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The Ruck Rugby Podcast
A French Grand Slam with Sam Warburton
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Stephen Jones, Alan Dymock and former British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton look back on the final weekend of the 6 Nations. They reflect on France winning their first Grand Slam in 12 years and speak to Thibault Giroud, France's Head of Performance, to understand how the French transformed into the best side in the northern hemisphere. Plus, they look at disappointing campaigns for England, Wales and Scotland and celebrate Italy's victory in Cardiff.
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Does France pose a threat to English rugby?
40:09|How big of a threat is French rugby to the English domestic game? Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds discuss whether the booming French system poses an existential threat to England, it follows a number of high profile England players deciding to play their rugby in France. To help them answer that question, Will chats to the Brive president Simon Gillham who discusses financial regulation, a successful TV deal and promotion/relegation.England's coaching merry-go-round
44:05|England have announced a new defence coach in Joe El-Abd but he'll take on the position part-time, whilst Felix Jones serves his notice period from Ireland. It's all a bit messy so Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds answer the big questions on what it means for Steve Borthwick and England ahead of the Autumn. Plus, they look back on the Premiership action at the weekend.Are you not entertained!?
52:24|The Gallagher Premiership returned on the weekend but was it the spectacle that fans were hoping for? Bath were brilliant on Friday night to beat Northampton in a re-match of last seasons final but plenty of other matches were error strewn and sloppy. Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds ask why that was the case and whether rugby has an issue with the product on display? Plus, they review the opening weekend and explain the change to ITV's weekly Premiership highlights show.George Ford interview
25:29|Will Kelleher made the trip to Manchester to have a chat with England and Sale fly-half George Ford. Injury ruled Ford out of England's summer tour so as well as previewing the new Premiership season he reflects on the matches against New Zealand, his fitness and return to playing, plus a possible move to rugby league at the end of his career.Can Newcastle compete in the Premiership? Season Preview!
01:09:27|Ahead of the Premiership season Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe make the trip to Newcastle to preview the new campaign. Following a season where the Falcons lost all of their matches they ask whether they can compete in the division this season? To help them answer that question they speak to Director of Rugby Steve Diamond, captain Callum Chick and Chairman Matt Thompson about the challenges that rugby in the North-East faces, Saudi Arabian investment, promotion/relegation and what success looks like for the club. Plus, are last seasons runners-up Bath favorites for the title this year? And, are we set for another hugely competitive race for the play-offs?Why is the Professional Game Partnership important?
54:29|The pod is back! Ahead of the new season Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher return with news about the new Professional Game Partnership. What is it? And why should supporters care? They go through some of the major talking points including the power it gives England head coach Steve Borthwick and plans for the second tier. They also discuss the shock resignation of England's defence coach Felix Jones and the renaming of Twickenham to Allianz Stadium.A long season comes to a dramatic end
53:49|It's the end of the season! Well, pretty much. Whilst Scotland and Wales still have matches to play, England and Ireland concluded their summer series against New Zealand and South Africa. Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher have one final dispatch from New Zealand as England lost narrowly to the All Blacks for the second week in a row. Was this another opportunity missed? And how do England become a team that wins tight matches against the top sides? And, Alfie Reynolds is joined by Peter O'Reilly to chat about Ireland's drawn series against the Springboks thanks to a last second drop goal. Is it the best result of the Andy Farrell era? Whilst Steve James and Mark Palmer to round-up results for Wales and Scotland.Exclusive! Richie McCaw interview
34:41|Richie McCaw is one of the legends of the game. The double world cup winning former All Black captain did it all in an illustrious playing career. He sat down to chat with Will Kelleher and even went flying in a helicopter! They discuss life after rugby including commercial helicopter flying, extreme endurance racing and the pressure and privilege of leading the All Blacks.Summer tours first test review! From New Zealand, South Africa and the USA
01:00:05|Following the first tests of the summer tours the podcast comes to you from around the world! Will and Alex reflect on England's narrow defeat to the All Blacks and ask whether it was a missed opportunity or further signs of the side making progress? Alfie chats to Peter O'Reilly who is in South Africa for Ireland's tour against the Springboks and Mark Palmer who was in Canada for Scotland's thumping victory. Plus Steve James is across Wales' tour Down Under where Warren Gatland's side suffered another defeat!