Will England make the World Cup final?

Will England make the World Cup final?

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live September 19, 2025 Duration: 51:07

Ugo, Sara and Claire Thomas look ahead to England's semi-final against France in Bristol. Will the Red Roses make it 17 in a row against France and reach another World Cup final? How is head coach John Mitchell dealing with the pressure? He chats to Sara and explains his decision to bring Ellie Kildunne straight back and also explains his selection at fly-half. Bristol local Abbie Ward who has a big revelation about her room mate and we discover how much she really likes to play the French. We also touch on the second semi-final between Canada and New Zealand and ask whether you should ever bet against the Black Ferns.


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
Six Nations: The weekend review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:30
Ugo, Ashy and a very happy John Barclay review round two of the Six Nations after Scotland regained the Calcutta Cup. Is a first triple crown since 2010 now on the cards? Did Scotland's gameplan expose England's weakness…
Six Nations: In Edinburgh with Itoje & Gregor's gamble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:45
Chris has made it to Edinburgh to find Tom English and Andy Burke to analyse the Scotland team for the Calcutta Cup. There is no Edinburgh player in the starting XV since 1998! So, it means there is no place for Duhan va…
Six Nations: Calcutta Cup Quiz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:38
Sara channels her inner Sue Barker to host Rugby Union Weekly’s first ever Calcutta Cup quiz. And we have two worthy contestants going head-to-head with a combined 15 appearances in this famous fixture between them. John…
Six Nations: Inside England with Ford & Heyes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
Ugo and Chris are inside the England camp with in-form fly-half George Ford and history buff Joe Heyes ahead of this weekend's Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield. We hear all about Ford's love of Pilates and how it's h…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:56
The Nations Pod is back after a tricky opening round for three of the four home nations. Tom laments Scotland and Ireland’s starts - but will Gregor Townsend’s side again pull something out of the bag for the Calcutta Cu…
Six Nations: 'Ruthless' England thrash Wales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:22
Henry Arundell scored a 35-minute hat-trick as England made it 12 wins in a row and heaped more misery on Wales. Was that a statement from England? How good is the depth of Steve Borthwick’s side? Where do Wales go from…
Six Nations: France outclass Ireland in Paris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:54
France made the perfect start to the defence of their Six Nations title as they toppled Ireland in Paris. Chris is joined by Irish Grand Slam winner Donncha O’Callaghan and Ashy to reflect on a statement victory on the o…
Six Nations: Captains special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:55
To mark the opening day of the tournament, Chris and John Barclay are chatting all of the Six Nations captains. You’ll hear from the great Antoine Dupont as France kick things off in Paris. We hear from his opposite numb…
The Nations Pod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:00
Are France really clear favourites? And how real is Ireland’s decline? Chris, Gareth and Tom are back as this year’s Six Nations gets underway on Thursday. Tom argues this is a huge opportunity for Scotland and asks why…
Six Nations: In Girona with England's centres & Genge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
Chris heads to England's training camp in Girona after Steve Borthwick named his team to face Wales in their Six Nations opener. He sits down with England's centres, Northampton's Tommy Freeman and Fraser Dingwall. They…