The Sandy Park showdown & Edwards to England?

The Sandy Park showdown & Edwards to England?

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live June 1, 2026 Duration: 58:20

All eyes are on Sandy Park this weekend as Rob Baxter and Mark McCall go head-to-head for one last time. Danny, Ugo and Chris look back on Exeter’s impressive win at Leicester that sets up Saturday’s showdown with Saracens for the final play-off spot. Who will come out on top? Will anybody other than Northampton rotate this weekend? It’s now only one win in five for Bath, what is behind their recent slump? Newcastle produced one of the comebacks of the season to stun Sale for a first win since January. There were four home wins as the URC quarter-finals went to form, but who is favourite to life the title in June? Plus, what next for Shaun Edwards amid reports he could be leaving France? Should unions be making a move if one of rugby's most decorated coaches becomes available? There’s also Worcester's Championship play-off triumph to discuss and Jo Yapp's appointment as the first women's British & Irish Lions head coach.


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…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
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…