldozing performances, the first three games for every team had it all. I'll go over the scores, moments that caught my eye, analysis of the six home nations along with where I think they will go from here, what we can expect in the second leg of the competition along with final standings for the summer series! Be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you stream your podcasts! Just search for The Rugby Paper Podcast or TQL rugby Podcast!
In the penultimate round of The Nations Championship summer tour, Ireland face off against their old nemesis New Zealand at the All Blacks’ “mecca” Eden Park!
Since 1994 when France shocked the world with a 22-8 victory over the All Blacks, in the following 31 years and 52 matches the All Blacks remain undefeated at Kingsland.
It’ll be a return for Ireland who last set foot at Eden Park in 2022 in which they suffered a 41-19 loss at the hands of the All Blacks before going on to win their first ever Summer Tour of New Zealand and climbed the World Rugby Rankings to No1.
In this video I break down the history between these two international heavyweights, discuss the key players who will be integral to a legendary win at Eden Park, and give my thoughts, analysis and predictions on Ireland’s huge challenge, plus every other game in the final round of the Nations Championship.
Feel free to like, share and subscribe and don’t forget to find me wherever you stream your podcasts!
Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!
Debutants Delight Down Under! TQL Rugby Podcast – Nations Championship Round Two Review Man of the match Sean Jansen made his mark with a standout performance against Japan along with landing a vital try on his first international cap! In a game I found myself having flashbacks to the 2019 World Cup Pool stages, in which Ireland lost to the host nation, I’ve thrown together my thoughts, analysis and opinions on a cracking game in which Japan showed their impressive talent and Ireland, with nine changes, bedded in the debutants and got the job done! Feel free to like, share and subscribe and you can listen on Spotify/Amazon Music and wherever you stream your podcasts! Just search for The Rugby Paper Podcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!
In this week's episode I break down Andy Farrell's Ireland selection, from individual player analysis and opinion to a throwback to when Japan got the better of Ireland during the 2019 World Cup! Four lucky debutants take to the field for this game: Connacht's Sam Illo, Billy Bohan and Sean Jansen who makes his test start at eight, alongside Ulster's Bryn Ward who will undoubtably make his debut of the bench! Squad rotation, fly-half debate and predictions covered, as well as a look at the other remaining fixtures in The Nations Championship 👍 Feel free to like, share and subscribe for more! You can find me at @TheRugbyPaperPodcast and TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts! #rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinsterrugby #munsterrugby #connachtrugby #ulsterrugby #international #australia #japan #japanrugby #eddiejones #worldrugby #podcast #podcasting
In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby columnist Paul Williams to assess the mounting pressure on England head coach Steve Borthwick after a fifth consecutive Test defeat.
Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and a heavy 45-21 defeat to South Africa in the opening round of the Nations Championship, England's discipline, tactics and direction are all under the microscope.
With Fiji next up at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before a trip to Argentina, is this already a defining fortnight for Borthwick's tenure? We discuss:
• Why England's form has collapsed since the Six Nations
• The growing indiscipline problem and its impact on results
• Whether England's kick-heavy game plan has become outdated
• Why Steve Borthwick is coming under increasing pressure
• Can England turn things around against Fiji?
• Why Josua Tuisova and Fiji will fancy their chances
• Should the RFU do everything possible to bring Shaun Edwards back to England?
🏉 Wales' Revival
Attention also turns to Wales, who have rediscovered confidence under Steve Tandy.
We discuss:
• What's changed since Tandy's arrival?
• Why Wales suddenly look like a different side
We also chat:
🌍 Nations Championship
🏆 World Rugby U20 Championship
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After a thoroughly thrilling and dynamic first round I couldn't wait to do a quick video highlighting my favourite moments, opinions on teams and results and share my positive experience watching as may of the games as I could! Feel free to like, share and subscribe and listen out for me on Spotify/Amazon and wherever you get your podcasts! Just search for @TheRugbyPaperPodcast & TQL Rugby Podcast 🍀👍 #irfu #rugby #rugbyunion #internationals #ireland #australia #fiji #wales #wru #allblacks #newzealand #france #japan #redroses #italy #springboks #englandrugby #england #southafrica #argentina #pumas #scotland #irishrugby #wallabies #nationscup #nationschampionships #worldcup #podcasting #podcast
With Andy Farrell naming his squad to face the Wallabies at a startling 4:30am UK time I take a quick dive into his selection and an overview of round one of the newly reformatted Nations Championship!Thoughts, facts, opinions and predictions covered! Hope you all enjoy.Remember to like, share and subscribe to The Rugby Paper Podcast/ TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts!
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by South African rugby journalist Avuyile Sawula to preview the headline fixture of the Nations Championship this weekend as England take on the world champion Springboks at Ellis Park.
Shockingly, one of rugby's most iconic stadiums could be less than half full, with media reports suggesting only around 21,000 tickets have been sold for the 62,500-capacity venue, leaving the prospect of more than 40,000 empty seats for one of Test rugby's biggest rivalries.
We ask why ticket sales have been so slow and what it says about the launch of the new competition. Ben also makes the case for an England upset, while Avuyile brings exclusive insight from Johannesburg on the mood around the Springboks camp and why England's rising star Henry Pollock has quickly become one of South Africa's most talked-about – and unpopular – opponents.
We also discuss:
• Rassie Erasmus' team selection and the strengths of the Springboks XV
• Ben Earl's fascinating mindset heading into one of rugby's toughest away trips
• The atmosphere in Johannesburg ahead of the Nations Championship opener
• The biggest tactical battles that could decide the match
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Overjoyed to have my first Leinster and Ireland superstar on the show, Devin Toner! Four European Championships, seven Pro 14 titles, three Six nations victories and a Grand Slam the stalwart back row has seen and done it all! From lineout masterclasses to tightly contested scrums Devin's influence has been essential to Leinster and Ireland. After a remarkable career and amassing an astonishing 70 caps for Ireland and a staggering 280 for Leinster Devin now supports rugby players and fans alike in the world of finance. Massive thanks to Devin for taking time out of his day for me and all the best!
rugby #ireland #leinster #internationalrugby #legend #club #country #sixnations #irishrugby #rugbyunion #lock #backrow #riseofrugby #irfu #leinsterrugby #podcast #podcasting #new #inspiration #champion
Chris Collyer spoke to Irish Journalist, Sportswriter & Producer, Author and Playwright; Pat McCarry! The pair spoke about podcasts, press conferences, post and pre matches as well as writing and directing a rugby stage play, in which he honours the life of Munster legend Anthony Foley. There is nobody more passionate about Irish rugby than Pat McCarry!
You can follow Pat McCarry on all social media platforms and Substack, search for @patrickmccarry9489 or Dirt Trackers rugby on Instagram and X.
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by She’s The Champ podcast host and The Rugby Paper writer Bluebell Nicholls to preview a fascinating showdown between the competition’s established giants and its newest disruptors.
We also discuss Bluebell’s rugby journey, the growth of the women’s game in Canada and her involvement with Toronto Nomads.
🏆 The Big Picture
• Does this final feel like a watershed moment for the PWR?
• Is Trailfinders’ rise proof that investment is broadening the league’s competitive landscape?
• Has Gloucester-Hartpury’s semi-final exit changed perceptions of what clubs can achieve?
• Is the PWR becoming genuinely unpredictable?
🔴 Saracens – Experience and Pedigree
• Sixth PWR final appearance and another shot at silverware
• How Jess Breach’s late winner against Exeter underlined Saracens’ big-game mentality
• Marlie Packer’s emotional final game for the club
• Why Zoe Harrison, Sophie de Goede, Olivia Apps and Jess Breach keep Saracens as the benchmark
🟢 Trailfinders – The Disruptors
• First-ever final in just their third season in the league
• Barney Maddison’s role in transforming the club
• Why Meg Jones is the creative heartbeat of this side
• Can Trailfinders play with freedom and no fear?
⚔️ The Match-Up
• Structure and control versus creativity and chaos
• Does the head-to-head record matter in finals?
• Where will the game be won and lost?
• Set-piece, breakdown and the first 20 minutes
• Which style of game favours each team?
⚡ Quickfire with Bluebell
• One under-the-radar player who could decide the final
• One player you'd pay to watch
• Which team has more X-factor?
• Which team has more power?
• Which team has the better bench?
• Score prediction
🎧 Sunday’s PWR Final kicks off at 3pm from The Stoop, live on TNT Sports. Will Saracens add another title to their collection, or can Trailfinders complete one of the great underdog stories in recent domestic rugby history?
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In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by All Things Rugby editor Saner Hasan to preview one of the biggest weekends in the club rugby calendar.
The Prem final takes centre stage as Northampton Saints take on Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham. The Saints have been the benchmark side all season, while Exeter’s remarkable rise from crisis to contenders has become one of the stories of the campaign. We break down the contrasting journeys of the two finalists, the brilliance of Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman, Henry Pollock’s meteoric rise, and why Rob Baxter’s rebuilt Chiefs are proving so difficult to beat.
We also discuss:
• Whether Tommy Freeman is the most dangerous player in the Premiership
• Exeter’s transformation from relegation fears to title challengers
• The key battles between Fin Smith and Harvey Skinner, and Fraser Dingwall and Henry Slade
• Whether recent final experience gives Saints an edge
🏆 URC Final
Attention then turns to Croke Park where Leinster face the Bulls in a repeat of last year's final.
We discuss:
• Why winning the URC almost feels like a minimum requirement for Leinster
• Whether the Bulls can finally end their long wait for silverware
• The pressure on Leo Cullen’s side after another Champions Cup disappointment
• Which team has more to lose on Friday night
🌏 Super Rugby Pacific Final
The Hurricanes host the Chiefs in Wellington in a final that has never happened before.
We ask:
• Are the Hurricanes the best club side in world rugby right now?
• Can the Chiefs finally end their run of final heartbreak?
• Which side handles the pressure of the occasion better?
🌹 France XV v England XV
Before the finals begin, England XV head to Vannes to take on France XV as Steve Borthwick starts preparations for the summer Nations Championship.
We discuss:
• Why this uncapped fixture matters more than it looks
• The return of Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Max Ojomoh
• England's opportunity to build momentum for the summer
• The notable absence of Ollie Lawrence
🔥 Final Questions
• Which win would mean the most?
• Which player is under the most pressure?
• If you could build a team around one player from the finals weekend, who would it be?
• Ranking the fly-halves: Fin Smith, Harvey Skinner, Sam Prendergast, Handré Pollard, Damian McKenzie and Ruben Love
🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. 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
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Northampton Chronicle rugby writer Tom Vickers to preview a mouthwatering Gallagher Premiership semi-final weekend.
Friday night sees one of English rugby’s fiercest rivalries take centre stage as Northampton Saints host Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens with a place in the Premiership final on the line.
We revisit the iconic 2014 semi-final between the sides, discuss whether this remains the biggest rivalry in the Premiership, and examine why history suggests the winner could go all the way and lift the trophy.
With Saints having topped the table and successfully navigated a season of rotation, injuries and international call-ups, we assess the outstanding job Phil Dowson has done, the impact of Anthony Belleau, and how Northampton have maintained their consistency despite spending periods without Fin Smith.
We also discuss:
• George Furbank’s impending departure and the motivation it brings
• Why Saints have flourished despite heavy squad rotation
• Leicester Tigers’ remarkable rise under Geoff Parling
• The clash of styles between Northampton’s attack and Leicester’s set-piece power
• Tommy Freeman’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage
• The importance of Franklin’s Gardens under the Friday night lights
🏆 Bath v Exeter Chiefs
Attention then turns to Saturday’s second semi-final as defending champions Bath host Exeter Chiefs at The Recreation Ground.
We discuss:
• Whether Exeter are the most dangerous fourth-placed side in recent Premiership history
• Henry Slade’s outstanding season
• Bath’s title credentials and attacking firepower
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PLAY-OFF CHAOS! | Exeter v Saracens Prem Shootout + URC Semi-Finals | The Rugby Paper Roundup
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by TRP writer Chris Collyer to preview a huge weekend of club rugby as the Prem regular season reaches its climax and the URC semi-finals take centre stage.
The headline act comes at Sandy Park, where Exeter Chiefs and Saracens meet in a winner-takes-all battle for a Premiership play-off place. With Mark McCall preparing to step down after an extraordinary trophy-laden spell at Saracens, could this be the final chapter of one of the great coaching eras — or one last escape act from rugby’s ultimate knockout specialists?
We also preview the race for home semi-finals as Bath host Leicester Tigers, assess Northampton Saints’ preparations for the play-offs, and ask whether Bristol Bears can continue their late-season charge.
We also discuss:
• Exeter v Saracens and the race for the top four
• Mark McCall’s legacy and Saracens’ final push
• Bath v Leicester Tigers and the battle for home advantage
• Harlequins’ season and Saints’ title credentials
• Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears in the fight for Europe
• Gloucester’s ambitions and Newcastle’s spoiler role
🏆 URC Semi-Finals
Attention then turns to the United Rugby Championship, where four heavyweights battle for a place in the Grand Final.
We break down:
• Glasgow Warriors v Bulls — a rematch of the 2024 final
• Whether Murrayfield helps or hinders Glasgow
• The Bulls’ quest to finally shake their bridesmaid tag
• Leinster v Stormers at the Aviva Stadium
• The star-studded international talent on display
• Hollie Davidson’s historic appointment to officiate the semi-final
🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup.
You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link:
https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...
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Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Robert Graham from the Rosbifs Rugby podcast to break down the extraordinary rise of French rugby — after another weekend of total dominance in Europe. Bordeaux Bègles dismantled Leinster to retain the Champions Cup, making it six straight European titles for Top 14 clubs, while Montpellier’s Challenge Cup triumph means French sides have now won 10 of the last 12 EPCR competitions. So why are France so far ahead of the rest of Europe right now? We explore the systems, culture and identity driving the French rugby boom — from the JIFF player pathway and financial strength of the Top 14 to the incredible depth being produced across the country. And of course, we dive into the brilliance of Bordeaux’s star-studded side — with Lucu, Jalibert, Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey lighting up Europe behind a monstrous pack led by cult hero Ben Tameifuna. We also discuss: • Whether this is the golden era of French rugby • Why the French club game feels so stable compared to England • The importance of the JIFF system in producing elite talent • Why rugby is now beating football in French TV ratings • Fabien Galthié becoming a cult figure in France • Why rugby suddenly feels “cool” in the country 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
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby content creator and social media personality Ruck Star Lizzie to react to a dramatic final round of the Women’s Six Nations — and look ahead to what feels like a huge new era for the women’s game.
England edged another epic battle with France in Bordeaux to secure an eighth straight Six Nations title and Grand Slam, while Ireland smashed attendance records at the Aviva Stadium in front of more than 31,000 fans against Scotland.
We break down why England v France continues to produce the biggest matches in women’s rugby, whether the Red Roses are building one of sport’s greatest dynasties, and just how special Ellie Kildunne’s tournament really was after a campaign packed with outrageous attacking numbers.
We also discuss:
• Marlie Packer finishing as top try scorer from the back row
• Zoe Harrison leading the tournament points charts
• Why Ireland’s Aviva Stadium crowd felt like a landmark moment
🦁 Women’s Lions Tour 2027
Attention also turns to the historic announcement of the first-ever Women’s Lions tour in 2027 to New Zealand.
Lizzie shares her excitement around the tour, the players who have stood out outside of England this championship, and who would already be first on her Lions team sheet.
🎥 Creator life & rugby media
Lizzie also reflects on building one of rugby’s biggest creator platforms, her favourite moments covering the sport, and what rugby still doesn’t quite get right digitally.
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The first episode of the TQL Rugby Podcast with Chris Collyer sees The Rugby Paper Assistant Editor, Ben Jaycock, discuss his journalism journey, who he was starstruck interviewing, standout matches he’s covered, and how he deals with the issues of bias when reporting.
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Irish rugby journalist Caolin Scully to preview a blockbuster final round of the Women’s Six Nations — headlined by a winner-takes-all Grand Slam showdown between England and France in Bordeaux. The Red Roses are chasing an eighth straight title, but France once again stand in their way in what has become the defining rivalry of the championship. We break down where France can hurt England, how impressed we’ve been with the Red Roses’ depth amid injury disruption, and how Meg Jones has handled the pressure of captaining the side through the tournament. We also ask whether this latest England v France clash has all the ingredients to produce another classic. We also cover: • England’s unbeaten run and evolving squad depth • France’s attacking threats and belief heading into Bordeaux • Why this rivalry feels different from every other matchup in the tournament • Whether England’s rotation policy has made them even stronger 🇮🇪 Historic day at the Aviva Stadium Attention also turns to Dublin, where Ireland host Scotland in the first-ever standalone Women’s Six Nations fixture at the Aviva Stadium, with more than 28,000 tickets already sold. We discuss what the occasion means for women’s rugby in Ireland, the progress Ireland have made across the championship, and whether the battle for third place signals the emergence of a genuine tier beneath England and France. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: 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 Telegraph reporter and leading women’s rugby voice Fi Tomas to preview Round Four of the Women’s Six Nations.
England head to Italy with a perfect record. We break down John Mitchell’s latest selection, including Helena Rowland earning her 50th cap, Ellie Kildunne’s shift to the wing to accommodate Emma Sing, and what England’s evolving attack says about where this side is heading tactically.
We also discuss:
• Whether England are adapting or evolving under Mitchell
• Italy’s growth after an impressive win over Scotland
• The “England need to lose” debate — and what it means for the competition
• Anaïs Grando and France’s attacking threats against Scotland
• Ireland’s expansive rugby under Erin King
• Wales’ difficult run and Sean Lynn’s start in charge
Fi also shares insight from her recent analysis work, including why female props are producing far more offloads and tries than in the men’s game — and what that tells us about the evolution of women’s rugby.
We also discuss the wider growth of women’s sport, the rise in coverage since the Lionesses’ Euros triumph, and what it’s meant for Fi personally to help lead reporting in the space after being recognised on the BBC Woman’s Hour Power List.
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Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock reacts to the team news for the Champions Cup semi-final between Bordeaux-Begles and Bath, and predicts a surprise win for the Prem champions.
Women’s Six Nations + George North retirement ft Georgie Perris-Redding | The Rugby Paper Roundup
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Sale Sharks co-captain and USA international Georgie Perris-Redding — a World Cup Eagle and one of the game’s most resilient leaders — to break down a huge week across women’s and men’s rugby.
We start with the Women’s Six Nations after a statement Round Three, where England, France and Italy all impressed. The Red Roses ran in ten tries against Wales, France showed resilience to stay level at the top, and Italy’s bonus-point win over Scotland underlined their growth. We ask whether England are still setting the benchmark, if Italy are a team on the rise, and whether the championship is once again building towards a decisive England v France showdown.
🏉 George North retirement
We reflect on the career of Wales legend George North, who will retire at the end of the season after 121 caps, 47 international tries, two Lions tours and multiple Six Nations titles. Georgie gives her perspective on what made North so special — and how players like him set the benchmark for the next generation.
🏆 European semi-finals preview
Attention turns to a huge weekend in Europe, with Leinster v Toulon and Bordeaux v Bath in the Champions Cup, plus Ulster v Exeter in the Challenge Cup.
🌍 USA rugby & growing the women’s game Born in Detroit, raised in England and representing the USA on the world stage, Georgie shares insight into the growth of rugby across America — and why the women’s game globally is moving in the right direction.
⚡ Quickfire • Nando’s order (and heat level…) • Coffee or gym day? • Best rugby moment so far • Hardest opponent faced • Sunshine rugby or cold, wet sessions?
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Women’s Six Nations commentator and Rugby Writers chair Nick Heath to preview a massive weekend across the women’s and men’s game.
The sun is shining and it’s raining tries across rugby — and England head into Round Three of the Women’s Six Nations with serious momentum. A sold-out Ashton Gate awaits as the Red Roses take on Wales, with new faces like Millie David stepping into the spotlight on her home ground after a prolific season with Bristol.
We break down England’s selection, including seven changes, Ellie Kildunne’s return to full-back, and what it says about the depth driving this side forward — as well as where Wales can realistically test them.
There’s also a powerful story on the Welsh side, with Alisha Joyce returning after 562 days and just 158 days after giving birth, potentially lining up alongside Jaz Joyce in a remarkable family moment.
We also cover:
• England’s growing fanbase and sold-out crowds
• Millie David’s debut and England’s attacking edge
• Key tactical battles at Ashton Gate
• France v Ireland — a World Cup quarter-final rematch in Clermont
• Italy v Scotland — who bounces back?
• Whether the title race is building towards another England v France decider
🏆 Premiership Rugby – Round 14
Attention then turns to the Premiership, where it’s first vs second as Northampton Saints host Bath in a huge top-of-the-table clash.
We preview the key battles, including Fin Smith v Finn Russell, and assess how Bath cope without key midfield options.
Plus, we shine a light on Saracens sensation Noah Caluori, who has racked up 17 tries this season at just 19 — including five against Sale alone.
⚡ Quickfire with Nick Heath
• Favourite ground to commentate at?
• One player you love calling right now?
• Most chaotic game you’ve covered?
• Nando’s order? (heat level included…)
• Tea or coffee on comms?
🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup.
You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: 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 journalist Sarah Rendell to break down a huge second round of the Women’s Six Nations — with England heading to Murrayfield under mounting selection pressure.
After a record-breaking opening weekend that saw over 77,000 fans pack into Twickenham, attention now turns to how the Red Roses respond to a growing injury list. Hannah Botterman and May Campbell are out of the tournament, Alex Matthews misses Scotland through injury, and England had already lost key names including Rosie Galligan, Abbie Ward and captain Zoe Stratford.
Yet, despite those setbacks, England continue to call on the depth of talent coming through the PWR — with Delaney Burns and Liz Crake drafted in. We ask whether this is disruption, or a timely test ahead of the World Cup.
We also discuss Ellie Kildunne’s powerful decision to speak openly about body dysmorphia and the pressures of being one of rugby’s most recognisable faces — and what that says about the changing landscape of the women’s game. With Kildunne also part of rugby’s first ever Twickenham tifo, we explore whether rugby is finally starting to build genuine star power in a team sport that has often struggled to do so.
Looking ahead to Round Two, we preview England’s trip to Scotland, Wales hosting France at Cardiff Arms Park — boosted by the return of Jasmine Joyce — and Ireland taking on Italy at the Dexcom Stadium after an encouraging showing against England.
Beyond the matches, we take a wider look at the growth of the women’s game. With the Women’s Super League seeing huge attendance figures following the Lionesses’ Euros success, why hasn’t the PWR seen the same exponential rise? And does the presentation of matches — including TV shots of empty stands — risk holding the game back?
Plus, we finish with a quickfire round — from Nando’s orders to favourite away days and the best press box food in the game.
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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:
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OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner.
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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.
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:
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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.
The headline fixtures from last Saturday lived up to the hype, with Ciaran Frawley taking centre stage, dropping two goals to give Ireland a memorable win over South Africa.
For England however, it was another near miss against the All Blacks, as Beauden Barrett inspired a New Zealand second half fightback.
Joining the guys today to reflect on all of the weekend's drama, as well as peel back the curtain on what makes his native South African side tick, is former Springbok and Saracens hooker Schalk Brits.
England ran New Zealand very close, but it sadly wasn't enough in Dunedin as they came up one point short in a game that was there for the taking. Meanwhile, Ireland were felled by South African power and some TMO misfortune as they also fell short against the Springboks on Saturday.
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to react to Saturday and discuss whether the home nations can exact revenge this coming weekend, is former England and British and Irish Lions second row, George Kruis.
A huge Saturday in store for all of us tomorrow as England take on the All Blacks on their turf for the first time in ten years and the Irish begin their bid for a first ever series win on South African soil. The mind games have already begun as things are heating up!
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain to preview the matchups is former Ireland, Connacht and Leinster lock Mike McCarthy.
The podcast also begins with a fantastic tribute to former England and Bath head coach Jack Rowell, who passed away this week aged 87.
In a congested weekend of rugby England put 50 points past Japan to carry some momentum into their two-test series against New Zealand. The Rugby Paper Podcast returns to reflect on the weekend with Ollie Little and Chris Hewett.
The guys are then joined by former England prop and women's rugby trailblazer Shaunagh Brown. Shaunagh reflects on her recent retirement, the announcement of a women's British and Irish Lions tour, as well as delving into her crazy life beyond rugby including firefighting, GB athletics, Highland games, Gladiators and much much more!
Northampton have ended their 10-year drought, securing the Gallagher Premiership title against 14-man Bath in a thriller at Twickenham on Saturday. Tom Pearson was one of the key performers for Saints on Saturday, and he joins host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to reflect on what it means to be Premiership champions.
Before so, the panel debates England's summer squad, following its announcement on Monday.
The big one is upon us! Northampton Saints and Bath are set to battle it out in one of the most eagerly anticipated Gallagher Premiership final in years. Today's episode goes completely off piste, as host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by TNT Premiership rugby and European Cup rugby anchor Craig Doyle. As well as previewing the final, Craig shares some incredible stories from his career including a fight with Ben Kay, an interview with Tiger Woods and more, and Ollie has a blunder of his own!
What a Champions Cup final it was, and Antoine Dupont's Toulouse ultimately condemned Leinster to a third consecutive final defeat to claim their sixth European crown.
Much to discuss in this week's episode as the Gallagher Premiership playoffs begin this weekend, with Northampton hosting Saracens on Friday night before Sale head to Bath on Saturday. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher for this one is former Northampton and England scrum half Lee Dickson/.
This weekend, the two most decorated European clubs go head to head in a titanic clash for Champions Cup glory. Toulouse and Leinster are both looking to add to their tally of five and four trophies respectively in as box office a matchup as you could ask for in club rugby.
Dupont or Gibson-Park? Meafou or McCarthy? Willis or van der Flier? So much to discuss, and joining host Ollie Little, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher to preview the game is former Ireland and Leinster legend Gordon D'Arcy.
The Gallagher Premiership is headed towards a superb Super Saturday, with five teams still in the running for the final two play-off spots!
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher first to discuss the laws of the game, including TMO interventions, tackle laws and scrums, before the guys preview the all-important weekend, is former Premiership and international referee JP Doyle.
Plenty on the agenda for the Rugby Paper Podcast this week as Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain review English disappointment in the Champions Cup semi-finals before they are joined by USA 7s Head Coach Mike Friday to discuss the end of the season, Antoine Dupont and, of course, this summer's Olympic Games.
Following a pivotal weekend of Gallagher Premiership action - not without its controversies - Ollie Little, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain are joined by Gloucester back row Ruan Ackermann.
The guys discuss Karl Dickson's refereeing controversy at Twickenham last weekend, before Ruan previews Gloucester's EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final clash against Benetton, as well as the potential for him to represent South Africa and England, or maybe even Wales or Scotland!
It all comes down to this! The Women's Six Nations is heading for an epic conclusion in Bordeaux on Saturday as England take on France, with both sides undefeated and in the hunt for a Grand Slam.
Joining the Rugby Paper Podcast to preview that game, and explain why she is called 'Daddy Packs', is none other than Red Roses captain and 100-cap club member, Marlie Packer.
The quarter-final stage of the Champions Cup was an absolute try-fest, with 41 tries in four games underpinning headline wins for Harlequins and Leinster.
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to analyse those games as well as those who put their hand up for England selection is former England, Leicester and Bristol Number 8 Jordan Crane.
As defence coach of Bristol Bears, Jordan also discusses the upcoming battle to make the Gallagher Premiership play-offs.
This is a big one! Plenty on the menu for host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett as they are joined by England World Cup winner and rugby legend Matt Dawson.
The guys take trips down memory lane to RWC 2003 and the 1997 British Lions tour, and Matt gives his insight into England and Northampton's development this season. Finally, listen to the end for our Champions Cup quarter-final predictions!
The Red Roses are two rounds into their Six Nations title defence and have come away with two convincing bonus point wins.
New head coach John Mitchell has spoken about developing an attacking brand of rugby to match that of the Black Ferns with a home Rugby World Cup less than 18 months away.
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain to reflect on the opening rounds as well as women's rugby as a whole is record-breaking former England head coach Simon Middleton.
The British & Irish Lions are just over a year away from heading down under to take on Australia! With dust settling after the 2024 Six Nations, host Ollie Little called together columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher with one goal: naming a XV to do the business against the Wallabies.
Who would you have in your side? We'd love to know in the comments!
What a Six Nations the 2024 edition has been! Super Saturday did not disappoint, and it was Ireland that ultimately claimed back to back titles. To look back on Saturday's fixtures as well as review the tournament as a whole, host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain are joined by rugby refereeing great Nigel Owens.
After beginning by reviewing Wales's torrid season, Nigel also gives some pearls of refereeing wisdom on how to improve the game of rugby. The guys spend the last hour reviewing the championship as a whole.
It is time to look ahead to Six Nations super Saturday! The best Saturday of the year is upon us, and with three tantalising contests to look ahead to, we hope you're as excited as we are.
One of those fixtures is 'Le Crunch', as France take on England to round off the tournament in Lyon. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to give some truly compelling insights on his native France side's struggles is former French centre and 2011 Rugby World Cup finalist, Maxime Mermoz.
What a weekend of rugby! The latest round of the 2024 Six Nations was without doubt its best so far, as Italy and England pulled off shock upsets in two pulsating encounters on Saturday.
In a very special mini-episode of the Rugby Paper Podcast, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett react to a stunning round of fixtures.
This week, the Rugby Paper Podcast brings up 100 episodes! A huge thank you to all those who support and continue to follow the podcast - we could not have done it without you.
The guys commemorate the podcast's century by previewing the fourth round of the 2024 Six Nations and in particular looking ahead to England's clash with Ireland at Twickenham. Host Ollie Little and regulars Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by former Ireland centre and Ulster defence coach Jonny Bell.
The panel finish by casting an eye back over the past 100 episodes, reminiscing over their favourite editions and memories.
Refereeing controversy was once again at the heart of the third round of the 2024 Six Nations, as Paolo Garbisi's contentious missed kick denied Italy a first Six Nations win in France. Plenty to discuss for host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett in this one!
With The Rugby Paper Podcast being such big fans of Portuguese rugby, the guys were very excited to be joined for this episode by Portuguese captain and legend Tomas Appleton to discuss that win against Fiji, meeting Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal's future.
Round 3 of the 2024 Six Nations is coming thick and fast and the headline fixture - as it often is - is Saturday's Calcutta Cup fixture between Scotland and England at Murrayfield.
Scotland are looking for their fourth consecutive win against England for the first time since 1896, whilst all eyes are on how the 'new' England perform in their toughest challenge of the tournament so far.
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett to look ahead to the weekend's action is former Scotland captain and London Scottish boss Bryan Redpath.
The second round of the 2024 Six Nations was marred by refereeing controversy, most notably TMO Brian MacNeice and referee Nic Berry not awarding a try that would have handed Scotland victory over France.
Today refereeing, the TMO process and the laws of the game are under the Rugby Paper Podcast's microscope as host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain are joined by former England and British and Irish Lions flanker, now coach at Esher Rugby Peter Winterbottom.
The opening round of the 2024 Six Nations threw the script out the window as Scotland almost let a 27-point lead slip against Wales, Ireland thumped France at home and England cut it close against Italy.
With England set to host Wales this weekend and France looking to bounce back against the Scots, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher are joined by Welsh cross-code legend and BBC commentator Jonathan Davies.
Jiffy also pays tribute to Welsh rugby great Barry John following the tragic announcement of his passing at the weekend.
International rugby is back for the first time since Rugby World Cup 2023, and it's Six Nations season! It is the dawn of a new era, with each nation either deploying a new captain or a new head coach.
As is Rugby Paper Podcast tradition, to preview the whole tournament and the blockbuster opening fixtures, host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher are joined by England and British and Irish Lions legend Jerry Guscott.
In a fascinating week in European rugby, amidst Six Nations and Women's British and Irish Lions announcements, Welsh rugby superstar Louis Rees-Zammit has announced that he is quitting rugby to pursue a dream of playing in the NFL, aged just 22. The decision has shocked the rugby world and sparked mass debate about what it represents for the game of rugby as well as whether Rees-Zammit can succeed in one of the most competitive player pools in world sport.
Host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain are joined by journalist Francisco Isaac to discuss Rees-Zammit's move, Six Nations squads and the 2024 rugby prospects of Francisco's native Portugal.
Happy New Year from the Rugby Paper Podcast! As 2024 dawns, host Ollie Little and Rugby Paper columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher are joined by former England prop Jeff Probyn to look back on a memorable 2023 both global and English rugby, as well as the podcast itself.
Where does the past year leave the English game? What was everyone's moment of 2023? What was Chris Hewett's favourite podcast episode? Only one way to find out!
The Rugby Paper Podcast's final episode of 2023 looks back at two thrilling weekends of Champions Cup action as well as looking ahead to the Big Game double header between Harlequins and Gloucester on December 30th. Joining host Ollie Little and the full house of columnists, Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett is England and Harlequins lock Joe Launchbury.
The guys also discuss England's eligibility rules in light of Henry Arundell's recent decision to extend his contract at Racing 92.
It's been a groundbreaking week or so in English rugby, as both England captain Owen Farrell and international referee have decided to take a break from the international game in order to preserve both their families' and their own well-being. This comes after periods of intense scrutiny in mainstream and social media domains during the Rugby World Cup and has shed light on the need to look out more for the welfare of players and referees alike.
In light of these decisions, joining host Ollie Little and the Rugby Paper experts Nick Cain and Nick Powell to discuss social media, mental health and openness in rugby is Premiership record-breaker Tom Varndell. The guys also discuss the struggles of Newcastle Falcons in the early stages of the Gallagher Premiership season.
The Rugby Paper Podcast is back with a bang! Post Rugby World Cup and on the anniversary of England's iconic Rugby World Cup win in 2003, the guys take an ambitious look ahead to how England could shape up in 2027. Host Ollie Little picks the brains of Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to put together the Rugby Paper's XV to take England to their second title in 2027 - Steve Borthwick take note!
Nick, Chris and Brendan also describe what it was like to be there on that famous day in 2003.
In the Rugby Paper Podcast's final Rugby World Cup episode, it's time to zoom out a bit and look ahead to the next four years. Recent format changes for 2027 as well as the introduction of a biennial World League have marked what Bill Beaumont has described as the biggest changes in the men's game since 1987.
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to debate the implications of a 24-team World Cup as well as the World League is returning guest, Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans. Given the fireworks last time Mark was on, strap yourselves in!
The sun has set on Rugby World Cup 2023, and in a thrilling finale the Springboks held onto their crown, edging out New Zealand by just one point.
This week's podcast looks back at the final and another iconic South Africa World Cup win as well as reviewing the tournament as a whole. To do so, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher are joined by South Africa World Cup winner Brendan Venter!
England so nearly pulled off a shock upset against the Springboks but it was Handré Pollard's boot that condemned the Red Rose to a semi-final exit at the hands of reigning champions South Africa.
And so, the Boks will face old rivals New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final in Paris on Saturday. Joining host Ollie Little and the Rugby Paper experts Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Nick Powell to look ahead to the final and assess where England's exit leaves Steve Borthwick's side, is former England Number 8 Nick Easter.
Wow. Just wow. The Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-finals certainly did not disappoint, with two all-time great matches in Paris accompanied by a couple of thrillers in Marseille. In the end the Southern Hemisphere continued to dominate at World Cups, with England now the only Northern Hemisphere side that remain ahead of the semi-finals.
Host Ollie Little is joined by the full house of Rugby Paper columnists, Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett to try and make sense of what happened at the weekend and analyse whether either England or Argentina can cause upsets this weekend.
The Rugby World Cup pool stages have come to an end, and what a way to finish! Portugal landed their first ever World Cup win, beating Fiji on Sunday night in a remarkable fixture in Toulouse. The result also spelled the end for Australia, with the Wallabies going out before the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Quarter-finals are upon us, and boy do they look tasty! This episode discusses the fallout of the pool stages as well as looking ahead to four thrilling fixtures this weekend. Part way through the episode, host Ollie Little and experts Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Powell are joined by Wallaby great David Campese!
There is just one round of the Rugby World Cup pool stage remaining and it all hinges on week five! The headline from the last round of fixtures was New Zealand re-enforcing their credentials as title contenders with a crushing 96-17 win over Italy. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to look at the significance of that win as well as look ahead to the blockbuster fixtures to come this weekend is All Black rugby legend, Sean Fitzpatrick.
The third weekend of the 2023 Rugby World Cup was absolutely blockbuster, with South Africa v Ireland living up to the hype whilst Australia sunk to a new low under Eddie Jones as a first ever pool stage exit looms large. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett is someone whose nation was on the wrong side of the result in the thriller in Paris on Saturday night: South Africa rugby legend Kobus Wiese.
Two weeks down and we can't wait for the next six! A polarising England performance and a historic win for Fiji among the headlines, the Rugby World Cup pool stage heads towards a pivotal weekend with blockbuster fixtures South Africa v Ireland and Wales v Australia. Joining host Ollie Little and podcast regulars Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher for a cracking episode is Wales rugby legend James Hook!
France light up Paris. George Ford revives England. The battle of Bordeaux. How about that for an opening weekend?
Plenty of talking points as South Africa and France made statement wins over rivals Scotland and New Zealand in Pool A and Pool B, meanwhile on the other side of the draw England and Wales took massive steps towards the knockout stages.
Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to reflect on the opening round is Scotland and British and Irish Lion centre and ITV commentator, Scott Hastings.
Here. We. Go. The Rugby World Cup 2023 is upon us, and we can't wait! It's time to look ahead the tournament as a whole, and true to Rugby Paper Podcast tradition, joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett for the big preview is England and British and Irish Lion legend Jerry Guscott.
In this blockbuster episode, the guys weigh up the pool stages, England's prospects as well as predicting their tournament winners, breakout stars and shock upsets.
We are just over a week away!
England's first ever loss to Fiji marked the low point of their World Cup preparations as Steve Borthwick has now run out of time to gain some sort of momentum ahead of their opening game against Argentina. Conversely, Scotland head into their pool of death clashes against Ireland and South Africa with three wins from four this summer and every chance of getting out of the group. Joining host Ollie Little, columnist Chris Hewett and Digital Editor Nick Powell to discuss Scotland's World Cup chances and England's woes is former fly-half Duncan Hodge.
Following their respective suspensions, Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell will miss the start of the World Cup this year as England's preparations continue to falter. This means that England will be without their Number 8 and fly-half and captain for their opener against Argentina.
Today's special guest on the Rugby Paper Podcast is a former Saracens teammate of the banned pair and semi-finalist with Los Pumas.
Giving his take on Argentina's World Cup preparations and the Farrell and Vunipola sagas is, you guessed it, Argentina and Saracens legend Marcelo Bosch!
The Rugby World Cup 2023 draws ever closer and following another weekend of preparation fixtures, things are hotting up.
Eddie Jones named man-mountain Will Skelton Australia's captain for the tournament, omitting Wallabies greats Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper in a bombshell squad announcement.
In what can only be described as a box office podcast episode, joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to discuss the Wallabies' chances of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy, the devolution of skills in modern rugby, Owen Farrell's red card and so much more is one of the greatest rugby players of all time and Australian rugby Hall of Famer, David Campese. Fasten your seatbelts!
Continuing our review series of the major nations in the lead-up to the World Cup later this year in France, today the guys look at champions South Africa, who defend their title after a turbulent and inconsistent four years. To do so, host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain are joined by one of the stalwarts of that 1995 World Cup-winning side, Hennie Le Roux.
At the end of the episode, the guys also scrutinise Steve Borthwick's World Cup squad selections so stay tuned for that!
As we continue our overview of how the major nations are shaping up for the World Cup in France later this year, it's time to look at the number one team in the world, Ireland. Joining host Ollie Little and the full house of columnists in Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to discuss Andy Farrell's side's chances of breaking their World Cup hoodoo as well as his infamous confrontation of New Zealand's haka is former lock and captain Willie Anderson.
The Rugby Paper Podcast has officially entered its third season in order to begin the run-up to the 2023 World Cup. The guys will be looking at the prospects of the major nations as we approach, and joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to look at how Italy are shaping up is their fly-half and returning guest, Tommy Allan. The guys also look at tweaks in the England World Cup training squad as well as discussing this weekend's Bledisloe Cup.
On this week's edition of the podcast former Ulster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions winger Trevor Ringland MBE discusses playing for an Ulster team that won ten consecutive Interprovincial titles and an Irish team that won three Five Nations titles in the 1980s amidst the division of the troubles.
Joined by Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher, the former UK Special Envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland also analyses how the Irish team has become so strong in the professional era, gives his prediction for the upcoming Rugby World Cup and discusses his ideas to improve the game of rugby in the modern day.
On this week’s edition of the podcast, Brendan and Chris assess Simon Halliday’s comments on the future of the English second tier, which featured on the front page of Sunday's edition of The Rugby Paper.
We also keep an eye on the U20 Rugby World Cup and England’s squad for the main event, look ahead to the Rugby Championship, and finish by reminiscing about England’s Tour of Hell which ended 25 years ago on Tuesday.
This week on the Rugby Paper Podcast, joining host Ollie Little, columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher and Digital Editor Nick Powell, Mal O'Kelly discusses Leinster's trophy-less end to the season, Ireland's World Cup prospects and the current state of the breakdown in rugby.
This week on the Rugby Paper Podcast, host Ollie Little is joined by columnists Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett to discuss the format changes announced for next season's European Cup before having another crack at putting together an England XV for the 2023 World Cup, six months on from the last attempt!
London Irish have officially become the third club to be suspended from the Gallagher Premiership this season. The Exiles demise subsequently means that the English top flight now consists of just 10 teams. Joining host Ollie Little, columnist Brendan Gallagher and digital editor Nick Powell to discuss how he is processing it is none other than London Irish record try-scorer Topsy Ojo.
In April earlier this year Bath and Clermont legend Nick Abendanon called time on a stellar 17-year career. Nick joins host Ollie Little as well as columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to reflect on his career and also discuss the vast differences between the French and English domestic games.
The Rugby Paper was devastated to learn of the passing of its founder, David Emery, at the weekend. The episode ends with the columnists paying tribute to David as both a phenomenal professional and person.
A memorable Gallagher Premiership season (for many of the wrong reasons) is done and dusted as Saracens have reclaimed their throne following a turbulent two years. The season will be remembered for very different reasons however, as fears grow that London Irish will become the third club in seven months to drop out of the Premiership. Ollie Little is joined by Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Nick Powell to discuss all.
It was a great weekend in Europe for French rugby with a resounding Challenge Cup win for Toulon and a one-point victory for La Rochelle in an all-time classic Champions Cup final. This week, the guys preview the Gallagher Premiership final between Saracens and Sale at Twickenham on Saturday. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher is Saracens and England centre Alex Lozowski.
World Rugby has announced its refereeing roster for the 2023 World Cup, and it was no surprise to see the highest-capped test referee of all time Wayne Barnes included. Wayne joins host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to look ahead to his fifth World Cup as well as discussing the effects of social media on referees and his French language skills!
In a wonderfully chaotic episode of the Rugby Paper Podcast, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by former England and Sale Sharks winger Mark Cueto. An episode initially planning to preview the Premiership semi-finals goes way off piste, discussing Sale and England controversy, Chris Ashton and much much more!
In a blockbuster weekend of rugby, the Red Roses claimed the Grand Slam in a record-breaking decider at HQ, and La Rochelle and Leinster set up a repeat of last year's Champions Cup showdown with respective semi-final wins.
Following another emphatic Leinster display, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by former Ireland and Ulster star Stephen Ferris to reflect on the knockout stage action and discuss the Irish provincial system.
This weekend's Women's Six Nations decider is set to set a new record for attendance at a standalone women's rugby fixture. The Red Roses and France will go toe to toe in a winner-takes-all grand stand finale in front of more than 50,000. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to preview the tournament's climax is prop forward Maud Muir. The guys also look ahead to what promises to be a thrilling weekend of European rugby!
Of all positional debates in English rugby at the moment, the one at fly-half is one of the most unanswered and without doubt the most problematic. Captain Owen Farrell underperformed in the Six Nations - with particular concerns about his goal-kicking - yet heir to the throne Marcus Smith failed to take the limited opportunities he got. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to weigh in on the debate is former England fly-half Olly Barkley.
This week's special guest has been on a journey that has been nothing short of remarkable. Billed as a future England captain by many, Wasps and England flanker Tom Rees's rugby career was tragically cut short by a ruptured ACL. Forced to retire at just 27 years old, he began his qualification in medicine, and is now a doctor for the NHS. Join host Ollie Little and the full house of columnists as Tom opens up to them about everything that he has been through. The guys also review a fantastic weekend of Champions Cup action!
Champions Cup and Women's Six Nations action made for a fantastic weekend of rugby to say the least. To reflect on the Red Roses' opening two wins and preview the rest of the tournament, host Ollie Little, columnists Nick Cain and Chris Hewett and Digital Editor Nick Powell are joined by one of the faces of women's rugby, Maggie Alphonsi. The guys also look back at a vintage weekend of European rugby, and preview the all-important quarter-finals.
Plans for a World Rugby tournament that will culminate every two years in a grand final between the top side in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere look to be solidifying.
Host Ollie Little is joined by columnists Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett to how the tournament could shape up, and impact the divide between top tier and second tier international rugby.
The guys also preview the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup.
Congratulations to Ireland, who secured a deserved Grand Slam against England at on St Patrick's day weekend - we can only imagine how the party must have been! This week, the Rugby Paper Podcast reviews Saturday's fixtures and the tournament as a whole. To do so, the guys have the ideal special guest - Ollie Little and the full house of columnists in Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by a member of the Irish rugby hall of fame, Willie John McBride.
England's Six Nations trajectory took a downhill turn on Saturday following a record home defeat at the hands of the French. Less than six months out from the World Cup and Steve Borthwick's side have hit a new rock bottom, with many ruling them out as genuine contenders later this year. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Can and Brendan Gallagher to discuss England's turmoil is former England and Scotland head coach Andy Robinson.
Three difficult fixtures to call this weekend as England and Scotland bear home advantage in their challenges against France and Ireland, whilst Italy go into a Six Nations fixture as favourites for the first time in years. Will England go with Smith or Farrell? Will Ireland remain on course for the Grand Slam? Will Welsh woes be put on hold? Host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by former England and British and Irish Lion Fran Cotton to discuss all.
During the third round of the 2023 Six Nations, a minute's silence was held before each game to commemorate the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Rugby Paper had the privilege this week of interviewing James Waterhouse, a former professional rugby player (Plymouth, Rotherham and Esher) who is now working as the Ukraine correspondent for the BBC. In a truly unique and extraordinary episode, James calls host Ollie Little, and columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher from Kyiv.
The build-up to Wales vs England remains marred by uncertainty amidst strike threats by Welsh players as contract issues, financial crisis and allegations of a toxic environment pervade Welsh rugby. This been brewing for some time, masked by the success of an over-performing Welsh national side. However many, including today's guest Jonathan Davies, feel that this is the moment for a complete overhaul. 'Jiffy' joins host Ollie Little and the full house columnists to preview the third round of the Six Nations and weigh in on the Welsh rugby crisis.
The second week of the 2023 Six Nations certainly lived up to the first! Ireland conquered France in the battle of the titans in Dublin in what was billed as an instant Six Nations classic, Scotland continued their ascendency in overpowering a woeful Wales, and it was gritty, not pretty but England prevailed over Italy to get Steve Borthwick's tally up and running. Joining Ollie Little, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett this week, just back from Twickenham, is recently-retired Italian centre Tommaso Castello.
WHAT a start to the tournament! A thriller in Rome, an Irish statement in Cardiff and the headline act of one of the great Calcutta Cup matches in recent memory. Host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by a jubilant Scott Hastings to review the action from opening weekend, and look ahead to an equally blockbuster week two.
As the guys bring up episode 50, fair to say they do it in the right way! The gang is back together again on the Rugby Paper Podcast, with Ollie Little and the full house of columnists in Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett joined by England and British and Irish Lion legend Jerry Guscott to preview an incredibly highly-anticipated Six Nations tournament. Will Steve Borthwick's new era start in the right way against Scotland? Will Warren Gatland bring back Wales's glory days? Will Chris Hewett get a single prediction right? So much to answer over the next few weeks, and it all starts here!
In this week's instalment of The Rugby Paper Podcast, host Ollie Little and columnist Brendan Gallagher are joined by recently-elected General Secretary of the Rugby Players Association and former Premiership lock Christian Day as well as head of the RPA Gain Line Luke Cheyne. The guys discuss the RPA's multi-dimensional work within player welfare, financial instability and also address the recent law change concerning waist-high tackling in amateur rugby.
Eddie Jones is back in green and gold! The Jones saga takes yet another turn as he replaces Dave Rennie at Australia's helm. Host Ollie Little is joined by Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to discuss the former England boss's reappointment as well as Steve Borthwick's Six Nations squad. The guys are joined mid-way through the episode by Sale Sharks scrum-half Gus Warr, who reviews the weekend's loss against Toulouse and looks ahead to the all-important clash against Ulster.
Happy new year! The Rugby Paper Podcast is back for its second season, and at the turn of World Cup year, selection questions surround the new age of English rugby. Host Ollie Little returns with columnists Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain as the guys are joined by former England captain and World Cup winner Lewis Moody to have a stab at their England XV for the Six Nations opener against Scotland. Lewis also discusses his truly incredible charity work through his own Lewis Moody Foundation and recent involvement in the Stalls for All campaign.
The Rugby Paper Podcast rounds of 2022 with another special episode! Host Ollie Little is rejoined by panellists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to review Steve Borthwick's appointment as new England head coach. Don't miss the final section of the episode as our experts pitch their awards for 2022 - including game of the year, player of the year and more - with Ollie picking the winner for each. Wishing everyone at The Rugby Paper a happy holiday season, and see you in 2023!
Following last week's 'Sackings Special', this week's edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast arrives a few days later than anticipated. Ollie Little is rejoined by Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and Digital Editor Nick Powell, and the guys welcome Bath and England centre and former Worcester Warrior Ollie Lawrence. As you can imagine, plenty to discuss!
In a momentous week for home nations rugby, we bring you a special episode of The Rugby Paper Podcast. Host Ollie Little has rapidly assembled the troops in columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to react to the dismissals of Eddie Jones and Wayne Pivac, and question whether at this stage, you'd rather be English or Welsh.
As we approach the halfway point of a more than turbulent Gallagher Premiership season, Bristol Bears are yet to find their groove. Possessing one of the most talented squads in the league, they surely can't be too far away from being real challengers again, a view echoed by recently-signed fullback Rich Lane, who joins host Ollie Little and Assistant and Digital Editors Ben Jaycock and Nick Powell. The guys also hold a fascinating discussion on Rich's learnings on his journey from Premiership to Championship and back to Premiership.
Not a great weekend to be an English or Welsh rugby fan...as Eddie Jones and Wayne Pivac's positions at the helm are reviewed, host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain are joined by former England lock and current Red Roses forwards coach Louis Deacon to have their say. Louis also looks back at the Red Roses journey at the World Cup 2022 in New Zealand, and the guys pay tribute to Scotland legend of the game Doddie Weir, who passed away last weekend six years after being diagnosed with MND.
Last weekend continued the theme of the Autumn by providing more twists and turns on and off the field. England's stunning comeback against New Zealand wasn't the only shock, with Georgia securing a famous win against Wales. Italy were in the fight against South Africa at half time, and although the world champions ran away with it in the second half the Italians can look back on a historic and successful 2022. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to discuss all things Azzurri is one of their most capped players of all time, Carlo Checchinato.
The events of 2017 repeated themselves on Saturday as the Red Roses came up short, with the Black Ferns retaining their crown in a pulsating Saturday morning encounter. It was a blockbuster weekend in the men's game too as the Autumn Series continues to live up to its hype. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher for this week, it's former England captain and flanker Chris Robshaw!
Semi-final Saturday of the Women's Rugby World Cup was a blockbuster occasion as the Red Roses and Black Ferns came out victorious after their titanic tussles against Canada and France. Saturday's final - at a sold out Eden Park - promises to be equally thrilling as the two teams of the tournament go head to head. Joining host Ollie Little to look ahead to the final, get to know one of the breakthrough stars of the tournament for England, Sadia Kabeya.
Following a comfortable win in torrential conditions against Australia, the Red Roses are just two wins away from being crowned world champions for the third time! To preview their semi-final fixture against Canada, Rocky Clark rejoins host Ollie Little as they welcome England lock and World Player of the Year in 2021, Zoe Aldcroft.
With rugby in a tough spot at present, a cracking autumn series will no doubt remind us of the beauty of our sport. Some tasty North vs South clashes await, not least for the Springboks, who will face Ireland, France, Italy and England over the course of their tour. Joining host Ollie Little, as well as columnists Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher to weigh up their chances is former South Africa lock Flip Van Der Merwe.
Safe to say that 70 minutes was not long enough for this episode - a full house of columnists (Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett) join host Ollie Little with plenty to address following the demise of London Wasps as the financial crisis in the Gallagher Premiership deepens. The guys are joined by one of the all time greats, in former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick. Sean also gives his take on the All Blacks as they prepare for their autumn series!
Pushed back a year due to the pandemic, the Women's Rugby World Cup 2021 is finally underway. The Red Roses put away a strong Fiji side on Saturday to kick off their campaign, and maintain their credentials as hot favourites for the title going into 'Le Crunch'. Joining host Ollie Little to look back at Saturday's match and preview the tournament is England's most capped player of all time, Rocky Clark, and quadruple try-scorer against Fiji, Claudia MacDonald.
Amidst Gallagher Premiership crisis, Sale Sharks have enjoyed a perfect start to their campaign. They picked up their third consecutive league win against Exeter at the weekend, underscoring their play-off credentials. The man who secured that victory was Gallagher Premiership debutant Joe Carpenter, who joins host Ollie Little and Digital Editor Nick Powell to discuss the Sharks' prospects this season as well as his future England ambitions.
Some very sad and alarming news this week as Worcester Warriors went into administration amidst a financial crisis in the Gallagher Premiership. Here to discuss the outlook of the situation, host Ollie Little is joined by a full house of regular columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett. The guys welcome former Saracens Director of Rugby, Melbourne Storm owner and Harlequins and Western Force CEO Mark Evans, who has just been announced as the new CEO of the Fijian Drua franchise. With this being by far the fieriest episode of The Rugby Paper Podcast to date, all there is to say is: strap in!
This week's edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast turns its attention back to the Gallagher Premiership. Two rounds in and despite two defeats, there have been promising signs for Bath. To look ahead to Bath's season, as well as discuss injury resilience and Scotland rugby, joining host Ollie Little and Digital Editor for The Rugby Paper Nick Powell is Bath and Scotland centre Cameron Redpath. We apologise for occasional audio interference in this episode.
Ahead of the United Rugby Championship resuming this weekend, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain and Chris Hewett are joined by Ospreys Head Coach Toby Booth. The guys discuss the prospects of the Welsh regions and the challenges provided by the addition of the South African provinces, as well as comparing Erling Haaland to Matt Banahan!
Another full house for your 30th edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast! Ahead of the final mini series of games in The Rugby Championship and as a debt crisis hits Worcester and other English clubs leading up to the Gallagher Premiership season, host Ollie Little is joined by columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett. The guys welcome an Australian rugby Hall of Famer in the form of Michael Lynagh.
The Rugby Paper Podcast ventures into the world of rugby's kicking game this week, as well as looking ahead to Bath's season. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain and Chris Hewett is former England full-back and kicking coach, and recently appointed Bath kicking coach Jon Callard.
Columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewitt rejoin Ollie Little once again for a fascinating look at coaching in the modern game. The guys welcome former England coach Brian Ashton. Widely known as one of the most visionary coaches in the game of rugby, Brian presents some of his more recent non-traditional coaching philosophies.
One man who has well and truly lived the highs and lows of sport is Christian Wade. After years of terrorising defences in the Gallagher Premiership, Christian jetted to America to chance his arm in the NFL. Now, he is weighing up his next move, and joins Ollie Little, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett for what made for an unmissable episode!
For the first time ever on The Rugby Paper Podcast, a full house! Host Oliver Little is joined by columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to discuss the The Rugby Championship. One week into the tournament and New Zealand struggles continue, while Australia fought back to beat a resilient Argentina despite the notable absence of their stalwart captain, Michael Hooper. Joining the guys to discuss is none other than former Wallaby captain James Horwill!
The focus of The Rugby Paper Podcast journeys across the pond for your next edition. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett is Head of Europe and the United Kingdom for the NFL and former World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper, who discusses comparisons he has been able to make through his own transition between the two sports, as well as the groundbreaking potential of the Rugby World Cups in the USA in 2031 and 2033. The guys also briefly preview the upcoming Rugby Championship!
Episode 24 of The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes former Ireland fly-half Mick Quinn, basking in the success of his team's historic summer in New Zealand. Together with host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett, Mick lays out Irish prospects for the World Cup next year. Mick also takes the liberty to lay into English life prospects in general.
Points of discussion are in abundance in your next edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast after a fitting finale to the summer series. Host Ollie Little is rejoined by Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett as they welcome special guest, former England full-back, professional cricketer and rugby journalist Alastair Hignell. As well as discussing Ireland's phenomenal achievement in New Zealand and the perennial problem of England selection, Alastair provides fascinating insight into his charity work for The Sporting Memories Foundation, an organisation that uses the power of sports reminiscing and discussion to tackle dementia, depression and loneliness among the elderly.
Two weekends of summer tours have proved a microcosm of the very fine north/south divide at present. Australia vs England, New Zealand vs Ireland, South Africa vs Wales and Argentina vs Scotland are all locked at a win apiece. The Rugby Paper Podcast looks ahead to a weekend guaranteed of drama and unpredictability. To do so, Ollie Little is joined by columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett, as well as former Bath and England prop Gareth Chilcott.
Saturday's Gallagher Premiership Final was a wonderful occasion - not least if you are a Leicester Tigers fan! The Rugby Paper Podcast looks back at the final and the Gallagher Premiership season as a whole, as well as reviewing the England squad for their tour of Australia which was announced following a dismal showing against the Barbarians. Joining host Ollie Little to do this are regular columnists for The Rugby Paper Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett, as well as former England prop Jeff Probyn.
Following a weekend of chaotic semi-final action, this week's instalment of The Rugby Paper Podcast previews the all-important Gallagher Premiership Final between Leicester Tigers and Saracens. Joining host Ollie Little is columnist for The Rugby Paper and podcast debutant Chris Hewett as well special guest former England scrum-half and World Cup winner Kyran Bracken.
Your next edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast discusses the United Rugby Championship. The URC is undergoing something of a revolution, with the addition of four South African provinces this season. Two South African sides made it to the semi-finals, however with all four Welsh regions missing out on quarter-final spots. Joining Ollie Little, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to debate this imbalance is former Wales captain and one of the most distinctive voices in rugby, Eddie Butler.
This week, host Ollie Little and Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock are joined by Scotland international and Saracens back row Andy Christie to discuss the all important denouement for the Gallagher Premiership 2022 season, chaotic international call-ups, Love Island and more.
Episode 17 tackles one of the most pressing issues in English men's rugby. An already-shrinking grassroots game has been hit by the pandemic and needs as much support as it can get in order for the top levels of rugby to not be affected. Discussing what needs to be done, host Ollie Little is joined by columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher, as well as two time British and Irish Lion Peter Winterbottom.
A special family occasion for this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Podcast. Host Ollie Little is treated to the company of Leicester Tigers and England prop Joe Heyes, his father, former Nottingham Forest professional goalkeeper Darren Heyes, and his grandfather, former Leicester City and Swansea goalkeeper George Heyes. The episode includes discussion on Leicester's prospects ahead of a potential Premiership Final, overlap between rugby and football, and 84 year-old George's first experience over zoom - thoroughly entertaining!
For The Rugby Paper Podcast this week, host Ollie Little, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and Digital Editor Ben Redwood are joined by Bristol Bears stalwart Jake Woolmore. Being the first Bear to 100 caps is just one of many feats on the loosehead's resume, as we find out in discussing his work as a barber and his gin brand (listen for a discount code). In Mental Health Awareness Week, we also discuss Jake's lessons learned from working as a Mental Health First Aider, and mental health in rugby.
Grand Slam champions! The Red Roses secured the Six Nations title, in France on Saturday finishing the tournament unbeaten and scoring a record 282 points. Post-celebrations, England captain Sarah Hunter joins host Ollie Little and record-breaker Rocky Clark to review the tournament, look ahead to the World Cup as well as discuss dentistry and voodoo dolls...
For your next edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast, host Oliver Little is joined by Digital Editor Ben Redwood, as we welcome breakthrough Bath centre Max Ojomoh. On the menu for today are the new Bath, Max's academy and professional arc, dreadlocks, FIFA career mode and much more.
A week of contention and fierce debate as The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes back Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher alongside host Ollie Little, as well as RFU referee Craig Maxwell-Keys to discuss the laws of the game. Scrums, forward passes, high tackles and much more - fasten your seatbelts!
This week, alongside regulars Oliver Little and Brendan Gallagher, The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes former England captain Phil de Glanville and teammate and ex-British and Irish Lion Tony Underwood to discuss dealing with the void left when you go out of the professional game.
This week The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes two of the faces of England women's rugby's Mount Rushmore. Mid-way through the Women's Six Nations, Rocky Clark and Emily Scarratt join host Oliver Little to discuss Emily's return from injury, watching from the sidelines as well as reviewing the Championship so far and the rest of the tournament to come!
Calmed down from Super Saturday weekend yet? We hope so, since The Rugby Paper Podcast is back with an episode full of contention and controversy. Nick, Brendan and Ollie are joined by former England fly-half Toby Flood to debate an England XV for 2023. We are sure it will spark thought at home!
What a Super Saturday it was, culminating in Paris as Les Bleus secured the grand slam for the first time since 2010. This edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast reviews the weekend and tournament as a whole. Host Oliver Little is joined by resident panellists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher, as well as ex-England prop and TV pundit David Flatman.
It's time for the best day of the year - Six Nations Super Saturday! To preview all the action, host Oliver Little is joined by regular panel Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher, as well as Scotland and British and Irish Lions icon Gavin Hastings.
This instalment of The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes none other than Wales's record try scorer and Lions legend Shane Williams as we preview the most pivotal weekend yet in the 2022 Six Nations.
Following France's impressive demolition of Scotland, an unconvincing England win over Wales and, well the less said about Ireland vs Italy the better, The Rugby Paper Podcast takes a break from Six Nations action in the tournament's final rest week. Leicester Tigers prop James Whitcombe and his dad, ex-pro Martin Whitcombe come on to discuss the Whitcombe rugby dynasty, as well as generational change in the game.
Episode 4 of The Rugby Paper Podcast previews a tantalising weekend of Six Nations rugby. The Rugby Paper analysts Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher return and we welcome special guest former Wales captain and British and Irish Lion Michael Owen to preview Scotland vs France, Ireland vs Italy and of course, England vs Wales.
Weekend two of the Six Nations was an absolute cracker. Wales proved many doubters wrong to beat Scotland, France overpowered Ireland to cement their status as tournament favourites and England bounced back from Murrayfield disappointment against Italy. Speaking of crackers, in this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Podcast host Oliver Little is joined by Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and special guest Harlequins winger Cadan Murley to discuss modern pressures on young rugby players.
After a furious first weekend to kick the Six Nations off, weekend two is even more pivotal. England and Wales look to bounce back from disappointing defeats to Scotland and Ireland, whilst the Irish gear up for what is likely to be a title-decider in Paris in France. Join host Oliver Little, panellists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher and Italy and Harlequins fly-half Tommaso Allan for the lowdown on what to expect this weekend.
Join Ollie Little, Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and special guest Jerry Guscott for a jam-packed Six Nations preview including team analysis, tournament predictions, one to watch and Jerry Guscott's Random Rugby XV!