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The Ruck

The Ruck

By: The Times
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The Ruck is the journalists' rugby podcast from The Times & The Sunday Times.


Join Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and a selection of guests every week as they provide insight and reports throughout the season, including big-name interviews and forthright analysis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times
Politics & Government Rugby
Episodes
  • French dominance in Europe! Bordeaux hammer Leinster
    May 23 2026

    Alex and Will are in Bilbao to reflect on the Champions Cup final!


    Bordeaux have won back-to-back titles to join the elite sides in European Club rugby. What makes them so special? It is now 6 years in a row that a French club have been crowned Champions of Europe, how can anyone catch them?


    What does this defeat mean for Leinster? Their 5th Champions Cup final defeat in a row and is this one the most damaging of the lot?


    Plus, do EPCR need to do more 'destination' cities for their finals? And will we see a World Cup in Spain!?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    37 mins
  • Should Van Rensburg be in the England squad?
    May 18 2026

    Steve Borthwick's latest England training squad includes Benhard Janse Van Rensburg, who has qualified on residency grounds. Does it make sense for him to be parachuted directly into the set up? Or is it a bad look for the RFU and their talent pipelines?


    Alfie Reynolds, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher chat about that and the news that South African sides might pull out of the Champions Cup. Is this a good or a bad thing for the competition?


    Bordeaux attack coach Noel McNamara speaks to Will ahead of the Champions Cup final this weekend as they take on Leinster. The lads reflect on the end of the Women's 6 Nations as the Red Roses won the title again. And, they review a 'disgraceful' defeat for Bristol in the Prem as Pat Lam's side conceded over 90 points.


    ***


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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Why did the RFU back Borthwick?
    May 11 2026

    Despite England having their worst ever men's 6 Nations campaign why has an RFU review backed Steve Borthwick in his role as head coach?


    Alfie, Alex and Will discuss the RFU's decision, what needs to change for England and why the review process if so secretive.


    Plus, they chat about whether Cornish Pirates will become a Prem club after they acquired funding from an American private equity group, the latest twists and turns in the race for the play-offs and Elgan joins them to look ahead to a grand slam decider in the Women's 6 Nations.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    59 mins
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