Brilliant Boks and Six Nations Stateside?

Brilliant Boks and Six Nations Stateside?

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live September 14, 2026 Duration: 54:24

After South Africa crushed the All Blacks to seal a 3-1 victory in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, Ugo, Danny and Chris debate how you beat the Boks, and if anyone can stop them winning a record third successive World Cup. We react to your messages following our exclusive with Conor O’Shea and get Danny’s take on Steve Borthwick’s contract extension. Will we see a Six Nations match in the USA? World Rugby is keen, with the 2031 men’s and 2033 women’s World Cup heading Stateside, but would it actually help rugby break America, or would the tournament be selling its soul? We also discuss the new 4.5 size ball that is being trialled in WXV as the Red Roses come from behind to beat Australia.


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: 50

Rugby Union Weekly
Podcast Episodes
Saints or Chiefs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:50
Have Exeter shown enough to convince us they can beat Northampton in Saturday’s Prem final? Ugo, Chris and Ashy look back at both semi-finals and assess whether the Chiefs have the game to upset the favourites. Or are No…
Prem play-offs: DOR special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:21
The pod has been given exclusive access to the four directors of rugby ahead of this weekend's play-offs. Chris heads to the Prem awards in central London to sit down with Phil Dowson, Johann van Graan, Rob Baxter and Ge…
Slade, semi-finals & send-offs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:38
Exeter are into the Prem play-offs and Ugo, Ashy and Danny are joined by Henry Slade to reflect on a memorable win over Saracens, and the Chiefs’ remarkable transformation. Slade also discusses his outstanding form after…
Mark McCall: End of an era [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:20
Chris and Ashy head to the Saracens training base for a special pod about one of the most influential figures in English club rugby history. After 17 trophy-laden years at Sarries, Mark McCall is standing down as directo…
The Sandy Park showdown & Edwards to England? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:20
All eyes are on Sandy Park this weekend as Rob Baxter and Mark McCall go head-to-head for one last time. Danny, Ugo and Chris look back on Exeter’s impressive win at Leicester that sets up Saturday’s showdown with Sarace…
Brilliant Bordeaux go back-to-back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:18
We are podding from the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao after Bordeaux win a second successive Champions Cup crown. Chris and Paul Grayson chat to one of the key man behind Bordeaux’s success, their attack coach Noel McNamar…
Bonus: Borthwick on Janse van Rensburg, RFU review & summer schedule [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
Ashy and Chris are back with a bonus pod after Steve Borthwick spoke to the media for the first time since England's disappointing Six Nations campaign. Chris went inside the camp to see the England head coach who explai…
Remembering Scott Hastings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:59
How do you sum up the life and legacy of Scott Hastings? Chris, Ashy and Danny are joined by his close friend and former teammate Andy Nicol to share memories of the great man, both on and off the pitch, following his de…
Was this England’s most impressive Grand Slam? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:18
Sara, Ugo and Katy Daley-McLean are podding pitch side immediately after the Red Roses won an eighth successive Six Nations title and fifth Grand Slam. Given the injuries, absentees and retirements - is this the best one…
Women's Six Nations: Super Sunday Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:45
Will England claim an eighth successive Six Nations? Or will France finally beat the Red Roses and claim a first title since 2018? Ugo, Sara and former Ireland international Anna Caplice look ahead to the big showdown in…