Rugby Union Weekly Folgen

The fourth and final stop on the Nations Pod Guide is Ireland’s Fair City. From Croke Park to the Aviva, from Temple Bar to Ballsbridge - Chris, Tom and GRO discuss what makes Dublin special and so much more than a rugby city. Tom teaches us about Ross O’Carroll-Kelly, we get the lowdown on his favourite Dublin pubs and playwrights, and he even recites some poetry! But it’s not all highbrow conversation, we get stuck into Temple Bar, the Guinness and what’s it like on Paddy’s Day during a Six Nations weekend. How does the Aviva’s atmosphere compare to the other home nations’ stadiums? And what is the greatest achievement in Irish rugby history? Plus, we revisit England’s visit to Lansdowne Road in 2003 and the cultural and historical significance of their match at Croke Park in 2007.

As the Premiership heads into its mid-season break, Ugo and Ashy look back on a packed weekend of action. They start with one of the games of the season as Bath edged Gloucester at Kingsholm, with Charlie Atkinson outstanding. Are Bath still the force they were last year, or are teams starting to work them out? Harlequins are back under the spotlight, with Ashy asking whether, in another sport, Jason Gilmore would already be gone. Is an injury-hit squad finally catching up with Sale, or is their attack the bigger concern? They also reflect on Mark McCall’s pending departure at Saracens, and why Brendan Venter may be the perfect person to step in. And, is retiring from international rugby still a thing?

Ashy and Chris are in the player’s gym at Twickenham to dissect England’s Six Nations squad and chat to head coach Steve Borthwick. He talks through his picks at tighthead and calling up Exeter number eight Greg Fisilau. We ask how close Northampton’s George Hendy was to making the cut and how many of those named on the rehab list will play in the early part of the tournament. Borthwick also speaks about their opener against Wales and being quizzed about selection by fans in the street. Away from the Six Nations, there is also some big news from Saracens to discuss as Mark McCall announces he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.