Rugby Unity

contentRFC

Hosted by Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, and David Pembroke, Rugby Unity is the global rugby podcast that tackles the game’s biggest issues — on and off the field. This is where strong opinions meet smart analysis. Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie bring decades of international coaching experience at the very top level, while David Pembroke draws on 35 years as a rugby journalist and strategist. Together, they cut through the noise with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Rugby Unity is more than a podcast. It’s a community of fans, players, coaches, and leaders committed to securing rugby’s future prosperity worldwide. One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity. Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Have your question answered on the show: Rugby Unity Survey Get FREE exclusive content: Substack Dive into the world of rugby: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Six Nations Final Weekend: England v France classic, Ireland v Scotland + Wales v Italy

    A Guinness Six Nations finale for the ages, and Rugby Unity breaks it all down. David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to review Ireland 43 Scotland 21, Wales powering past Italy, and that breathtaking England v France finish, 48–46, decided by the last kick. They get specific on why Ireland’s evolution under Andy Farrell is working, how Jamison Gibson-Park is running games differently to most nines, and why Scotland’s “disruptor” identity both lifts them and leaves them exposed. Wales’ momentum, selection consistency, and key spine players get a proper look, while Italy’s emotional hangover after their famous England win becomes a coaching case study. Then it’s straight into the big debates: advantage plus cynical play, yellow cards, 15 v 15, and whether Steve Borthwick should really be under pressure, with Michael Cheika rumours swirling. ● Ireland 43 Scotland 21: depth, pace, control ● Gibson-Park influence compared with Dupont and other nines ● Wales selection consistency rewarded; Italy slow start punished ● England v France 48–46: micro moments decide everything ● Yellow cards, advantage, and 15 v 15 debate ● Nations Championship Round 1 fixtures and why it matters PLUS: World Rugby anti-doping investigation news involving Georgia, plus Rugby Europe Championship results and what’s coming in July. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack   📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m
  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Six Nations Super Saturday Preview! Ireland v Scotland, Wales v Italy + Le Crunch?

    Super Saturday is here and Rugby Unity sets the table for a massive final weekend of the Six Nations, with David Pembroke joined by Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones. Before the previews, the boys get stuck into World Rugby’s new Nations Championship, why it adds real jeopardy to north v south match-ups, and why a global season still feels stuck in the mud. Then it’s into the match-ups: Ireland v Scotland in Dublin and how Ireland’s control, phase pressure and aerial contest can squeeze Finn Russell, even with Scotland’s confidence soaring. Wales v Italy gets billed as a surprise blockbuster, with Italy handling rare favouritism and Wales chasing a long-awaited win. And at the Stade de France, France v England brings heat, selection calls, emotional control, and the media pressure that comes with it. ● World Rugby Nations Championship format and fixture excitement ● Why a global season change looks unlikely pre-2028 ● Ireland v Scotland: contrasting styles and Finn Russell pressure ● Wales v Italy: Italy favourites, Wales building belief ● France v England: title stakes and emotional control ● Eddie Jones on England’s kicking debate and media noise PLUS: A wider look at World Rugby governance, transparency, and faster decision-making. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack   📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 15m
  3. 10 MAR

    Incredible Italy beat England in Rome, Scotland trump France at Murrayfield + Ireland hold off Wales

    A blockbuster Six Nations weekend set the bar, and David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie reckon the biggest winner might have been World Rugby’s officiating. Scotland’s 50–40 shootout over France lit up Murrayfield, with the sunlight, kick-off tactics, discipline and Finn Russell’s influence all dissected. Ireland held off a fast-improving Wales 27–17, with big raps for Steve Tandy’s coaching and the rise of names like Rhys Carré and Dewi Lake. Then came Italy’s historic 23–18 first win over a flat England, with Maro Itoje’s late yellow card and Steve Borthwick’s pressure boiling over into an RFU statement. Off-field, Pemby notes Eddie Jones is in Sri Lanka for Chelsea’s wedding, but still ran coaching clinics and sessions for players ahead of tests vs New Zealand Under 85kg tour in April. Plus substitutions, fatigue, scrum data, instrumented mouthguards, and Rugby Europe Championship results. ● Six Nations refereeing praised: tempo, authority, minimal TMO ● Scotland 50–40 France: sun, kick-offs, discipline, lineout strike ● Ireland edge Wales 27–17 as Wales keep improving ● Italy beat England 23–18 as England discipline collapses ● Substitutions, fatigue, and whether rugby needs fewer law changes PLUS: Nations Championship excitement grows as north-south battles loom, while Rugby Europe Championship finals day in Madrid sets up a full Saturday of matches. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack   📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  4. 6 MAR

    Can Scotland beat France? Dave Rennie's Appointment + Italy v England & Ireland v Wales

    Dave Rennie is confirmed as the new All Blacks coach, and Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie break down what it means, right now, with two years to a World Cup. David Pembroke digs into whether the All Blacks actually change style, what happens at 9 and 10, and why Rennie’s lack of attachment to any Super Rugby franchise could light a fire under selection pressure. There’s also a big Rugby World Cup 2027 ticketing update: 750,000 tickets sold in the initial pre-sale, with huge demand for Australia v New Zealand and knockout matches, plus the next application phase opening 19th of May. Then it’s straight into the Guinness Six Nations restart: Ireland v Wales at the Aviva, Scotland v France at Murrayfield with Angus Gardner in the middle, and Italy v England in Rome after Borthwick’s sweeping changes. Also in this episode: ● Dave Rennie named new All Blacks coach ● What changes in All Blacks style under Rennie? ● Roigard, Barrett, Mo’unga selection pressure discussed ● Brodie Retallick’s form in Japan highlighted heavily ● Rugby World Cup 2027 tickets: 750,000 sold fast ● Six Nations previews: Ireland v Wales, Scotland v France, Italy v England PLUS: The panel debates World Rugby priorities, domestic competition sustainability, and what “hard decisions” really mean in coaching selections. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack   📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m
  5. 26/09/2025

    Wallabies v All Blacks clash + World Cup final drama

    The Rugby Championship is back — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In this episode of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack the Wallabies’ clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park. Both teams are unsettled, the weather’s turning ugly, and history looms large — will Australia finally break their 23-year drought at the home of New Zealand rugby? But that’s not all. The panel turns its focus to South Africa v Argentina in Durban, a clash set to light up the Rugby Championship as well as the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final where England take on Canada in a battle for global supremacy. Add in debates over refereeing, the rise of the box kick, and World Rugby’s unusual decision to delay by 4 months the public release of its much-anticipated strategic plan, this episode covers the full spectrum of the game. Also in this episode: Wallabies v All Blacks — lineouts, breakdowns, and predictionsSpringboks v Argentina — Durban showdownEngland v Canada — Women’s World Cup Final previewMark Nawaqanitawase’s return to rugby unionSamoa’s decline and the Pacific Islands dilemmaWhy the box kick became rugby’s go-to weaponPLUS: World Rugby’s strategy, tech lessons from tennis and baseball, and early whispers about the 2035 Rugby World Cup bids. Eddie is on the road this week — we apologise for the poor audio in the first 25 minutes of the episode. Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity. Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 13m
  6. Canada v England – Women’s Rugby World Cup Final!

    24/09/2025

    Canada v England – Women’s Rugby World Cup Final!

    England v Canada – the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final is here. England have won 62 of their last 63 Tests and arrive at Twickenham as overwhelming favourites. But Canada’s fearless run, capped by a stunning semifinal demolition of New Zealand has made them a team to watch and a team to fear. In this episode, David Pembroke and Wallaroo Bella McKenzie take your inside the World Cup Final. From tactical battles to pressure moments, they reveal how this final will come down to discipline, set-piece execution and the match turning brilliance of players like Sophie de Goede, Hannah Botterman, and Ellie Kildunne. Also in this episode: Canada’s rise under coach Kevin Rouet – genius or just great timing?England’s set-piece dominance vs Canada’s pick and go threat?Key matchups: Mo Hunt v Claire Pelletier at scrumhalfThe battle of the Back three: Ellie Kildunne against Canada’s sevens-inspired attackPredictions and scorelines – Can Canada really pull it off?Third-place playoff preview: New Zealand v France PLUS: refereeing milestones, the rise of women’s rugby commentators, and why the 2029 World Cup in Australia will be the biggest yet. Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity. 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au  TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  7. 22/09/2025

    Fiji beat Japan, Canada stun NZ and Bledisloe build-up

    The Bledisloe Cup is back —the Wallabies face the All Blacks at Eden Park. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down the key selections: Jake Gordon returns, Nick White retires, Bobby Valetini is out, while the All Blacks welcome back Cam Roigard, Caleb Clarke and Cody Taylor. Can Australia end the hoodoo? But that’s only part of the program. From Fiji’s Pacific Nations Cup triumph to Canada’s impressive win over New Zealand in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the episode spans globe — with plenty of opinions on refereeing, media access, and growth of the game in South America. Also in this episode: Eddie Jones in Europe — why scouting tours set teams up for successPacific Nations Cup — Fiji’s turnover tries sink JapanReferee controversies — yellow card consistency questioned ... again.Samoa v Chile — World Cup qualifier set for a 24,000 sell-out in Chile.Super Rugby Americas — Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay uniteWomen’s Rugby World Cup — Canada v England final at Twickenham PLUS: Why rugby’s financial sustainability depends on fan access, media storytelling, and development tours that change lives. Show notes: Rugby Union | NewsNowWant more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 18m
  8. 19/09/2025

    World Cup semis + Pacific Nations Cup decider

    The stage is set for another massive weekend in world rugby. In Bristol, England, New Zealand, Canada and France battle for a place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final — while Eddie Jones’ Japan take on Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup Final in Salt Lake City. David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie for a deep dive into the tactics, pressures, and off-field distractions that shape finals rugby. From ticketing chaos to mental resilience, the team reveal what it really takes to win when there are no second chances. Also in this episode: New Zealand v Canada — can the Black Ferns hold their nerve?France v England — all the pressure on the Red RosesPacific Nations Cup — Japan’s young squad vs Fiji’s power gameThe launch of the World XV Series for women’s rugbyWorld Rugby’s $250m North America investment — opportunity or risk?Age vs pathways — when to bring through the next generation of Springboks PLUS: why rugby must modernise its business model, grow fan engagement, and make the game more attractive for global audiences. Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity. 📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m

About

Hosted by Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, and David Pembroke, Rugby Unity is the global rugby podcast that tackles the game’s biggest issues — on and off the field. This is where strong opinions meet smart analysis. Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie bring decades of international coaching experience at the very top level, while David Pembroke draws on 35 years as a rugby journalist and strategist. Together, they cut through the noise with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Rugby Unity is more than a podcast. It’s a community of fans, players, coaches, and leaders committed to securing rugby’s future prosperity worldwide. One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity. Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au Have your question answered on the show: Rugby Unity Survey Get FREE exclusive content: Substack Dive into the world of rugby: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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