Rugby Union Weekly

Is Antoine Dupont the greatest of all time? Chris and Ashy quiz England senior coach Richard Wigglesworth on what makes the French scrum-half so special. Are there any weaknesses in his game and what attributes make him so unique? England take on the favourites for the 2025 Six Nations at Twickenham this Saturday. What lessons have they learned from their defeat in Dublin? It's seven successive defeats in a row against tier one nations and Ashy says it's time to stop the rot, but how do you tackle a French side full of so much flair and confidence? Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is back on the pod to give following his first Test start since 2022. He gives us an insight into the intensity of training this week and the challenge of facing the French up front.

Chris Jones, Gareth Rhys Owen, and Tom English are back to dissect the highs and lows of the Home Nations following the weekend’s action. Gro’s pleas not to start the pod with Wales go largely ignored, as Warren Gatland’s side hits a new low. Would a loss to Italy on Saturday actually be a blessing in disguise, forcing a total reset? Tom argues that England’s squad is over-hyped while concerns grow over the inexperience of their coaching staff. And how costly could Scotland’s habit of switching off during games be when they face Ireland? Plus, Chris moderates an impromptu game of "Bleakness Top Trumps."

Ugo Monye, John Barclay and Sam Warburton look back at the opening weekend of the 2025 Six Nations. Did Ireland silence their critics following that dominant second half display against England? Does Steve Borthwick ring the changes with the French in town this weekend? Scotland are still finding their feet without captain Sione Tuipulotu, but has John found the answer for Gregor Townsend? Is Saturday's meeting between Italy and Wales already a wooden spoon decider? Sam has plenty to say on the state of the Welsh game and whether he would welcome a Six Nations relegation play-off. Plus, our team of the week featuring Romain Ntamack and predictions for round two.

We're in the Aviva stadium to bring you all the reaction to England's defeat to Ireland in Dublin. Chris Jones is alongside Grand Slam winners Tommy Bowe and Matt Dawson as Ireland get their quest for a historic three-peat off to a perfect start. They discuss Simon Easterby's first game in charge of Ireland and how impressive they were in the second half. But where did it go wrong for England after a promising start? Tommy asks whether there is a fitness issue. And is England's bench still an issue?

Sara Orchard is with Philippa Tuttiett and Ugo Monye in Paris to react to disappointment for Wales in their opening match against France. What went so wrong for Wales, and what went so right for France? Plus, Chris Jones speaks to Ellis Genge ahead of England’s opener against Ireland, and Matt Dawson joins him in Dublin to look ahead to Saturday’s match.BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week: Saturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live

Ben Curry is on the pod ahead of his first England start alongside his twin brother Tom. We find out what Ben learnt from Ashy at Sale and discover the two goals that kept him motivated during what he calls 'the dark times'. He also talks openly about how difficult it is to be constantly compared to your twin brother. We also react to the Ireland team and look ahead to a big day for Sam Prendergast and his battle with Marcus Smith. Ugo and Sara join from some rather lavish surroundings in Paris to preview the opening match of the tournament between France and Wales. Plus, there are a couple of surprises in Gregor Townsend's Scotland team to face Italy. BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week:Friday 31st January France v Wales 2015 kick-off - 5 LiveSaturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live

Ugo Monye and Chris Jones chat to all the Six Nations captains, but put the rugby to one side and ask the really important questions, like what’s harder – a nine-darter, a 147 or a hole-in-one? You’ll also hear Antoine Dupont sing. Find out how to pronounce Jac Morgan’s name. What position Rory Darge dreams of playing for Liverpool. The greatest sporting achievement in the world, according to Maro Itoje. The one trophy Caelan Doris would love to win as captain and Michele Lamaro tries to convince us that Lazio aren't a real team.BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week:Friday 31st January France v Wales 2015 kick-off - 5 Live Saturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live

Chris visits the England training camp in Girona and sits down with Cadan Murley who will make his long-awaited England debut this weekend after Steve Borthwick named his team to face Ireland. We deliver Murley a special message from a very proud team-mate, find out which former winger is his biggest inspiration and learn about his early career as a flanker. There was also big news in the back row, as the Curry brothers will become the first twin brothers to play for England. The man in the middle, Ben Earl joins us for a chat and tells us how special it will be to start alongside Tom and Ben having all played together back in 2014. But will the lineout be an issue for England this weekend? And are they lacking experience on the bench? We put the questions to Steve Borthwick and he explains why England have spent their whole build-up to the Six Nations overseas.BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week: Friday 31st January France v Wales 2015 kick-off - 5 Live Saturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live

Chris, Scrum V's Gareth Rhys Owen and Tom English from the BBC Scotland rugby podcast return as the countdown to the Six Nations continues. They delve into what lies ahead for the four home nation teams. Gareth questions whether Warren Gatland still has the passion to guide Wales. Will Simon Easterby’s leadership bring a new look to Ireland? Tom voices his concerns about Scotland’s mounting injury troubles, while Chris explores the challenge facing England. Plus, find out which member of the team has found a new inner calm ahead of tournament.BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week: Friday 31st January France v Wales 2015 kick-off - 5 Live Saturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live

The pod is daily once again for the Six Nations and to kick things off we are in Rome! Ugo and Chris chat to all the head coaches at the launch. They speak to Ireland's new interim head coach Simon Easterby and find out how he's settling into the role, what changes he will make - if any - and how he is dealing with the pressure of being defending champions. Warren Gatland wants to block out all negativity and build a siege mentality, but do Wales have what it takes to end their terrible losing run? Are Scotland still one of the favourites for the title despite losing their captain to injury? We put the question to Gregor Townsend and hear how Steve Borthwick has dealt with his own injury setbacks in the build-up. Fabien Galthie has some fashion advice for Ugo and, as is now tradition, we ask all the coaches to pick one player from another nation to have in their team.BBC Sounds / 5 Live Six Nations commentaries this week: Friday 31st January France v Wales 2015 kick-off - 5 Live Saturday 1st February Scotland v Italy 1415 kick-off - Sports Extra Ireland v England 1645 kick-off - 5 Live