Toulouse are champions again, four straight, but it was a strange, storm-interrupted Top 14 final where Montpellier owned the carry count and Toulouse still found a way. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down how Toulouse adapted, defended, kicked more than usual, and used set piece control to win when it mattered. From there, the focus swings to a massive opening weekend of the Nations Championship and Nations Cup, including New Zealand v France, South Africa v England, and Australia v Ireland in Sydney. There’s also big calendar news with ANZAC Day Bledisloe Tests confirmed in Brisbane for 2027, 2029 and 2031, and a tough call as Moana Pasifika is officially no more. Off-field, the pair tackle the global season stalemate, private equity questions around CVC and Silver Lake, and what rugby can learn from the Football World Cup’s eye-watering crowds and presentation.
Also in this episode:
● Toulouse adapt with defence, kicking, and set piece control
● Dupont and Top 14 players released for Nations Championship
● ANZAC Day Bledisloe Tests confirmed for Brisbane 2027–2031
● Moana Pasifika ends as Super Rugby finances get questioned
● Private equity debate: CVC, Silver Lake, and union priorities
● Under-20 scores reviewed, including Australia 90 v Spain 22
PLUS: What rugby can copy from Football World Cup crowds, colour, and broadcast presentation.
RUGBY UNITY LIVE! IN NEWCASTLE 10 JULY 2026: https://tickets.iwannaticket.com.au/event/hunter-rugby-luncheon-japan-v-ireland-61ffdo
SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈
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: info@rugbyunity.com.au
Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.