The Ruck

Alfie, Alex and Charlie reflect on the opening weekend of November.Was Australia's performance in defeat to England one of their worst in recent years? Despite winning was Wales' performance against Japan underwhelming? And, can France earn a statement result against South Africa this Friday?Plus, 2003 World Cup winner Neil Back joins the pod thanks to Rugby World Cup experiences - the official provider of ticket inclusive travel and hospitality for the Rugby World Cup 2027. He explains why he wants to see Henry Pollock start for England and why Steve Borthwick's side need to start beating the best teams in the world on a consistent basis.

England began their November with a comfortable 45-22 victory over Australia at Twickenham.Alfie, Will and Charlie reflect on the performance and the victory and ask if it was the perfect start to England's Autumn campaign?Plus, who should replace the injured Seb Atkinson against Japan? What's the latest on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's injury? And, why were Australia so poor?

England play Australia on Sunday to start their November internationals. But how much of an issue is the culture within the England environment?Owen Slot joins Alfie, Alex and Will to discuss his article which revealed the tensions and issues within Steve Borthwick's set-upWill has had a chat with the former Australia winger Nick Cummins, known as the 'honey badger'. They look ahead to the match on Sunday, the World Cup in 2027 and Nick's iconic post-match one-liners.Then Alfie, Will and Alex react to the England team named by Steve Borthwick, explain the senior leadership's reaction to Slotty's article and tee-up the weekend.

The Nations Championship returns this weekend!Ahead of a bumper month of international rugby Alfie, Stuart and Charlie look ahead to all the action.With Fin Smith potentially sidelined they ask who should start at fly-half for England against Australia? Despite their world ranking is there reason for Welsh positivity this Autumn? Plus, how much of an eye does each nation have on the world cup next year?And, Mark Palmer joins the show to preview Scotland's match against the All Blacks. What chance does he give Gregor Townsend's side of getting a first victory over New Zealand?

Following Derby Weekend in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Alex, Elgan and Barnsey look back on the action.They pick through an entertaining round of matches which, despite the torrential conditions, produced some excellent match-ups!What is going wrong for Sale and Saracens? Have Harlequins turned a corner? And, are Gloucester proving that they're the real deal?Plus, the boys chat about Steve Borthwick's England training squad ahead of the November internationals and look back on another defeat for the Red Roses! Following their defeat to Canada John Mitchell raised concerns about the PWR. Is he right to question the amount of game-time for England players? Or is the bigger picture more important?

It's Derby Weekend in the Gallagher Prem!So, Will and Alfie have travelled to Leicester to chat with tight-head Joe Heyes and Tigers' captain Ollie Chessum.They preview their massive game against rivals Northampton Saints this weekend and chat about leadership, the club's DNA and why it's best to embrace the spice of a local derby.Plus, why was Ollie grumpy? And, how will Joe get on with Will's history quiz?

Spain have launched their bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup!The federations president Juan Carlos Martin 'Hansen' joins Alfie, Will and Elgan and explains why hosting the world cup would be transformative for rugby in the country. He also outlines plans for a professional Spanish franchise to join the URC and their hopes of competing in the 6 Nations.Plus, in the Champions Cup it was a poor weekend of results for the English clubs. Have Bath already blown any hope of winning the competition?And, the Red Roses finally lost a test match, what does that reveal about the women's game?

Following the third round of action in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Will and Charlie review both the amazing matches on the pitch and the storylines off it.Is Northampton 71, Bath 48 a good thing for the sport? Why are we getting so many crazy scorelines? And, does the league have an attendance problem?Plus, issues with synthetic pitches, New Zealand winning the Bledisloe again and the Champions Cup returns.

Alfie, Will, Charlie and Elgan look back on the second round of action from the Prem.Gloucester, Bristol and Bath remain unbeaten, whilst Sale picked up a hugely important victory away to Saracens.Exeter and Harlequins both remain without a win, which club should be more concerned?Are Harlequins in another crisis? What's so impressive about Bristol's defence? And, would a Prem Welsh XV beat an equivalent side from the URC?Plus, after Brendan Venter changed his job title to 'Wine consultant' to avoid media duties, the boys discuss why it's an issue and what it reveals about the club.