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127 episodes
The Ruck, page 2
by The Times · English
The podcast they play in heaven. Join Alfie, Alex, Will and Charlie along with the best of The Times and The Sunday Times rugby writers as they ruck over the best games and biggest names from the domestic season and the international calendar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 2: Racial lines drawn, and blurred
The episode explains why the All Blacks–Springboks rivalry is branded “greatest,” arguing it’s inseparable from South Africa–New Zealand racial politics.
16 Aug 2026 · 26m · 11 chapters
Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 1: Consider your country at war
The South Africa–New Zealand rugby rivalry as a battleground shaped by racism, war, and politics, beginning with the first post-WWII test and tracing earlier racial controversies.
15 Aug 2026 · 12m · 5 chaptersNations Championship Round 3: Are Ireland still a top side? Plus, a new Springbok captain?
Review of Nations Championship Round 3—New Zealand’s win over Ireland, South Africa’s captaincy transition, Scotland’s summer progress, and England’s controversial win over Argentina amid discipline…
20 Jul 2026 · 53m · 23 chaptersBorthwick slams the "Negativity Committee" as England dodge disaster
England’s 31-24 win over Argentina (Pumas) in Buenos Aires, focusing on a dramatic collapse in discipline late on, and Steve Borthwick’s fiery post-match pushback against media “negativity” after…
19 Jul 2026 · 55m · 12 chaptersCan Los Pumas inflict another Argentine defeat on England?
England’s rugby tour continues in Argentina with a Saturday Test against the Pumas, framed by the huge Buenos Aires football World Cup semi-final atmosphere.
16 Jul 2026 · 53m · 19 chaptersHow can anyone stop the Springboks?
The podcast discusses Round 2 of the Rugby Championship/Nations Championship, focusing on how teams can challenge South Africa, plus previews for key upcoming tests (especially New Zealand vs Ireland…
13 Jul 2026 · 53m · 18 chaptersEngland back to winning ways: But did we learn anything?
England’s rugby podcast episode discusses England’s 73-8 demolition of Fiji at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and whether it proves anything ahead of Argentina.
11 Jul 2026 · 34m · 15 chaptersFull strength England face 'must win' Fiji test
The Ruck previews “Fiji week” in the Nations Championship, arguing England face a “must win” Test in Liverpool after a disappointing, mixed-message performance in Johannesburg against South Africa.
9 Jul 2026 · 40m · 20 chaptersNations Championship starts with a bang. Is captain Pollock the answer for England?
The Ruck (The Times) discusses the opening round of the new Nations Championship, judging whether it’s better than traditional summer tours and whether it will hold up by the final weekend in…
6 Jul 2026 · 57m · 20 chaptersEngland 'obliterated' by ruthless South Africa
England’s 21-45 loss to South Africa at Ellis Park in the Rugby Nations Championship opener, described as England being “obliterated” after a 17-0 start.
4 Jul 2026 · 50m · 20 chaptersHow Can England stun the Springboks?
England’s chances of upsetting South Africa (Springboks) in Johannesburg, focusing on team selection, tactical identity shifts after the Six Nations, and key match pivots (set piece, backline…
2 Jul 2026 · 55m · 16 chaptersDoes rugby need the Nations Championship?
The inaugural Nations Championship—its format, commercial aims, and whether rugby needs it—then a preview of the opening weekend, especially South Africa vs England at Ellis Park.
29 Jun 2026 · 52m · 17 chaptersNorthampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs in compelling final
Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership final in a highly physical, tense match that stayed in the balance until the final quarter.
20 Jun 2026 · 39m · 19 chaptersCan Exeter upset Saints to win the Prem?
The Ruck previews the Premiership Final at Twickenham, asking whether Exeter can upset Northampton.
18 Jun 2026 · 42m · 16 chaptersPrem semi-final drama! Why didn't Bath kick a drop goal?
Review of English Premiership semi-finals (Northampton vs Leicester; Bath vs Exeter), with a focus on Bath’s decision not to kick a drop goal late, plus preview of the Northampton vs Exeter final and…
14 Jun 2026 · 50m · 13 chaptersAre these the most evenly matched Prem semi-finals ever?
Preview of English Premiership semi-finals (Northampton vs Leicester; Bath vs Exeter), assessing how “evenly matched” they are, plus a discussion of Saracens’ Mark McCall legacy and Andy Farrell…
8 Jun 2026 · 47m · 16 chaptersWho will qualify for the play-offs!?
The Ruck (The Times) discusses the Gallagher Premiership playoff race—key permutations for who finishes 2nd-4th, likely semi-final matchups, and form swings heading into the final round.
1 Jun 2026 · 53m · 22 chaptersFrench dominance in Europe! Bordeaux hammer Leinster
The Ruck episode is a post–Champions Cup final discussion from Bilbao, focusing on Bordeaux-Begles’ dominance over Leinster (Bordeaux “go back to back” as European champions).
23 May 2026 · 37m · 13 chaptersShould Van Rensburg be in the England squad?
The Ruck episode debates whether Bristol centre Yancy (Jancy) van Rensburg should be in the England squad, then looks ahead to the Champions Cup final Bordeaux vs Leinster.
18 May 2026 · 1h 4m · 25 chaptersWhy did the RFU back Borthwick?
The Ruck episode focuses on three main things: England rugby politics, the women’s Six Nations decider, and investment in the Premiership.
11 May 2026 · 59m · 25 chaptersBrilliant Bordeaux, but Bath bemused. Was French TV to blame?
Champions Cup semi-final analysis—Bordeaux’s attacking style vs Bath’s defensive resilience in difficult weather—plus debate over whether French TV/replay processes affected decisions, and what it…
4 May 2026 · 51m · 17 chaptersBONUS: Can rugby survive its brain injury problem?
Whether rugby can survive its brain-injury problem, using the case of New Zealand flanker Shane Christie and his friend Billy Guyton, both diagnosed with CTE after suicide.
30 Apr 2026 · 47m · 22 chaptersBritish & Irish Lions tour to France: No-brainer or an erosion of history?
The British & Irish Lions may expand tours beyond the usual South Africa/New Zealand/Australia rotation, with a secret proposal exploring France, the Americas (North America), and Japan—raising fears…
27 Apr 2026 · 59m · 28 chaptersDo the Prem's blowouts challenge its franchise future?
Whether Gallagher Premiership “franchise” (no promotion/relegation) will hurt the league’s future, amid record blowouts, plus a weekend round-up and a look ahead to the top-four race and playoffs.
20 Apr 2026 · 1h · 31 chapters