Rugby Union Weekly

Wayne Barnes, one of the greatest rugby referees in history, joins Chris, Ugo and Ashy on the sofa. Barnes retired from officiating after taking charge of the Rugby World Cup final, his 111th international match. He reflects on his magnificent career, which games stick in the memory, and why a certain bar in New Zealand has a special place in his heart. Barnes also discusses what the sport should look like going forward, and whether refereeing is a science or an art.

In part two of this special look back at England's World Cup triumph, Martin Johnson and Matt Dawson look back at that dramatic final in Sydney 20 years on. They delve into the emotions of the week leading up to final and how they mentally prepared for the challenge of facing Australia in Sydney. We get a fascinating insight into how Johnson and Clive Woodward addressed the team on the field before extra-time and hear all about THAT drop goal that clinched the World Cup.

Two of England's heroes from 2003, Matt Dawson and Martin Johnson, look back at their World Cup triumph 20 years on. In part one, they chart England's journey from quarter-finalists in 1999 to World Cup finalists four years later. But how much of their success was down to the players rather than the coaches? We hear why defeat in two Grand Slam deciders were just as important for their development as a famous victory over South Africa in Bloemfontein. And we hear all about their quarter-final battle with Wales, plus the semi-final victory over France and a very unhappy Olivier Magne.

How many of Bryan’s record-equalling 15 World Cup tries feature in this episode’s top ten World Cup tries? How much will the great Jonah Lomu dominate the list? This is an episode in which Matt Dawson, Chris Jones and Bryan Habana struggle to agree with each other.

Nine sides have won the World Cup – which one was best? Does the best team always win it? Who’s the best side never to win it? Those are the questions that Bryan, Matt and Chris consider as they rank their best-ever teams to play in the World Cup.

Moments make World Cups. Whether it be a trophy lift, a drop goal or an individual piece of individual skill, Chris Jones, Matt Dawson and Bryan Habana debate their greatest moments. How do they compare Mandela and Piennar to Wilkinson’s drop goal? How about a shock Japan victory? Or Lomu in full flight?

Sometimes, World Cups are remembered for their off-field moments more than what took place on the field. And it’s those controversies that Matt Dawson, Bryan Habana and Chris Jones attempt to rank. You can be sure England’s antics in New Zealand in 2011 will place highly. As might the odd referee decision. Sam Warburton’s red card? And Bryan’s tales of what happened to the South African players ahead of the 2003 World Cup is not to be missed.

No World Cup is complete without an upset. And that is the subject Chris Jones, Matt Dawson and Bryan Habana tackle in this episode. Does Japan beating Bryan’s South Africa in Brighton in 2015 top the list? And where will the likes of Tonga, Fiji and Western Samoa beating Tier 1 opposition rank?

World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Bryan Habana join Chris Jones to rank their greatest World Cup captains. Find out whether Bryan has the 1995 South African captain Francois Pienaar at the top of his list. And where does Matt have his 2003 winning captain Martin Johnson? And where does Richie McCaw end up?

Ahead of the Premiership semi-finals, Chris sits down with the four directors of rugby for a special bonus podcast. Mark McCall, Richard Wigglesworth, Phil Dowson and Alex Sanderson share what it’s like to run a top Premiership team and how they've helped each other along their coaching journey. What is the hardest part of the job? And what is the most rewarding? They also discuss the challenges of nurturing young players and the need for a better coaching pathway. Is there more the RFU could be doing? And finally, if the DORs could add one player to their squad next season, who would it be?