The Ruck

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.
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Bordeaux and Leinster reached the Champions Cup final after defeating Bath and Toulon, respectively. The defending champions Bordeaux now have a chance to win back-to-back titles, while Leinster will hope to finally end their Champions Cup drought.

But were Bath hard done by? It appeared that match officials were not shown replays for some high tackles. Was this the case?

Is it a problem unique to matches broadcast in France? Or is it a wider issue that needs fixing?

Plus, they discuss both semi-finals in detail, including Leo Cullen's bizarre, 6-minute, loaded answer in his press conference. And, they look ahead to a big weekend in the Prem.

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Shane Christie was one of the brightest rugby stars in New Zealand before suffering multiple concussions, leading to a brain injury that would slowly take everything from him. And his experience is far from unique. In this deeply personal account, David Walsh talks to Shane's former partner, Holly Parkes, to ask, What happened? What does Shane's story reveal about the sport he loved deeply? And can rugby survive the fallout?

This is part one of a two-part special investigation into the crisis facing this global game.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

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Guest: Holly Parkes
Host: David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday Times
Producer: Sophie McNulty

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Read more: Two friends, two suicides. How did rugby let this happen?
Clips: Harlequins - YouTube.
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The British & Irish Lions are exploring the possibility of touring Japan, Argentina or France. Is this a dangerous erosion of tradition? A shameless money grab? Or a brilliant thing to propel the Lions into a "different stratosphere"? And, what would it mean for the traditional tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia?

Alfie, Alex and Will are in studio to discuss the future of the Lions and ask what do they want to be in the professional era?

Elgan looks back on the latest round of the Women's 6 Nations and they discuss the latest action in Prem rugby and look ahead to Bath's trip to Bordeaux in the Champions Cup.

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It was a week of contrasts in both the Prem and Women's 6 Nations.

In the Gallagher Prem the league continues to attract new investment but Sale were humiliated at home on Sunday, whilst Gloucester, Newcastle and Harlequins also suffered heavy defeats. Was that down to a lack of jeopardy due to no relegation? Or other factors?

Scotland v England at Murrayfield set a new record attendance for a standalone women's sporting event north of the border. But, on the pitch are the sides further apart than ever after England's thumping win? When will the Red Roses next lose?

Plus, Joe Launchbury chats to Alfie & Will after he announced he would retire from rugby at the end of the season.

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