The Ruck

England beat France to kickstart 6 Nations campaign

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

England beat France 26-25 in an exhilarating match at Twickenham to breath fresh life into their Six Nations campaign. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and W...

Fin and Marcus Smith start in "must win" game for England

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of England hosting France at Twickenham in the Six Nations this weekend Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher react to the team selec...

6 Nations Round 1 review plus Ollie Chessum interview

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Following the opening round of the 2025 Six Nations Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher review all the action and cast their eyes forward to this weekend...

England lose to Ireland in Dublin!

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Following England's 27-22 defeat to Ireland in the opening round of the 6 Nations, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes react to another disappo...

Shaun Edwards exclusive interview!

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 2025 Six Nations gets underway on Friday night as France host Wales in Paris. Shaun Edwards spent years with the Welsh team during Warren Gatland'...

2025 Six Nations preview!

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the 6 Nations Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Mark Palmer preview the 2025 championship. They go through each team and address t...

Is the Champions Cup less competitive than ever?

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How many teams can truly win this year's Champions Cup? Following the conclusion of the pool stages Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Peter O'Reilly l...

England 6 Nations squad - Steve Borthwick interview!

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

England have named their squad ahead of the 2025 6 Nations and Maro Itoje is the new captain, replacing Jamie George. Alfie, Will and Alex are at Twic...

How long will Bill Sweeney survive?

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's another week and another update on the future of RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney. Alfie is back from Australia so he and Will try to explain wha...

Eben Etzebeth exclusive!

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are here for the first podcast of 2025!And because it is the first podcast of the year we have decided to kick things off ...

Picking our British and Irish Lions matchday 23

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With 2025 right around the corner Alfie, Alex and Will look ahead to the British and Irish Lions tour next year. They sit down to select their startin...

Our men's 15-a-side team of the year!

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we reach the end of 2024 Alfie, Will and Alex have named their 15-a-side men's team for the year. Does Antoine Dupont get selected despite missing ...

Should South African teams remain in the Champions Cup?

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After the second round of action in Europe, Will, Alex and Elgan discuss if the South African teams are a help or hinderance to the competitionStormer...

Did we actually learn anything from the Champions Cup opening round?

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following the opening round of the Champions Cup Alfie and Will look back on the action and question whether the fixtures revealed anything they didn'...

What impact will the RFU bonuses have on the game?

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following the news that Bill Sweeney and other RFU executives received hefty bonuses, Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe explain why this has happened when ...

Have England gone backwards this Autumn?

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

England beat Japan on Sunday to finish their Autumn so Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher discuss where the team currently are and ask if the...

Eddie Jones' chance for England revenge?

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

England's November internationals end this weekend as they host Eddie Jones' Japan at Twickenham. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe look ahe...

Is a franchise league good for the game? Plus Gatland and Borthwick's futures

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie, Alex and Will are back, following defeats for Wales and England over the weekend, to talk about the future of Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatlan...

Are England in crisis? England v South Africa Review

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following England's 20-29 defeat to South Africa, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher review the action at Twickenham. They discuss...

Are the Springboks the toughest challenge in world rugby? England vs South Africa preview!

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe look ahead to England v South Africa this weekend. Courtney Lawes joins the pod to explain what it is like facing the Spr...

England lose a nailbiter (again) as Wallabies record seismic victory

09 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are back at Twickenham to react to England's defeat against Australia. They ask where does it leave Englan...

Are Australia England's banana skin? Plus Ireland vs New Zealand

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of England facing Australia this weekend Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher speak to the Sydney Morning Herald's Iain Payten about Joe Schmidt's W...

Another missed opportunity for England?

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot were at Twickenham to watch England fall narrowly short against New Zealand again! From an empt...

Should the Haka be banned?! England vs New Zealand preview

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

England's Autumn campaign gets underway this weekend against New Zealand so Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look ahead to the match. They ...

England's 'no excuses' Autumn and New Zealand CEO Mark Robinson

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the November internationals Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher preview England's matches. They ask 'what is success?' for Steve Borthwick's sid...

Will 2025 be a tipping point for Women's rugby?

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

2025 has the potential to be a seminal year for women's rugby, as England hosts the World Cup. The Red Roses are the heavy favorites, so could the tou...

20 minute red cards! Yes or no?

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

World Rugby are trialling 20 minute red cards in the upcoming November internationals. Will Kelleher, Stuart Barnes and Alfie Reynolds explain wh...

Should the Premiership introduce away sections?

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Elgan Alderman are back with the pod to run through all the action over the weekend. As well as rounding up 'derby weeke...

What is the biggest rivalry in the Premiership?

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of 'Derby Weekend' in the Gallagher Premiership Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds ask what is the biggest rivalry in the division? Wil...

Does France pose a threat to English rugby?

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How big of a threat is French rugby to the English domestic game? Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds discuss whether the booming French syste...

England's coaching merry-go-round

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

England have announced a new defence coach in Joe El-Abd but he'll take on the position part-time, whilst Felix Jones serves his notice period from Ir...

Are you not entertained!?

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Gallagher Premiership returned on the weekend but was it the spectacle that fans were hoping for? Bath were brilliant on Friday night to beat Nort...

George Ford interview

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will Kelleher made the trip to Manchester to have a chat with England and Sale fly-half George Ford. Injury ruled Ford out of England's summer tour so...

Can Newcastle compete in the Premiership? Season Preview!

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the Premiership season Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe make the trip to Newcastle to preview the new campaign. Following a season...

Why is the Professional Game Partnership important?

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The pod is back! Ahead of the new season Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher return with news about the new Professional Game Partnership. Wha...

A long season comes to a dramatic end

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's the end of the season! Well, pretty much. Whilst Scotland and Wales still have matches to play, England and Ireland concluded their summer series...

Exclusive! Richie McCaw interview

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Richie McCaw is one of the legends of the game. The double world cup winning former All Black captain did it all in an illustrious playing career. He ...

Summer tours first test review! From New Zealand, South Africa and the USA

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following the first tests of the summer tours the podcast comes to you from around the world! Will and Alex reflect on England's narrow defeat to the ...

How do you win in New Zealand?

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of England's first test against the All Blacks this weekend, Will Kelleher asks 'how do you win in New Zealand?'. England have only won a test o...

Previewing New Zealand v England and Springboks against Ireland, plus Ben Earl interview

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The July tours are here! Ahead of All Blacks versus England and Springboks against Ireland Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Peter O'Reilly...

Exclusive! Steve Hansen and Ian Foster interview

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of England's two test series against the All Blacks, Will Kelleher chats to former New Zealand coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster. They discuss...

England beat Japan and Glasgow claim historic URC title

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds and Mark Palmer reflect on Glasgow's incredible victory in the URC final. Mark joins the pod from Loftus Versfeld in South Africa just ...

Marcus Smith starts! England squad to face Japan

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Borthwick has named his England squad to take on Japan in Tokyo this weekend so Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe - who are both in Japan - react to t...

Test week for England, URC semi-finals and Hannah Botterman ahead of the PWR final

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

England face Japan in Tokyo this weekend so Alfie Reynolds speaks to Will Kelleher who is on the ground to bring us the latest from the England camp, ...

Double dose of Twickenham - Premiership final review and England squad announcement

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Northampton Saints are the Premiership champions for the first time in 10 years! Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe are back at Twickenham to reflect on the...

Premiership semi-finals review and a look ahead to a sold out Twickenham final!

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds and Stuart Barnes look back on the Premiership semi-finals as Northampton Saints and Bath booked their spots at a sold out Twickenham. ...

The Champions Cup final delivers again as Leinster lose again!

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Peter O'Reilly look back on the Champions Cup as Toulouse beat Leinster in a brilliant final at the Tottenham Hotspu...

Could Premiership Rugby change its name? Sale's Sam James and the play-off mix

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Premiership Rugby's Chief Growth Officer, Rob Calder, joins Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher to discuss the potential re-brand of the Galla...

Behind the scenes at Bristol Bears

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the final weekend of the Premiership season Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher make the trip to Bear Country. They spend a day at Br...

Did Gloucester 'disrespect' the Premiership!?

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After Gloucester lost 90-0 away to Northampton, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds question whether they disrespected the Premiership by fiel...

Harlequins and Northampton go down swinging and Gloucester's Lewis Ludlow

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It wasn't to be for Northampton Saints or Harlequins as they both lost in the Champions Cup semi-finals. Leinster and Toulouse, two of Europe's most p...

Contrasting styles in Premiership rugby, England's grand slam and Twickenham controversy

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher review another weekend of domestic rugby as the Gallagher Premiership served up contrasting matches in Bat...

Behind the scenes at Harlequins

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of Harlequins facing Northampton Saints at Twickenham this weekend and with a big Champions Cup semi-final on the horizon against Toulouse; Alfi...

Twickenham and Ashton Gate drubbings!

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Elgan Alderman reflect on the weekend's action in the Premiership and Women's 6 Nations, including huge wins for the Red...

Red Roses Special!

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With England set to host Ireland at Twickenham in the Women's 6 Nations this weekend Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman head up to Penny...

Does the Champions Cup work with South African sides?

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following the Champions Cup quarter-finals Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Alan Dymock review the weekend. Alex was in France for Harlequ...

Jack Willis on life at Toulouse and the Champions Cup quarter-final!

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman review the last-16 in the Champions Cup, preview the return of the Women's 6 Nations and discuss rugb...

Premiership and Women's 6 Nations round up. Plus, Lewis Ludlam previews the Champions Cup last 16.

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer and Elgan Alderman round-up the latest action from the Premiership and Women's 6 Nations, plus look ahead to the last-16 o...

Marlie Packer's 100th cap and the Premiership returns

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following a busy weekend of Women's Six Nations and Gallagher Premiership, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher look back on the action. Alfie ...

6 Nations 2024 Review!

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The men's Six Nations reached its conclusion on the weekend as Ireland won back-to-back titles. Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Mark Palmer review ...

Ireland's back-to-back Grand Slam dream undone by England and Scotland left soul searching after losing in Rome

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Six Nations produced one of its great days on Saturday with Italy and England beating Scotland and Ireland in two epic matches. Alfie Reynolds, Al...

Sam Warburton and Tommy Bowe preview next weekend's 6 Nations action

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are joined by two British Lions legends, to find out if anyone (but particularly England) can stop Ireland, if Italy can b...

Scotland beat England (again) Ireland beat Wales (again) and Italy (almost) beat France

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Mark Palmer get together in an Edinburgh hotel lobby to unpick the 3rd round of the 6 nations. It's a familiar story for ...

Courtney Lawes and John Barclay on their Calcutta Cup memories

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Times columnists and former internationals Courtney Lawes and John Barclay join Will Kelleher to look ahead to Saturday's Calcutta Cup Clash, and to l...

Calcutta Cup preview, how to speed up rugby & Cadan Murley

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will Kelleher is joined by Elgan Alderman, Mark Palmer and Bernard Jackman to preview next weekend's 6 Nations 3rd round. The team also get stuck into...

Did Scotland score? England sneak past Wales and Ireland nil Italy

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Weekend two of the 6 Nations is in the books and there's plenty to get stuck into... Will Kelleher is joined by Mark Palmer, Stuart Barnes and Owen Sl...

Wales v Scotland an instant classic, England win in Rome and Ireland lay down a marker

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The opening weekend of the 6 Nations lived up to its billing with plenty of drama on the pitch. Alfie Reynolds is joined by Owen Slot and Peter O'Reil...

Inside the Scotland camp

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will Kelleher heads north of the border and is joined by Mark Palmer to spend a day in the Scotland camp ahead of the start of the 2024 Six Nations. T...

6 Nations Preview 2024!

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Six Nations is here! With the 2024 championship kicking off on Friday night, Alfie Reynolds is joined by Will Kelleher, Mark Palmer, Peter O'Reill...

Rugby's Netflix moment, Champions Cup last-16 draw and Louis Rees-Zammit to the NFL

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Stuart Barnes reflect on the conclusion of the Champions Cup pool stages and question whether the format of the comp...

Champions Cup, British and Irish Lions and England 6 Nations squad preview

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on another weekend in the Champions Cup, which once again provided some great matches and...

Premiership, England and players union discussion with Jamie George

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

England, Saracens and British and Irish Lions hooker Jamie George joins Will Kelleher and Alfie Reynolds for today's episode. He chats about the lates...

2023 review and men's World XV of the Year

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy new year! What better way to start 2024 than with the first Ruck of the year. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher name a men's World XV ...

Behind the scenes at Sale Sharks

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sale Sharks invited us up to Manchester to go behind the scenes at the club. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher make the journey to the North...

Another brilliant weekend of Champions Cup action

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher round-up another weekend of the Champions Cup. Including good wins for Northampton, Saracens, Leicester, Exeter and B...

A great weekend for English clubs in Europe

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following English clubs winning 7 of their 8 matches across the opening round of the Champions Cup, Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stuar...

Are the media responsible for the Farrell situation? And 'what is the point of Newcastle?'

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A busy pod this week! Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher ask if the media are responsible for Owen Farrell having to take time away from inte...

England's back-row injuries, trouble for Bristol and Gloucester and 2003 two decades on!

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones and Will Kelleher round up all the latest Premiership action. They discuss England's mounting injury list in the back-ro...

Wayne Barnes interview plus Premiership and PWR round-up

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wayne Barnes joins Alfie Reynolds and Stephen Jones to reflect on his career as a referee after retiring following the World Cup final. He chats about...

Finn Russell magic and Premiership Women's season preview

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following the 5th round of fixtures in the Gallagher Premiership, Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Elgan Alderman look back on all the action. They d...

A return to domestic action and a British & Irish Lions tour to France?

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Alan Dymock are back in the studio after months on the road at the Rugby World Cup. They turn their attention to do...

World Cup final review! South Africa go back-to-back

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Springboks retained the Word Cup as they beat New Zealand in a gripping and tense final. Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones, Will Kelleher and Alex Low...

Rugby World Cup Final Preview!

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's New Zealand versus South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Stephen Jones preview the match. They ...

Semi-final review - England's hearts broken by the Boks!

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Stephen Jones look back on the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup as the All Blacks and Springboks booked...

Semi-final preview with Sam Warburton

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-finals between Argentina and New Zealand, as well as England versus South Africa, Alfie Reynolds is joined by Alex L...

Blockbuster quarter-final weekend delivers!

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals lived up to the hype as four brilliant matches took place over the weekend with New Zealand, Argentina, England and...

How to win the World Cup - 2019 Francois Louw

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Four years ago South Africa won the Rugby World Cup for the third time! Francois Louw was a part of that success as they beat England in the final and...

Quarter-Final Preview!

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds is joined by Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe to look back on the pool stages at the Rugby World Cup and preview the quarter-final line-up. ...

How to win the World Cup - 2011/2015 Conrad Smith

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The 2011-2015 All Blacks are arguably the greatest international rugby team ever, having won back-to-back World Cups. But prior to that they were know...

The brilliance of the World Cup contrasted by Jersey's demise

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds is joined by Alex Lowe, Mark Palmer and Elgan Alderman to look back on the latest action at the World Cup. Following rest weekends for ...

How to win the World Cup - 2007 Fourie du Preez

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This time on 'How to win the World Cup', Will Kelleher chats to the former Springbok Fourie du Preez who was a part of the 2007 South African winning ...

Ireland and South Africa an instant classic! Plus wins for England and Wales

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds is joined by Stephen Jones, Stuart Barnes, Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe, Elgan Alderman and Peter O'Reilly to look back on the third round ...

How to win the World Cup - 2003 Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How did England win the World Cup in 2003? On this episode Will Kelleher chats to Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot about that glorious triumph 20 year...

Rugby World Cup week 2! Wins for England and Wales but it's Fiji who stole the show

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Stephen Jones look back on the second weekend of action at the Rugby World Cup. They discuss unconvincing wins for E...

How to win the World Cup - 1995 Joel Stransky

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This time on 'How to win the World Cup' Will Kelleher chats to the former Springbok Joel Stransky. One the most iconic rugby and sporting moments of a...

Rugby World Cup opening weekend review! Where did that England performance come from?!

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alfie Reynolds is joined by Will Kelleher, Owen Slot and Steve Jones to look back on the bulk of the opening weekend action at the Rugby World Cup. Th...

How to win the World Cup - 1991/1999 John Eales

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This time on how to win the World Cup Will Kelleher chats to John Eales who was a member of the victorious Wallabies sides from 1991 and 1999. He expl...

Rugby World Cup 2023 Preview Show!

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and producer-turned presenter Alfie preview the 2023 Rugby World Cup! Ahead of France and the All Blacks getting t...

How to win the World Cup - 1987 Sean Fitzpatrick

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you win the Rugby World Cup? On this episode Will Kelleher chats to the 1987 winning All Black Sean Fitzpatrick, about how New Zealand won the ...

The shadow boxing is over! Final World Cup warm-ups review.

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Jones, Alan Dymock and Elgan Alderman look back on the final weekend of Rugby World Cup warm-up matches. They chat about Fiji's historic first...