The Rugby Paper Podcast

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
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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

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. 

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?
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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

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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PLAY-OFF CHAOS! | Exeter v Saracens Prem Shootout + URC Semi-Finals | The Rugby Paper RoundupIn this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by TRP writer Chris Collyer to preview a huge weekend of club rugby as the Prem regular season reaches its climax and the URC semi-finals take centre stage.The headline act comes at Sandy Park, where Exeter Chiefs and Saracens meet in a winner-takes-all battle for a Premiership play-off place. With Mark McCall preparing to step down after an extraordinary trophy-laden spell at Saracens, could this be the final chapter of one of the great coaching eras — or one last escape act from rugby’s ultimate knockout specialists?We also preview the race for home semi-finals as Bath host Leicester Tigers, assess Northampton Saints’ preparations for the play-offs, and ask whether Bristol Bears can continue their late-season charge.We also discuss:• Exeter v Saracens and the race for the top four• Mark McCall’s legacy and Saracens’ final push• Bath v Leicester Tigers and the battle for home advantage• Harlequins’ season and Saints’ title credentials• Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears in the fight for Europe• Gloucester’s ambitions and Newcastle’s spoiler role🏆 URC Semi-FinalsAttention then turns to the United Rugby Championship, where four heavyweights battle for a place in the Grand Final.We break down:• Glasgow Warriors v Bulls — a rematch of the 2024 final• Whether Murrayfield helps or hinders Glasgow• The Bulls’ quest to finally shake their bridesmaid tag• Leinster v Stormers at the Aviva Stadium• The star-studded international talent on display• Hollie Davidson’s historic appointment to officiate the semi-final🎧 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/TheRugbyPaperFacebook: / therugbypaperInstagram: / therugbypaper

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Robert Graham from the Rosbifs Rugby podcast to break down the extraordinary rise of French rugby — after another weekend of total dominance in Europe. Bordeaux Bègles dismantled Leinster to retain the Champions Cup, making it six straight European titles for Top 14 clubs, while Montpellier’s Challenge Cup triumph means French sides have now won 10 of the last 12 EPCR competitions. So why are France so far ahead of the rest of Europe right now? We explore the systems, culture and identity driving the French rugby boom — from the JIFF player pathway and financial strength of the Top 14 to the incredible depth being produced across the country. And of course, we dive into the brilliance of Bordeaux’s star-studded side — with Lucu, Jalibert, Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey lighting up Europe behind a monstrous pack led by cult hero Ben Tameifuna. We also discuss: •⁠ ⁠Whether this is the golden era of French rugby •⁠ ⁠Why the French club game feels so stable compared to England •⁠ ⁠The importance of the JIFF system in producing elite talent •⁠ ⁠Why rugby is now beating football in French TV ratings •⁠ ⁠Fabien Galthié becoming a cult figure in France •⁠ ⁠Why rugby suddenly feels “cool” in the country 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

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…
Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby content creator and social media personality Ruck Star Lizzie to react to a dramatic final round of the Women’s Six Nations — and look ahead to what feels like a huge new era for the women’s game.
England edged another epic battle with France in Bordeaux to secure an eighth straight Six Nations title and Grand Slam, while Ireland smashed attendance records at the Aviva Stadium in front of more than 31,000 fans against Scotland.
We break down why England v France continues to produce the biggest matches in women’s rugby, whether the Red Roses are building one of sport’s greatest dynasties, and just how special Ellie Kildunne’s tournament really was after a campaign packed with outrageous attacking numbers.
We also discuss:
• Marlie Packer finishing as top try scorer from the back row• Zoe Harrison leading the tournament points charts• Why Ireland’s Aviva Stadium crowd felt like a landmark moment
🦁 Women’s Lions Tour 2027
Attention also turns to the historic announcement of the first-ever Women’s Lions tour in 2027 to New Zealand.
Lizzie shares her excitement around the tour, the players who have stood out outside of England this championship, and who would already be first on her Lions team sheet.
🎥 Creator life & rugby media
Lizzie also reflects on building one of rugby’s biggest creator platforms, her favourite moments covering the sport, and what rugby still doesn’t quite get right digitally.
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The first episode of the TQL Rugby Podcast with Chris Collyer sees The Rugby Paper Assistant Editor, Ben Jaycock, discuss his journalism journey, who he was starstruck interviewing, standout matches he’s covered, and how he deals with the issues of bias when reporting.