Wayne Barnes on the sofa

Wayne Barnes on the sofa

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live November 13, 2023 Duration: 1:01:59

Wayne Barnes, one of the greatest rugby referees in history, joins Chris, Ugo and Ashy on the sofa. Barnes retired from officiating after taking charge of the Rugby World Cup final, his 111th international match. He reflects on his magnificent career, which games stick in the memory, and why a certain bar in New Zealand has a special place in his heart. Barnes also discusses what the sport should look like going forward, and whether refereeing is a science or an art.


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 coaches special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:59
Sara and Ashy are in central London chatting to Lions head coach Andy Farrell and four of his assistant coaches in this bumper pod. Farrell tells us whether he will pick French-based players this summer, how many names a…
Women’s Six Nations: The weekend review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:41
The Red Roses won again, Scotland and Wales produced another thriller and Ireland pushed France all the way in Belfast. Sara rounds up the opening weekend of the Women’s Six Nations and we start in York. World Cup winner…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:58
What was the most impressive win in the 2025 Six Nations? And which nation actually exceeded expectations this year? Chris, Tom English and Gareth Rhys Owen are back for one last Nations Pod. Tom is claiming a unique Gra…
The Six Nations review with Barclay and Warburton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:57
Who underperformed and who overachieved in the 2025 Six Nations? Ugo Monye, Sam Warburton and John Barclay are back to round up an eventful tournament that saw France crowned champions on 'Super Saturday'. What next for…
Six Nations: France take the title and England thrash Wales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:58
Does this Six Nations title signal the start of a dominant period for France? Have England laid down a marker with their record win in Cardiff? And where do Wales go from here, after an 17th successive test defeat? Frase…
Six Nations: We’re in Cardiff with Williams and Roebuck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:46
Is this finally the weekend Wales end their losing run? Chris is greeted in Cardiff by Wales and Lions legend Jamie Roberts to preview the fixture he says brings the best out of the every aspect of Welsh rugby. Tomos Wil…
Six Nations: Borthwick's backline reshuffle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Marcus Smith is back in the starting XV. Tommy Freeman moves to outside centre. Tom Roebuck get his first Test start, but there's no room for Ollie Sleightholme. All this and more for Ugo and Sara to discuss as Steve Bor…
Six Nations: The Record Chasers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:20
Bielle-Biarray, Penaud, Freeman… a few of the players who have made their try-scoring mark on this year’s Six Nations. With a number of individual records up for grabs on Super Saturday, Chris and Ashy discuss the men wh…
Six Nations: Ireland in Dublin, the ultimate challenge? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:19
Is playing Ireland in Dublin the ultimate challenge in northern hemisphere rugby? Shaun Edwards thinks so, and we hear how he's been motivating himself and the French players ahead of Saturday's showdown in Dublin. Chris…
Six Nations: Doris returns and France go 7:1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:05
Chris is joined by Johnnie Beattie and French rugby journalist Paul Eddison to dissect the teams for round four. Does this France team need to win in Dublin to silence the French critics? There are plenty of talking poin…