

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 7, 2026 • 58min
Bonus: Youngs & Moody - How Safe Is Rugby?
Ben Youngs, ex-pro turned documentary presenter investigating concussion and long-term brain health. Lewis Moody, former England captain now living with MND, shares personal reflections on risk and care. Sam Peters, investigative journalist and author of Concussed, presses for accountability. They discuss concussion, training contact, grassroots protections and how the sport might need to change to better protect players.

7 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 23min
Six Nations: Ireland fend off spirited Wales
Philippa Tuttiett, rugby analyst known for tactical breakdowns, and Tommy Bowe, former Ireland wing with sharp player insight. They unpack Ireland’s 27-17 win and Wales’ gritty, physical display. Discussion hits Rhys Carre’s standout try, Wales’ defensive workload and coaching changes. They also debate Ireland’s selection puzzles, scrum-half depth and the looming France v Scotland title clash.

4 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 46min
Nations Pod Guide: Rome
A lively travel guide to Rome as a rugby destination. They compare intimate and large stadiums and relive heated matchday memories. The hosts swap travel mishaps, food tips and best pubs near Piazza Navona. Practical advice on scooters, safety and getting to games rounds out the conversation.

7 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 57min
Six Nations: England's new backline & Gregor Brown's pod debut
Gregor Brown, Scotland international back who rose from singing in the stands to starting at Murrayfield. Seb Atkinson, England centre known for athleticism and ball-carrying and long-time partner of Finn Smith. They discuss England's new midfield partnership, selection shake-up and preparation for Italy. They also cover Scotland's resurgence, Murrayfield atmosphere and gameplan versus France.

19 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 53min
The Nations Pod
Debate over whether France treats Scotland as a Grand Slam decider and how Scotland might blunt France’s attack. Discussion of possible England changes ahead of Rome and whether Italy could pull off a historic win. Conversation about Wales’ midfield worries and signs that Ireland may be improving. A fun stats quiz challenges the panel’s rugby knowledge.

10 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 55min
Six Nations: England’s Italian Job
Ollie Chessum, England international forward, talks mindset, regrouping and intensity after recent setbacks. Steve Borthwick, England head coach, outlines performance review, selection dilemmas and plans to raise training intensity. They discuss tactical tweaks for Rome, finishing chances, front-foot tempo and whether experience or change will steady the team.

21 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 58min
The Nations Pod
They debate whether England are in crisis after a heavy defeat and explore selection headaches at 10 and 15. Scotland’s surprising resurgence and Finn Russell’s impact get plenty of attention. Wales’ encouraging form and Italy’s rise are weighed up. Listeners’ rugby poems make a playful return.

Feb 23, 2026 • 50min
Six Nations: The weekend review with Warburton & Barclay
John Barclay, former Scotland flanker and sharp tactical analyst, and Sam Warburton, ex-Wales and Lions captain turned commentator, break down Six Nations drama. They dissect Scotland’s resurgence and Finn Russell moments. They debate England’s worrying form and possible reshuffles. They praise Ireland’s attacking revival and ponder whether France can be stopped.

12 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 35min
Six Nations: Itoje the England centurion
Maro Itoje, England lock and Saracens leader who has reached 100 caps and contested a World Cup final. He recalls early Saracens memories and youth leadership. He reflects on patience, consistency and the coaches who shaped him. He talks resilience after setbacks, his hunger for World Cup success, and why the 100th cap matters more than the first.

8 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 51min
Six Nations: Pollock unleashed & Lawrence returns
Ollie Lawrence, England centre known for physicality and linking play, talks selection, rivalry with Tommy Freeman and his partnership with Fraser Dingwall. Steve Borthwick, England head coach famed for tactical clarity, explains rotation, back-row pairings and squad management. They focus on Pollock’s start, midfield reshuffle, rotations for three-game runs and selection thinking ahead of Ireland.


