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
The Willis derby and Gloucester’s mortgage advisor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:11
Danny, Ugo and Chris review an eventful Champions Cup weekend that produced another big upset after Saracens stunned six-time champions Toulouse. They reflect on the battle between the two Willis brothers and if the resu…
Nations Pod Guide: Cardiff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:06
What makes a great Six Nations city? Is it all about the atmosphere on match day? The stadium itself? Or more about the pubs and the nightlife? In this special mini-series, Chris, Gareth and Tom bring you their ultimate…
A statement weekend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:55
It’s the first pod of 2026 and there is plenty to discuss with club statements and statement performances on the pitch. Chris, Ashy and Ugo look at what we can and assess the runners and riders ahead of the Six Nations w…
The Nations Pod: Review of the Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:12
After years of podding separately in Cardiff, Stirling and London - Chris, Tom and GRO finally get together to record a Nations Pod in person. They look back at the highs and lows of the game in 2025 which included the L…
Harlequins' nightmare before Christmas and Exeter 2.0 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:08
Danny tells Ashy and Chris about his trip to visit Santa Claus in Lapland and his husky adventure in -37c. We look back at the final weekend of rugby before Christmas as Harlequins are humbled at Twickenham and Exeter cl…
Glasgow’s ice rink and contract season [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:10
The big shock of the weekend came up at Scotstoun as Glasgow stunned six-time champions Toulouse. Player of the Match Adam Hastings tells Ashy and Chris about their epic comeback and how the navigated the treacherous con…
Did the Champions Cup opening weekend deliver? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:18
Chris, Ashy and Ugo pick apart the opening weekend of the Champions Cup. Was it the shot in the arm the tournament needed? Or were there still too many predictable results? Edinburgh caused the biggest upset of the round…
The Nations Pod: World Cup draw special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:46
Chris, Tom and GRO bring you immediate reaction to the draw for the 2027 World Cup. England and Wales meet in Pool F while we can look forward to another instalment of the 'Tom English derby' as Scotland and Ireland were…
Wounded Wales and the English Bok [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:12
Danny, Ashy and Chris dissect another dismal day for Wales as they end 2025 with a record home defeat. How much would the young Welsh players actually have learned from their 73-0 defeat to South Africa? We also discuss…
Keenan & Roebuck: Champions Cup preview part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:03
In episode two of our bumper Champions Cup preview, Ashy and Chris catch up with Lions hero Hugo Keenan who reflects on his winning try in the MCG and Leinster's ambition to add fifth star to the jersey. High-flying Sale…