Comebacks and Capitulations

Comebacks and Capitulations

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live November 18, 2025 Duration: 56:23

Are England now ready to win silverware? Why do Scotland keep choking on the big stage? Does the new Nations Championship devalue the World Cup? There is loads to discuss following another eventful weekend and the launch of World Rugby's long-awaited tournament. Ugo, Danny and Ashy debate how far England have come under Steve Borthwick as their winning streak continues. Scotland have another afternoon to forget at Murrayfield. Wales are off the mark under Steve Tandy and Mack Hansen takes centre stage in Dublin after his hat-trick and choice of footwear. Plus, Henry Pollock catches the eye once again for some unusual antics during the haka.


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
Bonus pod: Genge and Flannery on England v South Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
Chris and Ashy bring you a special pod looking ahead to England's massive game against the World Champions South Africa at Twickenham. You'll hear from Ellis Genge on the challenge of facing the Boks up front and how the…
Southern Hemisphere dominance and 20-minute reds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:10
It was a weekend to forget for the Northern Hemisphere in the Autumn Nations Series. Ugo, Danny and Chris look back on a clean sweep for the Southern Hemisphere sides as the home nations all lost on home turf. To blitz,…
Wallabies stun England in Twickenham thriller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:54
Chris, Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson bring you reaction to a bonkers game at Twickenham as Max Jorgenson scored an 84th minute to inflict another defeat on England. Why aren't they able to hold onto a lead? England led by…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:20
Chris, Tom and Gro are all finally together as the Autumn Nations Series starts in earnest. Gro seeks positives to cling on to as Wales prepare to face Fiji, and we discuss whether Ireland are justifiably favourites agai…
DC's book, drop goals and Duhan v Darcy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:37
There's a new rugby autobiography hitting the shelves this week and it's already caused quite a stir. Ugo and Chris quiz Danny about his book and what he's got to say about Eddie Jones' England regime. We continue to pic…
All Blacks heartbreak - again - for England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:08
Chris, Ashy and Matt Dawson react to New Zealand’s dramatic win over England at Twickenham. They pick through the final stages and where the game got away from England. Was it the right decision to bring Marcus Smith and…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:46
The Nations Pod is back! GRO, like Wales, sits out this episode as it falls outside of the international Test window, but Chris and Tom eventually look ahead to the start of the Autumn Nation Series after battling yet mo…
Jersey Boks: Rassie special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:20
To launch our coverage of the autumn nations series, Chris and Ashy head to Jersey to sit down with double World Cup winning South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus. We ask what makes him tick, how he stays motivated, and whet…
In Girona with England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
We’re with England at their training camp in Girona as they continue their prep for the autumn internationals. Chris sits down with new senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth to find out more about his new role, plu…
Warren's Wales and fantastic Falcons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:36
Wales boss Warren Gatland is our special guest on the day he names his squad for the autumn internationals. It’s been a tough year for Gatland, so how is he approaching the upcoming Tests? And which of his players could…