Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes review the European finals over the weekend. Alex reflects on Northampton's defeat to Bordeaux in a brilliant Champions Cup final and Stuart explains why the constant TMO interventions in high profile matches are a major issue for the sport. Plus, they chat about Henry Pollock, whether the Challenge Cup can be the platform for Bath to now win the Premiership and an update on the club world championship which is set to start in 2028. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52:43
Are Bath coasting to the Premiership title?
Alfie, Will and Alex are in Richmond as the British & Irish Lions squad meet for the first time since Andy Farrell named his touring party. So, why is Sione Tuipulotu set to be a tour favourite? Hear why Ollie Chessum is getting stick for his reaction to being named on the tour? And, what is the first Lions tour he remembers watching? Plus, Will and Alex chat to former England and British & Irish Lions prop Mako Vunipola about life playing for Vannes in France and his illustrious Lions career. The boys look back on the Premiership fixtures this week and ask whether Bath are coasting to the title, and update on some news about the Wallabies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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59:24
How the Premiership big games have brought the league to life
Alfie, Steve, Alex and Will look back on the Premiership action over the weekend including showpiece matches in Cardiff and at Twickenham. They discuss how encouraging those events are for the league and whether all clubs need to buy into them. Plus, they get into the top four shake-up, why Andy Farrell may need to call up more players for the Lions first game in Dublin and some news on the Nations Championship final being played in America in 2030. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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51:25
Andy Farrell names his British & Irish Lions squad
Alfie, Alex and Will are at the O2 after Andy Farrell named his British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia this summer. Maro Itoje was revealed as the captain, with both Henry Pollock and Marcus Smith also included. The boys go through the big talking points including the incredible rise of Pollock, the lowest number of Welsh players for a tour post-war and whether Owen Farrell could find his way onto the tour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45:15
Northampton produce a miracle plus Ellis Genge talks Bath rivalry and Henry Pollock
Alfie and Will look back on Northampton Saints producing one of the greatest upsets in European club rugby history by beating Leinster and progressing into the Champions Cup final. They are also in Bristol where they chat to Ellis Genge and Bristol's Chief Operating Officer Tom Tainton ahead of the club facing rivals Bath in Cardiff on the weekend. Plus, they have big news about a potential Lions starter suffering a serious injury! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Ruck is the journalists rugby podcast from The Times & The Sunday Times. Join Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and a selection of guests every week as they provide insight and reports throughout the season, including big name interviews and forthright analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.