England’s Six Nations is savaged and all roads lead to Rome

England’s Six Nations is savaged and all roads lead to Rome

Author: The Telegraph February 23, 2026 Duration: 57:04

We're three weeks into the Six Nations and England's hopes of winning the tournament are up in flames after they were hammered by Ireland at Twickenham.


Alan and Charles are joined in studio by the Telegraph's Dan Schofield to unpack the defeat and look at how England can salvage what is left of their Six Nations campaign.


It was a bittersweet afternoon for England captain Maro Itoje. He won his 100th cap for his country but was withdrawn early once again and Dan thinks it's time he was given a six-month sabbatical from the game to ensure he is at his best for the World Cup next year.


We also ask what has happened to the England lineout, and why is their defence so easy to penetrate?


As for Ireland, that performance instantly changes the narrative around Andy Farrell's side. There's high praise for Stuart McCloskey too who has been their standout player of the tournament so far.


Elsewhere we ask if Wales fans will be happy despite defeat to Scotland in Cardiff, can anyone stop France winning a Grand Slam and we tackle your questions as usual.


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For fans who live and breathe the sport, The Telegraph Rugby Podcast offers a deeper, more thoughtful conversation than the typical post-match analysis. Each episode brings together the newspaper's seasoned experts and high-profile guests to dissect the evolving narrative of rugby union. The discussion moves beyond mere scores and standings to explore the underlying trends, tactical innovations, and cultural themes shaping the game today. Listeners are invited into a nuanced dialogue about leadership, player development, and the sport's place in the wider world. This podcast provides a space for the kind of extended, insightful commentary that true enthusiasts crave, leveraging the Telegraph's long-standing authority in rugby journalism. New installments arrive weekly, offering a regular and reliable deep dive into everything from the grassroots to the international arena. It’s the audio companion for anyone who wants to understand not just what happened, but why it matters and what might come next. The Telegraph Rugby Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Telegraph Rugby Podcast
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