The Lions squad continues to dominate the pod agenda as speculation intensifies around the two extra players Andy Farrell said he would take on tour. Ugo is convinced Owen Farrell will get one of those places, but is there another Englishman who could also get the nod? Danny and Ashy give their take on the 38-man squad and explain just how tough it is to miss out on selection after Mike Brown's comments about his omission in 2017. We also look back on a special farewell for Peter O'Mahony at Thomond Park, hear all about Ashy's eventful train journey back from Cardiff and react to the news that Geoff Parling will replace Michael Cheika as Leicester DOR next season.
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50:42
The Nations Pod
The Nations pod is back to run the rule over Andy Farrell’s 38-man squad for the British & Irish Lions. Chris, Tom English and Gareth Rhys Owen see how the squads they picked after the Six Nations compare. GRO is forced to address the elephant in the room as only two Welsh players made the cut. How many more players will be called up? And will Owen Farrell end up in Australia after all? GRO makes a bold call for the 1st Test and shares the WhatsApp debate between Chris and Tom about two number 10s in the group chat.
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53:45
The Lions squad pod with Itoje and Farrell
We are at the O2 for the Lions squad announcement. Fresh from presenting the show, Ugo joins Chris to dissect the 38-man squad. Andy Farrell talks through his selection and why he decided to take Henry Pollock on tour and make Maro Itoje captain. Marcus Smith, Fin Smith and Finn Russell are on the plane, but could there be another fly-half added further down the line? Meanwhile Itoje sits down with us to reveal all the details about the captain’s dinner and why he feels now is the right time to be leading the Lions.
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51:51
A Champions Cup classic and Lions watch
After Northampton stunned Leinster to reach the Champions Cup final, what impact could that result have on Andy Farrell's Lions squad? Ugo, Danny and Ashy discuss who played their way into contention and whose place could now be under threat. Is Maro Itoje now favourite to be named captain on Thursday? Northampton DOR Phil Dowson joins us to relive that epic victory in Dublin and and gives us a great insight into Henry Pollock and how Saints masterminded the victory over a Leinster team packed full of Irish internationals. Plus, there's more change at Exeter and Bath's dream of a treble continues.
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59:52
The Pollock Splash
Fresh from his Ash Splash at the weekend, England and Northampton star Henry Pollock is our special guest on this week's pod. Pollock chats to Ugo and Ashy about the Champions Cup semi-final with Leinster this weekend and his remarkable rise through the ranks over the past 12 months. We also learn how he deals with criticism on social media and how he stays grounded away from the pitch. There is plenty to discuss in the Premiership as Sale impress again. Is George Ford played his way onto the Lions tour? Plus, what's going on at Exeter? Scarlets and Cardiff boost their URC play-off hopes and do the Red Roses have an issue dealing with pressure?
Ugo Monye, Chris Jones, Danny Care and Chris Ashton bring you special guests and cover the biggest stories in rugby union.We'd love to hear from you on the pod; email [email protected] or search for 5 Live Sport on social media to send us a message.
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