The Nations Pod

The Nations Pod

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live July 15, 2026 Duration: 53:14

Chris, Tom and GRO preview the final round of the Nation’s Championship this summer. Can Sam Prendergast cement his position as Ireland's number one fly-half as Andy Farrell's side look to become the first team to win at Eden Park since 1994. Can the Wales maul bring them any joy against the Springboks in Durban? The pod is full of admiration for Jesse Kriel and it prompts GRO to quiz the guys on the most-capped centre partnerships in Test rugby. Is it time for Fiji to move away from the offload game? And can England end the summer on a high? Tom explains why he's got Argentina as favourites in Santiago del Estero.


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: 50

Rugby Union Weekly
Podcast Episodes
Prem Players Special: Fin Smith, LRZ, JVP & more! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:58
We have a bumper pod for you ahead of the new season, as Chris and Ashy chat to some of the biggest stars in the Prem. First up is England fly-half Fin Smith, who tells us he wants Northampton to become one of the greate…
Brilliant Boks and Six Nations Stateside? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:24
After South Africa crushed the All Blacks to seal a 3-1 victory in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, Ugo, Danny and Chris debate how you beat the Boks, and if anyone can stop them winning a record third successive World C…
Conor O'Shea: Borthwick's contract, overseas rule & Red Roses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:53
Ugo and Chris sit down with the RFU performance director Conor O’Shea for a wide-ranging conversation about the big issues shaping English rugby. O’Shea reveals they plan to extend Steve Borthwick’s contract to cover the…
Lawes, Morgan & Quirke: The New Signings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:52
The big-name guests keep on coming on the pod as we continue our build-up to the new season. On this episode Chris and Ashy chat to four players who have made big moves over the summer. First up is England centurion Cour…
We’re back with Itoje, Russell & Janse van Rensburg! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:28
The pod is back after the summer break and we have three big-name guests to kick off the new season. Chris and Ashy chat to Maro Itoje who reflects on being rested by England this July and about becoming a father later t…
Have we learnt anything from the Nations Championship? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:53
It’s a full house on the pod this week as Ugo, Danny, Ashy and Chris bring the curtain down on the summer window of the Nation’s Championship. There is plenty of fallout from England’s victory over Argentina. Ugo and Dan…
Late TMO drama as 13-man England beat Argentina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:36
Sara, Ashy and Matt Dawson bring you reaction to crazy night Santiago del Estero as England hang on to beat Argentina. But should Bautista Delguy's last-minute try have stood? Was Henry Slade's covering tackle legal? A c…
Nations Championship: Tries and tribulations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:51
Danny, Ashy and Chris look back at round two of the Nation’s Championship with the north and south both on six wins each. Scotland scored four tries and pushed the Boks all the way in Pretoria. Did they show the England…
Pollock hat-trick helps England end losing run [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:45
Ashy and Chris bring you instant reaction from the Hill Dickinson stadium as England thrashed Fiji in Liverpool to end their five-match unbeaten run. But what are the positives for England after such a one-sided victory…
Slade takes centre stage against Fiji [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:29
Ashy and Chris go inside the England camp ahead of the must-win Test against Fiji. After the defeat at Ellis Park, Ashy quizzes skipper Jamie George on the England gameplan against the Boks and why they keep repeating th…