Rugby Union Weekly

We’re podding from the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux after Bath’s hopes of winning a first Champions Cup since 1998 were dashed by the holders. Chris and Paul Grayson pick the bones out of an epic encounter and discuss where the semi-final got away from Bath. They also chat to Johaan van Grann who airs his frustration with the lack of consistency from the French TV directors. Bordeaux progress to the final in Bilbao and we grab a word with Ben Tameifuna and a special guest in the tunnel after the game. Leinster await, and we dissect Leo Cullen’s comments about the media after they saw off Toulon in Dublin. Can the Irish province finally add that elusive sixth star after making another final? Or can Bordeaux go back-to-back?

Can Bath reach a first Champions Cup final since 1998? Do they have the gameplan to beat the holders Bordeaux in their back yard? Chris and Ashy look ahead to what promises to be an epic semi-final weekend. Henry Arundell is on the pod to discuss Sunday’s showdown in the south of France and what it would mean to reach the final with his boyhood club. We also catch up with Toulon and Scotland scrum-half Ben White as he looks to claim a fourth star for the French giants.

Is Noah Caluori ready for England? Have we entered a new era for try records? Can Bath topple the best club team in Europe? Chris Ashton, Danny Care and Chris Jones dissect the big talking points from the weekend, including another thriller between the Prem's top two, and look ahead to the Champions Cup semi-finals. Plus, after Pat Lam criticised Newcastle's pitch, we discuss what it is really like to play on an artificial surface.

Sara is joined by World Cup winner Kat Merchant and former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap to reflect on England's victory over Wales. Despite the Red Roses scoring 62 points, there were still plenty of positives for Wales who earned a try-bonus point as Alisha Joyce returns, Keira Bevan shines at nine and their lineout bamboozled England. Despite shipping four tries, the Red Roses completed a record-extending 36th consecutive Test win. Marlie Packer scored another two tries, Zoe Harrison's sensational form off the tee continued, and captain Meg Jones impressed again - is she now nailed on to be World Player of the Year?

The Women’s Six Nations is pulling in record crowds and viewing figures, but is the tournament itself keeping pace? Ugo, Sara and Philippa Tuttiett discuss whether there needs to be more emphasis on the rugby than the spectacle. Sean Lynn is still searching for a first Six Nations win as Wales boss and with the Red Roses up next, we look at how they should approach the match and what would constitute success. Ireland have revenge on their mind as they head to France this week. It's the first meeting since their controversial World Cup quarter-final. Anna Caplice joins us to debate how the Irish should be approaching a match full of emotion.