The Ruck Rugby Podcast

England face Japan in Tokyo this weekend so Alfie Reynolds speaks to Will Kelleher who is on the ground to bring us the latest from the England camp, they also discuss the match not being on television and why it is a reflection of the rugby media landscape. Mark Palmer looks back on the URC semi-finals including a huge win for Glasgow, the positive impact of the South African sides on the competition and a third straight year without silverware for Leinster. He also previews Scotland's summer tour to the USA, Canada, Chile and Uruguay. Finally, Hannah Botterman, the Bristol Bears and England prop joins the pod to preview the Premiership Women's Rugby final as Bristol face defending champions Gloucester-Hartbury.

Northampton Saints are the Premiership champions for the first time in 10 years! Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe are back at Twickenham to reflect on their victory over Bath and to react to Steve Borthwick's England squad for their summer tour to Japan and New Zealand. They ask whether, despite having a player sent off, the Premiership final was a missed opportunity for Bath? And, is this a pivotal summer for the England career of Marcus Smith? They also chat about Northampton's ability to win ugly, the brilliant Premiership season we've just had and England's front row options.

Alfie Reynolds and Stuart Barnes look back on the Premiership semi-finals as Northampton Saints and Bath booked their spots at a sold out Twickenham. They discuss the vast improvements in both sides' forward packs and the contrasting celebrations at Franklins Gardens and The Rec, as well as looking ahead to the final. They also review the defeats for Saracens and Sale and name their God or Goddess of the week.

Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Peter O'Reilly look back on the Champions Cup as Toulouse beat Leinster in a brilliant final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It's Leinster's third straight defeat in the final, so was this them choking or simply Toulouse being too good? They also discuss the conclusion of Gloucester's season as they lost to the Sharks, who became the first South African side to win one of the traditional 'European' finals and they preview a return to Premiership action with the semi-finals this weekend.

Ahead of the final weekend of the Premiership season Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher make the trip to Bear Country. They spend a day at Bristol Bears' high performance centre to get a behind the scenes look at the club, including chatting to director of rugby Pat Lam, COO Tom Tainton as well as James Dun, Joe Batley, Callum Sheedy and Harry Randall.

After Gloucester lost 90-0 away to Northampton, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds question whether they disrespected the Premiership by fielding a weaker side? Before that they also discuss the race for the play-offs as we head into the final weekend and debate the good, bad and unintended consequences - especially around the scrum - of World Rugby's law changes which will come into effect in July. Plus, they name their God or Goddess of the week.

It wasn't to be for Northampton Saints or Harlequins as they both lost in the Champions Cup semi-finals. Leinster and Toulouse, two of Europe's most prestigious clubs will contest the final at the end of May. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Stuart Barnes and Peter O'Reilly look back on the action. They discuss the two great occasions in Toulouse and Dublin, question whether it was a missed opportunity for the English clubs and ask if Leinster have the mental strength to finally win it. Plus, Alfie talks to Gloucester's Lewis Ludlow as they got through to the Challenge Cup final and the boys name their God or Goddess of the week.

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher review another weekend of domestic rugby as the Gallagher Premiership served up contrasting matches in Bath v Saracens and Harlequins v Northampton, both of which were fascinating! They chat about officiating controversy and the race for the play-offs, Rocky Clark joins the pod to look back on the conclusion of the Women's 6 Nations as England won another Grand Slam. Plus, the boys preview the Champions Cup semi-finals and name their God or Goddess of the week.