The Ruck Rugby Podcast

The Ruck Rugby Podcast

The Times

The World Cup Rugby Podcast from The Times & The Sunday Times Stephen Jones, Owen Slot and a selection of rugby personalities provide insight and analysis on the latest events in the game, including big name interviews and forthright analysis.

49 minutes 40 seconds

Should South African teams remain in the Champions Cup?

After the second round of action in Europe, Will, Alex and Elgan discuss if the South African teams are a help or hinderance to the competition

Stormers head coach John Dobson was on the receiving end of a heavy defeat away at Harlequins, he joins the podcast to explain how he believes South African sides can remain competitive in the competition, and says it's too early to consider removing them.

Northampton made it two wins from two in the competition, they defeated the Bulls away from home, and we speak to Alex Coles about the win and if it can be a springboard for success in their Premiership campaign.

Plus we get an update on 'bonus gate' with the RFU set to hold a meeting later this week.

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16 December 2024, 3:19 pm
42 minutes 46 seconds

Did we actually learn anything from the Champions Cup opening round?

Following the opening round of the Champions Cup Alfie and Will look back on the action and question whether the fixtures revealed anything they didn't already know about the teams and the competition. They also discuss a disappointing set of results for the English clubs and look ahead to the games this coming weekend. Plus, they have an update on the RFU bonuses 'scandal' and the latest on Coventry wanting to earn promotion to the Premiership.
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9 December 2024, 4:31 pm
1 hour 3 minutes

What impact will the RFU bonuses have on the game?

Following the news that Bill Sweeney and other RFU executives received hefty bonuses, Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe explain why this has happened when the union posted record losses. Alex reveals the reaction it has provoked from senior England players, RFU employees and the grassroots clubs and why it is another sign that those at the top of the RFU are out of touch. Plus, Alfie chats to the former Ireland international Simon Zebo to preview the start of the Champions Cup and the new women's 15s player of the year Ellie Kildunne.
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2 December 2024, 4:04 pm
1 hour 3 minutes

Have England gone backwards this Autumn?

England beat Japan on Sunday to finish their Autumn so Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher discuss where the team currently are and ask if they have an identity crisis? Alex chats to former England psychologist Dan Abrahams about the what they can do from a mental standpoint to change their tight losses into victories, Alfie and Mark Palmer reflect on Scotland ending the year with a win over the Wallabies, plus the boys talk about Warren Gatland's future and the World Player of the Year winners.
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25 November 2024, 6:29 pm
42 minutes 28 seconds

Eddie Jones' chance for England revenge?

England's November internationals end this weekend as they host Eddie Jones' Japan at Twickenham. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe look ahead to the match and ask what England have to gain following three losses on the bounce and question how many changes Steve Borthwick will make. Plus, Owen Slot joins to discuss Eddie Jones and his England tenure after his regime was put back in the headlines this month.
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21 November 2024, 6:00 am
1 hour 5 minutes

Is a franchise league good for the game? Plus Gatland and Borthwick's futures

Alfie, Alex and Will are back, following defeats for Wales and England over the weekend, to talk about the future of Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatland. Mark Palmer and Peter O'Reilly discuss wins for Ireland and Scotland. Plus, the boys chat about reports of a breakaway franchise league and whether it could revolutionise domestic rugby or destroy the current system and they react to the nominations for World Rugby's player of the year.
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18 November 2024, 2:25 pm
36 minutes 45 seconds

Are England in crisis? England v South Africa Review

Following England's 20-29 defeat to South Africa, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher review the action at Twickenham. They discuss how much pressure Steve Borthwick is under following another defeat and whether the perception of England as a rugby nation needs to be altered. Plus, they praise the Springboks for another hard fought win when not at their best and the brilliant performance from Cheslin Kolbe.
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17 November 2024, 12:25 am
41 minutes 32 seconds

Are the Springboks the toughest challenge in world rugby? England vs South Africa preview!

Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe look ahead to England v South Africa this weekend. Courtney Lawes joins the pod to explain what it is like facing the Springboks, the challenge England are coming up against and the bad blood between the two sides after last year's World Cup semi-final. The boys also react to Steve Borthwick and Rassie Erasmus' team selections and ask whether playing the back-to-back world champions is the toughest thing to do in rugby and how England can get a much needed win?
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14 November 2024, 6:01 pm
33 minutes 28 seconds

England lose a nailbiter (again) as Wallabies record seismic victory

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are back at Twickenham to react to England's defeat against Australia. They ask where does it leave England's Autumn campaign? Why do they keep losing tight matches? And, have Australia shown they can compete on next years British and Irish Lions tour?
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9 November 2024, 9:48 pm
52 minutes 31 seconds

Are Australia England's banana skin? Plus Ireland vs New Zealand

Ahead of England facing Australia this weekend Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher speak to the Sydney Morning Herald's Iain Payten about Joe Schmidt's Wallabies, including the state of Aussie rugby and whether they will be competitive for the British and Irish Lions tour next year. Peter O'Reilly also joins the pod to preview Ireland's match against New Zealand on Friday night. Plus, Will and Alfie discuss the big talking points from England's team selection.
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7 November 2024, 5:37 pm
40 minutes 24 seconds

Another missed opportunity for England?

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot were at Twickenham to watch England fall narrowly short against New Zealand again! From an empty Twickenham they react to another slim defeat in a game where they were leading and also discuss Joe Marler's retirement from international rugby. Plus, Mark Palmer joins the pod to assess Scotland's victory over Fiji and look ahead to an Autumn defining match-up against South Africa.
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3 November 2024, 12:24 pm
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