The Ruck Rugby Podcast

England's November internationals end this weekend as they host Eddie Jones' Japan at Twickenham. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe look ahead to the match and ask what England have to gain following three losses on the bounce and question how many changes Steve Borthwick will make. Plus, Owen Slot joins to discuss Eddie Jones and his England tenure after his regime was put back in the headlines this month.

Alfie, Alex and Will are back, following defeats for Wales and England over the weekend, to talk about the future of Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatland. Mark Palmer and Peter O'Reilly discuss wins for Ireland and Scotland. Plus, the boys chat about reports of a breakaway franchise league and whether it could revolutionise domestic rugby or destroy the current system and they react to the nominations for World Rugby's player of the year.

Following England's 20-29 defeat to South Africa, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher review the action at Twickenham. They discuss how much pressure Steve Borthwick is under following another defeat and whether the perception of England as a rugby nation needs to be altered. Plus, they praise the Springboks for another hard fought win when not at their best and the brilliant performance from Cheslin Kolbe.

Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe look ahead to England v South Africa this weekend. Courtney Lawes joins the pod to explain what it is like facing the Springboks, the challenge England are coming up against and the bad blood between the two sides after last year's World Cup semi-final. The boys also react to Steve Borthwick and Rassie Erasmus' team selections and ask whether playing the back-to-back world champions is the toughest thing to do in rugby and how England can get a much needed win?

Ahead of England facing Australia this weekend Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher speak to the Sydney Morning Herald's Iain Payten about Joe Schmidt's Wallabies, including the state of Aussie rugby and whether they will be competitive for the British and Irish Lions tour next year. Peter O'Reilly also joins the pod to preview Ireland's match against New Zealand on Friday night. Plus, Will and Alfie discuss the big talking points from England's team selection.

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot were at Twickenham to watch England fall narrowly short against New Zealand again! From an empty Twickenham they react to another slim defeat in a game where they were leading and also discuss Joe Marler's retirement from international rugby. Plus, Mark Palmer joins the pod to assess Scotland's victory over Fiji and look ahead to an Autumn defining match-up against South Africa.

England's Autumn campaign gets underway this weekend against New Zealand so Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look ahead to the match. They discuss Steve Borthwick's team selection including Henry Slade and Ben Spencer's inclusion, as well as the importance of the match for Steve Borthwick's side. And, they discuss Joe Marler's comments on the Haka where he questioned it's place in the sport and how teams should be allowed to challenge it more.

Ahead of the November internationals Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher preview England's matches. They ask 'what is success?' for Steve Borthwick's side over the next month and hear from scrum-half Ben Spencer who is aiming to nail down a spot in the side. They chat to New Zealand CEO Mark Robinson about World Rugby's elections, the 20 minute red card trial and taking Nations Championship matches to the Middle East. Plus, they round up the Premiership after the opening 6 rounds and provide an update on the England player contracts.