The Ruck

The last-16 of the Champions Cup delivered! Following an exciting weekend Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman, Alex Lowe and Mark Palmer look back on the action.

They chat about the competition finally bursting into life with some excellent matches including, the Stormers narrow defeat to Toulon and Bath getting past Saracens.

Elgan was in France to see Toulouse and Bordeaux dismantle Bristol and Leicester and asks if anyone can stop the two giants of French rugby?

Mark reflects on the fortunes of Edinburgh and Glasgow and whether Franco Smith's team could really go all the way and actually win the tournament?

Plus, what now for the Red Roses? Seven months on from winning their home World Cup, they begin their 6 Nations campaign on Saturday, aiming to win an 8th straight title!

***

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

Following a trio of showpiece matches at big stadiums in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Will and Charlie are back in studio to review the action.

They discuss Geoff Parling's fiery altercation with broadcaster TNT before Gloucester vs Leicester and ask was the head coach right or wrong? And, does it summarise rugby's battle between traditionalists and those trying to modernise the game?

They also ask whether neutral semi-finals would be a good thing or damaging to the jeopardy in the season.

Castres tight-head prop, and Times columnist, Will Collier joins the boys to look ahead to the Champions Cup last-16. How important is an away win this weekend for the competition?

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

Sir James Dyson has become a 50% shareholder at Bath, so what does that mean for the club and for English domestic rugby?

Will it cement the clubs place at the top of the PREM for years to come? And it will it encourage further investment into the league?

Alfie Reynolds is joined by Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher to answer all those questions and chat about the return of the Prem. With Saracens' defeat is it now 5 teams vying for a spot in the top 4? Why are Harlequins lacking such an identity? And, was Chris Boyd at The Stoop having started in his new role with Gloucester? 'Detective Charlie' has the answer.

Plus, Will interviews Gloucester and England centre Seb Atkinson.

***

Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance

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

The 2026 6 Nations is over!

One of the great championships went down to the final kick of the final match. Thomas Ramos knocked over a penalty to break English hearts and deny Ireland the title.

The morning after the events in Paris, Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on an incredible finale and the tournament as a whole.

Where on earth has that England performance been? Does it soften the blow of England's worst ever 6 Nations campaign?

France are the champions but did they limp over the finish line? Did Scotland have a successful campaign or should they be disappointed by not winning four matches? And how significant a moment was Wales' win against Italy on the final weekend?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Super Saturday is almost here as the 2026 6 Nations reaches its conclusion.

Who will win the title as France, Scotland and Ireland are all in the running?

In a championship that has had plenty of twists and turns, will there be another shock on the final weekend?

Alfie, Will and Alex are outside a Parisian cafe to look ahead to the weekend. They dive deep into England's struggles by tackling a mountain of listener questions and explaining what has gone wrong for Steve Borthwick's side. Will he remain as the head coach? Will they stick to the kick heavy gameplan? And, is Lee Blackett having any impact as attack coach?

Plus, who will win between Ireland and Scotland in Dublin? The winners will go to the top of the table ahead of France v England. And, can Wales win in the 6 Nations for the first time in three years or will Italy win to have their best ever championship?

***

Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance

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