Have we learnt anything from the Nations Championship?

Have we learnt anything from the Nations Championship?

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live July 20, 2026 Duration: 57:53

It’s a full house on the pod this week as Ugo, Danny, Ashy and Chris bring the curtain down on the summer window of the Nation’s Championship. There is plenty of fallout from England’s victory over Argentina. Ugo and Danny have their say on Felipe Contepomi’s criticism of England’s post-match celebration and Steve Borthwick hits back at the media. We ask if the All Blacks are back after they dismantled Ireland at Eden Park. And with Chris arriving fresh from The Open at Royal Birkdale, we discuss who is on par for the summer and if the past three weeks has shaken up the world order.


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
The Nations Pod: Stick to Egg-Chasing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:59
Fresh from his jaunt following Scotland in the World Cup, Tom joins Gareth and Chris to unpick the big talking points from the weekend and look ahead to the second round of the Nations Championship. They assess Scotland'…
Musings from the Nations Championship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:45
What did we learn from the opening weekend of the Nations Championship? Ashy, Ugo and Danny look back on a dramatic first round of fixtures and ahead to what next weekend has in store. They ask why England appear to have…
England blitzed and bossed by the Boks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:35
Chris and Grays are at Ellis Park to react to England’s comprehensive defeat by world champions South Africa. After an early Boks blitz, England fought back to make it close at half-time, so what was behind the Springbok…
The Nations Championship is here! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:38
Chris and Paul Grayson take you through the opening round of the Nations Championship as the north v south battles begin. Chris heads to Ellis Park and catches up with England’s vice-captain Ollie Chessum ahead of Englan…
England team and the best Boks ever? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:32
Chris and Paul Grayson react to the England team to face South Africa. George Furbank gets a first start for nearly two years while Henry Pollock is on the bench. We head inside the England team hotel to catch up with Ja…
In Jo’burg with Sir Kev [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:21
Chris and Paul Grayson are in Johannesburg ahead of England’s huge Nations Championship opener against South Africa. They are joined by the sport’s newest knight, Sir Kevin Sinfield, to talk about being awarded the knigh…
Nations Championship: Good for the game? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:57
The inaugural Nation's Championship is here, but are fans actually excited about it? Do they even understand the format? Chris, Danny and Ashy dig into the new competition, the logistical nightmare facing travelling supp…
Final Thoughts and the England Squad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:27
Did the new Prem champions, Northampton, make a mistake by letting George Furbank leave? And has Steve Borthwick got the balance right in his Nations Championship squad? Ugo, Chris and DC take a more considered look back…
Saints beat Exeter to the Prem title [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:52
Chris Jones is joined by Matt Dawson and Chris Ashton as Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham to claim their second Prem title in three years. They break down where Northampton edged the final, and discuss…
Prem Final Preview with Furbank and Baxter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:23
Can Exeter pull off an upset and beat Northampton at Twickenham on Saturday? Chris and Ashy look ahead to the Prem final and discuss where the game could be won and lost. Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter joins the pod…