Rugby Unity goes global this week, with David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie pulling lessons from the football World Cup in the USA and asking what World Rugby must copy before Rugby World Cup 2031. Dynamic ticket pricing, host city negotiations, and fan culture are all on the table, plus how creator content could help Australia show off more than just the capital cities in 2027. Then it’s back to the pitch: the Super Rugby final is locked in, Hurricanes v Chiefs, after Hurricanes thumped the Blues and the Chiefs put the Crusaders away early. Ewen also shares a chat with Eddie Jones on why scores are blowing out: fewer contests, fewer scrums, but better instinctive support play and two-handed, straight running across the park. And there’s heat in the Premiership too, with the Joe Cokanasiga yellow card debate lighting up Bath v Exeter.
Also in this episode:
● Football World Cup USA buzz and World Rugby’s smile
● Dynamic ticket pricing and what it means for 2031
● Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0 with 28% possession
● Super Rugby semis: Hurricanes and Chiefs set up final
● Eddie Jones chat: instinctive support play beats structure
● Premiership controversy: Cokanasiga yellow card hurts Bath
PLUS: A big push for rugby to learn from other sports, build international club followings, and make tournaments matter more than friendlies.
RUGBY UNITY LIVE! IN NEWCASTLE 10 JULY 2026: https://tickets.iwannaticket.com.au/event/hunter-rugby-luncheon-japan-v-ireland-61ffdo
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Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.