Can England avoid their worst-ever Six Nations?

Can England avoid their worst-ever Six Nations?

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live March 11, 2026 Duration: 38:15

Chris is in Verona to assess the mood in the England camp after three successive defeats. Is the shirt weighing heavy on the players? Will we see a new gameplan in Paris? We hear from Steve Borthwick on all this and the exchange between Maro Itoje and Fin Smith in Rome. Ollie Chessum talks about the ‘hurt’ he felt after losing his starting place, and he explains how the players and coaches are as tight as ever despite recent results. We also catch up with our England centurion to get his take on matters. Danny outlines what he wants to see from Ben Spencer this weekend as England look to avoid losing four matches in the Six Nations for the first time.


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: Captains special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:55
To mark the opening day of the tournament, Chris and John Barclay are chatting all of the Six Nations captains. You’ll hear from the great Antoine Dupont as France kick things off in Paris. We hear from his opposite numb…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:00
Are France really clear favourites? And how real is Ireland’s decline? Chris, Gareth and Tom are back as this year’s Six Nations gets underway on Thursday. Tom argues this is a huge opportunity for Scotland and asks why…
Six Nations: In Girona with England's centres & Genge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
Chris heads to England's training camp in Girona after Steve Borthwick named his team to face Wales in their Six Nations opener. He sits down with England's centres, Northampton's Tommy Freeman and Fraser Dingwall. They…
Six Nations: Coaches special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:20
Chris is joined by John Barclay at the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh to quiz the men hoping to lead their nation to glory in 2026. Are England and France the clear favourites for the title? They chat to Steve Borthwick…
Nations Pod Guide: Dublin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:45
The fourth and final stop on the Nations Pod Guide is Ireland’s Fair City. From Croke Park to the Aviva, from Temple Bar to Ballsbridge - Chris, Tom and GRO discuss what makes Dublin special and so much more than a rugby…
The Last McCall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:56
As the Premiership heads into its mid-season break, Ugo and Ashy look back on a packed weekend of action. They start with one of the games of the season as Bath edged Gloucester at Kingsholm, with Charlie Atkinson outsta…
England’s Six Nations squad with Steve Borthwick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:49
Ashy and Chris are in the player’s gym at Twickenham to dissect England’s Six Nations squad and chat to head coach Steve Borthwick. He talks through his picks at tighthead and calling up Exeter number eight Greg Fisilau.…
Nations Pod Guide: Edinburgh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:35
The next stop on the Nations Pod Guide is Edinburgh. GRO teaches Chris and Tom a Max Boyce classic and explains why the trip to the Scottish capital is so special for Wales fans. After initially declaring he doesn’t have…
Champions Cup draw and Razor’s departure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:46
Ugo, Danny and Ashy reflect on the final round of pool matches in the Champions Cup as Quins stole headlines by knocking out two-time winners La Rochelle. Glasgow qualified with a 100% record to guarantee home advantage…
Nations Pod Guide: Twickenham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:41
Chris, Tom and GRO are back for the second instalment of the Nation’s pod guide and this time they’re talking about the home of English rugby - Twickenham. Is it still the one scalp that all teams want in the Six Nations…