The Ruck
Episodes
Can Dyson's dosh build a dynasty at Bath?
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sir James Dyson has become a 50% shareholder at Bath, so what does that mean for the club and for English domestic rugby?Will it cement the clubs plac...
An all-time great 6 Nations produces an ending for the ages
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The 2026 6 Nations is over!One of the great championships went down to the final kick of the final match. Thomas Ramos knocked over a penalty to break...
And then there were three…Is there one last Six Nations shock?
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Super Saturday is almost here as the 2026 6 Nations reaches its conclusion.Who will win the title as France, Scotland and Ireland are all in the runni...
Historic weekend leaves three nations in the running
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What a weekend of 6 Nations action!Italy recorded their first-ever win against England, Scotland produced one of their best performances to put 50 poi...
England's 6 Nations in ruins after their first-ever defeat to Italy
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
England have lost to Italy for the first time!Following a historic day in Rome, Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher are in the Stadio Olympico to unpack ...
Can 'best ever' Italy beat England for the first time?
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
England make the trip to Rome in the 6 Nations following two defeats and two terrible performances against Scotland and Ireland. So how much pressure ...
Seismic changes in English rugby & the 6 Nations run-in
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Last week the English league system saw its biggest shake-up since the dawn of professionalism: it was confirmed that from 2029/30 the PREM will chang...
Six Nations halfway house: Can Scotland or Ireland stop France’s procession?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's a fallow week in the 6 Nations so Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Stuart Barnes discuss all of the action from round three.They chat about Sco...
England's 'alarming' defeat to brilliant Ireland
21 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
England's hopes of a 6 Nations title went up in smoke as they lost to Ireland at Twickenham.Following a loss to Scotland a week ago, Steve Borthwick's...
Itoje's 100th as England face Ireland
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Following defeat to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup last weekend, England host Ireland in round three of the 6 Nations on Saturday.Alfie Reynolds, Alex L...
Is anyone good enough to stop a French Grand Slam?
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The second round of the 6 Nations produced plenty of thrills and spills! Scotland stunned England in Edinburgh, Ireland got up and running by beating ...
Groundhog day as brilliant Scotland bulldoze England
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Scotland destroyed England 31-20 to win the Calcutta Cup!From the stands at Murrayfield Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer and Will Kelleher try to unpick a ...
Can England finally win in Edinburgh?
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Calcutta Cup week as Scotland host England in the 6 Nations.Alfie, Alex and Will are in Edinburgh to look ahead to the match. They discuss the pr...
What now for Gregor Townsend? And a pod debut!
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On the opening weekend of the 6 Nations Scotland lost against Italy to heap pressure on Gregor Townsend, Ireland lost to France who produced a stateme...
Clinical England dismantle dismal Wales
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
England got their 6 Nations campaign up and running with a ruthless 48-7 victory over Wales who endured a torrid day at Twickenham.Alfie Reynolds, Wil...
Do Wales have any hope of beating England?
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What chance do Wales have of beating England at Twickenham this weekend in the opening round of the 6 Nations? The bookmakers have them as huge outsid...
Who are the 6 Nations favorites?
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The 2026 6 Nations is here!Who are the favorites to win the championship? Is it France as the defending champions or a resurgent England?Alfie Reynold...
Will Welsh rugby ever recover?
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie and Will welcome Mark Evans back onto The Ruck having returned from his time as the CEO of the Fijian Drua.They chat about the latest developmen...
Did Scott Robertson 'lose the dressing room'?
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Following the All Blacks sacking head coach Scott Robertson, Alfie, Will and Alex are joined by the New Zealand Herald's Liam Napier to explain why he...
Madness, brilliance and problems: Another weekend in the Champions Cup
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Following another weekend of action in the Champions Cup Alfie, Elgan and Alex look back on all of the big stories.With only one round of matches to g...
Henry Pollock Special
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Henry Pollock had a remarkable 2025!Breaking through with Northampton Saints, making his England debut, beating Leinster in Dublin, a Champions Cup fi...
What's happening at Harlequins!?
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At the midway point in the Prem season Harlequins find themselves in a crisis. They're 8th in the table, having only won two of their nine games, incl...
Our World XV of 2025!
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the end of 2025 so in keeping with tradition The Ruck's end of year selection meeting is back as Alfie, Alex, Will and Elgan name a world XV of t...
Harlequins humiliated and salary cap secrets
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the final pod before Christmas and Alfie, Alex, Will and Elgan are back to review all the action over the weekend.They discuss humbling defeats f...
How to save the Champions Cup, scrums and the Champ
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will and Alex are solving all sorts on the Ruck this week. Mark Palmer comes on to chat about Glasgow's extraordinary win over Toulouse in t...
Is this Bath's year in Europe? Plus hybrid hero André Esterhuizen
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Ruck has a South African flavour this week as we interview Springboks hybrid hero André Esterhuizen, the centre who can also play back-row. We ta...
Where does Welsh rugby go from here?
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the end of the Autumn Internationals, Alex Lowe and Elgan Alderman review the action. We look at South Africa's 73–0 mauling of Wales, as ...
Are unbeaten England now South Africa's closest rivals?
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the end of the November internationals Alfie, Alex, Will and Barnsey are back in studio to review the action.In 2025 South Africa have cemen...
Injury-hit England aim for a perfect autumn
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the final weekend of the November internationals (apart from Wales and South Africa who play each other next week!). So, Alfie, Will and Elgan ar...
The Nations Championship explained, Pumas prowl & Scotland suffer
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher look back on the latest action from the November internationals.They ask what was the most impo...
A George Ford masterclass, as England ‘batter’ New Zealand
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
England have beaten the All Blacks for the 9th time in their history! Steve Borthwick's side ran out comfortable winners for a statement victory.Alfie...
Richie McCaw previews England vs New Zealand
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All Blacks legend and double world cup winning New Zealand captain Richie McCaw joins Alfie, Alex and Will to look ahead to the match against England ...
Scotland miss All Blacks history as England plan their own shot at glory
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Stuart Barnes look back on the latest from the November internationals. They're joined by Mark Palmer to reflect on...
England beat Fiji (eventually). Now the All Blacks...
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher look back on England's victory over Fiji at Twickenham. For the second week in a row Steve Borthwick's side managed t...
Why is Maro Itoje on the bench?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the second weekend of November internationals so Alfie, Alex and Elgan look ahead to the action.They are at the England training base so discuss ...
Steven Kitshoff: Life threatening injury, France vs Springboks and bomb squad beer
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Will and Owen Slot are back to review all the November internationals over the weekend and preview the upcoming round of fixtures.They are join...
England's 'bomb squad' downs Wallabies
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Alex and Will react to England's victory over Australia at Twickenham as Steve Borthwick's side started their November campaign with a 25-7 win...
England's 'New Phase' November; Wallabies Preview
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
England begin their November internationals this weekend by welcoming Australia to Twickenham.Alfie and Alex are at the England training base to previ...
Warburton on Welsh rugby's future & Freeman the centre
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the start of the November internationals so Alfie and Will look ahead to the matches this weekend, including England's game against Australia. Th...
Caluori's surprise inclusion, Willis' shock departure - England's November squad!
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Alex and Will are at England's training base after Steve Borthwick announced his training squad ahead of the November internationals. Teenage s...
Does rugby want R360?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Alex and Will question whether the rugby establishment wants to see R360 - the new global franchise competition - be successful. It follows las...
Two Lions on the pod: Fin Smith staying at Saints & Tommy Freeman’s positional switch.
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of 'Derby Weekend' in the Gallagher PREM, Will Kelleher heads to the midlands to chat to Northampton Saints. He speaks with Director of Rugby Ph...
Lewis Moody's heart-breaking MND diagnosis - what is sport's connection to the disease?
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody has announced that he has motor neurone disease, so, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes join Alfie Reynolds to pay tribute ...
The Champ, The Prem, and the future of English club rugby
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Promotion and relegation, franchising and the rugby pyramid; these are all issues that are so fundamental to the state of English rugby, and things so...
Red Roses glory as England win home World Cup
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
England are world champions! The Red Roses have won the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup so outside Twickenham Alfie, Elgan and Alex look back on the fina...
Women's Rugby World Cup final preview!
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This weekend England face Canada in the Women's Rugby World Cup final. Alfie and Elgan look ahead to the match and ask if the Red Roses can finally ge...
'PREM' season preview - A new Red Bull era and Thursday night rugby
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The new season is here! Ahead of domestic rugby restarting Alfie and Will are at Twickenham to look ahead to the action. It's been a huge summer of ch...
Were Ireland robbed of a World Cup semi-final?
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie and Elgan are at the England team hotel ahead of their semi-final against France in the World Cup this weekend. They chat to second-row Morwenna...
Is an England v New Zealand final the best thing for the World Cup?
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Women's World Cup is into the knockout rounds! Ahead of the quarter-finals Alfie and Elgan are at Twickenham where they chat to the Managing Direc...
Australia and USA in Pool A shootout & South Africa produce the shock of the tournament
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The second round of the women's rugby world cup provided the best two matches of the tournament so far! Alfie and Elgan are down near Brighton to revi...
Are one sided score lines an issue at the World Cup? When will LRZ return for Wales?
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the opening round of fixtures at the women's Rugby World Cup, Alfie and Elgan look back on all the action. They discuss the Red Roses perfor...
Can the Red Roses finally win the world cup?
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The women's world cup starts this week so Alfie Reynolds and Elgan Alderman look ahead to the tournament. They ask whether 2025 is going to be the yea...
Goodbye from Australia - Lions tour review
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Lions tour Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher bring you one final pod from Australian soil.Th...
Was the 2025 Lions series a missed opportunity for Australia?
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia ended with one of the most bizarre test matches!Biblical rainfall and a thunderstorm delayed proc...
Lions eye famous whitewash - 3rd test preview
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot preview the third and final test in the 2025 Lions tour.They discuss why Andy Farrell naming such a strong squ...
"The Incident", The Australian view and the Lions drive for 3-0
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the controversial ending to the 2nd test between Australia and the Lions, Will and Alfie are joined by Christy Doran, rugby editor of The Ro...
An all-time classic at the MCG as the Lions win the series
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The British & Irish Lions have won the test series against Australia! Hugo Kennan scored the winning try in the final play of the game to cap off ...
Australia vs Lions - 2nd test preview
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the second test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions, Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell have named their sides.Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher...
Have the First Nations & Pasifika XV given the Wallabies a blueprint to beat the Lions?
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The British & Irish Lions won their final tour game on Australian soil as they beat the First Nations and Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium in Melbour...
The Lions beat the Wallabies in Brisbane to go 1-0 up in the series
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The British & Irish Lions are 1-0 up in the test series against Australia. They won 27-19 in Brisbane to gain a huge advantage in the three test s...
Wallabies and Lions name their 1st test squads. Is it advantage Lions?
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Australia and the Lions have named their matchday squads for the first test in Brisbane on Saturday. Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are alongside Alfie R...
Do the Lions call ups prove the tours don’t work any more?
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the week of the first test between the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions!Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones are...
Cowan-Dickie & Ringrose out, so who plays the first Lions Test?
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The British & Irish Lions are heading to Brisbane to prepare for the first test match against the Wallabies.They defeated a combined Australia and...
The Lions beat the Brumbies but are there more questions than answers?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The British & Irish Lions defeated the ACT Brumbies 36-24 in Canberra. Another win for Andy Farrell's side but was it another performance which ad...
Is this the Lions team for the first test?
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Farrell has named his side to take on the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday and it is the strongest of the tour so far. So, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher a...
The Lions win again but are problems emerging?
05 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The British & Irish Lions defeated the NSW Waratahs 21-10 in Sydney for their third straight victory on Australian soil. But, are problems emergin...
The Owen Farrell selection dissected
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Farrell has been called up to the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad!Following the biggest news of the tour so far, Alex Lowe, Stephen Jones an...
Reds vs Lions review as Andy Farrell has another big injury concern
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Will and Alex are at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to review the Lions beating Queensland Reds 52-12 to win back to back games on Aussie soil. Th...
Ben White replaces Tomos Williams, plus the Englishman at the Reds
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Will and Alex react to the news that Tomos Williams' Lions tour is over! The Wales scrum-half suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday so Scotla...
Lions vs Western Force review. Are we heading for a strong midweek side? Plus, Tomos Williams' injury
28 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The British & Irish Lions are up and running Down Under. They defeated the Western Force 54-7 in Perth and Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Stephen Jone...
THE RED LIONS, EPISODE THREE: Rancour and revival; 2001-2021
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From The Ruck, the rugby podcast from the Times & Sunday Times we present: The Red Lions.A special three-part podcast series covering 75 years of ...
THE RED LIONS, EPISODE TWO: Politics, punch-ups and professionalism; 1977-1997
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From The Ruck, the rugby podcast from the Times & Sunday Times we present: The Red Lions.A special three-part podcast series covering 75 years of ...
THE RED LIONS, EPISODE ONE: From adventurers to invincibles; 1950-1974
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From The Ruck, the rugby podcast from the Times & Sunday Times we present: The Red Lions.A special three-part podcast series covering 75 years of ...
We're in Australia as George North looks back on his iconic 2013 tour
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie and Will are in Perth covering the British & Irish Lions as the 2025 tour to Australia is up and running. They chat to one of the heroes of ...
Bath are English champions! The 29 year drought is over.
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bath are champions of England for the first time since 1996! They beat Leicester 23-21 and Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones and Stuart Barnes react from ...
Will Bath create history? And why is R360 'delusional'?
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie and Will look back on a brilliant weekend of Premiership Rugby semi-finals as Bath and Leicester book their spot at Twickenham. Can Bath end a 2...
Finn Russell and Will Stuart take us behind Bath's rise
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's Premiership semi-final week! So Alfie and Will head to Bath to speak with Finn Russell, Will Stuart and Johann van Graan. They find out how the c...
Champions and Challenge Cup finals review
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes review the European finals over the weekend. Alex reflects on Northampton's defeat to Bordeaux in a brilli...
Are Bath coasting to the Premiership title?
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Will and Alex are in Richmond as the British & Irish Lions squad meet for the first time since Andy Farrell named his touring party. So, wh...
How the Premiership big games have brought the league to life
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Steve, Alex and Will look back on the Premiership action over the weekend including showpiece matches in Cardiff and at Twickenham. They discus...
Andy Farrell names his British & Irish Lions squad
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie, Alex and Will are at the O2 after Andy Farrell named his British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia this summer. Maro Itoje was revealed...
Northampton produce a miracle plus Ellis Genge talks Bath rivalry and Henry Pollock
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie and Will look back on Northampton Saints producing one of the greatest upsets in European club rugby history by beating Leinster and progressing...
Picking our British & Irish Lions squad!
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of Andy Farrell naming his British & Irish Lions squad to Australia on 8th May, The Ruck team go through their selections. With it being a w...
Did the Red Roses finally get the test they needed?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe look back on the Premiership action at the weekend. They look at Gloucester's continuing rise and ask whether Bristol hav...
Are Harlequins and Bristol dropping out of play-off contention?
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Stuart Barnes and Stephen Jones look back on the latest round in the Premiership and ask whether Harlequins and Bristol are...
Are we set for the Leinster Lions?
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman look back on the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup. They discuss the brilliant match...
What do rugby fans want from the sport?
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will Kelleher is back alongside Alfie to review the last-16 of the Champions Cup. They discuss some brilliant games including Castres v Benetton and L...
A rugby world cup in the Middle East?
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds and Egan Alderman look back on all the biggest stories across the last week. Including the possibility of a rugby world cup heading to ...
Style over substance?
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Gallagher Premiership returned this weekend, following it's break for the men's 6 Nations. Alfie, Alex and Will look back on the action which incl...
Picking our British and Irish Lions matchday 23 - post 6 Nations
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the conclusion of the men's 6 Nations, Alfie, Will and Alex are back to pick their matchday 23 for the British & Irish Lions to take on ...
France win the title as England destroy Wales
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the conclusion of the 6 Nations, Alfie, Alex and Will review Super Saturday as France won the title and England humbled Wales in Cardiff. Th...
How 'super' will the Six Nations Saturday be?
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are in Cardiff ahead of the final round of the Six Nations. They look forward to 'Super Saturday' with Ireland, England an...
France destroy Ireland's grand slam dream - is the Six Nations theirs?
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The final weekend in the Six Nations is set up nicely after France produced one of their great performances to beat Ireland in Dublin. Alfie Reynolds,...
Weekend Preview: Where are all the 'maverick' fly-halves?
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of the penultimate weekend in the Six Nations, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look ahead to the action. They ask whether 'maverick'...
Title on the line: Ireland vs France dissected
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman and coaching consultant Ben Pegna join Alex, Will and Alfie to preview Ireland vs France. They discuss the contr...
What is it like inside the England camp? Plus a huge Welsh performance
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following his time in the England camp before the Six Nations, David Walsh joins Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe. He explains what it was like being embe...
England regain Calcutta Cup as wasteful Scotland miss shot at 5 in a row
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
England defeated Scotland 16-15 at Twickenham to win the Calcutta Cup for the first time in five years and keep their chances of winning the Six Natio...
Finn Russell starts as Scotland eye another win against England
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe preview the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham this weekend. Mark is at the Scotland camp and discuss...
How do you fix Welsh rugby? Sam Warburton previews round three of the Six Nations
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are joined by Sam Warburton to preview round three of the Six Nations. They look at the issues facing Wels...
Gatland's gone! And is Fin Smith the next Wilkinson?
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales' head coach in the middle of the Six Nations! Alfie, Will and Alex react to the bombshell news and also spea...