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 week to go until the official squad is revealed, Alfie, Alex, Will and Steve select the 37-player squad they would choose. Does Owen Farrell get on the tour? Which Welsh veteran do they include in the back-row? And, who is the notable absentee on the wing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:11:57
Did the Red Roses finally get the test they needed?
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 have been figured out or are they just not executing well enough? And did Sale Sharks score the try of the season against Saracens? Plus Elgan Alderman reviews another 6 Nations grand slam for the Red Roses who beat France by a point. Was that the test John Mitchell's side really needed ahead of a home world cup? Also, Alfie and Alex are at Twickenham to hear from the top brass at the RFU, including chief executive Bill Sweeney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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50:38
Are Harlequins and Bristol dropping out of play-off contention?
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 dropping out of contention to reach the play-offs? Plus, they discuss what Johnny Sexton joining Andy Farrell's coaching team means for British & Irish Lions fly-half selection. And, Elgan Alderman joins the pod to look ahead to the final round in the women's 6 Nations as England and France set up a grand slam decider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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55:36
Are we set for the Leinster Lions?
Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman look back on the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup. They discuss the brilliant match between Toulon and Toulouse, as well as the other more one-sided games. Plus, they ask how many Leinster players will make Andy Farrell's Lions squad after they produced another brilliant performance to beat Glasgow, whether they will actually win the competition this season after numerous near misses and if Northampton have learnt from last season's semi-final defeat in Dublin. They also review the latest round of fixtures in the women's 6 Nations and discuss the viability of an Anglo-Welsh league following the WRU's takeover of Cardiff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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51:52
What do rugby fans want from the sport?
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 La Rochelle v Munster as well as Northampton being the only English side to progress into the quarter-finals. However, they also look at the issues with the current format and ask how long it will be before more English clubs can properly compete in the competition. They are joined by Premier Sports CEO Richard Sweeney to discuss rugby's broadcasting landscape and how to reach a younger audience. Plus, they chat about future rugby world cup hosts, Worcester Warriors return to the second tier and the third round of the Women's 6 Nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Ireland