Mismatches and Matchmakers

Mismatches and Matchmakers

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live April 20, 2026 Duration: 56:17

There was an astonishing 54 tries across the five Prem matches this weekend, but is it a positive when so many matches were one-sided? Is the Prem in danger of becoming a two-tiered league or are teams just in transition? Ugo, Danny and Chris try to make sense of a crazy weekend which saw Saracens’ Noah Calouri bag another five tries against Sale in a huge win on Sunday. How costly could that defeat be for Sale? Exeter put on a show for their potential new owners despite a late Northampton winner and Finn Russell has been snapped up by Eddie Hearn and joins Henry Pollock at Matchroom. Could more players follow suit and what would success look like?


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: 100

Rugby Union Weekly
Podcast Episodes
Slade, semi-finals & send-offs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:38
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Brilliant Bordeaux go back-to-back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:18
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Bonus: Borthwick on Janse van Rensburg, RFU review & summer schedule [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
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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
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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…
Noah's Ark, the play-off race & Borthwick backed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:17
It was a huge weekend in the race for the Prem play-offs as the top two both lost. Ashy, Danny and Chris dive into Leicester’s massive derby win over Northampton and discuss the electric atmosphere at Welford Road, the T…
Women’s Six Nations: Red Roses continue ‘systematic dominance’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:31
Former England international Katy Daley-McClean and ex-Black Fern Ruby Tui join Sara Orchard to review the Red Roses’ 61-33 thrashing of Italy in Parma.John Harrison’s reigning world champions made it 37 consecutive wins…