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The Rugby Paper Podcast

The Rugby Paper

The Rugby Paper Round Up is your weekly podcast bringing you the biggest stories, standout performances and key insight from across the rugby world. With insight from The Rugby Paper’s Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and a special guest from the sport each week, they cover everything from the Prem and URC to the Champ, National Leagues, BUCS and the women’s game.
Your essential audio guide to the week in rugby.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first
  • Thursday · 36 min

    Shane Byrne: Inside The Life And Career Of An Irish Rugby Great | TQL Rugby Podcast

    Today’s guest on TQL Rugby Podcast is club and country legend of Irish Rugby, Shane Byrne! With 41 international caps to his name, one British & Irish Lions Tour and a staggering 115 for Leinster and 49 for Saracens, Shane’s record is hard to match and speaks for itself. In one of the most insightful interviews I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in, Shane dove deep into what training was like when he first laced up his boots to how well drilled and professional the coaching and training is now and that the whole process deserves more recognition praise. With over a decade of experience in the front row from scrums to throw-ins, Shane has plied his trade across many countries and clubs and undoubtably set the benchmark for future generations of hookers to follow. Since retiring in 2007, Shane is now the Director of Arklow Waste Disposal, however, he has also been welcomed with open arms in the world of television with regular appearances as a captain on “Know The Score” to his first film appearance in “Mrs Brown’s Boys D’movie”. We discuss Shane’s standout moments, life after rugby, becoming a TV panellist and film star, wonderful praise and opinions on the current game, player development and ideas for Leinster’s next head coach! Thank you so much Shane for your time today! Remember to like, share and subscribe and you can also listen to this episode wherever you stream your podcasts! Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast! #rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinster #leinsterrugby #ireland #blackrock #dublin #legend #sportsshow #sports #film

  • July 20 · 19 min

    TQL Rugby – Nations Championship Summer Tour Overall Review!

    In my final video about the summer leg of the Nations Championship, I break down what has been an exceptionally action-packed tournament that, with thanks to the new format, has revolutionized the Summer and Autumn Internationals! From edge-of-seat thrillers to one-sided bulldozing performances, the first three games for every team had it all. I'll go over the scores, moments that caught my eye, analysis of the six home nations along with where I think they will go from here, what we can expect in the second leg of the competition along with final standings for the summer series! Be sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you stream your podcasts! Just search for The Rugby Paper Podcast or TQL rugby Podcast!

  • July 16 · 20 min

    TQL Rugby – Eden Park Ultimatum: Ireland Selection & Nations Championship Round Three Preview

    In the penultimate round of The Nations Championship summer tour, Ireland face off against their old nemesis New Zealand at the All Blacks’ “mecca” Eden Park! Since 1994 when France shocked the world with a 22-8 victory over the All Blacks, in the following 31 years and 52 matches the All Blacks remain undefeated at Kingsland. It’ll be a return for Ireland who last set foot at Eden Park in 2022 in which they suffered a 41-19 loss at the hands of the All Blacks before going on to win their first ever Summer Tour of New Zealand and climbed the World Rugby Rankings to No1. In this video I break down the history between these two international heavyweights, discuss the key players who will be integral to a legendary win at Eden Park, and give my thoughts, analysis and predictions on Ireland’s huge challenge, plus every other game in the final round of the Nations Championship. Feel free to like, share and subscribe and don’t forget to find me wherever you stream your podcasts! Just search for @therugbypaperpodcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!

  • July 13 · 16 min

    TQL Rugby – Ireland Debutants Delight Down Under! Nations Championship Round Two Review

    Debutants Delight Down Under! TQL Rugby Podcast – Nations Championship Round Two Review Man of the match Sean Jansen made his mark with a standout performance against Japan along with landing a vital try on his first international cap! In a game I found myself having flashbacks to the 2019 World Cup Pool stages, in which Ireland lost to the host nation, I’ve thrown together my thoughts, analysis and opinions on a cracking game in which Japan showed their impressive talent and Ireland, with nine changes, bedded in the debutants and got the job done! Feel free to like, share and subscribe and you can listen on Spotify/Amazon Music and wherever you stream your podcasts! Just search for The Rugby Paper Podcast or TQL Rugby Podcast!

  • July 9 · 20 min

    TQL Rugby - Four Ireland Debuts! Andy Farrell's Selection Analysed | Nations Championship

    In this week's episode I break down Andy Farrell's Ireland selection, from individual player analysis and opinion to a throwback to when Japan got the better of Ireland during the 2019 World Cup! Four lucky debutants take to the field for this game: Connacht's Sam Illo, Billy Bohan and Sean Jansen who makes his test start at eight, alongside Ulster's Bryn Ward who will undoubtably make his debut of the bench! Squad rotation, fly-half debate and predictions covered, as well as a look at the other remaining fixtures in The Nations Championship 👍 Feel free to like, share and subscribe for more! You can find me at @TheRugbyPaperPodcast and TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts! #rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinsterrugby #munsterrugby #connachtrugby #ulsterrugby #international #australia #japan #japanrugby #eddiejones #worldrugby #podcast #podcasting

  • July 8 · 43 min

    BORTHWICK ON THE BRINK? Fiji v England | Wales' Revival | Rugby Paper Round Up ft. Paul Williams

    In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby columnist Paul Williams to assess the mounting pressure on England head coach Steve Borthwick after a fifth consecutive Test defeat. Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and a heavy 45-21 defeat to South Africa in the opening round of the Nations Championship, England's discipline, tactics and direction are all under the microscope. With Fiji next up at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before a trip to Argentina, is this already a defining fortnight for Borthwick's tenure? We discuss: •⁠ ⁠Why England's form has collapsed since the Six Nations •⁠ ⁠The growing indiscipline problem and its impact on results •⁠ ⁠Whether England's kick-heavy game plan has become outdated •⁠ ⁠Why Steve Borthwick is coming under increasing pressure •⁠ ⁠Can England turn things around against Fiji? •⁠ ⁠Why Josua Tuisova and Fiji will fancy their chances •⁠ ⁠Should the RFU do everything possible to bring Shaun Edwards back to England? 🏉 Wales' Revival Attention also turns to Wales, who have rediscovered confidence under Steve Tandy. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠What's changed since Tandy's arrival? •⁠ ⁠Why Wales suddenly look like a different side We also chat: 🌍 Nations Championship 🏆 World Rugby U20 Championship You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

  • July 7 · 12 min

    TQL Rugby - Nations Championship Round One Review

    After a thoroughly thrilling and dynamic first round I couldn't wait to do a quick video highlighting my favourite moments, opinions on teams and results and share my positive experience watching as may of the games as I could! Feel free to like, share and subscribe and listen out for me on Spotify/Amazon and wherever you get your podcasts! Just search for @TheRugbyPaperPodcast & TQL Rugby Podcast 🍀👍 #irfu #rugby #rugbyunion #internationals #ireland #australia #fiji #wales #wru #allblacks #newzealand #france #japan #redroses #italy #springboks #englandrugby #england #southafrica #argentina #pumas #scotland #irishrugby #wallabies #nationscup #nationschampionships #worldcup #podcasting #podcast

  • July 2 · 18 min

    TQL Rugby - Ireland Selection & Nations Championship Round One Preview

    With Andy Farrell naming his squad to face the Wallabies at a startling 4:30am UK time I take a quick dive into his selection and an overview of round one of the newly reformatted Nations Championship! Thoughts, facts, opinions and predictions covered! Hope you all enjoy. Remember to like, share and subscribe to The Rugby Paper Podcast/ TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts!

  • July 1 · 52 min

    40,000 EMPTY SEATS! | South Africa v England | Henry Pollock obsession | Rugby Paper Roundup

    In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by South African rugby journalist Avuyile Sawula to preview the headline fixture of the Nations Championship this weekend as England take on the world champion Springboks at Ellis Park. Shockingly, one of rugby's most iconic stadiums could be less than half full, with media reports suggesting only around 21,000 tickets have been sold for the 62,500-capacity venue, leaving the prospect of more than 40,000 empty seats for one of Test rugby's biggest rivalries. We ask why ticket sales have been so slow and what it says about the launch of the new competition. Ben also makes the case for an England upset, while Avuyile brings exclusive insight from Johannesburg on the mood around the Springboks camp and why England's rising star Henry Pollock has quickly become one of South Africa's most talked-about – and unpopular – opponents. We also discuss: •⁠ ⁠Rassie Erasmus' team selection and the strengths of the Springboks XV •⁠ ⁠Ben Earl's fascinating mindset heading into one of rugby's toughest away trips •⁠ ⁠The atmosphere in Johannesburg ahead of the Nations Championship opener •⁠ ⁠The biggest tactical battles that could decide the match 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: [https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...](https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc)... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: [https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper] Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

  • July 1 · 20 min

    TQL Rugby Podcast - Devin Toner

    Overjoyed to have my first Leinster and Ireland superstar on the show, Devin Toner! Four European Championships, seven Pro 14 titles, three Six nations victories and a Grand Slam the stalwart back row has seen and done it all! From lineout masterclasses to tightly contested scrums Devin's influence has been essential to Leinster and Ireland. After a remarkable career and amassing an astonishing 70 caps for Ireland and a staggering 280 for Leinster Devin now supports rugby players and fans alike in the world of finance. Massive thanks to Devin for taking time out of his day for me and all the best! #rugby #ireland #leinster #internationalrugby #legend #club #country #sixnations #irishrugby #rugbyunion #lock #backrow #riseofrugby #irfu #leinsterrugby #podcast #podcasting #new #inspiration #champion

  • June 30 · 34 min

    What It's Really Like Covering Irish Rugby | Pat McCarry

    Chris Collyer spoke to Irish Journalist, Sportswriter & Producer, Author and Playwright; Pat McCarry! The pair spoke about podcasts, press conferences, post and pre matches as well as writing and directing a rugby stage play, in which he honours the life of Munster legend Anthony Foley. There is nobody more passionate about Irish rugby than Pat McCarry! You can follow Pat McCarry on all social media platforms and Substack, search for ‪@patrickmccarry9489‬ or Dirt Trackers rugby on Instagram and X.

  • June 25 · 39 min

    PWR FINAL SPECIAL! | Saracens v Trailfinders Preview | ft Bluebell Nicholls | The Rugby Paper Roundup

    In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by She’s The Champ podcast host and The Rugby Paper writer Bluebell Nicholls to preview a fascinating showdown between the competition’s established giants and its newest disruptors. We also discuss Bluebell’s rugby journey, the growth of the women’s game in Canada and her involvement with Toronto Nomads. 🏆 The Big Picture •⁠ ⁠Does this final feel like a watershed moment for the PWR? •⁠ ⁠Is Trailfinders’ rise proof that investment is broadening the league’s competitive landscape? •⁠ ⁠Has Gloucester-Hartpury’s semi-final exit changed perceptions of what clubs can achieve? •⁠ ⁠Is the PWR becoming genuinely unpredictable? 🔴 Saracens – Experience and Pedigree •⁠ ⁠Sixth PWR final appearance and another shot at silverware •⁠ ⁠How Jess Breach’s late winner against Exeter underlined Saracens’ big-game mentality •⁠ ⁠Marlie Packer’s emotional final game for the club •⁠ ⁠Why Zoe Harrison, Sophie de Goede, Olivia Apps and Jess Breach keep Saracens as the benchmark 🟢 Trailfinders – The Disruptors •⁠ ⁠First-ever final in just their third season in the league •⁠ ⁠Barney Maddison’s role in transforming the club •⁠ ⁠Why Meg Jones is the creative heartbeat of this side •⁠ ⁠Can Trailfinders play with freedom and no fear? ⚔️ The Match-Up •⁠ ⁠Structure and control versus creativity and chaos •⁠ ⁠Does the head-to-head record matter in finals? •⁠ ⁠Where will the game be won and lost? •⁠ ⁠Set-piece, breakdown and the first 20 minutes •⁠ ⁠Which style of game favours each team? ⚡ Quickfire with Bluebell •⁠ ⁠One under-the-radar player who could decide the final •⁠ ⁠One player you'd pay to watch •⁠ ⁠Which team has more X-factor? •⁠ ⁠Which team has more power? •⁠ ⁠Which team has the better bench? •⁠ ⁠Score prediction 🎧 Sunday’s PWR Final kicks off at 3pm from The Stoop, live on TNT Sports. Will Saracens add another title to their collection, or can Trailfinders complete one of the great underdog stories in recent domestic rugby history? You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subscriptions OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

  • June 17 · 44 min

    PREMIERSHIP FINAL PREVIEW! | Saints v Exeter + URC, Super Rugby & England XV | Rugby Paper Roundup

    In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by All Things Rugby editor Saner Hasan to preview one of the biggest weekends in the club rugby calendar. The Prem final takes centre stage as Northampton Saints take on Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham. The Saints have been the benchmark side all season, while Exeter’s remarkable rise from crisis to contenders has become one of the stories of the campaign. We break down the contrasting journeys of the two finalists, the brilliance of Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman, Henry Pollock’s meteoric rise, and why Rob Baxter’s rebuilt Chiefs are proving so difficult to beat. We also discuss: •⁠ ⁠Whether Tommy Freeman is the most dangerous player in the Premiership •⁠ ⁠Exeter’s transformation from relegation fears to title challengers •⁠ ⁠The key battles between Fin Smith and Harvey Skinner, and Fraser Dingwall and Henry Slade •⁠ ⁠Whether recent final experience gives Saints an edge 🏆 URC Final Attention then turns to Croke Park where Leinster face the Bulls in a repeat of last year's final. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠Why winning the URC almost feels like a minimum requirement for Leinster •⁠ ⁠Whether the Bulls can finally end their long wait for silverware •⁠ ⁠The pressure on Leo Cullen’s side after another Champions Cup disappointment •⁠ ⁠Which team has more to lose on Friday night 🌏 Super Rugby Pacific Final The Hurricanes host the Chiefs in Wellington in a final that has never happened before. We ask: •⁠ ⁠Are the Hurricanes the best club side in world rugby right now? •⁠ ⁠Can the Chiefs finally end their run of final heartbreak? •⁠ ⁠Which side handles the pressure of the occasion better? 🌹 France XV v England XV Before the finals begin, England XV head to Vannes to take on France XV as Steve Borthwick starts preparations for the summer Nations Championship. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠Why this uncapped fixture matters more than it looks •⁠ ⁠The return of Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Max Ojomoh •⁠ ⁠England's opportunity to build momentum for the summer •⁠ ⁠The notable absence of Ollie Lawrence 🔥 Final Questions •⁠ ⁠Which win would mean the most? •⁠ ⁠Which player is under the most pressure? •⁠ ⁠If you could build a team around one player from the finals weekend, who would it be? •⁠ ⁠Ranking the fly-halves: Fin Smith, Harvey Skinner, Sam Prendergast, Handré Pollard, Damian McKenzie and Ruben Love 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

  • June 10 · 46 min

    EAST MIDLANDS DERBY SEMI-FINAL! | Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers | ft Tom Vickers | The Rugby Paper Roundup

    In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Northampton Chronicle rugby writer Tom Vickers to preview a mouthwatering Gallagher Premiership semi-final weekend. Friday night sees one of English rugby’s fiercest rivalries take centre stage as Northampton Saints host Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens with a place in the Premiership final on the line. We revisit the iconic 2014 semi-final between the sides, discuss whether this remains the biggest rivalry in the Premiership, and examine why history suggests the winner could go all the way and lift the trophy. With Saints having topped the table and successfully navigated a season of rotation, injuries and international call-ups, we assess the outstanding job Phil Dowson has done, the impact of Anthony Belleau, and how Northampton have maintained their consistency despite spending periods without Fin Smith. We also discuss: • George Furbank’s impending departure and the motivation it brings • Why Saints have flourished despite heavy squad rotation • Leicester Tigers’ remarkable rise under Geoff Parling • The clash of styles between Northampton’s attack and Leicester’s set-piece power • Tommy Freeman’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage • The importance of Franklin’s Gardens under the Friday night lights --- 🏆 Bath v Exeter Chiefs Attention then turns to Saturday’s second semi-final as defending champions Bath host Exeter Chiefs at The Recreation Ground. We discuss: • Whether Exeter are the most dangerous fourth-placed side in recent Premiership history • Henry Slade’s outstanding season • Bath’s title credentials and attacking firepower --- 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: [https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc](https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc)... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: [https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper](https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper) Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

  • June 4 · 39 min

    PLAY-OFF CHAOS! | Exeter v Saracens Prem Shootout + URC Semi-Finals | The Rugby Paper Roundup

    PLAY-OFF CHAOS! | Exeter v Saracens Prem Shootout + URC Semi-Finals | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by TRP writer Chris Collyer to preview a huge weekend of club rugby as the Prem regular season reaches its climax and the URC semi-finals take centre stage. The headline act comes at Sandy Park, where Exeter Chiefs and Saracens meet in a winner-takes-all battle for a Premiership play-off place. With Mark McCall preparing to step down after an extraordinary trophy-laden spell at Saracens, could this be the final chapter of one of the great coaching eras — or one last escape act from rugby’s ultimate knockout specialists? We also preview the race for home semi-finals as Bath host Leicester Tigers, assess Northampton Saints’ preparations for the play-offs, and ask whether Bristol Bears can continue their late-season charge. We also discuss: • Exeter v Saracens and the race for the top four • Mark McCall’s legacy and Saracens’ final push • Bath v Leicester Tigers and the battle for home advantage • Harlequins’ season and Saints’ title credentials • Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears in the fight for Europe • Gloucester’s ambitions and Newcastle’s spoiler role 🏆 URC Semi-Finals Attention then turns to the United Rugby Championship, where four heavyweights battle for a place in the Grand Final. We break down: • Glasgow Warriors v Bulls — a rematch of the 2024 final • Whether Murrayfield helps or hinders Glasgow • The Bulls’ quest to finally shake their bridesmaid tag • Leinster v Stormers at the Aviva Stadium • The star-studded international talent on display • Hollie Davidson’s historic appointment to officiate the semi-final 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

  • May 28 · 32 min

    WHY ARE FRANCE DOMINATING EUROPE? | Top 14 Boom + Rugby Overtaking Football | Rugby Paper Roundup

    Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Robert Graham from the Rosbifs Rugby podcast to break down the extraordinary rise of French rugby — after another weekend of total dominance in Europe. Bordeaux Bègles dismantled Leinster to retain the Champions Cup, making it six straight European titles for Top 14 clubs, while Montpellier’s Challenge Cup triumph means French sides have now won 10 of the last 12 EPCR competitions. So why are France so far ahead of the rest of Europe right now? We explore the systems, culture and identity driving the French rugby boom — from the JIFF player pathway and financial strength of the Top 14 to the incredible depth being produced across the country. And of course, we dive into the brilliance of Bordeaux’s star-studded side — with Lucu, Jalibert, Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey lighting up Europe behind a monstrous pack led by cult hero Ben Tameifuna. We also discuss: •⁠ ⁠Whether this is the golden era of French rugby •⁠ ⁠Why the French club game feels so stable compared to England •⁠ ⁠The importance of the JIFF system in producing elite talent •⁠ ⁠Why rugby is now beating football in French TV ratings •⁠ ⁠Fabien Galthié becoming a cult figure in France •⁠ ⁠Why rugby suddenly feels “cool” in the country You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

  • May 20 · 28 min

    Women's Six Nations Grand Slam Drama + Lions Excitement | ft Ruck Star Lizzie | The Rugby Paper Roundup

    In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby content creator and social media personality Ruck Star Lizzie to react to a dramatic final round of the Women’s Six Nations — and look ahead to what feels like a huge new era for the women’s game. England edged another epic battle with France in Bordeaux to secure an eighth straight Six Nations title and Grand Slam, while Ireland smashed attendance records at the Aviva Stadium in front of more than 31,000 fans against Scotland. We break down why England v France continues to produce the biggest matches in women’s rugby, whether the Red Roses are building one of sport’s greatest dynasties, and just how special Ellie Kildunne’s tournament really was after a campaign packed with outrageous attacking numbers. We also discuss: • Marlie Packer finishing as top try scorer from the back row • Zoe Harrison leading the tournament points charts • Why Ireland’s Aviva Stadium crowd felt like a landmark moment 🦁 Women’s Lions Tour 2027 Attention also turns to the historic announcement of the first-ever Women’s Lions tour in 2027 to New Zealand. Lizzie shares her excitement around the tour, the players who have stood out outside of England this championship, and who would already be first on her Lions team sheet. 🎥 Creator life & rugby media Lizzie also reflects on building one of rugby’s biggest creator platforms, her favourite moments covering the sport, and what rugby still doesn’t quite get right digitally. 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup.

  • May 14 · 43 min

    GRAND SLAM DECIDER! | England v France + Historic Aviva Clash in Six Nations | Rugby Paper Roundup

    In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Irish rugby journalist Caolin Scully to preview a blockbuster final round of the Women’s Six Nations — headlined by a winner-takes-all Grand Slam showdown between England and France in Bordeaux. The Red Roses are chasing an eighth straight title, but France once again stand in their way in what has become the defining rivalry of the championship. We break down where France can hurt England, how impressed we’ve been with the Red Roses’ depth amid injury disruption, and how Meg Jones has handled the pressure of captaining the side through the tournament. We also ask whether this latest England v France clash has all the ingredients to produce another classic. We also cover: •⁠ ⁠England’s unbeaten run and evolving squad depth •⁠ ⁠France’s attacking threats and belief heading into Bordeaux •⁠ ⁠Why this rivalry feels different from every other matchup in the tournament •⁠ ⁠Whether England’s rotation policy has made them even stronger 🇮🇪 Historic day at the Aviva Stadium Attention also turns to Dublin, where Ireland host Scotland in the first-ever standalone Women’s Six Nations fixture at the Aviva Stadium, with more than 28,000 tickets already sold. We discuss what the occasion means for women’s rugby in Ireland, the progress Ireland have made across the championship, and whether the battle for third place signals the emergence of a genuine tier beneath England and France. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper