

Rugby Union Weekly
BBC Radio 5 Live
Rugby Union Weekly is presented by Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Danny Care. Between the bickering and tangents they'll bring you special guests and cover the biggest stories in the game. Get in touch with the pod via 5 Live Sport on social media or email rugbyunionweekly@bbc.co.uk, and remember to leave us your ratings and reviews!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 30, 2026 • 59min
Stadiums, Shoves and Sarries
Big stadium nights and whether moving Premiership matches to massive venues really changes the atmosphere. Heated reactions to a sideline shove and tensions between media access and coaching secrecy. Questions over Saracens' academy output and using part-time high-profile coaches. Debate on Champions Cup qualification numbers and the challenge of marketing rugby stars.

9 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 43min
Big Wins and Big Worries as the Prem Returns
Discussion of Bath’s dominant win and whether any side can stop their run. Deep dive into Saracens’ heavy defeat and the worries it raises for their season. Debate over Harlequins’ poor form and the risk of losing key players. Praise for Leicester’s resurgence under Geoff Parling. Notes on stadium logistics for a huge weekend of matches.

21 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 58min
The Six Nations review with Barclay and Warburton
A lively wrap of the 2026 Six Nations, debating the tournament's greatest moments and biggest upsets. They relive Thomas Ramos' last‑minute winning kick and France lifting the trophy in Paris. Italy's shock win over England and Ireland's powerful displays get plenty of attention. There is a heated discussion over whether Louis Bielle-Biarrey has overtaken Antoine Dupont in influence.

20 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 51min
Six Nations: France claim the title in the last second
A dramatic final-day Six Nations finish decided by a last-second long-range penalty. Deep dive into France’s tournament build, squad changes and key match moments that swung the title. Debate on England’s inconsistency, tactical tweaks and ruck speed. Discussion of Ireland’s Triple Crown win, Scotland’s campaign progress and the emotional roller-coaster of a tournament decided in the dying moments.

14 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 53min
In Paris with Fin Smith & Scotland's Dublin showdown
Ashley (former player and tactical analyst) breaks down Steve Borthwick’s framework and what it takes to beat France. Fin Smith (England fly-half) speaks candidly about Rome, dressing-room mindset and the plan for Paris. They discuss Scotland’s Dublin opportunity, tactical clashes with Ireland, try-scoring necessity for England and whether France remain crackable.

Mar 12, 2026 • 46min
Nations Pod Guide: Paris
They transport you to Paris with vivid matchday memories at the Stade de France. They recall famous on-field moments, old-school press access and memorable World Cup and Six Nations matches. They share practical travel tips, sightseeing loops, local rugby pubs and dining anecdotes. They also warn about stadium logistics and the quirks of Parisian matchday life.

10 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 38min
Can England avoid their worst-ever Six Nations?
Ollie Chessum, England international forward who shifted from lock to six and fought to regain his place. Steve Borthwick, England head coach offering tactical reflection and team mindset updates. They discuss selection dilemmas, the burden of the shirt, tactical tweaks, discipline and whether England can restore confidence and finish the Six Nations strongly in Paris.

20 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 8min
The Nations Pod
A bumper Super Saturday preview with Scotland’s seismic win over France and their injury-hit trip to Ireland. Italy’s shock victory over England and the late lineout drama are dissected. Wales’ physical revival and Rhys Carre’s solo try spark debate about a Gatland-era echo. England’s turmoil in Verona, Maro Itoje’s on-field clash and questions over tactics and mindset in Paris are all explored.

20 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 56min
Six Nations: The weekend review with Barclay & Warburton
A weekend of shocks and underdog glory in the Six Nations gets a full breakdown. Scotland’s dominant performance and tactical execution at Murrayfield take centre stage. Italy’s historic win over England and the questions it raises about discipline and leadership are explored. Wales’ bright signs and the tournament permutations ahead of the final weekend are also discussed.

16 snips
Mar 7, 2026 • 54min
Six Nations: Scotland win 90-point thriller to enter title race and Italy stun England
Johnnie Beattie, former Scotland flanker and commentator who reported live from Murrayfield. He recounts Scotland’s 50-40 classic against France and the electric atmosphere. Short takes cover Scotland’s lineout, scrum and relentless pressure. Also discussed: Italy’s shock win over England and how results have thrown the title race wide open.


