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Rugby Unity

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Hosted by Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, and David Pembroke, Rugby Unity is the global rugby podcast that tackles the game’s biggest issues — on and off the field.

This is where strong opinions meet smart analysis.

Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie bring decades of international coaching experience at the very top level, while David Pembroke draws on 35 years as a rugby journalist and strategist.

Together, they cut through the noise with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

Rugby Unity is more than a podcast. It’s a community of fans, players, coaches, and leaders committed to securing rugby’s future prosperity worldwide.

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.


Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

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  • 37 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 1 hr 8 min
  • English

Episodes 37

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  • S2 · E152
    Monday · 1 hr 9 min

    WHAT HAPPENED?! Wallabies stun Springboks + chaotic last 15 minutes & WXV Roundup

    The Wallabies beat the Springboks in Perth, and David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down how Australia did it, why Sua'ali'i looked far more influential on the wing, and what it means heading into the Bledisloe Cup and the Nations Championship. The panel praise Australia’s aerial contest, breakdown fight, midfield running lines, and key moments like Donaldson’s try set-up and Wilson’s lineout impact, while questioning what South Africa learned from 13 changes and a shift away from their usual formula. Then it turns to the last 15 minutes: head contact, yellow cards, TMO involvement, and a communications failure that made 15 v 11 feel like a farce. The conversation expands into WXV with the Red Roses edging the Black Ferns at Twickenham, France beating Canada 21-5 in La Rochelle, and the wider concerns around integrity, stoppages, and what World Rugby needs to fix with a year to go. Also in this episode: ● Wallabies match Springbok physicality and win aerial battle ● Sua'ali'i on the wing unlocks freedom and influence ● South Africa stray from their formula despite 13 changes ● Yellow cards, head contact, and TMO protocols slammed ● Red Roses beat Black Ferns in thriller at Twickenham ● France topple Canada 21-5 as WXV tightens PLUS: With a year to go, the panel demand leadership from World Rugby on safety, integrity, and keeping 15 v 15. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S2 · E151
    September 25 · 1 hr 23 min

    13 CHANGES: Wallabies v Springboks in Perth + WXV Preview

    Rassie Erasmus has named a Springboks side with 13 changes for Perth, and it’s sparked the big question: is this a golden Wallabies opportunity, or just another Springbok test of depth? David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie go straight to selection, match plan, and where Australia can realistically hurt South Africa, from scrum and lineout pressure to the aerial contest with Sua'ali'i moved to the wing. There’s plenty on Les Kiss’ first big selection call, Donaldson’s chance at 10, and why both Hansen and McKenzie see a path to an Australian win, while Pembroke backs the Boks’ depth, Pollard’s control, and bench impact. The episode also shifts to the women’s game with WXV: England v New Zealand at Twickenham, France v Canada, Scotland v Australia, and why governance and speed of decision-making are now make-or-break for rugby. Also in this episode: ● Steve Hansen explains how coaches think about selection ● Ewen McKenzie on charting selections to avoid emotion ● Wallabies tactics: attack Springboks strengths at set-piece ● Sua'ali'i wing move: aerial threats and roaming licence ● WXV preview: England v New Zealand at Twickenham ● Rugby governance debate: faster decisions, simpler product PLUS: What rugby can learn from the NBA, NRL and AFL on agility, marketing, and keeping fans. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S2 · E142
    August 24 · 1 hr 13 min

    Greatest Rivalry Test 1: Steve Hansen on the All Blacks beating South Africa

    New Zealand 1, South Africa 0, and Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and David Pembroke pull apart a Test that felt on a knife-edge until the scrum flipped the night. The All Blacks’ 33–16 win (five tries to one) looks comfortable, but the big moment was South Africa turning down points for repeated scrum shots and watching momentum swing hard. The panel digs into why the Springboks couldn’t convert 22 entries, the All Blacks’ goal-line effort and ball-stripping pressure, and the fallout from injuries and HIAs. There’s plenty on bench splits, the bomb squad not firing, and what Rassie Erasmus might do at 9 and 10 next week in Cape Town. Plus: Matthew Carley’s refereeing, TMO pushback, and yellow card debates, the Black Ferns’ 66–19 win over the Wallaroos, and major updates on the UK concussion legal battle. Also in this episode: ● Scrum dominance swung All Blacks vs Springboks momentum ● Why South Africa wasted key 22 entries ● Jordie Barrett’s big plays and leadership praise ● Rassie Erasmus’ selection dilemmas at 9 and 10 ● Matthew Carley, TMO moments, and yellow card debate ● Black Ferns thrash Wallaroos, plus concussion court update PLUS: The panel weighs depth vs experience across a brutal four-Test series. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S2 · E137
    August 7 · 1 hr 6 min

    Steve Hansen on Stormers v All Blacks, Japan v Wallabies + Argentina v Springboks! Greatest Rivalry Tour kicks off!

    David Pembroke and Steve Hansen run the ruler over a massive weekend of international rugby. The All Blacks tour begins in South Africa with Stormers v All Blacks, and the chat zooms in on why Beauden Barrett looks refreshed, how opportunity really works inside a big touring squad, and what Dave Rennie will actually measure beyond the scoreboard. World Rugby’s push towards a faster, more attacking game gets a hard look, alongside fresh tension around referees, law clarity, and the reported end of pre-match coach-ref meetings. The focus then swings to Osaka where Eddie Jones’ Japan face Les Kiss’ Wallabies in brutal heat and humidity, with selections, tactics, and defence shaping the debate. There’s also South Africa v Argentina with major Pumas unavailability, plus Sevens scheduling and the cost of under-20 pathways. Also in this episode: ● Ewen McKenzie recovering in hospital, Steve Hansen’s injuries ● Beauden Barrett’s role, mindset, and All Blacks selection pressure ● Stormers v All Blacks: young Yaqeen Ahmed and Khan threat ● World Rugby and coaches tension over pre-match referee meetings ● Eddie Jones’ Japan v Les Kiss’ Wallabies in humid Osaka ● Argentina v South Africa, plus Sevens and under-20 funding debate PLUS: A bigger argument on how rugby balances attack, contest, and community foundations. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Eddie Jones, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S2 · E136
    August 3 · 1 hr 4 min

    Greatest Rivalry: Springboks v All Blacks – Steve Hansen & Ewen McKenzie on the start of the tour!

    A hero’s welcome for the All Blacks in Cape Town kicks off a big conversation about why touring still matters, and why the New Zealand–South Africa clash has always felt like the sport’s true “World Championship”. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie unpack the build-up to the opener against the Stormers, the brutal reality of midweek games, and the All Blacks’ smart approach to PR, preparation and switching on at training. There’s also a close look at Rassie Erasmus taking a 26-man Springbok squad to Argentina, plus a preview of Japan v Wallabies in Osaka in serious heat and what Eddie Jones might spring to unsettle Australia under Les Kiss. Listener questions bring a straight-shooting chat on Zac Lomax leaving after a season and a half at the Force, plus a wider look at Samoa’s governance tensions and why Pacific rugby stability matters. Also in this episode: ● All Blacks get a huge Cape Town welcome ● Touring returns, with midweek games back on ● Greatest rivalry history: All Blacks v Springboks roots ● Stormers preview and All Blacks weekly preparation plan ● Japan v Wallabies in Osaka heat, Eddie Jones tactics ● Zac Lomax, Western Force fallout, and Wallabies selection debate PLUS: The panel also weighs Pacific rugby funding, accountability, and Samoa’s World Rugby tensions. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 37 episodes