Rugby Unity

In this episode of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke is joined by rugby legends Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to dissect the seismic shakeup in New Zealand rugby — the sacking of Scott Robertson as All Blacks head coach. With the sport at a pivotal crossroads, they unpack the behind-the-scenes power plays, the influence of player ego, and what this means for the future of rugby globally. Expect a candid debate on coaching timelines, player trust, the impact of private equity, and how rugby's evolving tactics are shaping the international landscape.
● New Zealand Rugby's coaching crisis: what's really going on behind the scenes?
● Player power and its role in top-level decision making
● The strategic shift in global rugby: North vs South battle
● Rising influence of private equity in sport
● How European rugby is innovating and what that means for Super Rugby
● The challenge of expanding rugby into North America in the age of fierce commercial interests
PLUS: insights into elite coaching, the changing tactics across hemispheres, and the growing commercial and geopolitical influences shaping the future of rugby.
Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇
https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈
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📧 Get in touch: [email protected]
Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.
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In this episode of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke speaks with David Algie, the visionary fan behind the innovative Raeburn and Utrecht Shields—lineal rugby titles that turn matches into winners‑stay‑on battles. From Raeburn Place 1871 to Twickenham 2026, explore the rich history, upcoming challenges, and the fan-led movement aiming to bring a new layer of drama, story, and connection to rugby's past and future.
Discover how this grassroots idea, rooted in data and passion, could reshape how fans, players, and stakeholders engage with the game across nations and genders. As the shields get ready for their next big stage in the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, will England defend their claim, or will giants like France or Ireland claim the lineal title?
Plus, a preview of next week’s episode with former Raeburn Shield holder Eddie Jones and coach Ewen McKenzie—as well as David’s personal celebrations with his new grandson Lewin Gargan Pembroke, this episode is a must-listen for rugby fans eager to see history, innovation, and storytelling collide.
● The story behind the Raeburn and Utrecht Shields — rugby’s hidden lineal titles
● How fan-led ideas are shaping the future of the sport
● The journey of the shields from 1871 in Edinburgh to Twickenham 2026
● Sponsorship opportunities in rugby’s storytelling renaissance
● The potential for these shields to grow the game worldwide
● Upcoming battles for the lineal titles in the Six Nations and Rugby Championship
PLUS: the drama of lineal titles, fan engagement, sponsorship strategies, and how these shields could create a new lifetime of stories for rugby fans around the world.
Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇
https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈
👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack
📧 Get in touch: [email protected]
Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2025, women's rugby reached new heights with a groundbreaking World Cup at Twickenham, firsthand stories of trailblazers like Libby Nankivell reveal a sport on the rise. From grassroots initiatives in Toowoomba to the global stage, this episode dives into the pivotal moments, the rising stars, and the strategic game plans shaping the future of rugby's most dynamic women’s game. David Pembroke sits down with Libby Nankivell to unpack the incredible success of 2025 and what lies ahead on the road to Australia 2029.

Women's Rugby World Cup highlights and standouts—England's triumphant victory and strategic mastery; Behind-the-scenes of Twickenham's record crowd; The rise of sevens stars Charlotte Caslick, Faith Nathan, and Ellie Kildunne; Debates on domestic leagues, grassroots growth, and the future of 15s and 7s; The global impact of sport diplomacy and women's sport activism.

PLUS: record-breaking crowds, player pathways, and why fan engagement is transforming rugby's global appeal.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇
https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack
📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.
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Join David Pembroke as he explores how rugby is transforming in the Philippines and across Asia through the inspiring story of Ada Milby. From figure skating and high school football to leading Philippine rugby and breaking barriers on the World Rugby Council, Ada shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and passion. Discover how the sport is overcoming challenges post-COVID, empowering communities, and redefining what's possible for women's rugby and emerging unions. This episode reveals how fans and supporters can play a vital role in shaping the future of rugby worldwide.
● Ada Milby’s journey from figure skating to rugby leadership
● The rise of women's rugby in the Philippines
● Rugby as a tool for social change and development
● Challenges and opportunities for Asian unions
● The debate over fast decision-making in rugby governance
● Player stories like Lito Ramirez and Sylvia Tudoc
● Broader themes of inclusion, fan engagement, and structural reform
PLUS: how grassroots stories are redefining rugby’s global future, and the urgent call for more agile leadership in the sport.
👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack
📧 Get in touch: [email protected]
Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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Hong Kong, China has just secured a historic spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, signaling a potential seismic shift in Asian rugby. From part-time players turning professional, to strategic collaborations across unions, David Pembroke speaks with Jamie Farndale—former Scottish international—about the nation’s journey, ambitions, and the broader ripple effects for the global game. As Hong Kong prepares to face top-tier nations in a challenging pool, the story highlights resilience, innovation, and the rising tide of rugby across Asia.
Hong Kong's qualification for 2027: the game-changing milestone
The transformation from part-time to full-time professional players
Strategic MOUs with Japan, China, and Australia to grow Asian rugby
The impact of the Nan Fung Impact League inspired by Sail GP
Hong Kong's preparations for the Nation's Cup and World Cup debut
The future of women's rugby in Hong Kong and Asia
PLUS: how innovative social impact initiatives in rugby are redefining community engagement and athlete development across the globe.
Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇
https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈
👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack
📧 Get in touch: [email protected]
Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.
TikTok | Instagram | YouTube
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.