The Rugby Bunker

Viral Tribe Entertainment

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Times). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker.

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20 episodes
Updated July 24

Episodes20

Newest first

July 24 · 46 min
Tomas Albornoz charged, England's win and drafting a World XV | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are joined by Charles Richardson of The Telegraph to discuss the looming suspension for Argentina's Tomas Albornoz after confronting referee Angus Gardner, England's much-needed win in Santiago del Estero, before drafting a World XV following the conclusion of the Nations Championship. Subscribe to watch on YouTube. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Charles' work for The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/charles-richardson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 17 · 32 min
England vs Argentina - the biggest game of Steve Borthwick's tenure? | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer, from his holiday) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to break down England's game against Argentina late on Saturday, while also touching briefly on the other Nations Championship game of the day in Auckland. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #englandrugby #nationschampionship #argentinarugby #lospumas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 10 · 44 min
How England can defeat Fiji plus the other Nations Championship games - The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to discuss how England should approach Saturday's game against Fiji, before getting into the other Nations Championship matches this weekend including South Africa against Scotland. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #englandrugby #nationschampionship #fijirugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 3 · 49 min
South Africa v England preview - can England keep it tight at Ellis Park? | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) chats to Charlie Morgan (The Times) in Johannnesburg ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship fixture between South Africa and England, breaking down England's selection and their chances before making a prediction. Earlier in the episode Ben also speaks to South African journalist Jon Cardinelli about the Springboks' injury issues and depth, along with the higher ticket prices earlier in the week. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Follow Jon's work here: https://joncardinelli.journoportfolio.com/ #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #englandrugby #nationschampionship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 26 · 31 min
A raw Marcus Smith and England's selection dilemmas for South Africa | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) discuss Marcus Smith's comments earlier this week about his England career to date, having won his 50th cap in Paris in the Six Nations, before getting into some of England's biggest selection concerns ahead of facing South Africa next week. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #premrugby #englandrugby #marcussmith #harlequins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 20 · 13 min
PREM final reaction with Northampton and Exeter fighting for the title | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) recaps a cagey, physical PREM final between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read #rugby #rugbynews #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #premrugby #northamptonsaints #exeterchiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 18 · 46 min
Who wins the PREM final - Northampton or Exeter? | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) break down the strengths of Northampton and Exeter heading into the PREM final this weekend, while also discussing the latest news from England on Maro Itoje, the Six Nations and Benhard Janse van Rensburg, and Charlie's stint with Lewis Moody's charity cycle ride. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #premrugby #exeterchiefs #northamptonsaints Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 13 · 22 min
Two wild PREM semi-finals and the latest on England's injuries | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) recaps a busy week featuring insights from England's training camp and reaction from each of the two PREM semi-finals in Northampton and Bath. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 5 · 16 min
Andy Farrell stays put - what it means for Ireland, England and Saracens
In a bonus episode after Friday's announcement, Ben Coles (The Observer) breaks down the implications of Andy Farrell's contract extension until 2031 for Ireland, but also England and Saracens. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 5 · 42 min
Exeter vs Saracens for the PREM playoffs, plus news on Jacques Nienaber and Ellie Kildunne | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) break down Exeter against Saracens - effectively a quarter-final shootout to make the playoffs with Exeter ahead of Saracens by three points going into the final day of the PREM season. They discuss Saracens' five-match winning run and change to their attacking ethos, Mark McCall's legacy, Exeter's excellent recruitment and make a prediction. The two journalists then also discuss stories from this week involving Leinster and Jacques Nienaber, along with Ellie Kildunne's exit from Harlequins. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 29 · 46 min
England's scrum-half plans and Jo Yapp to coach the Lions | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) is joined by Will Kelleher (The Times) to discuss how Alex Mitchell's hamstring injury could change England's scrum-half plans this summer, before Fiona Tomas (The Telegraph) examines the appointment of Jo Yapp as the first-ever coach of the British and Irish Lions Women before their tour of New Zealand next year. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #englandrugby #britishandirishlions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21 · 54 min
Picking an England backline, plus the future of BUCS and Sevens | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) discuss Steve Borthwick's press conference from earlier this week, including the Benhard Janse van Rensburg call-up, and guess the backline England want to pick moving forward. They also break down the key tactics ahead of the Champions Cup final between Leinster and Bordeaux-Begles, before commentator Joe Byrnes joins the episode to discuss the latest BUCS season and players to watch, plus the upcoming Celestial Sevens tournament. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #englandrugby #steveborthwick #championscup #bucsrugby #sevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 19 · 14 min
Steve Borthwick explains why England called up Benhard Janse van Rensburg | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) recaps Tuesday's press conference from Steve Borthwick discussing England's review into their poor Six Nations, what happens this summer to the likes of Maro Itoje, and why England have called up Benhard Janse van Rensburg - who qualifies in July - and has left out Ollie Lawrence of Bath. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read #rugbyunion #englandrugby #rugbyanalysis #rugbynews #rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14 · 47 min
Geoff Parling for coach of the year? Plus, France-England for the Women's Six Nations title | TRB
Ben Coles (The Observer) is joined by Charlie Morgan (The Times) to discuss Leicester's playoff push and why Geoff Parling should be named coach of the year, before looking at this weekend's PREM fixtures and trying to find an upset. Then Fiona Tomas (The Telegraph) joins to break down the Women's Six Nations and discuss Sunday's title decider in Bordeaux between France and England. 01:39 Charlie's thoughts on Leicester-Northampton, why Geoff Parling should win coach of the year 17:28 The Champ, with Charlie going to Richmond-London Scottish 22:56 This weekend's PREM matches 29:38 Fi joins to discuss the Women's Six Nations 43:23 Would a loss, strangely, help England? Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Fiona's work for The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/f/ff-fj/fiona-tomas/ #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #leicestertigers #premrugby #womenssixnations #englandrugby #francerugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 11 · 42 min
Billy Vunipola interview: I won't play for Tonga and I'm proud to be English | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) speaks with Billy Vunipola in an exclusive interview about the former England's number eight's successful spell with Montpellier, why he won't play for Tonga at next year's Rugby World Cup, and the build-up to his arrest in Mallorca two years ago and how it changed him. 02:39 Life at Montpellier 12:16 What led to his arrest in Mallorca 34:50 Playing for Tonga? Read the interview in The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/news/sport/article/vunipola-i-will-never-switch-to-play-for-tonga-i-am-not-afraid-to-say-im-english Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read #rugby #rugbyanalysis #rugbyunion #billyvunipola #englandrugby #tongarugby #rugbyworldcup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 7 · 46 min
England's 'underwhelming' Six Nations review | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to discuss last weekend's Champions Cup semi-finals (and TV angles), before diving into the RFU's announcement regarding England's Six Nations review and previewing this weekend's PREM and Women's Six Nations matches. Stay for the Daniel Day-Lewis reference. 04:09 UBB defeat Bath, Leinster hold on against Toulon 16:16 The RFU's announcement regarding England's Six Nations review 34:00 This weekend's PREM matches 43:13 Women's Six Nations round four Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #championscup #bordeauxbegles #ubb #bathrugby #leinsterrugby #englandrugby #premrugby #womenssixnations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 30 · 39 min
Can Bath beat Bordeaux-Bègles? When do England pick Calouri? | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to break down this weekend's Champions Cup semi-finals - Leinster v Toulon and Bordeaux-Bègles against Bath - before discussing when Noah Calouri should make his England debut and paying tribute to the retiring George North. 02:00 Bordeaux-Bègles v Bath preview 14:20 Leinster v Toulon 24:45 When will England pick Noah Caluori? 36:23 Tribute to George North Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #championscup #bordeauxbegles #ubb #bathrugby #toulon #leinsterrugby #georgenorth #noahcaluori Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 24 · 44 min
The pros and cons of a British and Irish Lions tour to France | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) discuss Thursday's news from Charles Richardson (The Telegraph) that the British and Irish Lions are open to a new touring destination after 2029, with France, Japan and the Americas all possible destinations. Ben and Charlie then discuss the Women's Six Nations and PREM fixtures ahead of the weekend. 01:15 The breaking news about the Lions 14:28 Round three of the Women's Six Nations 23:01 The PREM with Bath travelling to Northampton Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #britishandirishlions #lionstour #womenssixnations #premrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 17 · 27 min
Analysis: What does 'next hole attack' mean? | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to discuss the top four in PREM Rugby and the Women's Six Nations, while Charlie unpacks some analysis on one of the latest bits of rugby jargon being used by coaches, 'next hole attack'. 01:50 'Next hole attack' 12:24 The PREM top four race 21:07 Women's Six Nations round two Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Charlie's piece on 'next hole attack': https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/article/bath-northampton-saints-attack-analysis-champions-cup-f29vd2ftg#rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #womensixnations #redroses #elliekildunne #finnrussell #bathrugby #northamptonsaints Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 10 · 37 min
Women's Six Nations Preview, plus Courtney Lawes joins Sale | The Rugby Bunker
Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are joined by Fiona Tomas (The Telegraph) to preview the Women's Six Nations, questioning whether any other side can stop world champions England. Ben and Charlie also discuss Courtney Lawes' move to Sale, and whether it could lead to a Test recall. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Fi's work for The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/f/ff-fj/fiona-tomas/ Charlie's deep dive on National One: https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/article/financial-advisers-v-electricians-inside-the-countrys-best-title-race-vqb7b6mxf #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #womensixnations #redroses #elliekildunne #abbieward #courtneylawes #englandrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices