The Ruck
Episodes
Final Test Preview
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot and Stephen Jones are joined by former Springbok coach Gary Gold to preview the decisive final Test between South Africa and the British &am...
Boks Bite Back
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stuart Barnes is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot to pick through the bones of defeat to South Africa for the British & Irish Lions in t...
Who is Jaco Johan?
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot and Stephen Jones are joined from their Cape Town base by Jonny Fordham of The Sun to preview the second Test between South Africa and the B...
1-0 to the Lions
25 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones and Owen Slot celebrate the British & Irish Lions winning the first Test against South Africa with the help of Stuart Barnes and for...
Scoop of the Century
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Ruck's courageous Cape Town cohort, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones, are joined by Alex Lowe - the man who knew the Lions team for the first Test agai...
The Selection Committee
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stuart Barnes is joined by the South African Ruck contingent in Cape Town, Stephen Jones and Owen Slot, to pick their definitive starting XV for the f...
A Side? You call THAT an A side?
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The only rugby podcast actually on tour in South Africa continues its intrepid trek as Owen Slot and Stephen Jones review the Lions loss against South...
Cape Town Calling
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Ruck's tour of South Africa moves from the high veldt to the coast as the Lions prepare for their toughest match of the trip to date against South...
No Bull, only Sharks
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Ruck has arrived on tour as Stephen Jones leads from the front in Johannesburg, where he's joined by rugby photographer Dave Rogers and Jonny Ford...
Lions vs Lions
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe is joined by Owen Slot, Stuart Barnes and rugby broadcaster Ali Eykyn to discuss the British & Irish Lions' first tour match in South Af...
From Bristanbul to Champions of England
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Alex Lowe and Owen Slot as well as former Harlequins CEO Mark Evans and Michael Lynagh, who watched his son Louis scor...
Simply the Best
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Owen Slot and Adam Hathaway to discuss Harlequins' great escape at Ashton Gate, the latest crop of players called up by Edd...
Nate Ebner Special
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alan Dymock speaks to Nate Ebner, a three-time NFL Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, who began his career as a promising rugby player a...
Cricket Season
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stuart Barnes, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones to review the final weekend of the Gallagher Premiership regular season, Sa...
The One With Jack Willis
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe, Lawrence Dallaglio and Stephen Jones are joined by Wasps and England star Jack Willis to discuss miracle comebacks in Brentford, touchline ...
Game Changers
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones, Owen Slot and Adam Hathaway celebrate a first Premier 15s title for Harlequins Women, get the lowdown on the latest Covid issues in Sou...
Vive La France!
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot and Chris Jones are joined by former France international and TV pundit Benjamin Kayser to discuss double European success for the French cl...
1971 Lions Tour 50th Anniversary Special
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones and Lawrence Dallaglio are joined by Lions legends John Taylor and David Duckham to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 tour vict...
Brilliance, Brown and Basketball
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and former BBC rugby presenter and current RFU committee member John Inverdale to discuss an ...
Lions Squad Special
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After Warren Gatland announced his 37-player squad for the Lions Tour of South Africa, The Times team of Stephen Jones, Owen Slot, Alex Lowe and Stuar...
You've Picked Who?! The Ruck Selects The Lions Squad
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is chairman of selectors as Lawrence Dallaglio, Alex Lowe and Peter O'Reilly pick their definitive Lions squad ahead of Warren Gatland's off...
The Man Who Never Was
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stuart Barnes and Alex Lowe to discuss England's victory in the Women's Six Nations Final, the RFU's Ed...
It's Touring, Jim, But Not As We Know It...
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones, Adam Hathaway and England scrum half Leanne Riley to discuss the latest on the Lions Tour, preview the ...
What's the French for, "You're on Mute!"
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Stephen Jones, Chris Jones and TV commentator and French rugby expert Martin Gillingham to review the Champions Cup quarter-fin...
Vive La France!
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stuart Barnes and Rugby World Editor, Sarah Mockford, to discuss France's dominance of the European Cha...
Be Careful What You Wish For...
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot, Alex Lowe and Mark Evans for the final word on this year's Six Nations Championship as well as England's re...
And Now, The End is Near (Friday to be Precise)
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Sam Warburton, Lawrence Dallaglio and Stephen Jones as the Six Nations comes to a close (well, nearly). Will England axe Eddie ...
Maro, Momentum and Mute Buttons
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot to discuss England's return to form against France, Wales' march towards the Gr...
Rachael Burford Special
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Rachael Burford, England and Harlequins star as well as the new Head of Women's Rugby for the IRP, to discuss all the issue...
Sulphur Pour Hommes
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stuart Barnes, Stephen Jones and AFP rugby correspondent Illtud Dafydd to discuss Eddie Jones' strange stance on (not)...
Just Don't Mention The Ref...
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe is joined by Sam Warburton, Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot for the post-mortem on England's display against Wales in Cardiff. Plus, should...
BONUS: Past Imperfect - Nigel Owens
26 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this special bonus edition we are bringing you an episode from another Times podcast - Past Imperfect.Nigel Owens MBE became the first referee to t...
The Red Mist Descends
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio digests all the latest news from the Six Nations as well as a record raft of red cards in the Gallagher Premiership. Plus, Stephen ...
Time to Stop the Crocodile Crock
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stephen Jones and Alex Lowe after the latest round of Six Nations matches. Is it time to outlaw the crocodi...
Bonus Episode; Stories of our times - Brain trauma: The issue rugby can no longer ignore
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A bonus episode this week - The Times daily podcast Stories of our times spoke to Owen Slot as the annual Six Nations tournament got underway last wee...
Oh, Power of Scotland...
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Owen Slot, Alex Lowe, Stuart Barnes and Sunday Times Scottish rugby correspondent Mark Palmer to discuss a famous victory f...
Big Sam's Big Six Nations Preview
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton to preview the Six Nations. Find out why the gre...
Eddie's New Tricks
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Owen Slot, Lawrence Dallaglio, Sarah Hunter and Elinor Snowsill to discuss some surprises in Eddie Jones' England squad, th...
Championship? You're Having a Laugh...
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot as ringfencing returns to the top of Premiership Rugby's agenda. What next for ...
Like a French Chris Whitty...
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe is joined by Owen Slot, Stephen Jones and Alan Dymock to discuss the latest threats to the European season, whether Harry Randall should opt...
You Can't Hide Those Lion Eyes...
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones, Alex Lowe and Adam Hathaway for the first Ruck of the New Year. The panel call for a delay to the Lions...
The Ruck Christmas Quiz
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot asks the questions as Stephen Jones and Alex Lowe battle it out in The Ruck's review of the rugby year. Plus, the panel reveal their bolters...
Control Alt Delete - Rugby's European Reset
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Stuart Barnes, Chris Jones and Lawrence Dallaglio to discuss the brilliance of Bristol, marvellous Munster and a rampant Ra...
Concussion Crisis Special
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stephen Jones and Sam Peters to discuss the plight of former players, including Rugby World Cup winner Stev...
Goodbye Autumn Nations Cup and Thanks for all the Fish
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot, Stephen Jones and Alex Lowe to examine the aftermath of England's less-than-convincing victory over France ...
Dangerously Boring
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe is joined by Ben Ryan and Lawrence Dallaglio to work out how rugby can save itself as the Autumn Nations Cup reaches its anti-climax. Plus, ...
Where there's a Willis, there's a way
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stuart Barnes and Steve James to review the weekend's Autumn Nations Cup action as well as the start of the...
Autumn Leaves A Lot To Be Desired
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Stephen Jones and Peter O'Reilly to discuss the opening weekend of the Autumn Nations Cup as well as Argentina's historic win a...
Make Rugby Great Again!
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Alex Lowe, Adam Hathaway and Lawrence Dallaglio, who surprised the panel by admitting his new-found love for the French. Pl...
And Now, The End is Near...
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stuart Barnes and Owen Slot as England's men and women win the Six Nations at the end of the longest season ever endur...
Downpours, Dirty Deeds and Devon Doubles
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Chris Jones and Alex Lowe to celebrate Exeter's double, preview the end of the Six Nations and ask how ...
The Final Countdown
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Having watched Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears conquer Europe, Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones, Alex Lowe and Alan Dymock to look ahead ...
And Then There Were Two...
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stuart Barnes and Alex Lowe to discuss the Premiership play-offs, preview the Champions Cup final and pick ...
Swimming in Shark Infected Waters
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones as well as Fleet Street's finest Chris Jones and Adam Hathaway. The panel try to piece together a shambo...
A Future Without Fans?
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones and Owen Slot as they discuss the prospect of a future without fans and what that means for the professi...
The (Ben) Moon's an Arrant Thief!
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Stuart Barnes, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot to discuss the likely winners of the European semi-finals, Timon of Athens' dodgy ha...
Who is the Cocoa Butter King..?
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones as they discuss the latest in the race for the play-off places, pay cuts for En...
Fans, Fixtures and Farrell
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot and Alex Lowe as they work out how long Owen Farrell will be banned for, ask what supporters made of the new...
Dylan Hartley Special
02 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot speaks to former England captain Dylan Hartley about his new book, The Hurt, how rugby's 'big boys don't cry' mentality is killing the game ...
You're Only as Good as Your 2nd XV (or 3rd. Maybe 4th...)
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones, Lawrence Dallaglio and Chris Jones discuss squad rotation, Wasps winning at Bath, Exeter winning everywhere, fans returning to the Stoo...
Midweek Mayhem
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio, Stephen Jones and Adam Hathaway take a break in between the weekend and midweek fixtures to assess who's come flying out of the bl...
The Good, The Bad and The Rugby
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones, Owen Slot and Stuart Barnes look back at the first live action for five months following rugby's return. Whilst a lot of teams were off...
"'Twas the Night Before Rugby..."
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On the eve of rugby's return, Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Alex Lowe to look ahead to the first round of Premiership m...
Operation Restart: Coaches Special
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the week of rugby's long-awaited return, Owen Slot sits down (virtually) with three of the Directors of Rugby taking on Exeter for the Gallagher Pr...
It's Rugby, Jim, But Not As We Know It...
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Ruck reacts to the latest news on the changes being made by the RFU to the community game. Plus, Owen Slot, Stuart Barnes, Alex Lowe and Lawrence ...
Operation Restart Player Special
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In a special edition of The Ruck, Alex Lowe speaks to Wasps' rising star Jacob Umaga, Owen Slot finds out how the West Country's treating Ben Earl and...
All The Rugby, All of The Time!
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Ruck regulars Stephen Jones and Alex Lowe as they discuss the fallout from a 52-week season, Eddie Jones' pleas for le...
Welfare, Warfare and Welford Road
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stephen Jones, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot. Find out what the panel make of midweek rugby and why they think Manu Tuilagi ...
Where Are We And What Happens Next?
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Rugby Player Association chairman Mark Lambert, Wasps chief executive Stephen Vaughan and leading rugby administrator Mark Evan...
Virtual Rugby Show Special
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A special edition of the pod recorded live as part of the Virtual Rugby Show. Stuart Barnes hosts alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Alex Low...
Contracts, Chaos and Canada!
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot, Stephen Jones and Alan Dymock as they discuss the latest developments around Project Restart, ponder whethe...
Players, Plans and Penalty Counts
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's back! Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Stuart Barnes and Alex Lowe after rugby returned in New Zealand at the weekend. Plus, the Pr...
Rugby Returns!
08 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot and Alex Lowe to celebrate rugby's return to training in the Premiership and actual playing in New Zealand. ...
Joe Cokanasiga Special
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe catches up with the England and Bath winger, Joe Cokanasiga, who discusses recovering from the knee injury which dogged his World Cup, copin...
When Will It Ever End..?
25 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Stuart Barnes, Owen Slot and Lawrence Dallaglio. The panel wonder when the rugby season will restart (if at all) following ...
Caps, Cuts and Coaches
18 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot and Alex Lowe as they discuss the fallout from Lord Myners' salary cap review, more pay cuts for players as ...
England Coaches Special
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Ruck heads to the heart of the England coaching set-up (virtually speaking) with Lawrence Dallaglio chatting to defence coach, John Mitchell, whil...
The Strange Case of the Missing Rugby Writers
04 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot is joined by Mark Evans, Stephen Jones and Lawrence Dallaglio to discuss the repercussions of Bill Beaumont's re-election as Chairman of Wor...
Introducing Stories of our times - Hold your horses: should Cheltenham Festival have gone ahead?
01 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing our new free daily news podcast, Stories of our times. It takes you to the heart of the stories that matter, with exclusive access and rep...
Premiership Problems
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Stuart Barnes, Alex Lowe and Stephen Jones as they discuss the latest problems for the Premiership, defend European ru...
Jason Leonard Did What?!
20 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owen Slot turns quiz-master as he tests Ruck regulars Alex Lowe, Stephen Jones and Lawrence Dallaglio on their rugby knowledge as well as discussing t...
Ben Youngs Special
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio finds out what lockdown life is like for Leicester legend Ben Youngs. The England scrum half discusses Eddie Jones' new contract, b...
Damian Hopley Special
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is in conversation with Damian Hopley, the chief executive of the Rugby Players' Association. They discuss the difficulties caused by th...
Lockdowns, Locals and Laporte
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined remotely by Stephen Jones and Owen Slot as they discuss a new contract for Eddie Jones, World Rugby's plans for a Club Wo...
Not Now, Cato!
30 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Mark Evans, Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot to discuss when we're likely to see rugby return and what shape the sport migh...
Looking for Lions in a Lockdown
23 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones dial in from different parts of the country as they discuss eggs, what 16-year-olds get up to in self-...
What Happens Now?
16 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the sport suspended during the worsening coronavirus situation, Owen Slot is joined at a safe distance by Stephen Jones and Lawrence Dallaglio to...
Tries, Tantrums and Tackle Tickles
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot and Alex Lowe get down and dirty on Joe Marler, the future of Eddie Jones, propping pugilists and coronavirus cancellati...
And Here Are Your Headlines...
02 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Lowe takes us through the big, breaking rugby news of the weekend with the help of Stephen Jones, Stuart Barnes and Nigel Botherway. TV rights, t...
How To Win A Grand Slam: John Rutherford
27 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the finals episode of our special Six Nations series, Owen Slot meets John Rutherford, the fly-half who guided Scotland to the Grand Slam in 1984 -...
Ohhhh Maro Itoje!
24 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by Lawrence Dallaglio, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes to discuss wins for England, France and Scotland in the Six Nations. Plus, ...
How To Win A Grand Slam: Adam Jones
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest installment of our new Six Nations series, Owen Slot meets Adam Jones, the legendary Welsh prop who helped his country win three Grand S...
The Knives Are Out...
17 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio and Stephen Jones offer sympathy to Owen Slot after his ski holiday was rudely interrupted by news of funding cuts in the Champions...
How To Win A Grand Slam: Will Carling
13 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of our special Six Nations series, Owen Slot speaks to Will Carling - a man who captained his country to three Grand Slams during E...
(No) Planes, Trains & Automobiles
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is on his lonesome with the rest of The Ruck team scattered around the country trying to get from Edinburgh. But that doesn't stop ...
How to Win a Grand Slam: Brian O'Driscoll
06 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of a special Six Nations series, Brian O'Driscoll talks to Owen Slot about Ireland's 2009 Grand Slam success. The former captain is open ...
Brutal? Non. Beaten? Mais Oui...
03 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot, Stephen Jones and Stuart Barnes reflect on defeat for England in Paris in the Six Nations and discuss how the RFU let S...
Women's Six Nations Special
29 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Jones is joined by England star Marlie Packer, former England captain Catherine Spencer and Wasps Ladies Director of Rugby Giselle Mather to p...
Forget Sarries, It's The Six Nations!
27 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Times experts Owen Slot, Alex Lowe, Peter O'Reilly and Alasdair Reid to look ahead to the Six Nations. Plus, Kyle Sinc...
Saracens: Champions Cup to Championship
20 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lawrence Dallaglio is joined by Owen Slot and Alex Lowe at the England Six Nations squad announcement as well as rugby commentators Alastair Eykyn and...