The Autumn Debrief

The Autumn Debrief

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live November 25, 2025 Duration: 58:39

Who were the big winners and losers this autumn? Ugo, Danny and Chris reflect on what we’ve learnt this November. Who has progressed and who has regressed? The Springboks have cemented their place at the top of the world game but who would win between them and the great All Blacks team from 2015? The officiating has been a huge talking point over the past four weeks, particularly after events in Dublin this weekend. How do we get the balance right between collision and evasion in the modern game as we strive for player safety? We reflect on Malcolm Marx being crowned World Player of the Year and pick our players of the autumn.


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
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…
Is the Women's Six Nations competitive enough? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:29
The Women’s Six Nations is pulling in record crowds and viewing figures, but is the tournament itself keeping pace? Ugo, Sara and Philippa Tuttiett discuss whether there needs to be more emphasis on the rugby than the sp…
Mismatches and Matchmakers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
Ruthless Red Roses thrash Scotland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:05
Sara Orchard is joined by World Cup winner Katy Daley-McLean and former Scotland fly-half Lisa Martin as England beat Scotland 84-7. A record-breaking crowd watched on at Murrayfield as England put 12 tries on Scotland t…
Women's Six Nations: Record crowds & programme gaffs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:15
Warning: This episode contains discussion of disordered eating which some may find distressing. Sara is joined by World Cup winner Katy Daley-McLean and former Scotland fly-half Lisa Martin to talk all things Women's Six…
The final four and partying with McIlroy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:25
Danny and Ashley are here to wrap up the champions cup quarter-finals . They reflect on Friday’s epic clash at The Rec and Henry Pollock’s controversial yellow card. Is Maxime Lucu France’s number one scrum-half right no…