Andy Farrell special

Andy Farrell special

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live October 15, 2025 Duration: 48:34

We reunite two of Wigan's most famous sons for a special episode of the pod. Ashy chats to Andy Farrell about his new autobiography ‘The Only Way I Know’. They discuss his love of Wigan and how the other code and becoming a father at such a young age helped shape him. Farrell reflects on this summer's Lions tour and gives us an insight into the emotion surrounding calling up his son Owen to join the squad in Australia. Would he like to lead the Lions on another tour? We touch on his time in charge of Ireland and ask what he still wants to achieve as a coach after the disappointment of the quarter-final exit at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. And will Farrell Snr ever coach England in the future?


From the heart of the action to the analysis in its aftermath, Rugby Union Weekly delivers the definitive sound of the sport. Produced by BBC Radio 5 Live, this podcast offers more than just match summaries; it’s a deep, engaging conversation about the strategies, stories, and personalities shaping rugby. During major events like the 2026 Men's Six Nations, the show shifts to a daily format, ensuring you’re always up to date with immediate reaction, breaking news, and insightful interviews with the game’s biggest figures. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair in a lively discussion, where the passion for rugby is palpable. You’ll hear expert breakdowns of pivotal moments, thoughtful debates on contentious decisions, and a genuine connection to the pulse of the tournament. Beyond the daily updates, the podcast provides comprehensive weekend reviews that tie the entire narrative together. It’s this blend of timely reporting and reflective analysis that makes the podcast a staple for fans. Tune in not just for the scores, but for the context and camaraderie that only a dedicated rugby conversation can provide. Your perspective is part of the mix too, with the team welcoming interaction from listeners throughout the season.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 303

Rugby Union Weekly
Podcast Episodes
Six Nations: The weekend review with Warburton & Barclay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:01
Ugo, Sam Warburton & John Barclay discuss the fallout from round three of the Six Nations as England are humbled for the second week in a row, France march on and Scotland backed up their Calcutta Cup win. So what next f…
Six Nations: Itoje the England centurion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:19
Maro Itoje is set to become England's latest centurion when he captains the team against Ireland this Saturday at Twickenham. Chris and Ashy sit down with Itoje and reflect on a remarkable 10-year stint with England that…
Six Nations: Pollock unleashed & Lawrence returns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:52
Henry Pollock gets his first England start. Ollie Lawrence returns. Tommy Freeman is back on the wing. Tom Curry starts. There is plenty for Chris and Ugo to unpick from the England team to face Ireland on Saturday. Why…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:31
You’ve heard from Gregor Townsend, Sione Tuipulotu and John Barclay after Scotland’s latest Calcutta Cup triumph. Now it’s the turn of Stirling and Limerick’s finest - Tom English. He talks Chris and GRO through his rang…
Six Nations: The weekend review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:30
Ugo, Ashy and a very happy John Barclay review round two of the Six Nations after Scotland regained the Calcutta Cup. Is a first triple crown since 2010 now on the cards? Did Scotland's gameplan expose England's weakness…
Six Nations: In Edinburgh with Itoje & Gregor's gamble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:45
Chris has made it to Edinburgh to find Tom English and Andy Burke to analyse the Scotland team for the Calcutta Cup. There is no Edinburgh player in the starting XV since 1998! So, it means there is no place for Duhan va…
Six Nations: Calcutta Cup Quiz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:38
Sara channels her inner Sue Barker to host Rugby Union Weekly’s first ever Calcutta Cup quiz. And we have two worthy contestants going head-to-head with a combined 15 appearances in this famous fixture between them. John…
Six Nations: Inside England with Ford & Heyes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
Ugo and Chris are inside the England camp with in-form fly-half George Ford and history buff Joe Heyes ahead of this weekend's Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield. We hear all about Ford's love of Pilates and how it's h…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:56
The Nations Pod is back after a tricky opening round for three of the four home nations. Tom laments Scotland and Ireland’s starts - but will Gregor Townsend’s side again pull something out of the bag for the Calcutta Cu…
Six Nations: 'Ruthless' England thrash Wales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:22
Henry Arundell scored a 35-minute hat-trick as England made it 12 wins in a row and heaped more misery on Wales. Was that a statement from England? How good is the depth of Steve Borthwick’s side? Where do Wales go from…