The Ruck

Despite England having their worst ever men's 6 Nations campaign why has an RFU review backed Steve Borthwick in his role as head coach?Alfie, Alex and Will discuss the RFU's decision, what needs to change for England and why the review process if so secretive.Plus, they chat about whether Cornish Pirates will become a Prem club after they acquired funding from an American private equity group, the latest twists and turns in the race for the play-offs and Elgan joins them to look ahead to a grand slam decider in the Women's 6 Nations.

Shane Christie was one of the brightest rugby stars in New Zealand before suffering multiple concussions, leading to a brain injury that would slowly take everything from him. And his experience is far from unique. In this deeply personal account, David Walsh talks to Shane's former partner, Holly Parkes, to ask, What happened? What does Shane's story reveal about the sport he loved deeply? And can rugby survive the fallout? This is part one of a two-part special investigation into the crisis facing this global game. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory***Allianz Future Fund | Allianz InsuranceGuest: Holly ParkesHost: David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday TimesProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Two friends, two suicides. How did rugby let this happen?Clips: Harlequins - YouTube.

The British & Irish Lions are exploring the possibility of touring Japan, Argentina or France. Is this a dangerous erosion of tradition? A shameless money grab? Or a brilliant thing to propel the Lions into a "different stratosphere"? And, what would it mean for the traditional tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia?Alfie, Alex and Will are in studio to discuss the future of the Lions and ask what do they want to be in the professional era?Elgan looks back on the latest round of the Women's 6 Nations and they discuss the latest action in Prem rugby and look ahead to Bath's trip to Bordeaux in the Champions Cup.***Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance

It was a week of contrasts in both the Prem and Women's 6 Nations.In the Gallagher Prem the league continues to attract new investment but Sale were humiliated at home on Sunday, whilst Gloucester, Newcastle and Harlequins also suffered heavy defeats. Was that down to a lack of jeopardy due to no relegation? Or other factors?Scotland v England at Murrayfield set a new record attendance for a standalone women's sporting event north of the border. But, on the pitch are the sides further apart than ever after England's thumping win? When will the Red Roses next lose?Plus, Joe Launchbury chats to Alfie & Will after he announced he would retire from rugby at the end of the season.***Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance

Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Charlie Morgan look back on the Champions Cup quarter-finals.They ask which was better...Bath and Northampton's epic high-scoring tussle at The Rec? Or the heavyweight clash between Bordeaux and Toulouse?Was Henry Pollock unlucky to be shown a yellow card so late in the contest? And, despite defeat, will Northampton be confident of getting revenge in the Prem final?Are Leinster going under the radar and could they actually win the Champions Cup this season?And, the boys look back on the opening round of the Women's 6 Nations as the Red Roses made it 34 wins in a row!***Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance

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

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?

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