Rugby Unity

• Rising threats and rivalries - Wallabies v Japan, R360, and Rugby League in the Pacific

  Rugby Unity hits the road this with David Pembroke heading to Land of the Rising Sun to understand how Japan can “help secure the future prosperity of Rugby Union around the world. Pemby joins Eddie Jones from a crammed space just outside the Men’s toilet at the Tokyo Club a week out from the anticipated Wallabies v Japan test — they are joined later by Ewen McKenzie to unpack selections, form, and the shifting world order in rugby.Pemby and Eddie mix it up again about R360 while they agree that the threat of Rugby League in the Pacific is real, present and dangerous. The episode tackles the power plays, politics, and possibilities shaping the sport’s future.Also in this episodeJapan’s 2035 World Cup bid and why it mattersThe $600 million Rugby League investment changing the Pacific R360 vs traditional rugby — disruption or destruction?Wallabies squad depth and the risks of rotationEwen McKenzie on building a winning habitRefereeing, red cards, and restoring consistencyPLUS: our regular feature of the “Third Voice’’ the global fans’ giving their views on how we can approve the appeal of Rugby and why unity above all else is the future to the game’s global success.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.Get in touch: [email protected] 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.

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• Japan V Wallabies – Eddie’s next big test

  Eddie Jones is once again in the spotlight — coaching against Australia for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup where just about everything went wrong for him. Host David Pembroke and co-host Ewen McKenzie discuss Eddie’s approach to coaching and how he will be planning to bring about an upset victory over the Wallabies.With international rugby taking a break ahead of the Autumn internationals, this episode discusses coaching philosophies and player welfare, the challenges of different professional competitions and suggestions from the Rugby Unity audience. McKenzie shares rare insights about the knowledge he acquired in his time working alongside Eddie at the Brumbies and Wallabies. The show also pays tribute to former England Captain Lewis Moody following his diagnosis of Motor neurone disease and explores how World Rugby is reshaping player safety.Also in this episode:Inside Eddie’s Japan setup and training calendarWhy confidence comes from clarity, not emotionThe future of player welfare and new match-load rulesHow the Top 14 and Premiership got it right — and why changing Super Rugby might have caused more troubles that it was worth.Reviving fan culture in Australia: lessons from the WaratahsYour ideas on referees, scrums, and yellow cardsPLUS: David heads to Tokyo for a special Japan series — conversations with Eddie Jones, Japanese Rugby leaders, and key figures shaping the game’s next decade.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Rugby’s power shift – Wallabies, Japan & South Africa

  Rugby’s balance of power is changing fast.In this episode, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones to break down the biggest stories shaking the sport — from Carter Gordon’s return to union to South Africa’s unstoppable rise and the looming impact of the rebel R360 League.Eddie reveals how he’s preparing Japan for clashes against the Wallabies and Springboks, why refereeing consistency is rugby’s biggest problem, and how the game must evolve to stay relevant.Also in this episode:Carter Gordon’s $100k release and return to rugbyLeague vs union fitness — what players gain and loseSouth Africa’s winning formula and New Zealand’s development slideThe aerial contest — rugby’s new battlegroundThe truth about R360 and player contractsWhy Gregor Townsend’s Red Bull Rugby role is a win for coachesHow Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie influence Japan’s game stylePLUS: How Eddie Jones is re-igniting the Brave Blossoms ahead of the Wallabies test.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] 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.

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• Wallabies heartbreak + Boks power past Argentina

  The Rugby Championship closes with two close contests — the Wallabies fell short against the All Blacks in a soggy Perth, while the Springboks ground past an energised Argentina at Twickenham to claim the title.David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie examine the defining moments from both matches, exploring where the Wallabies fell short, how New Zealand is evolving, and why South Africa’s power game still reigns supreme. With Eddie Jones in Japan preparing for the upcoming clash with Australia, the duo go deep on selections, scrums, and the growing influence of yellow cards shaping results.Also in this episode:Brave Wallabies but familiar frustrationsAll Blacks’ next-gen talent — Tupaea, Carter, HollandSpringboks’ set-piece dominance v ArgentinaYellow cards and refereeing consistencyEngland’s post–World Cup women’s rugby planR360 — why it threatens rugby’s unityPLUS: How to rebuild global connection through storytelling, transparency, and fan engagement.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] 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.

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• Wallabies v All Blacks + Springboks v Argentina + is R360 a hoax?

  The compelling 2025 Rugby Championship reaches its conclusion this weekend.In this week’s episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack the headline battles, refereeing controversies, and what it all means for the future of the game.Eddie weighs in on Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s rise, presents a new idea for World Rugby to take control of the referees in a centralised model and whether Australia’s “one-pass rugby” can evolve into a consistent winning style. Ewen shares his views on the Wallabies’ changes, Will Skelton’s influence, and why he’s tipping Australia to edge the All Blacks at Optus Stadium.Also in this episode:Springboks v Argentina at Twickenham — South Africa look unstoppableThe return of Will Skelton and his leadership on and off the fieldRefereeing reform — should World Rugby control the top 16 referees?The growth of Rugby in Japan and can Eddie Jones’ spring a surprise when his team takes on the Wallabies in Tokyo in late October.R360: is it a disruption or distraction for the world of rugby?PLUS: Why depth, pathways, and global growth (Spain, Portugal, Japan) will decide rugby’s long-term prosperity.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] 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.

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