Maul or Nothing

George Furbank & Stephen Varney join Maul or Nothing to break down BIG hits, England selection debates, and Exeter’s Italian revolution 🇮🇹This week on Maul or Nothing, we’re joined by Northampton Saints + England full back, George Furbank as well as Italy & Exeter scrum-half Stephen Varney for one of our most chaotic and insightful episodes yet.We dive straight into that huge collision moment — how’s the face?! 🤕 and ask the all-important question:👉 Would you rather have Sammy Arnold’s injury… or yours?Plus Max gives us an in-depth update on his omission from the Bears line up at Leicester.⸻🏉 INSIDE NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (FURBANK) • Tough battle at Franklin’s Gardens — what actually happened? • Saints flying high — but is it Premiership or Champions Cup priority? • Post-Six Nations return — banter, tension, or total chaos in camp? • The rise of Henry Pollock — what’s he REALLY like behind the scenes? • England debate heating up — is Furbank being overlooked for the 15 jersey?⸻🔥 BATH STATEMENT WIN vs SARACENS • Huge result — are Bath now title favourites? • Impact of Dyson’s investment — is this the turning point? ⸻🇮🇹 STEPHEN VARNEY — EXETER & ITALY • Exeter building serious momentum? • The Italian core at Exeter: • Ross Vintcent • Andrea Zambonin • Why Exeter’s trajectory is suddenly VERY interesting • Italy’s rise — what’s changed inside that squad? • And the big one… 👀👉 Born in Wales, speaks Welsh — was it ever close to playing for Wales?⸻😳 ALSO IN THIS EPISODE • The Hastings yellow card — best standing ovation ever? • Medical madness: prostate exams in pro rugby?! • More face rearranging carnage 💥⸻🚨 EXCLUSIVE NordVPN DealStay secure online and unlock global rugby content 🌍👉 https://www.nordvpn.com/maul✔️ 30-day money-back guarantee✔️ Up to 4 extra months FREEUse code MAUL⸻📈 WHY YOU SHOULD SUBSCRIBEIf you love: • Premiership Rugby analysis • Six Nations insights • Behind-the-scenes player stories • Proper rugby chat (with zero filter)👉 Hit subscribe and join the fastest-growing rugby podcast

Round 4 of the Six Nations 2026 delivered absolute chaos — and on this week’s Maul or Nothing, we break down one of the most extraordinary weekends of Test rugby in years.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Scotland 50 – FranceGregor Townsend’s side ran riot — putting 50 points on France in a statement win that has completely blown open the championship race.We dive into:•⁠ ⁠Ben White vs Antoine Dupont — the scrum-half duel•⁠ ⁠Darcy Graham vs Louis Bielle-Biarrey in a brilliant wing battle•⁠ ⁠Scotland’s attacking blueprint that dismantled France•⁠ ⁠Dupont’s forward pass that summed up the French afternoon•⁠ ⁠the Scottish cohesion but France unusually subdued Plus the controversy…👀 Oscar Jégou’s alleged eye gougeA disciplinary hearing looms. We ask:•⁠ ⁠Is it worse than Eben Etzebeth’s recent incident?⸻🏉 England vs Italy – what on earth is the plan?England had the ball.England… kicked it away.Italy magnificent We break down:•⁠ ⁠England leading the tournament in kicks in play & kick metres•⁠ ⁠Ben Earl saying England were “unbelievable for 60 minutes” — are fans being gaslit?•⁠ ⁠Maro Itoje’s yellow card — careless or costly?•⁠ ⁠⁠Menoncello the best centre in world rugby right now And the big question:❓ Should Steve Borthwick still be England coach for the 2027 Rugby World Cup?⸻🇮🇪 Ireland vs WalesIreland got the job done in Dublin — but this may have been the most encouraging Welsh performance of the championship.We discuss:•⁠ ⁠Jack Crowley as Farrells World Cup 10•⁠ ⁠Signs of life in Steve Tandy’s Wales rebuild•⁠ ⁠The huge shift in Welsh physicality•⁠ ⁠Rhys Carre magic ⸻🔥 Championship permutations heading into the final roundThe title race is wide open.•⁠ ⁠France win the title with a bonus-point victory•⁠ ⁠Scotland could win their first championship since 1999•⁠ ⁠Ireland still alive if results fall their wayWe break down every scenario heading into Super Saturday.⸻🔐 This episode is sponsored by NordVPNEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼https://www.nordvpn.com/maul✔️ Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee✔️ 4 extra months FREE on the 2-year plan✔️ Use code MAUL⸻🥃 Sponsor — Wolfcraig WhiskyElite insight. Proper rugby chat.👉 https://www.wolfcraig.comCheck out the 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend – Second Edition (Triple Sherry Cask).⸻🎙️ Maul or NothingHonest rugby analysis. Big laughs. No safe takes.If you’re enjoying the show please:⭐ Follow on Spotify / Apple Podcasts📺 Subscribe on YouTube📲 Share with a mate who loves rugby00:27 What a weekend to be aRyan!06:19 Nord VPN08:29 Scotland hit 50 vs France!19:08 Oscar Jegou gouging incident20:11 DuPont and teammates were rattled22:26 England's Struggles Continue: Huge win for Italy37:52 It’s a Warhammer Seg31:02 The Warhammer Seg has ended! - Italy's Rising Stars50:59 Ireland vs Wales - A New Welsh Identity56:52 Predictions and Feelings Ahead of the Matches58:19 Predictions and Feelings

The Maul or Nothing Round 4 Preview Show is here — and the 2026 Six Nations title race is reaching boiling point.After England’s heavy defeat to Ireland at Twickenham, Steve Borthwick has torn up his backline and made 12 changes ahead of the trip to Rome.Is this a necessary reset… or full panic stations inside England camp?We break down all the major team selections, tactical questions and storylines heading into one of the biggest weekends of the championship.🏉 In this episode•⁠ ⁠England’s selection revolution after Twickenham•⁠ ⁠Fin Smith starting, Freddie Steward dropped and the entire backline reshuffled•⁠ ⁠Are England building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup or still searching for an identity?•⁠ ⁠Italy’s rise — the Cannone brothers, Ferrari and Capuozzo back•⁠ ⁠Have Italy officially crossed the line from “free win” to genuine threat?•⁠ ⁠Can Scotland shock France at Murrayfield?•⁠ ⁠Is Ryan’s bold prediction actually possible… or delusional?•⁠ ⁠Ireland v Wales — Andy Farrell leaning heavily on Ulster talent•⁠ ⁠Are Wales finally beginning a proper rebuild?⸻🎉 Big news on the podMax Lahiff has signed a new contract — and the boys have plenty to say about it.AND… breaking rugby news means Maul or Nothing now technically has inside access to the All Blacks 👀With Dave Rennie becoming the new New Zealand head coach, MON suddenly has a direct line to the top of world rugby — given he used to coach Ryan.So naturally we’ll be expecting exclusive All Blacks insights any day now…⸻👕 Sponsor — Mystery Shirt In A BoxEvery box is a surprise rugby shirt with a story behind it.🔥 Six Nations Special:Rugby shirt + two prints for £35👉 https://mysteryshirtinabox.co.uk/products/rugby-union-mystery-shirt⸻🔐 Sponsor — NordVPNStay secure online wherever you travel.👉 Exclusive MON deal: https://www.nordvpn.com/maulUse code MAUL for 4 extra months on the 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.⸻🥃 Sponsor — Wolfcraig WhiskyElite insight. Proper rugby chat.👉 https://www.wolfcraig.comCheck out the 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend – Second Edition (Triple Sherry Cask).⸻💬 Join the conversationEngland have lost 2 from 2 since Max Lahiff stopped being involved in the squad…Should Steve Borthwick:A) Bring Max back immediatelyB) Bring Max back immediately but after a long speech about statisticsC) Bring Max back AND force the entire squad to wear a string vestLet us know in the comments 👇⸻📲 Subscribe for weekly Six Nations analysis, player interviews and proper rugby chat🎙️ Maul or Nothing — the rugby podcast where insight meets chaos.

Twickenham. 2026.And England were dismantled.🇮🇪 Ireland clinical.🏴 England chaotic.🗣 Ellis Genge admitting they may have believed their own hype.One of the most sobering afternoons at HQ in recent Six Nations history.This week on Maul or Nothing we break down:•⁠ ⁠Luke Cowan-Dickie & Freddie Steward hooked•⁠ ⁠George Ford’s missed kicks and the momentum swing•⁠ ⁠Ireland majestic across the park•⁠ ⁠Jamison Gibson-Park dictating everything•⁠ ⁠What this means for Steve Borthwick with the 2027 Rugby World Cup just 18 months away🏟 In Cardiff:Wales finally show signs of life under Steve Tandy — but Scotland still find a way. Finn Russell magic. Again. 🇫🇷 And France?Is the Grand Slam already inevitable? Their depth is frightening.🇮🇹 Italy improving again — and will genuinely fancy England in Rome.This is proper Six Nations analysis. No fence-sitting. No safe takes.⸻🔔 Follow Maul or Nothing on Spotify so you never miss an episode.5⭐ reviews massively help the show grow.⸻🔐 Sponsored by NordVPNGet 4 extra months FREE ➼ https://www.nordvpn.com/maulUse code MAUL30-day money-back guarantee⸻🥃 ALSO SPONSORED BY WOLFCRAIGThis episode is also proudly sponsored by WOLFCRAIG.👉 Head to https://www.wolfcraig.com🥃 Check out their superb range — including the 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend – Second Edition (Triple Sherry Cask)

England’s Grand Slam talk lasted a week.At Murrayfield in Round 2 of the 2026 Six Nations, Scotland delivered another Calcutta Cup statement — and this week on Maul or Nothing (MON) we’re joined by the man who ran it:🔥 Scotland scrum-half Ben White, fresh off controlling one of the biggest games of the championship.⸻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Scotland v England – Calcutta Cup 2026With Ben White in the studio:•⁠ ⁠The tactical plan at Murrayfield•⁠ ⁠The build-up after the Rome fallout•⁠ ⁠Scotland’s fast start and the momentum swing•⁠ ⁠The Arundell yellow/red and the 6–2 split gamble•⁠ ⁠Why versatility matters at Test level•⁠ ⁠What Finn Russell said to Ben just before his try 😂•⁠ ⁠What it feels like when the crowd and momentum are fully behind youWhite’s kicking game. Russell’s tempo. Tuipulotu carrying. Huw Jones lurking.Scotland playing with belief.⸻🇮🇪 Ireland v Italy•⁠ ⁠Italy humbling the Irish scrum•⁠ ⁠Tadhg Furlong and Dan Sheehan getting properly squashed up top•⁠ ⁠The controversial TMO forward-pass call•⁠ ⁠Ireland winning by the seat of their pants•⁠ ⁠Hollie Davidson’s calm, authoritative display⸻🇫🇷 Wales v France•⁠ ⁠France’s frightening depth•⁠ ⁠Jalibert & Dupont pulling strings behind a monstrous pack•⁠ ⁠Charles Ollivon in full Greek-god mode•⁠ ⁠Where Wales go from hereElite-level Six Nations analysis, player insight and honest selection debate.MON covers every round of the Six Nations 2026.⸻🔐 Sponsored by NordVPNEXCLUSIVE Deal ➼ https://www.nordvpn.com/maul30-day money-back guarantee + 4 extra months on the 2-year plan with code MAUL

The Six Nations is back — and Maul or Nothing opens Week 1 with a proper deep dive, featuring Italy winger Louis Lynagh after one of the most emotionally charged weekends of international rugby.From Max’s whirlwind week inside England camp, to France’s brutal ballet in the rain and dismantling of Ireland, to serious questions about where Wales — and Scotland — go from here, this episode is packed with insider detail, big takes, and plenty of laughs.🔥 MAX’S WEEK WITH ENGLANDFresh from camp, Max takes us inside the bubble:•⁠ ⁠How did the call-up actually land?•⁠ ⁠Who was the first person he told?•⁠ ⁠Walking into a squad full of rivals… with just one club-mate•⁠ ⁠Did he break the unspoken rule and train like an academy kid?•⁠ ⁠Matchday nerves, stadium walk-ins, and the full Test-week rhythm•⁠ ⁠And yes… trying to get Henry Pollock out after the match, throwing Ben Earl under the bus — and most importantly… the stash🏉 LOUIS LYNAGH — FROM PREM FINALS TO SIX NATIONSLouis joins us to relive:•⁠ ⁠First-person thoughts on an epic international win•⁠ ⁠What happens immediately after the final whistle•⁠ ⁠Family watching on — and what that meant•⁠ ⁠How does a Six Nations moment compare to those Premiership final tries?•⁠ ⁠Italy’s passion, belief, and why this side feels different🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 SCOTLAND: THE ROAD AHEAD•⁠ ⁠Is this the end of the road for Gregor Townsend?•⁠ ⁠Where do Scotland go from here?🔴 WALES: WHERE DO THEY GO FROM HERE?•⁠ ⁠What can Steve Tandy realistically change?•⁠ ⁠Is this tactical, psychological — or something deeper?🔵 FRANCE v IRELAND — A SHIFTING POWER?France were majestic in appalling conditions. One writer summed it up perfectly:“Playing rugby against France is like spending 80 minutes being beaten up by a huge bloke, who breaks off to do a bit of ballet every now and again.”We break down:•⁠ ⁠France’s blend of violence and finesse•⁠ ⁠The Bordeaux influence — the catalyst?•⁠ ⁠Ireland’s injuries, pressure points, and performance•⁠ ⁠What they could do — and what they can realistically do now🧠 PLUS:•⁠ ⁠MON Fantasy Squad Names•⁠ ⁠Comments, controversy, and chaos — as ever🔐 EPISODE SPONSOR — NORDVPNTake back control of your online privacy with NordVPN.EXCLUSIVE DEAL ➼ https://nordvpn.com/maul✔️ Risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee✔️ 4 extra months free on a 2-year plan✔️ Use code MAUL🥃 ALSO SPONSORED BY WOLFCRAIGThis episode is also proudly sponsored by WOLFCRAIG.👉 Head to https://www.wolfcraig.com🥃 Check out their superb range — including the 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend – Second Edition (Triple Sherry Cask)👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 💬 CommentThis is Maul or Nothing — where the Six Nations gets pulled apart properly.

The Six Nations is back — and this is the ultimate pre-show breakdown you need before kickoff.On this episode of Maul or Nothing, we’re joined by Ireland & British & Irish Lions winger Simon Zebo for elite insight, dressing-room reality, and the stories behind the team sheets as Europe’s biggest championship explodes into life.From France v Ireland on a rare Thursday night, to England v Wales at Twickenham, plus Scotland’s ceiling and Italy’s growing threat — nothing gets past us.⸻🔴 FRANCE v IRELAND – THE OPENING BLOCKBUSTER•⁠ ⁠Antoine Dupont RETURNS after an 11-month ACL layoff —•⁠ ⁠Why France scheduled this game on Thursday night (and what it tells us)•⁠ ⁠Jalibert over Ntamack — obvious call, but not an easy one•⁠ ⁠Gaël Fickou’s omission — and just how long he’s actually been around•⁠ ⁠Youth surge: Moefana (25), Depoortere (23), Gourgues (20)•⁠ ⁠ROG insight: France’s “there’s nothing between them” mentality — except DupontIreland under the radar?•⁠ ⁠Big selection calls at fly-half•⁠ ⁠Prendergast vs Byrne vs Crowley — who should start?•⁠ ⁠Big players missing: Aki, Keenan, Hansen, Porter⸻ENGLAND v WALES – PRESSURE EVERYWHEREEngland talking points:•⁠ ⁠Northampton connection: Freeman + Dingwall together•⁠ ⁠Henry Arundell back on the wing•⁠ ⁠Maro Itoje on the bench —•⁠ ⁠Is the modern game now fully 23-man rugby?•⁠ ⁠Henry Pollock — the ultimate impact player… and how much will he hate not starting?Wales: fresh start or same problems?•⁠ ⁠No win since March 2023 — but optimism is back•⁠ ⁠Injuries hit hard: Jac Morgan, Faletau, Tshiunza, Llewellyn•⁠ ⁠Bizarre stat: Louis Rees-Zammit has never played at Twickenham for Wales•⁠ ⁠Max… wing or fullback?•⁠ ⁠Alex Mann — world-champion agitator… shades of Ryan Wilson?⸻🔵 SCOTLAND – EXPECTATION MANAGEMENT•⁠ ⁠Preferred starting XV debate•⁠ ⁠What does success actually look like?•⁠ ⁠Sione’s careful messaging — humility or mind games?•⁠ ⁠Is this last-chance saloon for Gregor Townsend?⸻🇮🇹 ITALY – NOT A GIMME ANYMORE•⁠ ⁠Why Italy are no longer a free hit•⁠ ⁠Lessons from beating the Wallabies•⁠ ⁠Louis Lynagh predicts a big step forward•⁠ ⁠Big misses: Capuozzo, Negri, Vintcent, Allan⸻🥃 PLUS•⁠ ⁠Zebo stories you won’t hear elsewhere•⁠ ⁠Scotland humility chat•⁠ ⁠“10 channel fool’s gold”•⁠ ⁠Duncie Weir last minute drop goal •⁠ ⁠WOLFCRAIG shout-out to our fabulous sponsors 👉 https://www.wolfcraig.com⸻🔌 SPONSOR – SAILY eSIM (TRAVEL SMART)✈️ Avoid roaming fees & travel stressDownload SAILY in your app store or scan the QR code on screen.Use code MAUL at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.•⁠ ⁠Country, regional & global plans•⁠ ⁠Built-in security from Nord Security (NordVPN team)•⁠ ⁠Ad blocking, web protection & virtual location🔗 https://saily.com/maul⸻📲 FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE & DOWNLOADIf you love elite rugby analysis, inside dressing-room insight, and no-nonsense Six Nations chat — subscribe, download, and share.📌 New episodes every week📌 Available on Acast, Spotify & YouTube⸻🔍 SEO TAGS / HASHTAGS (YouTube)

MON dissects a brutal Premiership weekend and some seismic Six Nations decisions.Sale v Northampton had everything — needle, niggle, and a scoreline that didn’t tell the full story. Ryan caught up with Henry Pollock and Tommy Freeman after the game and lifts the lid on how Saints actually took it.Bristol grind out a filthy win in dreadful conditions — not the Bears way, but maybe their most satisfying yet. Flying high in the Prem… so why only one Bear anywhere near the England squad?Harlequins crash back to earth. Fans leaving early. Should relegation come back into the Premiership?Leicester quietly motor on. Bath enjoy their annual tradition as Finn Russell shushes The Shed. Gloucester stay competitive despite being depleted — with Charlie Atkinson flashing real promise at 10.Try celebrations are getting bolder too — torpedo dives, salutes to opposition fans… is anything off-limits now?URC chaos:•⁠ ⁠Glasgow squeezed by Zebre•⁠ ⁠Stormers beaten at home by the Sharks•⁠ ⁠Bulls win in Edinburgh — and once again prove they do travelPlus: Welsh rugby ownership chaos, England’s stacked depth, major Six Nations omissions, and why some of the biggest names in Europe are watching from home. Who on earth chooses to leave out Damian Penaud???All that — and MAX on conditions, violence-fuelled motivation, and a proper Royal Rumble