The Ruck is the journalists' rugby podcast from The Times & The Sunday Times. Join Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and a selection of guests every week as they provide insight and reports throughout the season, including big-name interviews and forthright analysis.
Episodes
An evening with Lewis Moody
Former England captain and Leicester Tigers legend Lewis Moody joins Alex to talk about his life, his career and his new book, Fronting Up. Recorded in front of a live audience at a Times Event, they chat about winning the 2003 World Cup, the highs and lows of professional rugby and living with Motor Neurone Disease.From being a fresh-faced recruit, straight out of private school, to entering the
Nations Championship Review: Is it time for Pollock to start?
Alfie, Alex and Charlie reflect on the opening weekend of November.Was Australia's performance in defeat to England one of their worst in recent years? Despite winning was Wales' performance against Japan underwhelming? And, can France earn a statement result against South Africa this Friday?Plus, 2003 World Cup winner Neil Back joins the pod thanks to Rugby World Cup experiences - the off
England dismantle dismal Wallabies
England began their November with a comfortable 45-22 victory over Australia at Twickenham.Alfie, Will and Charlie reflect on the performance and the victory and ask if it was the perfect start to England's Autumn campaign?Plus, who should replace the injured Seb Atkinson against Japan? What's the latest on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's injury? And, why were Australia so poor? Hosted on Acast
Do England have a culture problem?
England play Australia on Sunday to start their November internationals. But how much of an issue is the culture within the England environment?Owen Slot joins Alfie, Alex and Will to discuss his article which revealed the tensions and issues within Steve Borthwick's set-upWill has had a chat with the former Australia winger Nick Cummins, known as the 'honey badger'. They look ahead to
Nations Championship preview: Who should be England's fly-half?
The Nations Championship returns this weekend!Ahead of a bumper month of international rugby Alfie, Stuart and Charlie look ahead to all the action.With Fin Smith potentially sidelined they ask who should start at fly-half for England against Australia? Despite their world ranking is there reason for Welsh positivity this Autumn? Plus, how much of an eye does each nation have on the world cup next
Rain-soaked Prem thrills, Borthwick's squad and Mitchell's England dilemma
Following Derby Weekend in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Alex, Elgan and Barnsey look back on the action.They pick through an entertaining round of matches which, despite the torrential conditions, produced some excellent match-ups!What is going wrong for Sale and Saracens? Have Harlequins turned a corner? And, are Gloucester proving that they're the real deal?Plus, the boys chat about Steve Borth
Derby day ding dongs! Inside Leicester Tigers
It's Derby Weekend in the Gallagher Prem!So, Will and Alfie have travelled to Leicester to chat with tight-head Joe Heyes and Tigers' captain Ollie Chessum.They preview their massive game against rivals Northampton Saints this weekend and chat about leadership, the club's DNA and why it's best to embrace the spice of a local derby.Plus, why was Ollie grumpy? And, how will Joe get o
Will Spain host the World Cup? Plus England’s European struggles and the Red Roses lose
Spain have launched their bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup!The federations president Juan Carlos Martin 'Hansen' joins Alfie, Will and Elgan and explains why hosting the world cup would be transformative for rugby in the country. He also outlines plans for a professional Spanish franchise to join the URC and their hopes of competing in the 6 Nations.Plus, in the Champions Cup it was a
Wild scores and thin crowds: how healthy is the Prem?
Following the third round of action in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Will and Charlie review both the amazing matches on the pitch and the storylines off it.Is Northampton 71, Bath 48 a good thing for the sport? Why are we getting so many crazy scorelines? And, does the league have an attendance problem?Plus, issues with synthetic pitches, New Zealand winning the Bledisloe again and the Champions Cup
Another Harlequins crisis and Venter bottles the media
Alfie, Will, Charlie and Elgan look back on the second round of action from the Prem.Gloucester, Bristol and Bath remain unbeaten, whilst Sale picked up a hugely important victory away to Saracens.Exeter and Harlequins both remain without a win, which club should be more concerned?Are Harlequins in another crisis? What's so impressive about Bristol's defence? And, would a Prem Welsh XV bea
Gloucester, Bristol or Pollock’s hair: Who made the biggest Prem statement?
The opening weekend of the Gallagher Prem saw Gloucester, Bristol, Bath and Saracens all win away from home.Alfie, Charlie and Elgan ask which result was the biggest statement and look back on all of the action.Should Sale be worried after they lost at home to Bristol? How did Saracens manage an away win at Leicester despite having a 20-minute red card? And, is Henry Pollock worth £400,000 a year?
Welsh Chaos to Gloucester: Jac Morgan & Dewi Lake
Gloucester begin their Gallagher Prem campaign away to Exeter Chiefs this weekend!For a city with such a strong rugby history they have never won the Premiership and have only reached the play-offs once in the last fifteen years.So will their fortunes change this season?Alfie and Will are at Kingsholm to chat with Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan. The Welsh internationals joined the club this summer from
From Sarries & Brive to Sale: Lozowski, Lawes & a possible England re-call
As we continue to build-up to the start of the new Gallagher Prem season, Alfie and Will are in the North-West.They've made the trip to Sale Sharks to chat with new signings Alex Lozowski and Courtney Lawes.Lawes returns to English rugby following two years playing for Brive in Pro D2. Will he return to the England squad in time for the 2027 World Cup? And why has he made the move to Sale?Lozowski
Season Preview: Who will win the 2026/2027 Gallagher Prem?
It's the start of a new Gallagher Prem season!Alfie and Will are at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, to look ahead to another campaign.They're joined by Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Dan McFarland, Harlequins and England prop Fin Baxter and the Northampton Saints and England fly-half Fin Smith.Will Newcastle - now into a second season under Red Bull ownership - have a more successful campaign? Can Ha
Will a 6 Nations match happen in the USA?
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry concluded with the Springboks winning the fourth test in Baltimore to secure a 3-1 series victory.Alfie, Alex, Charlie and Elgan look back on the epic contest and discuss the best approach for beating the Boks.With the match taking place in the USA they ask why rugby is taking matches Stateside? Was the occasion a success? And, could a 6 Nations match really happen in the
Boks vs All Blacks: Does the 4th test count?
The third match in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry produced another brilliant test!South Africa leads the series 2-1 after beating New Zealand 29-24. Attention now turns to the USA as the fourth test takes place in Baltimore.But, does that matter? Were the three games in South Africa the ones the nations cared about most? And, how far ahead of the rest are the Springboks and All Blacks?Alfie, Charlie and
Is the 3rd test the unofficial decider? Plus: Did Rassie break the rules?
The Greatest Rivalry series is level at 1-1!South Africa beat New Zealand in Cape Town and now attention turns to the third test in Johannesburg. Despite being a four match series, is the third test - which is the final one on South African soil - the unofficial decider? Alfie and Alex reflect on the second test including the controversial build-up, in which Rassie Erasmus made multiple changes to
An All Blacks win for the ages: Is Pollard South Africa's answer?
The first test between South Africa and New Zealand produced a famous win for the All Blacks. Can South Africa respond?Was this the best thing for the four match series? Why has Rassie Erasmus named his team for the second test already despite injury concerns? And, how important was Saturday's victory for New Zealand under Dave Rennie?Alfie and Charlie are in studio to analyse the key moments whic
The Greatest Rivalry: Is this New Zealand's ultimate test?
South Africa and New Zealand play the first test of their four match 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series this weekend.Alfie is joined by Alex and New Zealand journalist Jamie Wall, who are both in South Africa, to look ahead to the series.How big are the next four matches for rugby's two super-powers? How does it compare to when England took on the Boks just six weeks ago? And, why has there been a
Rugby’s Greatest Rivals| Episode 6: The Incomparables and a rivalry reimagined
In episode 6 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, the sport is hurtling into the professional era.South Africa are world champions after 1995 but New Zealand are on the verge of one of their greatest moments. We hear from John Hart, who led the All Blacks on their 1996 tour of South Africa, as well as former players Sean Fitzpatrick, Ian Jones and Josh Kronfeld.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 5: Readmission for a Rainbow Nation
In episode 5 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, Nelson Mandela walks free, apartheid crumbles and South Africa becomes a new country.The Springboks and the All Blacks face off once more, with Mandela seizing the opportunity to help heal a wounded nation. With the 1995 World Cup reaching its final, two of the players - former Springbok Joel Stransky and All Bla
Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 4: Rebellion to isolation
In episode 4 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, we focus on the most controversial rugby tour in history: the 1986 New Zealand Cavaliers.Despite the global boycott, a group of rebel Kiwi players agree to tour South Africa. Former Springbok Schalk Burger Sr describes how he found out about the deal before any of his teammates - and why it opened a door to
Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 3: The Flour Bomb test
In episode 3 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, we are into the 1980s - a decade defined by rebellion.The 1981 Springbok tour to New Zealand goes ahead despite an international agreement to stop sporting contact with apartheid South Africa. Unrest culminates in flour bombs being thrown out of aircraft at the players. Former Springbok Rob Louw reflects on matte
Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 2: Racial lines drawn, and blurred
In episode 2 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, the former Springbok Morne du Plessis talks about the sheer, violent ferocity of test matches between South Africa and New Zealand. For decades, these matches continue to be played among the shadows of race tensions in both countries. The introduction of apartheid adds pressure, boiling over in a boycott of
Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 1: Consider your country at war
The Springboks and All Blacks share a rivalry like no other - and it’s about so much more than just the rugby itself. The real story goes back over a century of racism, rebel tours, politics and protest, fuelling fierce confrontations on the field. With South Africa and New Zealand about to kick-off a four test series branded 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry', Alex, Will and Elgan bring you a specia
Nations Championship Round 3: Are Ireland still a top side? Plus, a new Springbok captain?
The 3rd round of the Nations Championship saw New Zealand hammer Ireland, England hold on to win against Argentina and South Africa destroy Wales.Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all the action and Mark Palmer joins to reflect on Scotland's summer.Could it be the end of Siya Kolisi as the Springbok captain? Are Ireland no longer one of the best sides in the world? And,
Borthwick slams the "Negativity Committee" as England dodge disaster
England finished their Nations Championship matches this summer by beating Argentina 24-31!Steve Borthwick's side produced some of their best rugby of 2026 but also suffered the same disciplinary issues which saw them almost collapse to draw.The TMO saved England when Argentina thought they had scored a try with the final play of the match. So, after a mad match Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are bac
Can Los Pumas inflict another Argentine defeat on England?
Argentina host England in the Nations Championship this weekend!Can Los Pumas make it another Argentine win following the football World Cup semi-final?Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are in Buenos Aires to reflect on an incredible night in the capital and to look ahead to the weekend. They explain why Henry Pollock has been named on the bench by Steve Borthwick, why this is England's biggest test of
How can anyone stop the Springboks?
After the second round of the Nations Championship Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all of the action.They ask which nation might be able to compete with South Africa at the next World Cup and what style of rugby could cause them problems. That's after a weakened Springboks team beat Scotland despite an impressive display from Gregor Townsend's men.Plus, are the All Bl
England back to winning ways: But did we learn anything?
England absolutely dismantled Fiji 73-8 to return to winning ways on the second weekend of the Nations Championship.Fiji were ill disciplined and lacking accuracy as Steve Borthwick's side put them to the sword.From Merseyside Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher reflect on a bizarre and messy match. They ask what can England take away from the victory given that Fiji were so poor? Does this ease the press
Full strength England face 'must win' Fiji test
It's the second round of the Nations Championship with England taking on Fiji in Liverpool.How much pressure are Steve Borthwick's team under after their defeat to South Africa?Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher look ahead to the match and focus on the growing frustration among England fans. They chat about the need for both a result and a performance against a very danger
Nations Championship starts with a bang. Is captain Pollock the answer for England?
The opening weekend of the Nations Championship produced some brilliant matches!Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Elgan Alderman look back on all the action, including a tight victory for New Zealand against France, an important win for Wales versus Fiji and Scotland beating Argentina away.Peter O'Reilly chats about Ireland's narrow win against Australia where the hosts missed a penalty kick on th
England 'obliterated' by ruthless South Africa
England's opening match in the Nations Championship saw them hammered 45-21 by South Africa at Ellis Park.From the stadium Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan reflect on the match. They ask how much pressure this piles onto England ahead of games against Fiji and Argentina? What does it mean for Steve Borthwick? And, can anyone stop the Springboks winning a third straight World Cup next ye
How Can England stun the Springboks?
What are the odds that England beat South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday?From South Africa, Will Kelleher is joined by Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan to look ahead to England’s massive opening clash in the Nations Championship at Ellis Park. The panel debates whether Steve Borthwick's side can pull off a monumental upset on South African soil. Is this team stronger than anything they selected in
Does rugby need the Nations Championship?
The inaugural Nations Championship starts this weekend but does rugby need it? Do fans even know or care what it is?Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan are in South Africa ahead of England's match in Johannesburg on Saturday. They ask whether the re-vamped format will be successful or if it will struggle to breakthrough during a busy summer of sport.Could it be a good thing long term? Or i
Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs in compelling final
Northampton Saints are the champions of England!They beat Exeter Chiefs 26-17 in the final to be crowned champions for the second time in three years.Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan look back on the match and ask what does it mean for Northampton? Does this cement them as the latest dynasty in English rugby?Will Exeter be able to bounce back from this defeat? And, why is it that the P
Can Exeter upset Saints to win the Prem?
Northampton Saints will play Exeter Chiefs in the Prem final on Saturday.Alfie and Will are at Sandy Park in Devon as they look ahead to the match and chat to Exeter's Director of Rugby Rob Baxter and winger Olly Woodburn.They discuss whether Northampton Saints will win a second title in three years or whether Exeter are about to finish a remarkable run to the title.Baxter chats about his pride in
Prem semi-final drama! Why didn't Bath kick a drop goal?
Northampton will face Exeter in the Prem final!Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on the semi-final weekend which produced two excellent matches as Northampton beat rivals Leicester and Exeter produced a comeback to win away against Bath.Despite all their success under Rob Baxter, was this one of Exeter's great days? They became only the 7th team in Prem history to w
Are these the most evenly matched Prem semi-finals ever?
The Prem rugby semi-final line-up is confirmed: Northampton hosts rivals Leicester and Bath play Exeter.Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan preview the semi-finals and ask is this the hardest season to predict who will make the final?Could an away side get a rare victory? They also discuss the teams near the bottom of the league. Who had the most disappointing campaign? And who has reason
Who will qualify for the play-offs!?
With one week of the regular season remaining Alfie, Will and Elgan look ahead to the final weekend in the Prem.They chat about the crunch fixtures as Bath host Leicester and Exeter play Saracens and ask who will make it into the play-offs? With Bristol now out of the running for the top four they ask what next for the club? Is this another season of underachievement? And, have Sale hit rock botto
French dominance in Europe! Bordeaux hammer Leinster
Alex and Will are in Bilbao to reflect on the Champions Cup final!Bordeaux have won back-to-back titles to join the elite sides in European Club rugby. What makes them so special? It is now 6 years in a row that a French club have been crowned Champions of Europe, how can anyone catch them?What does this defeat mean for Leinster? Their 5th Champions Cup final defeat in a row and is this one the mo
Should Van Rensburg be in the England squad?
Steve Borthwick's latest England training squad includes Benhard Janse Van Rensburg, who has qualified on residency grounds. Does it make sense for him to be parachuted directly into the set up? Or is it a bad look for the RFU and their talent pipelines?Alfie Reynolds, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher chat about that and the news that South African sides might pull out of the Champions Cup. Is thi
Why did the RFU back Borthwick?
Despite England having their worst ever men's 6 Nations campaign why has an RFU review backed Steve Borthwick in his role as head coach?Alfie, Alex and Will discuss the RFU's decision, what needs to change for England and why the review process if so secretive.Plus, they chat about whether Cornish Pirates will become a Prem club after they acquired funding from an American private equity group, th
Brilliant Bordeaux, but Bath bemused. Was French TV to blame?
Bordeaux and Leinster reached the Champions Cup final after defeating Bath and Toulon, respectively. The defending champions Bordeaux now have a chance to win back-to-back titles, while Leinster will hope to finally end their Champions Cup drought.But were Bath hard done by? It appeared that match officials were not shown replays for some high tackles. Was this the case?Is it a problem unique to m
BONUS: Can rugby survive its brain injury problem?
Shane Christie was one of the brightest rugby stars in New Zealand before suffering multiple concussions, leading to a brain injury that would slowly take everything from him. And his experience is far from unique. In this deeply personal account, David Walsh talks to Shane's former partner, Holly Parkes, to ask, What happened? What does Shane's story reveal about the sport he loved deeply? And ca
British & Irish Lions tour to France: No-brainer or an erosion of history?
The British & Irish Lions are exploring the possibility of touring Japan, Argentina or France. Is this a dangerous erosion of tradition? A shameless money grab? Or a brilliant thing to propel the Lions into a "different stratosphere"? And, what would it mean for the traditional tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia?Alfie, Alex and Will are in studio to discuss the future of the Lion
Do the Prem's blowouts challenge its franchise future?
It was a week of contrasts in both the Prem and Women's 6 Nations.In the Gallagher Prem the league continues to attract new investment but Sale were humiliated at home on Sunday, whilst Gloucester, Newcastle and Harlequins also suffered heavy defeats. Was that down to a lack of jeopardy due to no relegation? Or other factors?Scotland v England at Murrayfield set a new record attendance for a stand
England v France: which Champions Cup quarter-final was better?
Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Charlie Morgan look back on the Champions Cup quarter-finals.They ask which was better...Bath and Northampton's epic high-scoring tussle at The Rec? Or the heavyweight clash between Bordeaux and Toulouse?Was Henry Pollock unlucky to be shown a yellow card so late in the contest? And, despite defeat, will Northampton be confident of getting revenge in the Prem fin
Are Toulouse and Bordeaux the greatest club sides in the world?
The last-16 of the Champions Cup delivered! Following an exciting weekend Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman, Alex Lowe and Mark Palmer look back on the action.They chat about the competition finally bursting into life with some excellent matches including, the Stormers narrow defeat to Toulon and Bath getting past Saracens.Elgan was in France to see Toulouse and Bordeaux dismantle Bristol and Leicest
Parling's push: love it or hate it?
Following a trio of showpiece matches at big stadiums in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Will and Charlie are back in studio to review the action.They discuss Geoff Parling's fiery altercation with broadcaster TNT before Gloucester vs Leicester and ask was the head coach right or wrong? And, does it summarise rugby's battle between traditionalists and those trying to modernise the game?They also ask whe
Can Dyson's dosh build a dynasty at Bath?
Sir James Dyson has become a 50% shareholder at Bath, so what does that mean for the club and for English domestic rugby?Will it cement the clubs place at the top of the PREM for years to come? And it will it encourage further investment into the league?Alfie Reynolds is joined by Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher to answer all those questions and chat about the return of the Prem. With
An all-time great 6 Nations produces an ending for the ages
The 2026 6 Nations is over!One of the great championships went down to the final kick of the final match. Thomas Ramos knocked over a penalty to break English hearts and deny Ireland the title.The morning after the events in Paris, Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on an incredible finale and the tournament as a whole.Where on earth has that England perfo
And then there were three…Is there one last Six Nations shock?
Super Saturday is almost here as the 2026 6 Nations reaches its conclusion.Who will win the title as France, Scotland and Ireland are all in the running?In a championship that has had plenty of twists and turns, will there be another shock on the final weekend?Alfie, Will and Alex are outside a Parisian cafe to look ahead to the weekend. They dive deep into England's struggles by tackling a mounta
Historic weekend leaves three nations in the running
What a weekend of 6 Nations action!Italy recorded their first-ever win against England, Scotland produced one of their best performances to put 50 points on France and Wales continued their revival in defeat to Ireland.Alfie, Elgan and Charlie look back on all the action and ask where this weekend ranks all-time in 6 Nations history?They also discuss what makes Scotland so impressive after their v
England's 6 Nations in ruins after their first-ever defeat to Italy
England have lost to Italy for the first time!Following a historic day in Rome, Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher are in the Stadio Olympico to unpack an incredible occasion and hugely damaging England defeat.What does the future hold for Steve Borthwick? Can he continue as England head coach? How can a team that won 12 matches in a row suddenly look so lost?They also heap praise on Italy and discu
Can 'best ever' Italy beat England for the first time?
England make the trip to Rome in the 6 Nations following two defeats and two terrible performances against Scotland and Ireland. So how much pressure are they under ahead of facing Italy on Saturday?Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are on the streets of the Eternal City to look ahead to the match. They chat about the raft of changes Steve Borthwick has made for the game and what that te
Seismic changes in English rugby & the 6 Nations run-in
Last week the English league system saw its biggest shake-up since the dawn of professionalism: it was confirmed that from 2029/30 the PREM will change to a franchise system and there will be no promotion or relegation starting next season.Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Stuart Barnes join Alfie Reynolds to chat about those developments. Is this an inevitable step to try and fix a system which doesn'
Six Nations halfway house: Can Scotland or Ireland stop France’s procession?
It's a fallow week in the 6 Nations so Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Stuart Barnes discuss all of the action from round three.They chat about Scotland's nervy performance in Cardiff as Gregor Townsend's side (just!) got the victory. Was this Scotland banishing demons from previous campaigns? Or have they once again failed to back up an impressive performance against England?Barnsey gives his
England's 'alarming' defeat to brilliant Ireland
England's hopes of a 6 Nations title went up in smoke as they lost to Ireland at Twickenham.Following a loss to Scotland a week ago, Steve Borthwick's side produced another lacklustre and dreadful performance. Alfie, Will and Charlie try to pick through the bones of a galling defeat which will ask major questions of this England team. Will it be a performance which ends England careers for some pl
Itoje's 100th as England face Ireland
Following defeat to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup last weekend, England host Ireland in round three of the 6 Nations on Saturday.Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Charlie Morgan are at the England training base ahead of the match and ask whether England or Ireland are under more pressure heading into the fixture? They chat about Steve Borthwick's squad selection, with Henry Pollock makin
Is anyone good enough to stop a French Grand Slam?
The second round of the 6 Nations produced plenty of thrills and spills! Scotland stunned England in Edinburgh, Ireland got up and running by beating Italy and Wales shipped fifty points in defeat to France.Alfie Reynolds is joined by Elgan Alderman, Charlie Morgan and David Walsh to look back on the action and preview round three. They ask whether anyone will prevent a French Grand Slam? Whether
Groundhog day as brilliant Scotland bulldoze England
Scotland destroyed England 31-20 to win the Calcutta Cup!From the stands at Murrayfield Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer and Will Kelleher try to unpick a crazy match.The ghosts of Calcutta Cups past came back to haunt England as they once again produced a lacklustre performance in Edinburgh. Their losing streak in the Scottish capital continues. But Scotland were brilliant and bounced back from defeat
Can England finally win in Edinburgh?
It's Calcutta Cup week as Scotland host England in the 6 Nations.Alfie, Alex and Will are in Edinburgh to look ahead to the match. They discuss the pressure on Gregor Townsend and Scotland, England's poor record north of the border with their last win being back in 2020 and Steve Borthwick's squad for the match on Saturday.They chat about England's continuing drive for positional versatility and a
What now for Gregor Townsend? And a pod debut!
On the opening weekend of the 6 Nations Scotland lost against Italy to heap pressure on Gregor Townsend, Ireland lost to France who produced a statement performance and England hammered Wales.Alfie Reynolds is joined by Owen Slot and The Times' new signing, Charlie Morgan, to look back on all the action.The boys discuss whether Townsend departing seems inevitable, whether Andy Farrell has done a p
Clinical England dismantle dismal Wales
England got their 6 Nations campaign up and running with a ruthless 48-7 victory over Wales who endured a torrid day at Twickenham.Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman look back on all the action and discuss whether the result actually could have been worse for Wales who saw four players yellow carded. And, where do Steve Tandy's side can go from here as they welcome France to Cardiff
Do Wales have any hope of beating England?
What chance do Wales have of beating England at Twickenham this weekend in the opening round of the 6 Nations? The bookmakers have them as huge outsiders so from the England team hotel Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman look ahead to the weekend.They chat about whether Wales can harness the passion and spirit of the country to lift their performance. How will England deal with the ex
Who are the 6 Nations favourites?
The 2026 6 Nations is here!Who are the favorites to win the championship? Is it France as the defending champions or a resurgent England?Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman, Alex Lowe and Mark Palmer look ahead to the opening weekend of fixtures. They ask whether Scotland will benefit from flying under the radar? Could Wales win a match? And, who will play fly-half for Ireland?Plus, they chat about a m
Will Welsh rugby ever recover?
Alfie and Will welcome Mark Evans back onto The Ruck having returned from his time as the CEO of the Fijian Drua.They chat about the latest developments in Welsh rugby with Y11, the owners of the Ospreys, becoming the WRU's preferred bidder for Cardiff and ask whether there is a danger that rugby in Wales might become like cricket in the West Indies.Mark also gives his views on two of his former c
Did Scott Robertson 'lose the dressing room'?
Following the All Blacks sacking head coach Scott Robertson, Alfie, Will and Alex are joined by the New Zealand Herald's Liam Napier to explain why he's been given his marching orders just two years into his tenure. Was it down to losing the dressing room? Or was he not suited to the spotlight which comes with the role?They also look back on the final round of the pool stages in the Champions Cup
Madness, brilliance and problems: Another weekend in the Champions Cup
Following another weekend of action in the Champions Cup Alfie, Elgan and Alex look back on all of the big stories.With only one round of matches to go until the knockout stages they explain why, despite some great games, the competition continues to have structural issues. They ask what is going wrong at Toulouse who have lost twice already in the pool stage and discuss which teams are in the run
Henry Pollock Special
Henry Pollock had a remarkable 2025!Breaking through with Northampton Saints, making his England debut, beating Leinster in Dublin, a Champions Cup final appearance and being named on the British & Irish Lions tour.So Will and Alex have made the trip up to the East Midlands to chat with Henry Pollock and his director of rugby Phil Dowson. How does the youngster reflect on the past 12 months? D
What's happening at Harlequins!?
At the midway point in the Prem season Harlequins find themselves in a crisis. They're 8th in the table, having only won two of their nine games, including a 66-21 defeat to Northampton at the weekend.So, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are at The Stoop to chat with the Quins CEO Laurie Dalrymple. They discuss the coaching upheaval in the summer and the knock on impact to the clubs current struggles,
Our World XV of 2025!
It's the end of 2025 so in keeping with tradition The Ruck's end of year selection meeting is back as Alfie, Alex, Will and Elgan name a world XV of the year.South Africa are the number 1 side in the world but how many springboks will make it into the team? Who gets selected at fly-half? And, in a year where positional versatility has been so important what does the bench look like?Plus, given tha
Harlequins humiliated and salary cap secrets
It's the final pod before Christmas and Alfie, Alex, Will and Elgan are back to review all the action over the weekend.They discuss humbling defeats for Gloucester and Harlequins and ask whether the current top five will be the teams to battle for a play-off spot at the end of the season.Plus, why are there so many high profile transfers ahead of next season? And, what can the whole league learn f
How to save the Champions Cup, scrums and the Champ
Will and Alex are solving all sorts on the Ruck this week. Mark Palmer comes on to chat about Glasgow's extraordinary win over Toulouse in the Champions Cup -- a rare shining light in another mixed round of the competition -- and the boys then debate how to fix the tournament, so there are fewer blow-out pool games. Could there be a "European Super League" instead? Or would it work
Is this Bath's year in Europe? Plus hybrid hero André Esterhuizen
The Ruck has a South African flavour this week as we interview Springboks hybrid hero André Esterhuizen, the centre who can also play back-row. We talk about that innovation, the Boks' fine 2025 and the upcoming Champions Cup clash between his Sharks and Saracens on Saturday.Will, Alex and Elgan delve into the first round of the Champions Cup, which featured some of the same old issues but good wi
Where does Welsh rugby go from here?
Following the end of the Autumn Internationals, Alex Lowe and Elgan Alderman review the action. We look at South Africa's 73–0 mauling of Wales, as well as the late-game incident involving Eben Etzebeth.Elsewhere, Alex and Elgan discuss the latest in the R360 league saga, and with the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw coming this week, we look ahead to how the new 24-team format changes the pools, the see
Are unbeaten England now South Africa's closest rivals?
Following the end of the November internationals Alfie, Alex, Will and Barnsey are back in studio to review the action.In 2025 South Africa have cemented themselves as the number one side in the world but who are their closest challengers? Is it England who have won 11 out of 12 matches in the calendar year? And, will Steve Borthwick's side now be expected to win the 6 Nations?It's also been a tou
Injury-hit England aim for a perfect autumn
It's the final weekend of the November internationals (apart from Wales and South Africa who play each other next week!). So, Alfie, Will and Elgan are once again at the England training base to look ahead to their match against Argentina. After a huge win against the All Blacks how difficult will this match be? And how important is it to end 2025 with another win? They also have an injury update
The Nations Championship explained, Pumas prowl & Scotland suffer
Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher look back on the latest action from the November internationals.They ask what was the most important result of the weekend? Wales finally winning at home or England beating the All Blacks? And, they react to Scotland losing to Argentina despite leading 21-0 and what that means for head coach Gregor Townsend.Plus, the Nations Championship, whic
