Six Nations: Pollock unleashed & Lawrence returns

Six Nations: Pollock unleashed & Lawrence returns

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live February 18, 2026 Duration: 50:52

Henry Pollock gets his first England start. Ollie Lawrence returns. Tommy Freeman is back on the wing. Tom Curry starts. There is plenty for Chris and Ugo to unpick from the England team to face Ireland on Saturday. Why has there been so many changes? Is it a reflection of the performance against Scotland? We are joined by Steve Borthwick who talks through the changes in the midfield and back row and why he felt Henry Arundell deserved another shot after his red card against Scotland. Ollie Lawrence is also on the pod. He chats to us about renewing his partnership with Fraser Dingwall and battling with Freeman for the number 13 shirt. We also go deep into his hair regime and find out why he’s unable to get his haircut until England head to Rome in March.


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
Lions Top 10s: Icons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:38
Gareth Edwards, Martin Johnson or Willie John McBride? Who is the most iconic British & Irish Lion of all time? In the first episode of a new six-part series, Matt Dawson and Jamie Roberts join Chris to answer that very…
Argentina stun the Lions in Dublin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:40
We’re again podding from the heart of Dublin after Argentina pull off a famous win over the Lions at the Aviva. Chris and Ugo are joined by two former Lions, Dwayne Peel and Anthony Watson, to debate what went wrong - an…
We're in Dublin with the Lions! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:14
Chris, Ugo and 2009 Lion Luke Fitzgerald are in the heart of Dublin ahead of the Lions tour opener against Argentina. What should we expect from Andy Farrell’s men at the Aviva? And should the Pumas be such big underdogs…
Wounded Tigers and Nervous Lions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:05
Bath and Leinster end their seasons on a high, lifting the Premiership and URC titles. Will Bath now kick on and pick up next season where they left this one? And what will this mean for Leinster after a few barren years…
Bath end 29-year wait for Premiership title [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
The wait is over! Bath are Premiership champions again. They ended a 29-year wait for the biggest prize in English rugby with a narrow win over Leicester. Chris, Ashy and Matt Dawson are at Twickenham to bring you reacti…
Premiership final: Two giants of English rugby collide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:18
It's the big one! Saturday sees the finale of the domestic season as Bath and Leicester go head-to-head at Twickenham for the Premiership title. Will Bath lift the trophy for the first time since 1996? Or will Leicester…
Inside the Lions camp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:08
We go behind the scenes at the Lions training camp in Portugal to see how preparations have begun for the clash with Argentina in Dublin and the tour down under. Chris chats to Ellis Genge who's already striking up an un…
Finals week and Lions call-ups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:54
A massive weekend of finals await. Can Bath end their 29-year wait for Premiership glory? Will Leinster finally end their trophy drought? Danny, Ashy and Chris are on the sofa to break it all down. It’s also been a busy…
Premiership play-offs: DOR special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:21
It's that time of year where we sit down with all four directors of rugby involved in the Premiership semi-finals. Johann van Graan, Michael Cheika, Alex Sanderson and Pat Lam all join Chris to reflect on a chaotic and a…
The wink and the big Goodebye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:31
Jaden Hendrikse sent the rugby world into meltdown over the weekend for his wink at Jack Crowley. Was the Springbok scrum-half genuinely injured or not? There is plenty for Chris, Ashy and Ugo to debate, including the fi…