Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls
  • 0.0 (0)
  • RUGBY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

 Welcome to Rucks Mauls & Oval Balls, the ultimate podcast for all things English rugby! Hosted by two former university teammates who shared the pitch and forged a lasting bond, this show takes you behind the scenes of the rugby world, blending insightful analysis with a shared passion for the sport. Each episode dives deep into the game, with a special focus on statistics, player performance, team dynamics, and match breakdowns. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the game, Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls offers expert commentary, fun debates, and insider knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else. Tune in for the perfect mix of rugby banter, in-depth analysis, and a true love for the game! 

  1. FEB 11

    S2 Ep 22 - France Flex, Italy Ignite & England Efficient

    A night in Marseille told a bigger story: France didn’t just beat Ireland, they showed how to turn slow phases into strike ball against an elite defence. We walk through the blueprint — tall, mobile back-row hybrids, ruthless ruck speed, and a 10–15 axis where Jalibert and Ramos dictate choice after choice. When a pack offers three or four live options every touch, the defence tires in the body and the mind. That’s how 36-14 happens — and why it might keep happening. Across a sodden Rome, Italy out-thought and out-fought Scotland. Ferrari anchored a scrum that shoved Scotland off their own ball, Zambonin raided lineouts for fun, and Lamaro’s intensity set the tone. With Garbisi and Fusco kicking to conditions, Italy earned territory and protected a lead. Scotland’s selection gambles in the back three backfired, points were turned down for broken lineouts, and star centres couldn’t find a crack. Credit the Azzurri defence more than the weather — structure and steel won 18-15. At Twickenham, England’s 48-7 over Wales was clinical rather than thrilling. Ford’s game management — corners, contestables, and calm — set an unflashy but effective template. Ben Earl carried hard, Tommy Freeman bent the gainline at 13, and Guy Pepper quietly announced himself as a long-term six. Wales struggled with discipline and composure, though Rees-Zammit handled spiral bombs with poise. We also pick a Team of the Week heavy on French and Italian forwards, spotlight Wales U20s as a genuine bright spark, and look ahead: can England manage Murrayfield’s fire, will Ireland’s response in Dublin be enough, and how many can France score in Cardiff? If you enjoy smart rugby chat without fluff, hit follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review — what was your biggest takeaway from the weekend? 🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast! 📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates: Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby TikTok: @rmob_rugby YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast 📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form? Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com

    1h 19m

  2. FEB 4

    S2 Ep 21 - Six Nations One Podcast

    A shock retirement, a tournament on edge, and three games that could rewrite the pecking order—this Six Nations kickoff special goes deep where the headlines meet the hard questions. We start by reflecting on Uini Atonio’s sudden exit and what he changed about front-row play: mass with skill, power with evolution. From there, we chart the tournament’s pressure points: England’s shift from blunt force to clean edges, France’s selection theatre and the tantalising promise of a Dupont–Jalibert–Ramos axis, and Ireland’s tightrope walk between an aging core and the grind of a five-week campaign with only one rest window. We break down Scotland’s choice to stay the course—talent in the XV but a thin 23—while Italy’s rise looks real, built on a solid scrum, sharper kicking, and a backline that can turn territory into panic. Wales carry undeniable strike threats out wide, yet the off-field storm risks drowning momentum unless they forge a tight bond with supporters and find parity up front. Along the way, we spotlight players to watch: mobile locks who stabilise line-outs, back-row terriers who tilt breakdowns, and wings who need early ball rather than endless kick-chase. Expect bold predictions, honest assessments, and a clear view of how set-piece pressure, aerial control, and bench impact can decide tight contests. We also share fantasy rugby tips—value picks, super-sub strategy, and a new scoring wrinkle that rewards smart kicking—plus a quick tour of the U20s pipeline where France’s academy minutes and England’s pack depth hint at a fierce future. If you want a guide to what truly matters this round—matchups, momentum, and the moments that flip a table—this is your map. Enjoy the ride, share it with a rugby friend, and if it hits the spot, subscribe and leave a review to help more fans find the show. 🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast! 📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates: Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby TikTok: @rmob_rugby YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast 📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form? Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com

    1h 19m

  3. JAN 28

    S2 Ep 20 - RFU Strategic Plans Enough To Bring In The Fans?

    Two truths collided this week: English rugby is trying to grow up fast, and the Premiership is a brutal teacher. We open with a Barking away day and a soon-to-be dad’s “one last season?” question, then jump into England’s Six Nations squad with calm heads—celebrating Greg Fisilau’s fit for a flexible back row and a front row picked as a unit, not a collection of names. The real intrigue sits off the pitch too: the RFU’s northern strategy around Yorkshire, a schools-first plan to add 50,000 players, and the Twickenham events cap that’s throttling revenue needed to fund the whole pyramid. No fluff here—this is about pathways, money, and the long game. Then the rugby. Gloucester gave Bath a scare and a lesson in heart: a fixed line-out, Seb and Charlie Atkinson on song, and Will Crane’s remarkable shift from part-time hooker to near-80-minute mainstay. Bath did what Bath do—brutally effective pick-and-go and bench impact that squeezed the life from Kingsholm. Exeter vs Bristol was a deluge made of scrums and grit; one bright Bristol move sealed it. Saracens, stung by recent doubts, crushed Newcastle with focus and ferocity—and Tom Willis reminded everyone he is a once-a-season force of nature. Harlequins felt worryingly flat as Leicester’s scrum set the tone. And Sale vs Northampton became a study in aerial pressure, momentum swings, and a Saints pack with real balance—Kemeny, Pearson, Chick, and a late cameo from Pollock underlining a new edge. We keep it straight: who’s thriving on identity and who’s drifting? Why the RFU’s Yorkshire plan and school outreach matter more than a press release? And how unlocking Twickenham’s calendar might actually fund safer pitches, better coaching, and bigger crowds from grassroots to Test level. If you’re here for hard rugby chat with a pulse—selection logic, recruitment waves, set-piece truth, and the stories that stick—you’re in the right feed. Enjoy the ride, join our Six Nations fantasy league (League 116848, password UDAHJ), and if you’re into smart rugby talk, hit follow, share with a mate, and drop your bold Six Nations prediction. Who’s lifting the trophy—and who surprises everyone along the way? 🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast! 📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates: Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby TikTok: @rmob_rugby YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast 📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form? Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com

    1h 33m

  4. JAN 21

    S2 Ep 19 - Transfers, Try-Fests & Turmoil

    A weekend of rugby that actually moved the needle: transfers shifting the Premiership landscape, a coaching carousel with Razor-sized implications, and European performances that exposed who’s real and who’s bluffing. We open with the Newcastle Red Bulls’ rebuild and why their layered signings suggest a club planning for a full-season grind, not just headline moments. Then we zoom out to the wider market—big moves at Leicester, Gloucester’s added grunt, and Bath’s strategic silence—before asking a question few asked last year: is the Prem becoming a destination again? On the pitch, the stories were even sharper. Harlequins went to La Rochelle and played grown-up rugby: scrum parity, ferocious defensive work, game management from Marcus Smith, and a statement finish from Merley. Bath blew past Edinburgh with a maul that’s inevitable and a midfield that looks international-ready, driven by Max Ojomoh’s control and Ollie Lawrence’s punch. Glasgow smothered Saracens with structure and line speed, while Saints somehow won big despite timing errors and impatience that should worry their coaches. Bristol dazzled then self-sabotaged against a ruthless Bordeaux led by Jalibert and Depoortere, and Leicester showed spine in Cape Town, with a youthful backline and brave high-ball work turning heads despite defeat. We also take on the WRU’s latest plot twist: talk of Ospreys’ owners buying Cardiff and dissolving Ospreys. It’s more than a bad headline; it risks alienating core fans, shrinking a key market, and eroding professional pathways. Rugby is built on identity as much as tactics, and this one cuts deep. Finally, we map the Champions Cup knockouts: why the round of 16 feels chalky, where the quarterfinals could explode, and which paths look suspiciously smooth. Expect hard truths, a few laughs, and clear takeaways on what matters next. Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share with a mate, and drop us a review telling us your pick for the Champions Cup winner. 🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast! 📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates: Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby TikTok: @rmob_rugby YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast 📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form? Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com

    1h 28m

  5. JAN 14

    S2 Ep 18 - Champions Cup Conundrum: Prem Power, South African No Shows & Fading French

    A stormy European weekend delivered clarity and chaos in equal measure. Saracens dragged Toulouse into a classic slugfest and found a way, Bordeaux lit up Bordeaux with ruthless counter-punching against Northampton, and the Bulls shipped 61 at altitude as Bristol ran riot. We connect the dots you care about: why Premiership sides are winning more, how Top 14 mid‑table priorities skew European intent, and what South African away selections are really telling us about this format. We start with the human stories. Gloucester’s narrow loss at Edinburgh felt like a turn: sharper tempo, a functioning line-out under pressure, and George Barton commanding the air. Saracens leaned on Shagan’s acceleration and Tom Willis’s ballast to master wild conditions, while Toulouse struggled with the wind and the basics. In Bordeaux, a single dropped restart flipped Saints into a scrum spiral they never escaped; yellow cards piled on, and Bordeaux fed on every loose carry. Henry Pollock still flashed brilliance, Sam Graham carried like a freight train, and the lesson stung: momentum management is everything in France. Beyond results, we interrogate incentives. With no relegation, Premiership teams can tilt resources toward Europe; it shows in selection and intensity. In the Top 14, survival and seeding trump pool-stage ambition, so Bayonne, Castres and Clermont rotate and move on. URC sits in the middle, but travel and mixed commitment muddy the waters. Add in broadcast frustrations—glitchy apps, remote commentary, curious Challenge Cup picks—and it’s clear the tournament needs aligned priorities and better presentation to match the talent on the pitch. We also look ahead. The Red Roses’ training squad signals depth and ambition amid record ticket sales, while Exeter’s sale talk opens a wider conversation about what makes a club investable in 2026. Then it’s rapid-fire round four predictions: Bath to finish strong, Toulouse to bite back, La Rochelle to test Quins, and a tasty Bristol vs Bordeaux shootout that could shape the bracket. If you love rugby’s details—the wind, the restarts, the scrum pictures, and the way one decision changes a match—you’re in the right place. Subscribe, share with a mate who argues about league strength, and drop your boldest round four pick in the comments. 🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast! 📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates: Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby TikTok: @rmob_rugby YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast 📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form? Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com

    1h 20m

  6. JAN 7

    S2 Ep 17 - Gloucester Gloom Grows Whilst Saints Style Shows

    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 Sale’s pressure and punching through with carriers and clean rucks. Northampton dazzled with cohesion and pace, a testament to years of aligned coaching and academy standards, while Harlequins looked lost without a clear plan. Bath muscled ahead then let Exeter back in—discipline and caution both helping and hurting—before the Chiefs reminded everyone why they’re the fittest, most stubborn side in England. Saracens, usually inevitable, feel oddly short on control and spark, with serious questions at scrum-half that recruitment alone won’t solve. We also dig into the sternum-height tackle trial on the horizon. In theory it’s simple, but real collisions aren’t tidy: different body shapes, split-second decisions and a likely uptick in TMO interventions will test players and refs alike. Expect teething problems, but also a sincere push to make head safety non-negotiable. Finally, we lay down Champions Cup predictions, from heavyweight showdowns to potential ambushes, and spotlight who’s built to thrive in winter rugby. If you enjoy smart analysis with a bit of edge—clear takeaways on recruitment, tactics, player development and form lines—hit follow, share with a rugby friend, and tell us: which club’s model would you copy right now? 🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast! 📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates: Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby TikTok: @rmob_rugby YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast 📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form? Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com

    1h 27m

  7. 12/31/2025

    S2 Ep 16 - Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls 2025 Rugby Wrap Up w/ Mark Williams (MWRUGBYCOACHING)

    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 resurgence, Saracens’ strange dip in ruthlessness, and a clear-eyed take on Wales and Ireland’s trajectories. Then we tackle the refereeing elephant: too much TMO, too little trust in the on-field ref, and a TV habit of selling controversy over craft. Predictions? Bath to top the Prem but Saints to be the team that can beat them in a one-off. Europe looks like a Bordeaux vs Toulouse battleground, while the Six Nations order we’re calling is England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Wales. The new Nations Championship feels built for South Africa, with England next-best if their curve holds. Players to watch include Lucas Friday, Oscar Usher, Daf Jenkins, Noah Calorey, Jack Bracken, and Calvin Gorgues. For awards, we’re split between the sheer completeness of Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and a prop-led surge led by Thomas du Toit. We close with what rugby needs operationally: clarity on Premiership franchising and a proper U23 league that replaces the Prem Cup, staged at community grounds to feed pathways and grow gates. It’s practical, it’s doable, and it would make the sport healthier from top to bottom. If you rate thoughtful rugby chat with skin in the game, tap follow, share with a mate, and drop us your risers, fallers, and title picks. Your takes make the show better. 🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast! 📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates: Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby TikTok: @rmob_rugby YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast 📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form? Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com

    1h 22m

  8. 12/24/2025

    S2 Ep 15 - Wild Weekend Where Exeter Stun Saracens & Saints Slice Through Sale

    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 start with Leicester’s control: scrum smarts, a midfield that finally fits, and Billy Searle’s balance of nerve and clarity. Gloucester’s flashes were real, but the red-zone waste was brutal. At StoneX, Saracens jumped early then faded as Exeter’s pack and tempo stacked phases and belief. There’s a new dimension to Chiefs: not just bludgeon, but late-game variety powered by Daf Jenkins, Ethan Roots and Greg Fisilau. Saracens’ issues aren’t fatal, but that suffocating aura has slipped; the line-out and defensive edge need sharpening. Northampton’s win had everything: Henry Pollock’s hands and hunger, George Hendy’s glide, a backline humming in space. Sale without Ford looked short on control and accuracy, relying on emotion that eventually ran dry. In London, Quins’ selection and 22 execution misfired, while Bristol—healthier and sharper—turned territory into points and gave us a moment for the ages: Ellis Genge storming 50 metres like a winger. Up north, Newcastle’s spirit met Bath’s ruthless design. Rotate, then overwhelm—Santi Carreras steered, the pack squeezed, and the bench finished. It isn’t flashy; it wins. We also wrap the PWR: Harlequins Women building momentum with Ellie Kildunne sparkling and Claudia Penna directing, Saracens Women on a six-game tear with their Canadian core settled, and Gloucester-Hartpury so deep they can rotate heavily and still romp. The theme across both leagues is the same: the best-coached systems with depth at set-piece are pulling away as winter bites. If you loved the tactical nuts and bolts, the big momentum swings, and a prop outrunning backs in open field, hit follow, share this with a rugby friend, and tell us your top four right now. Who makes it, who falls away, and who’s your dark horse? 🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast! 📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates: Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby TikTok: @rmob_rugby YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast 📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form? Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com

    1h 23m
See All (53)

About

 Welcome to Rucks Mauls & Oval Balls, the ultimate podcast for all things English rugby! Hosted by two former university teammates who shared the pitch and forged a lasting bond, this show takes you behind the scenes of the rugby world, blending insightful analysis with a shared passion for the sport. Each episode dives deep into the game, with a special focus on statistics, player performance, team dynamics, and match breakdowns. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the game, Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls offers expert commentary, fun debates, and insider knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else. Tune in for the perfect mix of rugby banter, in-depth analysis, and a true love for the game! 

Information

  • Creator
    Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls
  • Show Website
    Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls

You Might Also Like