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
Remembering Scott Hastings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Was this England’s most impressive Grand Slam? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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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
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Women’s Six Nations: Smaller balls and bigger crowds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:19
Should the women’s game be using smaller balls? The debate is back on the agenda after Zoe Harrison’s interview with Sara about the decision to use size 4.5 balls at this autumn's WXV Global Series. Kat Merchant and Phil…
Bordeaux end Bath’s Champions Cup dream [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:34
We’re podding from the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux after Bath’s hopes of winning a first Champions Cup since 1998 were dashed by the holders. Chris and Paul Grayson pick the bones out of an epic encounter and discuss wh…
Champions Cup: The big semi-final preview with Henry Arundell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:57
Can Bath reach a first Champions Cup final since 1998? Do they have the gameplan to beat the holders Bordeaux in their back yard? Chris and Ashy look ahead to what promises to be an epic semi-final weekend. Henry Arundel…
Caluori, try records & semi-finals week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:53
Is Noah Caluori ready for England? Have we entered a new era for try records? Can Bath topple the best club team in Europe? Chris Ashton, Danny Care and Chris Jones dissect the big talking points from the weekend, includ…
Women's Six Nations: Wales earn bonus point but Red Roses win again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
Sara is joined by World Cup winner Kat Merchant and former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap to reflect on England's victory over Wales. Despite the Red Roses scoring 62 points, there were still plenty of positives for Wales…