The Ruck Rugby Podcast

Alfie, Alex and Will are back, following defeats for Wales and England over the weekend, to talk about the future of Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatland. Mark Palmer and Peter O'Reilly discuss wins for Ireland and Scotland. Plus, the boys chat about reports of a breakaway franchise league and whether it could revolutionise domestic rugby or destroy the current system and they react to the nominations for World Rugby's player of the year.

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Following England's 20-29 defeat to South Africa, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher review the action at Twickenham. They discuss how much pressure Steve Borthwick is under following another defeat and whether the perception of England as a rugby nation needs to be altered. Plus, they praise the Springboks for another hard fought win when not at their best and the brilliant performance from Cheslin Kolbe.

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Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe look ahead to England v South Africa this weekend. Courtney Lawes joins the pod to explain what it is like facing the Springboks, the challenge England are coming up against and the bad blood between the two sides after last year's World Cup semi-final. The boys also react to Steve Borthwick and Rassie Erasmus' team selections and ask whether playing the back-to-back world champions is the toughest thing to do in rugby and how England can get a much needed win?

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Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are back at Twickenham to react to England's defeat against Australia. They ask where does it leave England's Autumn campaign? Why do they keep losing tight matches? And, have Australia shown they can compete on next years British and Irish Lions tour?

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Ahead of England facing Australia this weekend Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher speak to the Sydney Morning Herald's Iain Payten about Joe Schmidt's Wallabies, including the state of Aussie rugby and whether they will be competitive for the British and Irish Lions tour next year. Peter O'Reilly also joins the pod to preview Ireland's match against New Zealand on Friday night. Plus, Will and Alfie discuss the big talking points from England's team selection.

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Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot were at Twickenham to watch England fall narrowly short against New Zealand again! From an empty Twickenham they react to another slim defeat in a game where they were leading and also discuss Joe Marler's retirement from international rugby. Plus, Mark Palmer joins the pod to assess Scotland's victory over Fiji and look ahead to an Autumn defining match-up against South Africa.

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England's Autumn campaign gets underway this weekend against New Zealand so Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look ahead to the match. They discuss Steve Borthwick's team selection including Henry Slade and Ben Spencer's inclusion, as well as the importance of the match for Steve Borthwick's side. And, they discuss Joe Marler's comments on the Haka where he questioned it's place in the sport and how teams should be allowed to challenge it more.

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Ahead of the November internationals Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher preview England's matches. They ask 'what is success?' for Steve Borthwick's side over the next month and hear from scrum-half Ben Spencer who is aiming to nail down a spot in the side. They chat to New Zealand CEO Mark Robinson about World Rugby's elections, the 20 minute red card trial and taking Nations Championship matches to the Middle East. Plus, they round up the Premiership after the opening 6 rounds and provide an update on the England player contracts.

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2025 has the potential to be a seminal year for women's rugby, as England hosts the World Cup. The Red Roses are the heavy favorites, so could the tournament do what the Euros did for the England women's football team? Alfie Reynolds and Elgan Alderman discuss how the major nations are shaping up ahead of next year and speak with Chief of Women's Rugby at World Rugby Sally Horrox about the exciting future for the sport and some of the challenges it faces.

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World Rugby are trialling 20 minute red cards in the upcoming November internationals. Will Kelleher, Stuart Barnes and Alfie Reynolds explain why and ask whether it is a good initiative or complicates an already confusing disciplinary process. Will speaks to England and Bath second-row Charlie Ewels to get a players perspective on the new rule. Plus the boys also discuss England's squad for their matches against New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Japan and review the Premiership over the weekend.

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Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Elgan Alderman are back with the pod to run through all the action over the weekend. As well as rounding up 'derby weekend' in the Premiership, they discuss the possibility of 'away sections' in rugby and whether it would be a good idea or does it go against rugby's traditional values? Plus, an update on the expanded Championship and if it's fair for Wasps, Worcester and London Irish to be parachuted back into the second tier.

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Ahead of 'Derby Weekend' in the Gallagher Premiership Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds ask what is the biggest rivalry in the division? Will chats to Stuart Barnes who played for Bristol and Bath, as well as the former Northampton back-row Tom Wood for his insight into the East Midlands derby against Leicester. The boys also look back on the Premiership action over the weekend, dissect Steve Borthwick's England training squad and provide an update on Borthwick's attempts to rebuild his coaching setup.

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How big of a threat is French rugby to the English domestic game? Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds discuss whether the booming French system poses an existential threat to England, it follows a number of high profile England players deciding to play their rugby in France. To help them answer that question, Will chats to the Brive president Simon Gillham who discusses financial regulation, a successful TV deal and promotion/relegation.

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England have announced a new defence coach in Joe El-Abd but he'll take on the position part-time, whilst Felix Jones serves his notice period from Ireland. It's all a bit messy so Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds answer the big questions on what it means for Steve Borthwick and England ahead of the Autumn. Plus, they look back on the Premiership action at the weekend.

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The Gallagher Premiership returned on the weekend but was it the spectacle that fans were hoping for? Bath were brilliant on Friday night to beat Northampton in a re-match of last seasons final but plenty of other matches were error strewn and sloppy. Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds ask why that was the case and whether rugby has an issue with the product on display? Plus, they review the opening weekend and explain the change to ITV's weekly Premiership highlights show.

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Will Kelleher made the trip to Manchester to have a chat with England and Sale fly-half George Ford. Injury ruled Ford out of England's summer tour so as well as previewing the new Premiership season he reflects on the matches against New Zealand, his fitness and return to playing, plus a possible move to rugby league at the end of his career.

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Ahead of the Premiership season Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe make the trip to Newcastle to preview the new campaign. Following a season where the Falcons lost all of their matches they ask whether they can compete in the division this season? To help them answer that question they speak to Director of Rugby Steve Diamond, captain Callum Chick and Chairman Matt Thompson about the challenges that rugby in the North-East faces, Saudi Arabian investment, promotion/relegation and what success looks like for the club. Plus, are last seasons runners-up Bath favorites for the title this year? And, are we set for another hugely competitive race for the play-offs?

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The pod is back! Ahead of the new season Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher return with news about the new Professional Game Partnership. What is it? And why should supporters care? They go through some of the major talking points including the power it gives England head coach Steve Borthwick and plans for the second tier. They also discuss the shock resignation of England's defence coach Felix Jones and the renaming of Twickenham to Allianz Stadium.

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It's the end of the season! Well, pretty much. Whilst Scotland and Wales still have matches to play, England and Ireland concluded their summer series against New Zealand and South Africa. Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher have one final dispatch from New Zealand as England lost narrowly to the All Blacks for the second week in a row. Was this another opportunity missed? And how do England become a team that wins tight matches against the top sides? And, Alfie Reynolds is joined by Peter O'Reilly to chat about Ireland's drawn series against the Springboks thanks to a last second drop goal. Is it the best result of the Andy Farrell era? Whilst Steve James and Mark Palmer to round-up results for Wales and Scotland.

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Richie McCaw is one of the legends of the game. The double world cup winning former All Black captain did it all in an illustrious playing career. He sat down to chat with Will Kelleher and even went flying in a helicopter! They discuss life after rugby including commercial helicopter flying, extreme endurance racing and the pressure and privilege of leading the All Blacks.

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Following the first tests of the summer tours the podcast comes to you from around the world! Will and Alex reflect on England's narrow defeat to the All Blacks and ask whether it was a missed opportunity or further signs of the side making progress? Alfie chats to Peter O'Reilly who is in South Africa for Ireland's tour against the Springboks and Mark Palmer who was in Canada for Scotland's thumping victory. Plus Steve James is across Wales' tour Down Under where Warren Gatland's side suffered another defeat!

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Ahead of England's first test against the All Blacks this weekend, Will Kelleher asks 'how do you win in New Zealand?'. England have only won a test on New Zealand soil twice in their history, the last time being 2003. He chats to Lawrence Dallalgio and Neil Back who both played (and were sin binned!) in that victory 21 years ago. They reminisce about the tour which was a brutal pre-World Cup warm-up, getting kicked off the set of The Lord of the Rings and the unique challenge of taking on the All Blacks in their own backyard.

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The July tours are here! Ahead of All Blacks versus England and Springboks against Ireland Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Peter O'Reilly look ahead to the test series. Will and Alex are on the ground in New Zealand and discuss the type of match we could see, what would be 'success' for England on the tour, and the AB's appearing nervous. Will also chats to England number 8 Ben Earl and finds out what a test week looks like from a players perspective. And, Peter previews a highly-anticipated series between the World Champions and European champions as the mind games have started in South Africa.

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Ahead of England's two test series against the All Blacks, Will Kelleher chats to former New Zealand coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster. They discuss the honour and pressure of leading the All Blacks, as well as some of their great memories from World Cup wins to a dominant 2016. They also chat about the challenges facing rugby in New Zealand, look ahead to the up-coming series with Scott Robertson now in charge of the side and give their views on England following a World Cup semi-final appearance last year.

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Alfie Reynolds and Mark Palmer reflect on Glasgow's incredible victory in the URC final. Mark joins the pod from Loftus Versfeld in South Africa just hours after the full-time whistle, a match he says is the greatest victory for any Scottish side in the history of professional rugby! Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe were in Tokyo as England's summer tour got underway with a victory, they dissect the performance from Steve Borthwick's side, including Marcus Smith at fly-half, Charlie Ewels' red card and Ben Earl's cameo in the centres.

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Steve Borthwick has named his England squad to take on Japan in Tokyo this weekend so Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe - who are both in Japan - react to the team selection. They discuss Marcus Smith starting at fly-half, Chandler Cunningham-South's potential impact at blindside and the exciting opportunity for the team. They also question why Borthwick went early in naming his squad and delve into a revealing answer from Henry Slade about how much he's enjoying being part of this England setup.

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England face Japan in Tokyo this weekend so Alfie Reynolds speaks to Will Kelleher who is on the ground to bring us the latest from the England camp, they also discuss the match not being on television and why it is a reflection of the rugby media landscape. Mark Palmer looks back on the URC semi-finals including a huge win for Glasgow, the positive impact of the South African sides on the competition and a third straight year without silverware for Leinster. He also previews Scotland's summer tour to the USA, Canada, Chile and Uruguay. Finally, Hannah Botterman, the Bristol Bears and England prop joins the pod to preview the Premiership Women's Rugby final as Bristol face defending champions Gloucester-Hartbury.

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Northampton Saints are the Premiership champions for the first time in 10 years! Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe are back at Twickenham to reflect on their victory over Bath and to react to Steve Borthwick's England squad for their summer tour to Japan and New Zealand. They ask whether, despite having a player sent off, the Premiership final was a missed opportunity for Bath? And, is this a pivotal summer for the England career of Marcus Smith? They also chat about Northampton's ability to win ugly, the brilliant Premiership season we've just had and England's front row options.

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Alfie Reynolds and Stuart Barnes look back on the Premiership semi-finals as Northampton Saints and Bath booked their spots at a sold out Twickenham. They discuss the vast improvements in both sides' forward packs and the contrasting celebrations at Franklins Gardens and The Rec, as well as looking ahead to the final. They also review the defeats for Saracens and Sale and name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Peter O'Reilly look back on the Champions Cup as Toulouse beat Leinster in a brilliant final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It's Leinster's third straight defeat in the final, so was this them choking or simply Toulouse being too good? They also discuss the conclusion of Gloucester's season as they lost to the Sharks, who became the first South African side to win one of the traditional 'European' finals and they preview a return to Premiership action with the semi-finals this weekend.

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Premiership Rugby's Chief Growth Officer, Rob Calder, joins Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher to discuss the potential re-brand of the Gallagher Premiership. He worked for the ECB on the 'The Hundred' so chats about changing the league's name, neutral venue semi-finals and whether the final could be moved away from Twickenham? Plus, Sale Sharks' Sam James reflects on the club reaching the play-offs following a big win against Saracens and the boys go through the rest of the weekends action and look ahead to the Champions Cup final between Leinster and Toulouse.

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Ahead of the final weekend of the Premiership season Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher make the trip to Bear Country. They spend a day at Bristol Bears' high performance centre to get a behind the scenes look at the club, including chatting to director of rugby Pat Lam, COO Tom Tainton as well as James Dun, Joe Batley, Callum Sheedy and Harry Randall.

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After Gloucester lost 90-0 away to Northampton, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds question whether they disrespected the Premiership by fielding a weaker side? Before that they also discuss the race for the play-offs as we head into the final weekend and debate the good, bad and unintended consequences - especially around the scrum - of World Rugby's law changes which will come into effect in July. Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week.

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It wasn't to be for Northampton Saints or Harlequins as they both lost in the Champions Cup semi-finals. Leinster and Toulouse, two of Europe's most prestigious clubs will contest the final at the end of May. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Stuart Barnes and Peter O'Reilly look back on the action. They discuss the two great occasions in Toulouse and Dublin, question whether it was a missed opportunity for the English clubs and ask if Leinster have the mental strength to finally win it. Plus, Alfie talks to Gloucester's Lewis Ludlow as they got through to the Challenge Cup final and the boys name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher review another weekend of domestic rugby as the Gallagher Premiership served up contrasting matches in Bath v Saracens and Harlequins v Northampton, both of which were fascinating! They chat about officiating controversy and the race for the play-offs, Rocky Clark joins the pod to look back on the conclusion of the Women's 6 Nations as England won another Grand Slam. Plus, the boys preview the Champions Cup semi-finals and name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Ahead of Harlequins facing Northampton Saints at Twickenham this weekend and with a big Champions Cup semi-final on the horizon against Toulouse; Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe head to the training ground to find out what makes the club unique. They speak to Chandler Cunningham-South, Cadan Murley, CEO Laurie Dalrymple and Head Coach Danny Wilson about the clubs playing philosophy, putting on big events at Twickenham and the Premiership run-in.

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Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Elgan Alderman reflect on the weekend's action in the Premiership and Women's 6 Nations, including huge wins for the Red Roses and Bristol. Following England's comfortable victory over Ireland at Twickenham Alex chats with broadcaster Johnnie Hammond about the competitive balance to the women's tournament. And, with Newcastle shipping over eighty points to Bristol, where do the north-east club go from here? Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week.

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With England set to host Ireland at Twickenham in the Women's 6 Nations this weekend Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman head up to Pennyhill Park to go behind the scenes of the Red Roses training camp. They speak to head coach John Mitchell as well as Sydney Gregson and Ellie Kildunne about what drives the number one team in the world to keep improving, teacher training, unexpected job interviews and much more!

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Following the Champions Cup quarter-finals Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alan Dymock review the weekend. Alex was in France for Harlequins' sensational win away to Bordeaux and Exeter's defeat to Toulouse. They question whether South African sides being involved in a 'European' competition is currently working and how the issues facing the tournament can be resolved, after the Bulls made 13 changes for their trip to Northampton. And, Will chats with Harlequins scrum coach Adam Jones to review their historic win.

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Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman review the last-16 in the Champions Cup, preview the return of the Women's 6 Nations and discuss rugby's scheduling issues. They also chat to the England and Toulouse flanker Jack Willis about life in France, wanting to add to the club's great history and being unable as an overseas player to be picked by England.

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Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer and Elgan Alderman round-up the latest action from the Premiership and Women's 6 Nations, plus look ahead to the last-16 of the Champions Cup. They discuss Irne Herbst's 7 minute yellow card in the Quins v Bath game, a missed opportunity for Scotland in the 6 Nations and Elgan's weekend of French rugby. Alfie also chats to Northampton Saints back row Lewis Ludlam to preview their match against Munster this weekend.

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Following a busy weekend of Women's Six Nations and Gallagher Premiership, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look back on the action. Alfie chats with England back-row Marlie Packer after she made her 100th England appearance in their win over Italy. Plus, the boys discuss which sides might be hitting their form for the Premiership run-in, how much is too much for season tickets? And, name their God or Goddess of the week.

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The men's Six Nations reached its conclusion on the weekend as Ireland won back-to-back titles. Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Mark Palmer review all the action between Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy. Whilst Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe report in from Lyon where England narrowly lost to France. They chat about Wales' wooden spoon, Italy's best ever Championship and ask where Scotland go from here? Plus, they look ahead to the Women's 6 Nations and name their God or Goddess of the week.

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The Six Nations produced one of its great days on Saturday with Italy and England beating Scotland and Ireland in two epic matches. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher discuss all, including why it is England's best performance and result since the 2019 World Cup semi-final. Will chats to Italy back-row Seb Negri after they won at home in the Championship for the first time in 11 years. Plus, they discuss France beating Wales, why bonus points in the Six Nations are ludicrous and name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are joined by two British Lions legends, to find out if anyone (but particularly England) can stop Ireland, if Italy can bring the fight to Scotland, and to ask what would be a successful championship showing for Wales.

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Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Mark Palmer get together in an Edinburgh hotel lobby to unpick the 3rd round of the 6 nations. It's a familiar story for Wales and England, but the ending in France for Italy was anything but...

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Times columnists and former internationals Courtney Lawes and John Barclay join Will Kelleher to look ahead to Saturday's Calcutta Cup Clash, and to look back on their own memories of thumpings, scuffles in the tunnel and that Finn Russell pass...

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Will Kelleher is joined by Elgan Alderman, Mark Palmer and Bernard Jackman to preview next weekend's 6 Nations 3rd round. The team also get stuck into a discussion on how to speed up the game and reduce stoppages PLUS an interview with Harlequins and England A wing Cadan Murley.

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Weekend two of the 6 Nations is in the books and there's plenty to get stuck into... Will Kelleher is joined by Mark Palmer, Stuart Barnes and Owen Slot to discuss a controversial French win at Murrayfield, a familiar result for Wales at Twickenham, and Ireland putting Italy to the sword.

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The opening weekend of the 6 Nations lived up to its billing with plenty of drama on the pitch. Alfie Reynolds is joined by Owen Slot and Peter O'Reilly to look back on the action in Marseille as Ireland beat France, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe send in a dispatch from Rome following England's opening weekend victory and Mark Palmer joins the pod to reflect on Scotland winning in Cardiff for the first time in over twenty years and what could have been a famous Welsh comeback.

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Will Kelleher heads north of the border and is joined by Mark Palmer to spend a day in the Scotland camp ahead of the start of the 2024 Six Nations. They chat to Kyle Rowe, Luke Crosbie, Arron Reed and Andy Christie as Scotland prepare to get their tournament underway against Wales in Cardiff, a venue they haven't won at for two decades. They hear from the players about their back stories and discuss how the squad can move on from the disappointment of the Rugby World Cup.

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The Six Nations is here! With the 2024 championship kicking off on Friday night, Alfie Reynolds is joined by Will Kelleher, Mark Palmer, Peter O'Reilly and Elgan Alderman. They discuss each nation and the big questions and talking points they face heading into the tournament. Who are the favorites out of Ireland and France? What does success look like for Scotland? Can England reconnect with Twickenham? And, will it boil down to a wooden spoon decider between Wales and Italy?

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Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Stuart Barnes reflect on the conclusion of the Champions Cup pool stages and question whether the format of the competition still needs tweaking. They discuss the massive news that Louis Rees-Zammit is putting his rugby career on hold to pursue a career in the NFL and that Joe Schmidt is the new head coach of the Wallabies. Plus, Alfie and Will sit down and chat to James Gay-Rees, the executive producer of the new Netflix series Six Nations: Full Contact which comes out this week.

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Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on another weekend in the Champions Cup, which once again provided some great matches and highlighted the current issues with the competitions structure. They also chat about Andy Farrell being named British and Irish lions head coach last week and debate whether a lions tour would be successful for the women. Plus, with Steve Borthwick naming his England Six Nations squad on Wednesday they discuss the big decisions that he faces.

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England, Saracens and British and Irish Lions hooker Jamie George joins Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds for today's episode. He chats about the latest round of Premiership action, as the race for the play-offs hots up and Jamie's team mate Owen Farrell has been linked with a move to France. He also explains why England players have opted to start a new agency to look after their contractual and commercial deals with the RFU. Plus, he looks ahead to the 2024 6 Nations as England aim to build-up on their third placed finish at the World Cup.

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Happy new year! What better way to start 2024 than with the first Ruck of the year. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher name a men's World XV of 2023, which is dominated by South Africa and New Zealand who reached the World Cup final. Alfie chats with England under-20 and Northampton Saints back-row Henry Pollock to chat about his successful 2023 and look ahead to what the new year might bring. Plus, the boys name their end of year awards and reveal their hopes for 2024.

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Sale Sharks invited us up to Manchester to go behind the scenes at the club. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher make the journey to the North-West to get a better understanding of what is making the Sharks tick and the overall development of the club. They chat to co-owner Michelle Orange, Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson, England internationals George Ford and Manu Tuilagi and youngsters Tom Roebuck and Joe Carpenter. They chat about the importance of rugby in the north, the women's team, the Premiership final defeat and how they are a Premiership club that is building something special.

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Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher round-up another weekend of the Champions Cup. Including good wins for Northampton, Saracens, Leicester, Exeter and Bath. But with a number of teams deciding to rotate their squads at the weekend they debate if that is a negative thing for the competition. They also chat to Stormers Head Coach John Dobson after they beat La Rochelle with a last-gasp conversation. Plus, they also name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Following English clubs winning 7 of their 8 matches across the opening round of the Champions Cup, Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes reflect on all the action, including the awkward problems which arise from South African clubs taking part. They also debate Henry Arundell deciding to miss out the 2024 6 Nations by staying in France with Racing 92 and what it means for the RFU. Plus they name their God or Goddess of the week.

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A busy pod this week! Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher ask if the media are responsible for Owen Farrell having to take time away from international rugby. They also question where Newcastle Falcons go next after an eighth straight defeat in the Gallagher Premiership, plus they round up all the other results including more heartache for Gloucester but big wins for Harlequins and Northampton. Bath second-row Charlie Ewels chats to Will and Alfie about the blue, black and white's strong start to the season and looking ahead to Europe.

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Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones and Will Kelleher round up all the latest Premiership action. They discuss England's mounting injury list in the back-row, Gloucester and Bristol's struggles and Saracens and Sale still looking like the two best sides in the league. With last week marking the 20th anniversary of England's World Cup win in 2003, Steve laments on the RFU not capitalising on that success and they question if the URC can ever be a successful competition. Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Wayne Barnes joins Alfie Reynolds and Stephen Jones to reflect on his career as a referee after retiring following the World Cup final. He chats about how to stamp down on abuse in rugby, a 20 second shot clock for lineouts and the importance of officials working as a team. Alan Dymock also joins Alfie and Steve to reflect on derby weekend in the Premiership, the opening round of Premiership Women's Rugby, the URC and to name a God or Goddess of the week.

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Following the 5th round of fixtures in the Gallagher Premiership, Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Elgan Alderman look back on all the action. They discuss Finn Russell 'shushing' The Shed as Bath beat Gloucester, what a great weekend it was for fly-halves and Bristol's struggles. They also chat about the return of the England A side and how important those fixtures can be for developing talent. Plus, Jess Hayden joins the show to preview the start of the Premiership Women's season. And, the panel name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Alan Dymock are back in the studio after months on the road at the Rugby World Cup. They turn their attention to domestic action in the Gallagher Premiership and also chat to Mark Palmer about the opening rounds of the URC. They debate the future of Wales' fly-half jersey, Exeter's rebuild and the impact of the World Cup on the start of the season. Plus, Alan asks if the British and Irish Lions should add France to the list of countries they tour and the boys name their God or Goddess of the Week.

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The Springboks retained the Word Cup as they beat New Zealand in a gripping and tense final. Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe reflect on the match and tournament as a whole. They have conflicting views on whether the final was a great spectacle and also talk about the big refereeing decisions which saw All Blacks captain Sam Cane get sent off. Plus, they chat about England winning a bronze medal, pay tribute to Ben Youngs who retires as England men's most capped international, mention Eddie Jones' departure from the Wallabies and name their God or Goddess of the week.

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It's New Zealand versus South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stephen Jones preview the match. They discuss the Springboks extraordinary team selection by going 7-1 on the bench and not having a back-up scrum-half. Plus, they reflect on the All Blacks' resurrection over the last year having gone from being branded as one of the worst New Zealand sides ever to a World Cup final.

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Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Stephen Jones look back on the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup as the All Blacks and Springboks booked their spots in the final. They discuss England's heart breaking 15-16 defeat and how it is a platform for Steve Borthwick's side to build upon. Plus they discuss a much more one-sided semi-final as New Zealand hammered Argentina 44-6. Plus they name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-finals between Argentina and New Zealand, as well as England versus South Africa, Alfie Reynolds is joined by Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Sam Warburton to preview all the action. They discuss how England might be able to produce an upset against the Springboks and all the big talking points ahead of the matches this weekend.

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The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals lived up to the hype as four brilliant matches took place over the weekend with New Zealand, Argentina, England and South Africa progressing to the last four. Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones, Owen Slot and Chris Jones were in Paris for two of the best matches in world cup history, so they look back on the victories for the All Blacks and Springboks. Whilst, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher review the action they witnessed in Marseille where Argentina beat Wales and England held on to defeat Fiji. Plus, they all name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Four years ago South Africa won the Rugby World Cup for the third time! Francois Louw was a part of that success as they beat England in the final and explains to Will Kelleher how the Springboks won, having been underperforming just 18 months before. He chats about getting revenge on the host nation, Japan, for the infamous defeat they suffered in 2015, the importance of Siya Kolisi as the captain and facing Eddie Jones' England team just after they had produced a stunning performance to beat the All Blacks in the semi-final.

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Alfie Reynolds is joined by Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe to look back on the pool stages at the Rugby World Cup and preview the quarter-final line-up. He also chats to Mark Palmer and Peter O'Reilly at the Stade de France following Ireland's victory over Scotland and Elgan Alderman reflects on Wales and Argentina's final pool fixtures as they meet in the quarter-finals this weekend.

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The 2011-2015 All Blacks are arguably the greatest international rugby team ever, having won back-to-back World Cups. But prior to that they were known as a side who always failed to deliver when the pressure was on. In this episode, Will Kelleher chats to New Zealand legend Conrad Smith about how they went from World Cup disappointment to domination. He explains how they changed their mindset, dealt with the absence of Dan Carter in 2011 and then waltzed to the title in 2015.

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Alfie Reynolds is joined by Alex Lowe, Mark Palmer and Elgan Alderman to look back on the latest action at the World Cup. Following rest weekends for England, Wales and Ireland they discuss whether the schedule at the tournament is working and how it can be improved in 2027. Mark looks back on Scotland's 84-0 victory over Romania and previews a massive game against Ireland this coming weekend. And, they ask what sort of game people want to watch, following New Zealand head coach Ian Foster's comments after their thumping win over Italy. Plus, Alex chats about Jersey Reds announcement last week that they have ceased trading and are no longer able to operate, becoming the latest English club to go bust.

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This time on 'How to win the World Cup', Will Kelleher chats to the former Springbok Fourie du Preez who was a part of the 2007 South African winning side. They look back on the Boks second world title as they defeated England in the final. Should Mark Cueto's 'try' have been given? And what was it like having Eddie Jones as part of the coaching staff?

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Alfie Reynolds is joined by Stephen Jones, Stuart Barnes, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe, Elgan Alderman and Peter O'Reilly to look back on the third round of fixtures at the Rugby World Cup. Steve and Stuart discuss the weekend as a whole and what stood out for them, Will and Alex have an update after England's victory over Chile and Alfie chats to Peter following Ireland's excellent win over South Africa and Elgan after Wales' dominant display against the Wallabies.

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How did England win the World Cup in 2003? On this episode Will Kelleher chats to Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot about that glorious triumph 20 years ago. Lawrence explains what it was like watching that Wilkinson drop goal sail through the posts and how English rugby have never capitalised on the victory. Owen Slot was reporting on the tournament at the time and remembers what it was like to see the development of Clive Woodward's side in the years building up to 2003.

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Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Stephen Jones look back on the second weekend of action at the Rugby World Cup. They discuss unconvincing wins for England and Wales, as well as Fiji providing the highlight of the weekend with victory over Australia. Elgan Alderman joins the show to review Wales' win against Wales. Plus, the boys preview a massive weekend coming up and chat about a few minor negatives about the tournament so far.

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This time on 'How to win the World Cup' Will Kelleher chats to the former Springbok Joel Stransky. One the most iconic rugby and sporting moments of all time happened at the 1995 World Cup, as Nelson Mandela handed over the William Web Ellis trophy on home to South Africa. Stransky kicked the winning drop goal in the final at Ellis Park as the Springboks silenced a rampaging Jonah Lomu.

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Alfie Reynolds is joined by Will Kelleher, Owen Slot and Steve Jones to look back on the bulk of the opening weekend action at the Rugby World Cup. They discuss the atmosphere out in France, including a bouncing couple of days in Marseille, plus England's great win and the curtain raiser between France and New Zealand. Plus, Alfie catches up with Mark Palmer following Scotland's disappointing defeat to the Springboks and Elgan Alderman reflects on Wales scraping past Fiji.

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This time on how to win the World Cup Will Kelleher chats to John Eales who was a member of the victorious Wallabies sides from 1991 and 1999. He explains what it was like to win Australia's maiden title in '91, at the start of his career, and the '99 tournament when he was the captain. He recounts both triumphs, which came pre and then post rugby turning professional.

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Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and producer-turned presenter Alfie preview the 2023 Rugby World Cup! Ahead of France and the All Blacks getting the tournament underway on Friday they look ahead to each pool. Including, the group of death involving Ireland, Scotland and the Springboks, an intriguing Pool C with Australia, Fiji and Wales, plus they talk about England and the massive concerns about their form on the eve of the tournament.

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How do you win the Rugby World Cup? On this episode Will Kelleher chats to the 1987 winning All Black Sean Fitzpatrick, about how New Zealand won the inaugural tournament. He recounts stories from a time before professionalism and how their world cup triumph was very different to the scenes of today. This is the first in a special series speaking to a member of each winning world cup side.

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Stephen Jones, Alan Dymock and Elgan Alderman look back on the final weekend of Rugby World Cup warm-up matches. They chat about Fiji's historic first ever win over England at Twickenham, as well the Springboks scintillating victory over the All Blacks and Eddie Jones' Wallabies losing to France. Plus, now that all eyes are on the start of the tournament they ask who are the favourites to win it? And, they name their God or Goddess of the Week.

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Stephen Jones, Mark Evans and Mark Palmer look back on the weekend's matches as England put in another underwhelming performance, Wales were hammered by South Africa and Fiji faced France. Mark Evans brings us up to date on his work with the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby, the boys react to Wales 33 player squad for the World Cup and Mark Palmer discusses the hope building within Scotland. Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Will Kelleher, Stuart Barnes and Peter O'Reilly reflect on the World Cup warm-up matches over the weekend. They chat about a dire match at Twickenham as England beat Wales in unconvincing fashion, as well as France and Scotland playing out a brilliant match in St Etienne. They also discuss France fly-half Romain Ntamack being ruled out of the tournament, Jack van Poortvliet's injury and Owen Farrell's red card and subsequent suspension. Plus Peter chats about Ireland ahead of them hosting England this coming weekend and the latest on the fly-half position.

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Will Kelleher, Stephen Jones and Alex Lowe are at Twickenham to react to Steve Borthwick's England squad for the Rugby World Cup. After breaking the news of what the official squad would be over the weekend they discuss some of the big talking points, including Henry Slade missing out. Plus, they look back on all the World Cup warm-up results including big wins for Scotland and Wales.

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Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stephen Jones return to begin the build-up to the Rugby World Cup. With Steve Borthwick naming his England squad in a week's time, they select their 33 man England team who they would take to France. Plus, they reflect on the Rugby Championship and how New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina are looking.

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Saracens beat Sale to win the Premiership and Munster's famous victory over the Stormers in Cape Town as they were crowned URC champions. Plus, they cover the fate of London Irish as the deadline for their takeover to be completed draws near, they chat about the Barbarians, Premier 15s and name their God or Goddess of the week.

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Will Kelleher, Stuart Barnes and Stephen Jones look back on the final of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. They ask whether Leinster v La Rochelle was the greatest final in the competitions history? Plus, they preview the Premiership final this weekend and chat to former Sale winger Mark Cueto, who was a part of the 2006 side who last won the Prem for Sale. And, they name their God or Goddess of the week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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