Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls

A sold-out Kingston Park, a year-long drought snapped, and a recruitment plan that actually makes sense—Newcastle’s resurgence sets the tone for a week where club identity matters more than hype. We unpack how the Red Bull-backed project is prioritising prime-age talent, robust coaching, and behind-the-scenes investment that turns travel, data and welfare into wins. It’s not about Galácticos; it’s about a system that survived a storm and put Gloucester to the sword.

From there, we turn the lens on contrasts across the league. Bristol showed they can grind as well as glide, absorbing...

Duration: 01:27:25

Joined by Mark Williams from MWRUGBYCOACHING

Two hours of rugby without the fluff: we look back at 2025’s biggest swings and set our stall out for 2026. From the Lions’ series win to Elliot Daly breaking French hearts, from Bath’s irresistible maul to Saints’ statement in Europe, we map the moments that mattered and why they’ll shape the year ahead.

We get into the rise of Steve Borthwick’s England and the culture piece that actually makes teams better, drawing on coach Mark Williams’ work across school, uni, and club rugby. Expect honest chat on Exeter’s re...

Duration: 01:21:32

A weekend that felt like a pressure test for the Premiership delivered on every front. Leicester bullied the basics and shredded Gloucester’s confidence, Exeter turned the StoneX into a second-half workshop, Saints ran riot against a leggy Sale, Bristol lit up Big Game while Quins wilted, and Bath rolled out an eight-man bench detonation that shows exactly why they’re so hard to live with. We also talk transfer tremors—Tommaso Menoncello to Toulouse and Siya Kolisi’s rumoured return to the Stormers—and what those moves say about where power sits across Europe and the URC.

We sta...

Duration: 01:22:56

A pint-soaked weekend in Cork quickly gives way to the biggest question in English rugby: is a sealed Premiership the only path to stability? We don’t dodge it. We weigh romance versus reality, outline how a franchise model can expand into Yorkshire and the southeast without ripping clubs from their roots, and sketch a ten-year roadmap that funds academies, powers a revived A‑League, and reconnects the Championship to meaningful, high-standard rugby. Investors want certainty; fans want honesty. Both can get what they need if the plan is clear.

European rugby, though, needs an urgent reset. The...

Duration: 01:33:01

European rugby didn’t whisper this weekend—it roared. We dive straight into a Champions Cup slate packed with statement wins, shock upsets, and a few uncomfortable truths about where the competition stands. From the moment Sale’s injuries met Glasgow’s 25‑minute surge, the theme was clear: momentum punishes hesitation, and the best sides control the tempo.

We unpack Saracens suffocating Clermont at the set piece, Leinster’s seamless power with Quins fighting for a deserved bonus point, and Bath’s ruthless lineout ambush that left Munster reeling. Edinburgh’s storm‑lashed win over Toulon gets the spotlight it d...

Duration: 01:40:53

A week off and the rugby world refused to sit still. We kick things off with the headlines: R360’s two‑year delay and why the money never looked real, a quietly improving Premiership balance sheet that’s letting clubs hand out deals to 2029, London Irish stirring again, and ITV nabbing England tests for free‑to‑air. Great for reach—so long as the coverage upgrades from remote sofas to real insight on the touchline.

From there, the pitch does the talking. Newcastle’s Red Bulls era already hints at identity: Stephen Jones in, marquee links circling, real endeavour...

Duration: 01:38:12

A 12–0 hole against the All Blacks usually means lights out. Not this time. We break down how England wrestled control back at Twickenham: Ford’s cold-blooded drop goals, a backline reshuffle that added real speed with Marcus Smith at 15, and a pack that went from shaky lineouts to statement scrums. Dingwall and Lawrence offered balance and bite in midfield, while Underhill and Earl set the tone with dominant contact and tireless carrying. It wasn’t perfect, but it was organised, ruthless, and timely—the kind of performance you can build a season on.

From there, we zoom out to t...

Duration: 01:33:59

A bright afternoon in Bath set the scene for a tougher truth: cohesion beats potential. We walk through England A’s sobering loss to a slick New Zealand XV and pull out what matters for selection, development, and how fast “promising” becomes “test-ready.” Two names rose above the noise — Ollie Hassell-Collins under the high ball and Tom Pearson around the breakdown — but the wider lesson was clearer still: the basics decide everything when pressure bites.

Switching to Twickenham, we break down England’s measured step forward against Fiji. Lee Blackett’s attacking patterns are starting to appear — better timing, kick...

Duration: 01:19:33

England put on a clinic. We break down how a sharp kicking plan, relentless two‑man tackles, and a late “Pom Squad” surge turned Australia’s momentum to dust, with Alex Mitchell’s box kicking and Tom Roebuck’s aerial work setting the tone. We get into the selection debates too: Tommy Freeman’s smart decision‑making at 13, a three‑way race at 10, and why Freddie Steward’s tough takes under targeted kicks deserved more credit than criticism.

Then we head to Chicago, where Ireland and New Zealand promised fireworks but delivered a stop‑start showcase marred by Tadhg Beirne’s earl...

Duration: 01:16:32

A whirlwind weekend gave us everything: Saints igniting Franklin’s Gardens with 30 minutes of pure velocity, Saracens scrambling to recover, Tigers and Sale trading test-level shots, and the PWR roaring back with pace and bite. We dive straight into the England squad for the Autumn Nations and ask the real selection questions: stack the 9-10-12 with Northampton’s chemistry, or ride Ford’s control and cold-blooded decision-making? Build a back row for collisions with Underhill, or tilt toward line-out height and mobility with Pepper? We break down what each choice changes in contact, exits, and scoring on transition.
Duration: 01:31:51

Money, momentum, and a meteoric rise collide in a round that had everything—from a test-match brawl at Welford Road to a 65–14 shockwave in north London. We open on England’s Autumn Nations training squad and the headache it exposes: power up front and depth at fullback. With George Martin sidelined and Tom Willis choosing Bordeaux, we dig into the balance between national ambition and financial gravity, and ask whether England’s domestic-only policy still makes competitive sense as French and Japanese offers grow.

The Premiership delivered four distinct stories. Bristol’s 49–34 win at Gloucester proved that a clear iden...

Duration: 01:26:37

Forget clichés—this weekend showed exactly who’s for real and who’s searching for answers. We start with Bath, who didn’t just win, they imposed a standard: relentless collisions, clean set-piece, and a midfield pairing that bends games their way. Even with rotation, they rolled Gloucester with control and depth that’s frankly scary. We break down why their structure travels and how Ojomoh-Lawrence unlocks space for Russell and Arundell to finish the job.

Then we head to the Stoop, where Harlequins flipped their script. Less “great entertainers,” more steel. Marcus Smith didn’t chase chaos—he ma...

Duration: 01:16:48

A rebel league selling glitz and “player IP,” a beloved flanker facing MND, and a Prem weekend that swung on packs, pressure, and poise—this one has layers. We open the hood on R360’s promises and ask the only questions that matter: who sanctions it, who plays when international camps clash, and who still cares after the marketing burn wears off. Pre‑contracts aren’t contracts, and IP only pays if the audience is real. Best case, it nudges the established game to modernise; worst case, it’s noise with a sunset.

Then the shock: Lewis Moody’s diagno...

Duration: 01:28:50

A world title in one hand, a battered match ball in the other—this week swings from the Red Roses’ crowning moment to a wild Premiership opening round that had big hits, bigger scrums, and even bigger talking points. We start with England’s blueprint against Canada: ruthless ruck denial, set-piece authority, and a calm response to early pressure. From Ellie Kildunne’s momentum-shifting finish to Alcroft, Matthews, and Botterman setting the tone, we unpack why this run felt inevitable—and why the real test is what comes next. Legacy isn’t a slogan; it’s participation spikes, diverse role models, a...

Duration: 01:28:26

The global rugby landscape is shifting dramatically, and we're here to break it all down. In a revealing conversation about Newcastle Red Bulls' resurgence, we witness what appears to be the birth of a northern powerhouse. With an impressive 9,000 fans turning out for a mere cup fixture and more star signings on the horizon, Kingston Park finally has reason for optimism after years in the wilderness.

Our deep dive into the Women's Rugby World Cup quarterfinals reveals the emergence of clear title contenders. The Red Roses look virtually unstoppable with Holly Aitchison back orchestrating the attack, transforming...

Duration: 00:56:38

The Women's Rugby World Cup takes center stage as the pool stages wrap up with England facing their first genuine test against Australia. While the Red Roses secured a comfortable 47-7 victory, questions emerge about their clinical edge in the backline as they prepare for potentially facing New Zealand's lethal attack in the knockout rounds. We dive into standout performances across the tournament and highlight how teams like Brazil and Samoa are making history simply by competing on this global stage.

Looking ahead to 2027, we predict potential selections for the first-ever Women's British & Irish Lions tour, identifying...

Duration: 01:12:47

The flirty season begins! After a refreshing break, we're diving headfirst into rugby's most exciting developments with renewed energy and the same unfiltered perspectives you've come to expect.

Welsh rugby finds itself at yet another crossroads, with the WRU contemplating a reduction to just two regions. We explore what this East-West Wales structure might mean for traditional clubs caught in the crossfire and whether burning everything to the ground might actually be the solution this perpetually chaotic union needs. Meanwhile, across the border, Newcastle's Red Bull takeover represents perhaps the most significant opportunity for Premiership Rugby since...

Duration: 01:05:43

The second Test between the Lions and Australia delivered everything rugby fans could hope for - drama, controversy, physicality, and a last-gasp victory that secured the series for the tourists. After a relatively straightforward first Test win, the Lions found themselves thoroughly tested by a transformed Australian side at the MCG.

Will Skelton's return to the Wallabies' pack proved transformative, with the towering lock imposing himself on the contest through sheer physical dominance. His tactic of leaning on opposition players at the breakdown - reminiscent of heavyweight boxers draining their opponents' energy - created visible frustration in...

Duration: 00:49:00

When test match players deliver test match performances, Andy Farrell looks like a rugby genius. The Lions dominated Australia physically in the first test, with Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne silencing critics through outstanding displays that vindicated their controversial selections. Curry's phenomenal work rate—hitting nearly 90% of defensive rucks—alongside Beirne's disruptive presence created the platform for a convincing victory, though questions remain about the Lions' second-half drop-off in intensity.

Across the Pacific, England completed a flawless summer tour against the USA in a bizarre match repeatedly delayed by lightning protocols despite clear skies. The commentary team's enth...

Duration: 01:14:39

Dave and Rory deliver a rugby-packed discussion covering the Lions tour, England's Argentina series win, and Premiership recruitment.

• Lions are in a good position heading into the first Test despite some underwhelming performances in warm-up matches
• Standout Lions performers include Ben Earl, Ben White, Huw Jones and Joe McCarthy
• Full Lions Test team predictions with debates around the competitive seven position and potential Irish bias
• England's Argentina tour produced several "test match animals" including Seb Atkinson, Tom Willis and George Ford
• Bath, Gloucester and Sale identified as winners of the Premiership recruitment period
• Conc...

Duration: 00:59:03

The latest episode of Rucks, Mauls and Oval Balls delivers a comprehensive analysis of the Lions tour as it reaches a critical juncture, with Dave and Rory examining the performances against the Reds and Waratahs while identifying concerning patterns that could impact the upcoming Test matches.

The duo delves into the Lions' struggles with set-piece execution and ball handling under pressure, while celebrating standout performances from Maro Itoje, Jack Morgan, and others who have enhanced their Test selection prospects. They tackle the controversial call-up of Owen Farrell following Elliot Daly's injury, exploring both the leadership benefits he...

Duration: 01:10:25

The summer rugby season is heating up – quite literally, as our hosts confess to sweating through this episode due to the scorching temperatures! We dive headfirst into the Lions tour, analyzing the devastating blow of Tomos Williams' tour-ending injury and what it means for the scrum-half hierarchy going forward.

Our Western Force game breakdown uncovers both promising signs and concerning issues for the squad. While clinical finishing and attacking continuity impressed, scrum fragility and restart collection need urgent attention. Individual performances take center stage, with Joe McCarthy's man-of-the-match display, Finn Russell's masterful game management, and Elliot Daly's ve...

Duration: 01:22:15

What happens when grassroots rugby meets social media advocacy? In this captivating episode, we're joined by Mark Williams, a multi-faceted rugby coach whose TikTok presence (@MWRUGBYCOACHING) is helping shine a light on the beautiful game at its foundation. 

Mark takes us into the trenches of community rugby, revealing the stark reality that many clubs are fielding fewer teams than a decade ago. "Preston Grasshoppers had six teams ten years ago. Now maybe four," he observes, highlighting the post-pandemic participation crisis. But this isn't just doom and gloom – it's a rallying cry for what makes our sport special. Duration: 01:26:30

Bath's triumph in the Premiership Rugby Final capped an exceptional season as they overcame a determined Leicester Tigers side in a match defined by physicality rather than flashy play. Guy Pepper emerged as the standout performer, demonstrating extraordinary strength to swat away defenders like mere nuisances – perhaps justifying Johann van Graan's earlier comparison to Richie McCaw.

Controversy swirled around referee Carl Dixon's decisions, particularly Julian Montoya's yellow card and Dan Cole's questionable sin-binning for a committed charge-down attempt. Meanwhile, the aerial battle proved decisive with Tom de Glanville and Will Muir neutralizing Freddie Stewart's normally dominant presence un...

Duration: 01:03:23

The Premiership semi-finals delivered rugby drama at its finest, with Bath and Leicester emerging victorious through contrasting but equally compelling performances.

Bristol Bears produced near-perfect first-half rugby at The Rec, with Ellis Genge setting the emotional tone and James Dunn delivering a standout performance in the engine room. Their dominance was embodied by Calaveti Ravouvou, whose electric running constantly threatened to tear Bath apart. Yet Guy Pepper's heroic breakdown work kept Bath within striking distance at 13-6 down.

What followed was a Bath renaissance straight from the All Blacks playbook - twenty minutes of unstoppable...

Duration: 01:19:38

The curtain falls on the Premiership's regular season, but the drama has only just begun. In this episode, Dave and Rory dissect a Round 18 filled with surprising performances, emotional farewells, and the final playoff picture taking shape.

Bath's youthful squad showed remarkable courage against Saracens, with debutants Tyler Afaya and Barford crossing the whitewash, offering a tantalizing glimpse into their future despite the 36-26 defeat. Meanwhile, fans at Welford Road witnessed a poignant moment as club legends Dan Cole and Ben Youngs made their final regular-season appearances in Leicester's commanding victory over Newcastle.

We explore...

Duration: 01:26:19

The landscape of global rugby stands on the precipice of transformation with the announcement of a 16-team Club World Cup starting in 2028. This landmark decision promises to answer the question that's lingered in rugby circles for decades: how would champions from different hemispheres fare against each other when the stakes are highest?

As we celebrate this forward-looking vision, we also honor those who've defined an era of Premiership excellence. Dan Cole, Mike Brown, and Alex Goode – three titans of English rugby – have announced their retirements, taking with them decades of experience and countless memories. Cole's remarkable longevity as a...

Duration: 01:14:03

Welcome to an episode brimming with rugby insights, personal challenges, and in-depth analysis of the sport's evolving landscape! We kick off with tales from the Jurassic Coast Challenge – a grueling 100km trek that left one of your hosts with barely any skin on his feet but helped raise over £5,000 for charity.

Diving into the rugby world, we explore Championship Rugby's exciting rebrand and restructure. This isn't just a name change; it's a comprehensive overhaul creating a proper pathway between the National Leagues and Premiership. Taking inspiration from France's Pro D2, the competition introduces 16-team playoffs, relegation battles wit...

Duration: 01:20:07

As rugby's landscape shifts beneath our feet, this episode captures a pivotal moment where tradition meets commercial transformation. We dive deep into the Red Bull acquisition rumours surrounding Newcastle Falcons – potentially the most significant development in English club rugby's recent history. Could this energy drink giant's marketing prowess and financial muscle revolutionise not just one struggling club, but elevate the entire Premiership?

The newly announced £200 million TNT Sports broadcasting deal through 2031 signals growing confidence in rugby's commercial future, despite recent turbulence. Meanwhile, Andy Farrell's Lions squad selection proves refreshingly uncontroversial, with few surprise inclusions beyond perhaps Elliot Dal...

Duration: 01:15:43

A seismic weekend in European rugby as Northampton Saints produced arguably the greatest performance by an English team in Champions Cup history, stunning Leinster in Dublin. Tommy Freeman's hat-trick heroics, Curtis Langdon's physical dominance, and Phil Dowson's tactical masterclass created the perfect storm that left the Irish giants shell-shocked at the Aviva Stadium.

We break down exactly how Saints exploited Leinster's feared blitz defense, analyzing the perfect execution that saw them rack up 37 points against a team that had previously shut out two knockout opponents. Freeman's emergence as a world-class talent and Henry Pollock's relentless breakdown work...

Duration: 01:06:58

George Ford masterminds Sale's statement victory over Saracens in a match that signals the Sharks' potential title credentials. With impeccable game management and a try of his own, Ford showcases why he deserves Lions consideration while steering Sale's increasingly Saracens-esque structure. Meanwhile, Tom Willis puts in a heroic shift for Saracens with 126 metres carried and 10 defenders beaten, almost single-handedly keeping them competitive.

Bath unveil their secret weapon as rookie fly-half Kieran Donoghue delivers one of the most remarkable Premiership debuts ever seen. The half-English, half-Irish 10 accumulates an astonishing 181 metres carried and four try assists against Newcastle, immediately...

Duration: 01:22:14

Rugby fans have been clamoring for more deep dives into the sport's burning questions, and we've delivered with our very first bonus Q&A special. For a full hour, we tackle the questions you've submitted across social platforms, offering thoughtful analysis and occasionally heated opinions on rugby's most debated topics.

We kick things off discussing whether rugby union should adopt the captain's challenge system from rugby league. While it works well in league, we explore why the current TMO-heavy union setup makes this problematic—potentially leading to even more game delays. Could it work with significant TMO re...

Duration: 00:59:16

The battle lines have been drawn in Round 14 of the Premiership, with a fascinating shift in momentum as the season enters its crucial final stages. The physically dominant, confrontational teams are surging while the free-flowing entertainers struggle under pressure.

Sale Sharks delivered perhaps the most impressive performance of the weekend, their pack ruthlessly dismantling Harlequins at The Stoop. With George Ford orchestrating proceedings like a maestro, Sale have transformed into genuine title contenders. Their pack, built on what we describe as "the Al Sanderson South African influence of not giving an inch physically," gives them a formidable...

Duration: 01:20:19

The European Champions Cup quarter-finals have delivered a stark verdict on the current balance of power in northern hemisphere rugby. Leinster continue their relentless march through the tournament, securing their second consecutive knockout match without conceding a single point. Their systematic dismantling of Glasgow Warriors demonstrated why they remain overwhelming favorites, combining Jacques Nienaber's defensive masterclass with explosive attacking talent.

Young Henry Pollock stole the spotlight in Northampton's impressive victory over Castres – not just with his performance, but with a showboating try celebration that sparked debate across rugby circles. His emergence symbolizes a new generation bringing much-needed pe...

Duration: 01:10:42

Has the Champions Cup lost its magic? When 62-0 and 72-42 scorelines dominate the round of 16, something fundamental has changed in European rugby's premier club competition. We dive deep into why the current format is failing fans and teams alike.

The evidence is damning - what was once an elite competition now feels diluted and predictable. We examine why English clubs are struggling so badly against their continental counterparts, looking beyond the obvious salary cap limitations to squad depth issues and scheduling challenges. While Northampton Saints provide a glimmer of hope for Premiership representation, the gulf between...

Duration: 01:13:45

This weeks podcast features Dave & Rory discussing;

Gallagher Premiership Round 13 ResultsThe vacuum of information around the future of Tier 2 rugby and the ominous position for Newcastle FalconsThe strength of the Bath squad and their increasing Title chancesRory once again gushes over another glorious Gloucester performanceAn interview with Karl White (ManvFAT Rugby Lead) around the Man v Fat Rugby programmeA summary of the Womens Six Nations and how it is all going by the book so far...The latest instalment from the DPRFRA probing Q&A section where Dave & Rory discuss the run in for the teams in contention...

Duration: 01:39:39

Rugby's return after the Six Nations brings fresh energy to the Premiership as title races intensify and new storylines emerge across both men's and women's competitions.

The weekend delivered a mixture of stunning try-fests and tactical chess matches that have dramatically reshaped the league table. Bath continue their dominance at the summit, now six points clear of Bristol in second, while just six points separate positions three through seven with six rounds remaining. Every match now carries playoff implications.

Leicester Tigers' emphatic 33-0 victory at Franklin's Gardens exposed a rusty Northampton Saints side that conceded...

Duration: 01:17:16

We break down the Six Nations tournament with detailed analysis of the key matches and standout performers from the thrilling final weekend. 

• Italy showed incredible promise against Ireland despite injuries and a red card
• England produced a record-breaking performance at the Principality Stadium against Wales
• France seized the Six Nations crown after their convincing win over Scotland
• Our team of the tournament includes Menoncello, Curry, Dupont, and Freeman
• Premiership Rugby returns with exciting derby matchups this weekend
• Gloucester Hartbury claimed the PWR title with a comeback win against Saracens
• Two new inductees welco...

Duration: 01:32:22

The drama of Six Nations Round 4 unfolded with breathtaking twists that have completely reshaped the tournament narrative and set up what promises to be an unforgettable Super Saturday finale.

England's evolution under Borthwick continued with a convincing 47-24 victory over Italy, showcasing a more fluid attacking approach with forwards willingly moving the ball and backs finding space. Fraser Dingwall established himself as England's midfield conductor while questions remain about Marcus Smith's long-term future at fullback despite his attacking contributions. The performance provided genuine optimism for England supporters, yet revealed concerning defensive patterns for an Italian side that...

Duration: 01:35:57

Join us for a lively discussion about rugby where we cover everything from personal anecdotes, serious gameplay analysis, to the controversies that stir the rugby community. This episode captures the essence of our love for the sport, beginning with our signature mundane banter. We touch on the latest happenings and share our weekly highlights as we delve into the Power Women’s Rugby (PWR) semi-finals, discussing the potential for influencing the future of women's rugby.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as we explore the complexities surrounding the Premiership Rugby Cup and the exclusion of championship clubs. To...

Duration: 01:34:39

The latest episode of our podcast takes a deep dive into the ongoing Six Nations Championship, where the fierce clash between historic rivals is heating up. England's narrow victory against Scotland ignites enthusiasm as the team grapples with shifting perceptions of style versus substance. A spirited performance from Wales against a strong Irish side showcases their resurgence and potential growth, bringing hope to fans who have long awaited a revival. Meanwhile, Italian struggles continue, but the good performances remain in sight as they face a dominant French team.

In this episode, we explore critical moments from each...

Duration: 01:25:28

This week on Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls the boys use the fallow week in the Six Nations to discuss some of the talking points in English Rugby regarding the future of the game. They discuss the growth of the PWR, the Premiership Rugby Cup, The Under 18's Academy Finals Day as well as discussing the future of the Premiership and the reported second tier of Premiership Rugby. We also see the return of Name Pending with our first guest competitor and as always, an address from El Presidente of the DPRFR.

Please do look for us on...

Duration: 01:29:21

This week the Rucks, Mauls and Oval Balls lads have a deep dive in to this weeks Six Nations fixtures. They asses the England performance against France, really delve in to the impact of Warren Gatland leaving his post as Wales Head Coach & discuss the power of Ireland and growing selection headaches for Scotland. We also get the latest address from El Presidente of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Front Rows and the boys answer their first ever question regarding Minestrone Soup. 

🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast!<...

Duration: 01:28:05