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
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
This weekend's Women's Six Nations decider is set to set a new record for attendance at a standalone women's rugby fixture. The Red Roses and France will go toe to toe in a winner-takes-all grand stand finale in front of more than 50,000. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to preview the tournament's climax is prop forward Maud Muir. The guys also look ahead to what promises to be a thrilling weekend of European rugby!
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Of all positional debates in English rugby at the moment, the one at fly-half is one of the most unanswered and without doubt the most problematic. Captain Owen Farrell underperformed in the Six Nations - with particular concerns about his goal-kicking - yet heir to the throne Marcus Smith failed to take the limited opportunities he got. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to weigh in on the debate is former England fly-half Olly Barkley.
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
This week's special guest has been on a journey that has been nothing short of remarkable. Billed as a future England captain by many, Wasps and England flanker Tom Rees's rugby career was tragically cut short by a ruptured ACL. Forced to retire at just 27 years old, he began his qualification in medicine, and is now a doctor for the NHS. Join host Ollie Little and the full house of columnists as Tom opens up to them about everything that he has been through. The guys also review a fantastic weekend of Champions Cup action!
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Champions Cup and Women's Six Nations action made for a fantastic weekend of rugby to say the least. To reflect on the Red Roses' opening two wins and preview the rest of the tournament, host Ollie Little, columnists Nick Cain and Chris Hewett and Digital Editor Nick Powell are joined by one of the faces of women's rugby, Maggie Alphonsi. The guys also look back at a vintage weekend of European rugby, and preview the all-important quarter-finals.
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Plans for a World Rugby tournament that will culminate every two years in a grand final between the top side in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere look to be solidifying.
Host Ollie Little is joined by columnists Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett to how the tournament could shape up, and impact the divide between top tier and second tier international rugby.
The guys also preview the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup.
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Congratulations to Ireland, who secured a deserved Grand Slam against England at on St Patrick's day weekend - we can only imagine how the party must have been! This week, the Rugby Paper Podcast reviews Saturday's fixtures and the tournament as a whole. To do so, the guys have the ideal special guest - Ollie Little and the full house of columnists in Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by a member of the Irish rugby hall of fame, Willie John McBride.
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
England's Six Nations trajectory took a downhill turn on Saturday following a record home defeat at the hands of the French. Less than six months out from the World Cup and Steve Borthwick's side have hit a new rock bottom, with many ruling them out as genuine contenders later this year. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to discuss England's turmoil is former England and Scotland head coach Andy Robinson.
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Three difficult fixtures to call this weekend as England and Scotland bear home advantage in their challenges against France and Ireland, whilst Italy go into a Six Nations fixture as favourites for the first time in years. Will England go with Smith or Farrell? Will Ireland remain on course for the Grand Slam? Will Welsh woes be put on hold? Host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by former England and British and Irish Lion Fran Cotton to discuss all.
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
During the third round of the 2023 Six Nations, a minute's silence was held before each game to commemorate the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Rugby Paper had the privilege this week of interviewing James Waterhouse, a former professional rugby player (Plymouth, Rotherham and Esher) who is now working as the Ukraine correspondent for the BBC. In a truly unique and extraordinary episode, James calls host Ollie Little, and columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher from Kyiv.
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Monday Feb 20, 2023
The build-up to Wales vs England remains marred by uncertainty amidst strike threats by Welsh players as contract issues, financial crisis and allegations of a toxic environment pervade Welsh rugby. This been brewing for some time, masked by the success of an over-performing Welsh national side. However many, including today's guest Jonathan Davies, feel that this is the moment for a complete overhaul. 'Jiffy' joins host Ollie Little and the full house columnists to preview the third round of the Six Nations and weigh in on the Welsh rugby crisis.