The Rugby Paper Podcast
The Rugby Paper Round Up is your weekly podcast bringing you the biggest stories, standout performances and key insight from across the rugby world. With insight from The Rugby Paper’s Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and a special guest from the sport each week, they cover everything from the Prem and URC to the Champ, National Leagues, BUCS and the women’s game.
Your essential audio guide to the week in rugby.
Listen on:
Episodes
16 hours ago
16 hours ago
In this week's episode I break down Andy Farrell's Ireland selection, from individual player analysis and opinion to a throwback to when Japan got the better of Ireland during the 2019 World Cup! Four lucky debutants take to the field for this game: Connacht's Sam Illo, Billy Bohan and Sean Jansen who makes his test start at eight, alongside Ulster's Bryn Ward who will undoubtably make his debut of the bench! Squad rotation, fly-half debate and predictions covered, as well as a look at the other remaining fixtures in The Nations Championship 👍 Feel free to like, share and subscribe for more! You can find me at
@TheRugbyPaperPodcast
and TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts! #rugby #rugbyunion #ireland #irishrugby #leinsterrugby #munsterrugby #connachtrugby #ulsterrugby #international #australia #japan #japanrugby #eddiejones #worldrugby #podcast #podcasting
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby columnist Paul Williams to assess the mounting pressure on England head coach Steve Borthwick after a fifth consecutive Test defeat.
Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and a heavy 45-21 defeat to South Africa in the opening round of the Nations Championship, England's discipline, tactics and direction are all under the microscope.
With Fiji next up at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before a trip to Argentina, is this already a defining fortnight for Borthwick's tenure? We discuss:
• Why England's form has collapsed since the Six Nations
• The growing indiscipline problem and its impact on results
• Whether England's kick-heavy game plan has become outdated
• Why Steve Borthwick is coming under increasing pressure
• Can England turn things around against Fiji?
• Why Josua Tuisova and Fiji will fancy their chances
• Should the RFU do everything possible to bring Shaun Edwards back to England?
🏉 Wales' Revival
Attention also turns to Wales, who have rediscovered confidence under Steve Tandy.
We discuss:
• What's changed since Tandy's arrival?
• Why Wales suddenly look like a different side
We also chat:
🌍 Nations Championship
🏆 World Rugby U20 Championship
You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper
3 days ago
3 days ago
After a thoroughly thrilling and dynamic first round I couldn't wait to do a quick video highlighting my favourite moments, opinions on teams and results and share my positive experience watching as may of the games as I could! Feel free to like, share and subscribe and listen out for me on Spotify/Amazon and wherever you get your podcasts! Just search for
@TheRugbyPaperPodcast & TQL Rugby Podcast 🍀👍 #irfu #rugby #rugbyunion #internationals #ireland #australia #fiji #wales #wru #allblacks #newzealand #france #japan #redroses #italy #springboks #englandrugby #england #southafrica #argentina #pumas #scotland #irishrugby #wallabies #nationscup #nationschampionships #worldcup #podcasting #podcast
Thursday Jul 02, 2026
Thursday Jul 02, 2026
With Andy Farrell naming his squad to face the Wallabies at a startling 4:30am UK time I take a quick dive into his selection and an overview of round one of the newly reformatted Nations Championship!
Thoughts, facts, opinions and predictions covered! Hope you all enjoy.
Remember to like, share and subscribe to The Rugby Paper Podcast/ TQL Rugby Podcast wherever you stream your podcasts!
Wednesday Jul 01, 2026
Wednesday Jul 01, 2026
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by South African rugby journalist Avuyile Sawula to preview the headline fixture of the Nations Championship this weekend as England take on the world champion Springboks at Ellis Park.
Shockingly, one of rugby's most iconic stadiums could be less than half full, with media reports suggesting only around 21,000 tickets have been sold for the 62,500-capacity venue, leaving the prospect of more than 40,000 empty seats for one of Test rugby's biggest rivalries.
We ask why ticket sales have been so slow and what it says about the launch of the new competition. Ben also makes the case for an England upset, while Avuyile brings exclusive insight from Johannesburg on the mood around the Springboks camp and why England's rising star Henry Pollock has quickly become one of South Africa's most talked-about – and unpopular – opponents.
We also discuss:
• Rassie Erasmus' team selection and the strengths of the Springboks XV
• Ben Earl's fascinating mindset heading into one of rugby's toughest away trips
• The atmosphere in Johannesburg ahead of the Nations Championship opener
• The biggest tactical battles that could decide the match
🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: [https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc...](https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc)... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner.
Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: [https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper]
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Wednesday Jul 01, 2026
Wednesday Jul 01, 2026
Overjoyed to have my first Leinster and Ireland superstar on the show, Devin Toner! Four European Championships, seven Pro 14 titles, three Six nations victories and a Grand Slam the stalwart back row has seen and done it all! From lineout masterclasses to tightly contested scrums Devin's influence has been essential to Leinster and Ireland. After a remarkable career and amassing an astonishing 70 caps for Ireland and a staggering 280 for Leinster Devin now supports rugby players and fans alike in the world of finance. Massive thanks to Devin for taking time out of his day for me and all the best!
#rugby #ireland #leinster #internationalrugby #legend #club #country #sixnations #irishrugby #rugbyunion #lock #backrow #riseofrugby #irfu #leinsterrugby #podcast #podcasting #new #inspiration #champion
Tuesday Jun 30, 2026
Tuesday Jun 30, 2026
Chris Collyer spoke to Irish Journalist, Sportswriter & Producer, Author and Playwright; Pat McCarry! The pair spoke about podcasts, press conferences, post and pre matches as well as writing and directing a rugby stage play, in which he honours the life of Munster legend Anthony Foley. There is nobody more passionate about Irish rugby than Pat McCarry!
You can follow Pat McCarry on all social media platforms and Substack, search for @patrickmccarry9489 or Dirt Trackers rugby on Instagram and X.
Thursday Jun 25, 2026
Thursday Jun 25, 2026
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by She’s The Champ podcast host and The Rugby Paper writer Bluebell Nicholls to preview a fascinating showdown between the competition’s established giants and its newest disruptors.
We also discuss Bluebell’s rugby journey, the growth of the women’s game in Canada and her involvement with Toronto Nomads.
🏆 The Big Picture• Does this final feel like a watershed moment for the PWR?• Is Trailfinders’ rise proof that investment is broadening the league’s competitive landscape?• Has Gloucester-Hartpury’s semi-final exit changed perceptions of what clubs can achieve?• Is the PWR becoming genuinely unpredictable?
🔴 Saracens – Experience and Pedigree• Sixth PWR final appearance and another shot at silverware• How Jess Breach’s late winner against Exeter underlined Saracens’ big-game mentality• Marlie Packer’s emotional final game for the club• Why Zoe Harrison, Sophie de Goede, Olivia Apps and Jess Breach keep Saracens as the benchmark
🟢 Trailfinders – The Disruptors• First-ever final in just their third season in the league• Barney Maddison’s role in transforming the club• Why Meg Jones is the creative heartbeat of this side• Can Trailfinders play with freedom and no fear?
⚔️ The Match-Up• Structure and control versus creativity and chaos• Does the head-to-head record matter in finals?• Where will the game be won and lost?• Set-piece, breakdown and the first 20 minutes• Which style of game favours each team?
⚡ Quickfire with Bluebell• One under-the-radar player who could decide the final• One player you'd pay to watch• Which team has more X-factor?• Which team has more power?• Which team has the better bench?• Score prediction
🎧 Sunday’s PWR Final kicks off at 3pm from The Stoop, live on TNT Sports. Will Saracens add another title to their collection, or can Trailfinders complete one of the great underdog stories in recent domestic rugby history?
You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link:https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subscriptions OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner.
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Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by All Things Rugby editor Saner Hasan to preview one of the biggest weekends in the club rugby calendar.
The Prem final takes centre stage as Northampton Saints take on Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham. The Saints have been the benchmark side all season, while Exeter’s remarkable rise from crisis to contenders has become one of the stories of the campaign. We break down the contrasting journeys of the two finalists, the brilliance of Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman, Henry Pollock’s meteoric rise, and why Rob Baxter’s rebuilt Chiefs are proving so difficult to beat.
We also discuss:
• Whether Tommy Freeman is the most dangerous player in the Premiership
• Exeter’s transformation from relegation fears to title challengers
• The key battles between Fin Smith and Harvey Skinner, and Fraser Dingwall and Henry Slade
• Whether recent final experience gives Saints an edge
🏆 URC Final
Attention then turns to Croke Park where Leinster face the Bulls in a repeat of last year's final.
We discuss:
• Why winning the URC almost feels like a minimum requirement for Leinster
• Whether the Bulls can finally end their long wait for silverware
• The pressure on Leo Cullen’s side after another Champions Cup disappointment
• Which team has more to lose on Friday night
🌏 Super Rugby Pacific Final
The Hurricanes host the Chiefs in Wellington in a final that has never happened before.
We ask:
• Are the Hurricanes the best club side in world rugby right now?
• Can the Chiefs finally end their run of final heartbreak?
• Which side handles the pressure of the occasion better?
🌹 France XV v England XV
Before the finals begin, England XV head to Vannes to take on France XV as Steve Borthwick starts preparations for the summer Nations Championship.
We discuss:
• Why this uncapped fixture matters more than it looks
• The return of Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Max Ojomoh
• England's opportunity to build momentum for the summer
• The notable absence of Ollie Lawrence
🔥 Final Questions
• Which win would mean the most?
• Which player is under the most pressure?
• If you could build a team around one player from the finals weekend, who would it be?
• Ranking the fly-halves: Fin Smith, Harvey Skinner, Sam Prendergast, Handré Pollard, Damian McKenzie and Ruben Love
🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
Wednesday Jun 10, 2026
In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Northampton Chronicle rugby writer Tom Vickers to preview a mouthwatering Gallagher Premiership semi-final weekend.
Friday night sees one of English rugby’s fiercest rivalries take centre stage as Northampton Saints host Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens with a place in the Premiership final on the line.
We revisit the iconic 2014 semi-final between the sides, discuss whether this remains the biggest rivalry in the Premiership, and examine why history suggests the winner could go all the way and lift the trophy.
With Saints having topped the table and successfully navigated a season of rotation, injuries and international call-ups, we assess the outstanding job Phil Dowson has done, the impact of Anthony Belleau, and how Northampton have maintained their consistency despite spending periods without Fin Smith.
We also discuss:
• George Furbank’s impending departure and the motivation it brings• Why Saints have flourished despite heavy squad rotation• Leicester Tigers’ remarkable rise under Geoff Parling• The clash of styles between Northampton’s attack and Leicester’s set-piece power• Tommy Freeman’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage• The importance of Franklin’s Gardens under the Friday night lights
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🏆 Bath v Exeter Chiefs
Attention then turns to Saturday’s second semi-final as defending champions Bath host Exeter Chiefs at The Recreation Ground.
We discuss:
• Whether Exeter are the most dangerous fourth-placed side in recent Premiership history• Henry Slade’s outstanding season• Bath’s title credentials and attacking firepower
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🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup
You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link:[https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc](https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc)...OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner.
Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis:
X: [https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper](https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper)Facebook: / therugbypaperInstagram: / therugbypaper