The Ruck

England make the trip to Rome in the 6 Nations following two defeats and two terrible performances against Scotland and Ireland. So how much pressure are they under ahead of facing Italy on Saturday?

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are on the streets of the Eternal City to look ahead to the match. They chat about the raft of changes Steve Borthwick has made for the game and what that tells us about the position England find themselves in. Is it bold selection or panic?

They also speak with the Italy winger Louis Lynagh who reflects on his move from Harlequins to Benetton - where he now lives with his Italian grandad - and his time in the England setup under Eddie Jones.

Plus, the boys look ahead to Ireland v Wales and Scotland vs France this weekend.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week the English league system saw its biggest shake-up since the dawn of professionalism: it was confirmed that from 2029/30 the PREM will change to a franchise system and there will be no promotion or relegation starting next season.

Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Stuart Barnes join Alfie Reynolds to chat about those developments. Is this an inevitable step to try and fix a system which doesn't work? Or is it betraying the very essence of sport?

They also look ahead to round 4 of the 6 Nations. How important is this week for England and Steve Borthwick? And, Scotland gear up for a crunch game against France!

***

Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a fallow week in the 6 Nations so Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Stuart Barnes discuss all of the action from round three.

They chat about Scotland's nervy performance in Cardiff as Gregor Townsend's side (just!) got the victory. Was this Scotland banishing demons from previous campaigns? Or have they once again failed to back up an impressive performance against England?

Barnsey gives his verdict on what on earth is going wrong for England following a terrible day at Twickenham in defeat to Ireland. And, Elgan was in Lille as France remained unbeaten by winning against Italy.

Could the Italians now be the favorites to beat England for the first time in their history? Are Ireland or Scotland best placed to challenge for the title alongside France? And, which nation benefits from the timing of the fallow week?

***

The Ruck Live!

Before the final whistle is blown on the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, there’s the small matter of Super Saturday. This year the final round promises to be even more explosive, with rivals England and France going head-to-head in the very last match of the competition at the Stade de France.

Tough-tacklers Courtney Lawes and Serge Betsen will join Charlie Morgan, Senior Rugby Writer at The Times, and Alfie Reynolds — host of our podcast The Ruck — to compare notes on Le Crunch and the biggest moments of this year’s tournament.

Book tickets on thetimes.com/events

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's hopes of a 6 Nations title went up in smoke as they lost to Ireland at Twickenham.

Following a loss to Scotland a week ago, Steve Borthwick's side produced another lacklustre and dreadful performance.

Alfie, Will and Charlie try to pick through the bones of a galling defeat which will ask major questions of this England team. Will it be a performance which ends England careers for some players? Is this 6 Nations campaign salvageable? And, why have the wheels come off so spectacularly?

Plus, they chat about Ireland's excellent display!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following defeat to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup last weekend, England host Ireland in round three of the 6 Nations on Saturday.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Charlie Morgan are at the England training base ahead of the match and ask whether England or Ireland are under more pressure heading into the fixture? They chat about Steve Borthwick's squad selection, with Henry Pollock making his first start and Maro Itoje set to earn his 100th cap for his country.

Jack Crowley is set to start at fly-half for the Irish, is that a good or bad thing for England? Would they have rather come up against Sam Prendergast?

Plus, this weekend Wales host Scotland and France play Italy.

***

The Ruck Live!

Before the final whistle is blown on the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, there’s the small matter of Super Saturday. This year the final round promises to be even more explosive, with rivals England and France going head-to-head in the very last match of the competition at the Stade de France.

Tough-tacklers Courtney Lawes and Serge Betsen will join Charlie Morgan, Senior Rugby Writer at The Times, and Alfie Reynolds — host of our podcast The Ruck — to compare notes on Le Crunch and the biggest moments of this year’s tournament.

Book tickets on thetimes.com/events
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.