Six Nations: Coaches special

Six Nations: Coaches special

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live February 2, 2026 Duration: 56:20

Chris is joined by John Barclay at the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh to quiz the men hoping to lead their nation to glory in 2026. Are England and France the clear favourites for the title? They chat to Steve Borthwick about the added expectation this year after they racked up 11 wins in a row in 2025. Andy Farrell says Ireland are the hunters not the hunted this year, but how will their lengthy injury list impact their chances of regaining their title? Steve Tandy makes his pod debut as he talks openly about the off-field issues that are looming over another campaign Wales. What does success look like for them this year? Gregor Townsend tells us this is the best Scotland squad he’s had, but can they put their disappointing autumn to one side and finally mount a serious title challenge? They start in Rome and our favourite multilingual coach Gonzalo Quesada is back to talk fashion and what it would mean to finally beat England in the Six Nations.


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
Six Nations: Can Scotland end Irish hoodoo? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:22
Gregor Townsend chats to us ahead of Scotland's huge clash with Ireland in round two of the Six Nations. He addresses their losing run against Ireland and how they plan to fix it. Townsend also explains the decision to p…
Six Nations: The Charming Men [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:50
The Smiths both start as Steve Borthwick tinkers with his England team for the visit of France this weekend. How will this affect England's gameplan? What happens if they lose to a Tier 1 nation for a record eighth game…
Six Nations: Lions watch with the Wallaby captain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
What would Andy Farrell's Lions team look like if the first Test against Australia was next week? What positions are still up for grabs? And where is Farrell spoilt for choice? Ugo and Chris discuss all this and chat to…
Six Nations: How do England stop France and the GOAT Dupont? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:54
Is Antoine Dupont the greatest of all time? Chris and Ashy quiz England senior coach Richard Wigglesworth on what makes the French scrum-half so special. Are there any weaknesses in his game and what attributes make him…
Six Nations: The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:31
Chris Jones, Gareth Rhys Owen, and Tom English are back to dissect the highs and lows of the Home Nations following the weekend’s action. Gro’s pleas not to start the pod with Wales go largely ignored, as Warren Gatland’…
Six Nations: The weekend review with Barclay and Warburton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:34
Ugo Monye, John Barclay and Sam Warburton look back at the opening weekend of the 2025 Six Nations. Did Ireland silence their critics following that dominant second half display against England? Does Steve Borthwick ring…
Six Nations: England beaten by Ireland in Dublin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:04
We're in the Aviva stadium to bring you all the reaction to England's defeat to Ireland in Dublin. Chris Jones is alongside Grand Slam winners Tommy Bowe and Matt Dawson as Ireland get their quest for a historic three-pe…
Six Nations: Crushing defeat for Wales in Paris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:47
Sara Orchard is with Philippa Tuttiett and Ugo Monye in Paris to react to disappointment for Wales in their opening match against France. What went so wrong for Wales, and what went so right for France? Plus, Chris Jones…
Six Nations: A Curry in Dublin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:28
Ben Curry is on the pod ahead of his first England start alongside his twin brother Tom. We find out what Ben learnt from Ashy at Sale and discover the two goals that kept him motivated during what he calls 'the dark tim…
Six Nations: Captains special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:53
Ugo Monye and Chris Jones chat to all the Six Nations captains, but put the rugby to one side and ask the really important questions, like what’s harder – a nine-darter, a 147 or a hole-in-one? You’ll also hear Antoine D…