Scrum V
Scrum V brings listeners the latest news, views and interviews from the world of Welsh rugby. It covers match analysis, team updates and behind-the-scenes stories from Wales's national sport. The podcast is produced by BBC Radio Wales and features expert pundits and players.
Episodes
The Warm Up: 'I'd pick me... I mean Mee'
Lauren Salter and former Wales trio Alex Cuthbert, Ellis Jenkins and Liam Williams pore over Steve Tandy's latest squad selection.
WRU's £18m loss: Is Welsh rugby living beyond its means?
Gareth Rhys Owen speaks to WRU chief financial officer Gavin Marshall about an £18.1m loss, another forecast loss and why he believes funding for the professional regions must be reduced. Plus, Scrum V writer Matt Lloyd joins the debate on the future of the regions, Cardiff's ownership and the financial challenges facing Welsh rugby.
Wales squad announcement, European rugby and private jets!
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by Wales Head Coach Steve Tandy after he named his squad for the Nations Championship tests. Rugby writer Alex Bywater also joins to review the Welsh regions’ opening matches in Europe and to discuss the competition’s structure.
Sayonara Wales, konnichiwa Japan
Before Wales left for Japan for their two WXV test matches, head coach Sean Lynn, captain Alex Callender and scrum half Seren Lockwood sat down with Gareth Rhys Owen, Lauren Salter and former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin.
The Warm Up: I was listening to a podcast...
Lauren Salter previews a bumper weekend of European rugby with Champions Cup winner Liam Williams, alongside former Wales pair Jonathan Davies and Scott Baldwin…who it turns out listens to a LOT of podcasts!
The Welsh Tigers
Gareth Rhys Owen heads to Leicester Tigers to catch up with Wales back row trio Aaron Wainwright, Olly Cracknell and Tommy Reffell, who are making an impact together in the Premiership. They discuss life at Leicester, their growing Welsh connection and ambitions for club and country. Plus, winger Gabriel Hamer-Webb reflects on his resurgence in confidence, his first Wales cap and his ambitions to
Laptops at the ready .. URC review and Welsh rugby politics
Gareth and Lauren are joined by former Wales hooker, and current Bridgend coach Scott Baldwin to reflect on the Welsh regions results in the URC and discuss the WRU’s new report on the future of the regions.
The Warm Up: Buenas Tardes
Lauren Salter is joined by former internationals Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert and Ellis Jenkins to preview another busy weekend of the URC.
Behind the scenes at the Scarlets
Scrum V goes behind the scenes at the Scarlets as they reflect on their start to the new seasonGareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter meet Director of Rugby Nigel Davies, Managing Director Jon Daniels, Recruitment and Operations Officer James 'Cubby' Davies and Number 8 Fletcher Anderson, to discuss the new season, the club’s ambitions and the uncertainty surrounding their future.
The Warm Up: One Year To The Rugby World Cup!
Lauren Salter is joined by Ellis Jenkins, James Hook and Jonathan Davies as they discuss who the potential bolters will be on the plane to Australia next year, the Welsh players making an impact in the English Premiership and a look ahead to the next round of the URC.
The URC is back and Wales lose narrowly to the USA
Gareth and Lauren are joined by former Wales back James Hook and dual code Wales international Ffion Lewis to reflect on Wales Women's defeat to the USA in WXV and the first weekend of the United Rugby Championship
The Warm Up: We go again!
Lauren Salter is joined by Jonathan Davies, Philippa Tuttiett and James Hook as they discuss Wales' win in the WXV and look ahead to the opening weekend of the URC.
Wales beat the Boks and the rest of the URC preview
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin and guests to reflect on Wales's historic win over South Africa in the WXV, and also assess the Irish, Italian, Scottish and South African hopes in the upcoming URC season.
Behind the scenes on URC Media Day
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter spend the day at Welsh Rugby's Centre of Excellence for URC Media Day and speak to Gareth Anscombe on the role he'll play at the Scarlets, Ryan Woodman on how he's bulked up for this season at the Dragons and Cardiff's Josh Adams on his hopes for a third World Cup next year. Dual-code international Ffion Lewis also joins the podcast to preview Wales' WXV opener a
Ospreylia
Scrum V goes behind the scenes at the Ospreys as they prepare for a new era at their revamped St Helen’s home.Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter meet head coach Mark Jones, Head of Rugby Dan Griffiths and new Australian signings Liam Wright and Lalakai Foketi to discuss the new season, the club’s ambitions and the uncertainty surrounding their future.
Seven-try South Africa ease past Wales
Lauren Salter is joined by former Wales internationals James Hook and Scott Baldwin, and Scrum V reporter Gareth Griffiths to reflect on Wales’ heavy Nations Championship defeat to South Africa.
Steve Tandy’s side ended their season with a 43-0 loss to the world champions in Durban.
The Warm Up: Springboks, homecomings and births
Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe joins Lauren Salter, Alex Cuthbert and Jonathan Davies, where he talks about beating South Africa on their own turf and missing the birth of his son as a result.
Wales lose in Argentina ahead of Boks Test
Lauren Salter and Gareth Rhys Owen are joined by Scott Baldwin and James Hook to dissect Wales' loss in San Juan before looking ahead to playing the Springboks in Durban.
The Warm Up: I wouldn’t have dropped him
Lauren is joined by Tom Shanklin, Jonathan Davies and Ellis Jenkins to discuss Steve Tandy’s team selection, including Louis Rees-Zammit being dropped to the bench, as Wales prepare to face Argentina in round 2 of the Nations Championship.
Wall to wall rugby and back to back Test wins
Lauren Salter is joined by former Wales internationals Alex Cuthbert and Richie Rees to reflect on the opening weekend of the Nations Series which included wins for Wales against Fiji and Scotland over Argentina, who Steve Tandy's side face next.
Scrum V Reset: Knockout in Nantes
As Wales prepare to face Fiji in the Nations Championship, Gareth Rhys Owen, with the help of players, fans and pundits, reflects on the 2007 Rugby World Cup when the Flying Fijians stunned the rugby world by knocking Wales out and ending the reign of coach Gareth Jenkins.This podcast was first broadcast in September 2023
The Warm Up: Book clubs and Fijians
Lauren Salter is joined by former Wales trio Jamie Roberts, Scott Baldwin and Lloyd Williams as they preview Wales' Nations Championship opener against Fiji by talking selection and memorable tours.
Everyone's a winner - a hat-trick of Welsh wins
Lauren Salter and Gareth Rhys Owen are joined by former Wales international Scott Baldwin and former coach of Fiji Gareth Baber as they reflect on wins for Wales' men and women against the Barbarians, the under 20's at the Junior World Championship and look ahead to Fiji against Wales in the Nations Championship.
Final Twinkle of the North Star - Wales v Baa-Baas Part 2
In the second Scrum V pod of the week, Lauren Salter heads to London to speak to retiring Wales great George North, who's set to play his final professional game for the Barbarians against Wales in Twickenham on Saturday. Meanwhile Gareth Rhys Owen is in camp with the Wales men's side to catch up with Blair Murray
Wales v Baa-Baas Part 1
In an exclusive interview with Scrum V, new WRU Director of Women's Rugby Nadine Griffiths sits down with Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter, who are also joined by Wales internationals Keira Bevan and Maisie Davies ahead of Saturday's game against the Barbarians at Twickenham
Wales' Exeter Chiefs
Lauren Salter heads to Exeter's Sandy Park to catch up with Wales forwards Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza ahead of the Saturday's Premiership Final between the Chiefs and Northampton.
Play-Off Semi-Finals Review
Birthday boy Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap and Saracens attack coach, former Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan to reflect on the weekend's Play-off semi-finals in the English Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby, and they'll also get the lowdown on the latest Australian players joining Welsh regions.
Wayne Pivac: Looking Back, Moving Forward
Former Wales head coach Wayne Pivac reflects on the success he enjoyed with the Scarlets, the challenges of leading Wales, and the lessons learned along the way. He also explains why he's excited by the prospect of a fresh challenge with Benetton in Italy.
The Scrum V End of Season Awards
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales internationals James Hook and Scott Baldwin to assess the 4 Welsh regions' season and pick their player and combined team of the season.
URC Play-Off Quarter Finals Review
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales internationals James Hook and Scott Baldwin to review the weekend's United Rugby Championship play-off quarter finals including Cardiff's defeat against Stormers in Cape Town.
The Warm Up - The greatest try you never scored!
Lauren is joined by Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies and Alex Cuthbert, who between them have 246 Wales caps and 12 Lions test appearances, to preview Cardiff’s URC quarter final tie against the Stormers in Cape Town.
From St Peters to Wales: The Rise of Kane James
Gareth Rhys Owen heads to Exeter to sit down with new Wales squad member Kane James. The Exeter Chiefs back row discusses his rapid rise in the game, choosing Wales after representing England at under-20 level, and his ambitions ahead of a potential senior international debut this summer. He also reflects on his rugby journey from St Peters RFC in Cardiff to the prestigious Sedbergh School, before
Inside Cardiff’s URC Quarter-Final Mission
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter head to Cardiff Arms Park to catch up with Cardiff forwards Dan Thomas and Josh McNally ahead of their United Rugby Championship quarter-final against the Stormers in Cape Town. The pair discuss Cardiff’s journey to the play-offs, the challenge of facing South African opposition away from home, and the belief growing within the squad as they prepare for the bigge
Where next for Wales
Gareth and Lauren are joined by former Wales internationals Siwan Lillicrap and James Hook to reflect on another winless Women's Six Nations campaign for Wales and ask can Cardiff do the double over Stormers in the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
The Warm Up: 'I never thought he'd reach the heights he did'
Lauren Salter is joined by Jonathan Davies, Siwan Lillicrap and Claire Thomas to look ahead to the final weekend of the Women's Six Nations and the last round of the URC, as well as discussing Steve Tandy's Wales squad.
Wales squad announced for summer games
Wales head coach Steve Tandy joins Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter to discuss his squad for the summer matches against the Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina and South Africa. Former Wales captain Philippa Tuttiett joins to review Wales' loss to Ireland in Belfast in the Women's Six Nations and discuss the permutations as Cardiff look to secure Champions Cup rugby next season.
The Warm Up: 'My Twitter followers tripled'
Lauren Salter is joined by World Cup winner Ruby Tui, Jonathan Davies and Philippa Tuttiett to preview round four of the Women's Six Nations and the penultimate weekend of the URC.
Halfpenny retires and Dragons' European semi-final.
Gareth Rhys Owen is joined by Scrum V writer Gareth Griffiths, and former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin to reflect on Leigh Halfpenny's career following his retirement, the Dragons' European semi-final and are joined by Llandovery scrum-half Lee Rees to discuss their recent SRC victory.
The Warm Up: 'Your nan's favourite'
Ahead of a huge weekend of European rugby, Lauren Salter is joined by former Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones, Ashton Hewitt and James Hook to discuss the Dragons’ chances against French heavyweights Montpellier as they look to reach the Challenge Cup final in Bilbao.
Wales' never say die spirit. URC and Challenge Cup review and preview
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales internationals James Hook and Philippa Tuttiett to reflect on Wales' improved performance in defeat to England, the weekend's United Rugby Championship results including Cardiff's derby win over Ospreys and the team are joined by Dragons defence coach Dale McLeod to preview Sunday's European Challenge Cup Semi-Final in Montpellier
The Warm up: Back to the drawing board
Lauren Salter is joined by former Wales internationals James Hook and Siwan Lillicrap, along with rugby journalist Alex Bywater, to reflect on the latest WRU announcement ahead of a busy weekend in the Women’s Six Nations and the URC.
Derby delight for Cardiff but Wales remain winless
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales internationals Scott Baldwin and Philippa Tuttiett to reflect on the weekend's United Rugby Championship results and Wales' Women's Six Nations defeat to France.
Cardiff secured a dramatic late comeback win at Scarlets, Ospreys had an impressive win over Sharks but Dragons were humbled by Bulls.
While France produced a second-half power
'It was mind blowing to me!'
Lauren Salter is joined by Philippa Tuttiett, Siwan Lillicrap and Scott Baldwin to look ahead to Wales against France in the second round of the Women's Six Nations, the URC and they also discuss the Dragons' fortunes in Europe.
Three Teams, No Turning Back: Abi Tierney After the EGM
In the wake of a tense and at times fractious Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) Extraordinary General Meeting at Principality Stadium, Chief Executive Abi Tierney sits down to address the biggest questions facing Welsh rugby. With controversial plans to reduce the professional game from four teams to three still unresolved, and no clear agreement yet with Cardiff Rugby, Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons, Tierne
European delight for Dragons but defeat for improved Wales
Gareth Rhys Owen, Lauren Salter and former Wales internationals Richie Rees and Philippa Tuttiett reflect on Dragons’ European Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Zebre and Wales’ Women’s Six Nations opening defeat to Scotland.
Dragons reached their first European semi-final in a decade, while Wales showed signs of improvement as they lost to Scotland.
The Warm Up: Mud Monsters and Warrior Queens
Lauren Salter is joined by Phillippa Tuttiett, Claire Thomas and Alex Cuthbert to preview this year's Women's Six Nations and look ahead to the Dragons' Challenge Cup quarter final against Zebre.
C'est magnifique
Gareth and Lauren are joined by former Wales internationals Richie Rees and James Hook to celebrate the Dragons European Challenge Cup win over Stade Francais in Paris, and reflect on some contentious TMO decisions in defeat for Cardiff and Ospreys.
Lots of positives but a winless weekend for Wales' regions
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales internationals Alex Cuthbert and Richie Rees to look back at a weekend that had big implications in the race for the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
The Warm Up: A great scaffolder!
Lauren Salter and guests Sean Holley, Jonathan Davies and Ellis Jenkins discuss the new-look Wales women's coaching team, the art of captaincy, the business end of the URC and pay tribute to scaffolder come international rugby legend Liam Williams.
An alternative plan for Welsh rugby?
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales fly-half James Hook and former chief operating officer of Principality Building Society Rob Regan to review the weekend's United Rugby Championship results and discuss an alternative plan for the future of Welsh rugby.
The team also speak with Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart about their ongoing legal battle with the Welsh Rugby Union
The Warm Up: Six Nations debrief
Lauren Salter and guests Alun Wyn Jones, Alex Cuthbert and former Welsh international turned adventurer, Richard Parks, reflect on a dramatic Six Nations Championship.
Best Six Nations Ever?
Gareth and Lauren are joined by former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin and rugby journalist Alex Bywater to reflect on the 2026 Six Nations, the players of the tournament and Wales's win over Italy
Wales end Six Nations losing streak as Dave Reddin defends WRU changes
Lauren Salter is joined by former Wales international James Hook, Scrum V writer Gareth Griffiths and Welsh Rugby Union director of rugby Dave Reddin after Wales' 31-17 win against Italy.
Steve Tandy's side ended their Six Nations campaign on a high with an impressive win over Italy, ending a three-year Six Nations losing streak.
The team reflect on Wales' first win in the competition in 1,099 day
Scrum V Top 5: Nigel Owens
Comedian and actor Mike Bubbins welcomes former referee Nigel Owens to his bar. Regarded as one of the great referees of the game, Nigel will be revealing his favourite five and six nations matches.Warning: contains themes around suicide
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The Warm Up: Back in the Vale with Tandy
As Wales welcome Italy to Cardiff for their final Six Nations match of 2026, Lauren Salter is joined by Wales head coach Steve Tandy and former internationals Jon Davies, Tom Shanklin and Alex Cuthbert.
Golden Boy - Louis Rees-Zammit
Louis Rees-Zammit took a leap and switched lanes while the world watched. A story of chasing the big dream and figuring out who you are when everyone’s already decided.
Galloping Carre delights Dublin but Wales lose again
Gareth Rhys Owen is joined by former internationals James Hook, Ian Gough and Scott Williams to consider another Six Nations defeat for Wales in Ireland - while still in a state of shock following a jaw-dropping try from prop Rhys Carre.
The Warm Up: Good times in Dublin
The Six Nations returns as Wales travel to Dublin to face Ireland. Catrin Heledd is joined by former internationals Jonathan Davies, Ellis Jenkins and Tom Shanklin.
Scrum V Top5: Glenn Webbe
Comedian and actor Mike Bubbins welcomes a cult hero of Welsh rugby to his bar, Glenn Webbe. Glenn was the first British player to score a hat trick in a World Cup and now heads to Mike’s bar to discuss his top 5 wingers.Warning: contains themes of racism.
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Ireland preview & URC review
Gareth Rhys Owen is joined by former Wales winger Alex Cuthbert, former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman and rugby journalist Alex Bywater to preview Ireland v Wales and look back on the weekend's URC action.
The Warm Up: They went into that game believing they could win
Lauren Salter is joined by Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies and Scott Baldwin to reflect on Wales v Scotland, preview this weekend’s URC, and discuss the news that the WRU are to face an EGM.
Scrum V Top 5: Jonathan Davies
Comedian and actor Mike Bubbins welcomes one of the key players of Warren Gatland’s golden generation, former Wales centre Jonathan Davies, to his bar. He will be discussing the players and coaches from Llanelli who inspired him the most.
The Warm Up: 'I was going to swear, but I won’t'
Lauren Salter is joined by Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies and Jim Hamilton to look ahead to Wales against Scotland.
Scrum V Top 5: Max Boyce
Comedian and actor Mike Bubbins welcomes one of his heroes to the bar - the legendary and iconic entertainer Max Boyce. With a career spanning over 50 years, Max reveals his top five outside halves.
France hammer Wales in front of record low crowd in Cardiff
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Jenkins are joined by former Wales internationals James Hook and Ian Gough dissect Wales’ 13th successive Six Nations defeat as France hammer them 54-12. The game was played in front of Wales' lowest crowd for a Six Nations game at the Principality Stadium that was not played in the Covid era.
Tandy makes changes for France game
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by Scrum V commentator Cennydd Davies and former Wales wing Alex Cuthbert at the Vale to discuss Steve Tandy's team selection for Sunday's Six Nations match with France.
Wales have brought in Scarlets centre Joe Hawkins and Leicester number eight Olly Cracknell as part of four personnel changes to the team thrashed by England.
The Warm Up: 'A lot of what we got wrong is controllable'
Lauren Salter is joined by Scott Baldwin, Ellis Jenkins and Alex Cuthbert to discuss what went wrong for Wales against England in their Six Nations opener, and look ahead to Sunday's game against France.
Scrum V Top 5: Gavin Henson
Comedian and actor Mike Bubbins welcomes one of Wales’s most talented and mercurial players to the bar, Gavin Henson. For years, Gavin has avoided the spotlight, but now he enters Mike’s bar to discuss his top five most admired players.
England heap misery on Wales
Gareth Rhys Owen is joined by former Wales internationals Richie Rees and Scott Williams to react to Wales’ 48-7 defeat to England at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
The Warm Up: Wales' team for Twickenham
Lauren Salter, James Hook and Jonathan Davies visit the Wales training base to speak to prop Archie Griffin before the opening Six Nations match against England at Twickenham.
Six Nations preview & the Ospreys crisis
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales and Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin, restructuring expert and ex-player Alex Cadwallader, and rugby journalist Alex Bywater to preview the Six Nations and discuss the Ospreys crisis.
The Warm Up: 'We'll do whatever it takes to get heard'
Lauren Salter is joined by Shane Williams, Jonathan Davies and comedian Mike Bubbins to discuss the future of Ospreys, preview the 2026 Six Nations and look ahead to Mike’s new series of Scrum V Top 5.
What does the future hold for Ospreys?
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales and Ospreys fly-half James Hook and Scrum V writer Gareth Griffiths to discuss what’s next for Ospreys.
As Wales begin their preparations for the Six Nations the focus is very much on off-the-field issues after the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed Ospreys owners, Y11 Sport and Media, are the preferred option to buy Cardiff.
The team reflect
The Warm Up: Steve Tandy special
Wales coach Steve Tandy joins Lauren Salter, Alex Cuthbert and Ellis Jenkins to reflect on the latest turmoil surrounding the future of Ospreys, and explains some of his selections for the Six Nations squad.
More chaos in Welsh rugby
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by former Wales international Alex Cuthbert and Scrum V writer Gareth Griffiths at the Vale to discuss another seismic day for Welsh rugby.
Steve Tandy's first Six Nations squad announcement was overshadowed by rugby politics following the Welsh Rugby Union's announcement that they are entering a "period of exclusivity" with potential new owners for Ca
Definitely a blast from the past
Lauren Salter is joined by Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies and James Hook to discuss Nigel Davies returning to the Scarlets, Dan Edwards re-signing for the Ospreys, and they look ahead to this weekend's European fixtures with all four Welsh regions in action.
EGM latest and European review
Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Salter are joined by Alex Cuthbert and Ashton Hewitt to review the weekend's european action and discuss the latest in off-field issues as the WRU respond to club's hoping to force an Extraordinary General Meeting.
The Warm Up: 'We're all gutted he's going'
Lauren Salter is joined by former Wales internationals Jonathan Davies and Ellis Jenkins as well as Wales and Dragons prop Dillon Lewis who reacts to Aaron Waingwright leaving the region for Leicester Tigers at the end of the season. The team also look back on the festive derbies, look ahead to round three of the Champions and Challenge Cup and give their early picks for Six Nations selection.
Festive derby debrief and off-field matters
Lauren Salter, Alex Cuthbert and Gareth Griffiths debrief the festive derbies and discuss the latest off-field issues in Welsh rugby.
Derby delight for Scarlets and Dragons win back-to-back games
Lauren Salter and former Wales internationals Gareth Delve and Richie Rees reflect on the weekend’s United Rugby Championship results including another win for the Dragons and a derby victory for Scarlets.
Dragons climbed off the bottom of the table with a remarkable 48-28 victory over Connacht, ending a 15-month winless streak in the URC.
Meanwhile, Scarlets won the first Welsh derby of the festi
