The Rugby Paper Podcast

The Rugby Paper

The Rugby Paper Round Up is your weekly podcast bringing you the biggest stories, standout performances and key insight from across the rugby world. With insight from The Rugby Paper’s Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and a special guest from the sport each week, they cover everything from the Prem and URC to the Champ, National Leagues, BUCS and the women’s game. Your essential audio guide to the week in rugby.

  1. Jul 8

    BORTHWICK ON THE BRINK? Fiji v England | Wales' Revival | Rugby Paper Round Up ft. Paul Williams

    In this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby columnist Paul Williams to assess the mounting pressure on England head coach Steve Borthwick after a fifth consecutive Test defeat. Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and a heavy 45-21 defeat to South Africa in the opening round of the Nations Championship, England's discipline, tactics and direction are all under the microscope. With Fiji next up at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before a trip to Argentina, is this already a defining fortnight for Borthwick's tenure? We discuss: •⁠ ⁠Why England's form has collapsed since the Six Nations •⁠ ⁠The growing indiscipline problem and its impact on results •⁠ ⁠Whether England's kick-heavy game plan has become outdated •⁠ ⁠Why Steve Borthwick is coming under increasing pressure •⁠ ⁠Can England turn things around against Fiji? •⁠ ⁠Why Josua Tuisova and Fiji will fancy their chances •⁠ ⁠Should the RFU do everything possible to bring Shaun Edwards back to England? 🏉 Wales' Revival Attention also turns to Wales, who have rediscovered confidence under Steve Tandy. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠What's changed since Tandy's arrival? •⁠ ⁠Why Wales suddenly look like a different side We also chat: 🌍 Nations Championship 🏆 World Rugby U20 Championship 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

  2. Jul 1

    40,000 EMPTY SEATS! | South Africa v England | Henry Pollock obsession | Rugby Paper Roundup

    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 🎧 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...](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

    40,000 EMPTY SEATS! | South Africa v England | Henry Pollock obsession | Rugby Paper Roundup

About

The Rugby Paper Round Up is your weekly podcast bringing you the biggest stories, standout performances and key insight from across the rugby world. With insight from The Rugby Paper’s Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and a special guest from the sport each week, they cover everything from the Prem and URC to the Champ, National Leagues, BUCS and the women’s game. Your essential audio guide to the week in rugby.

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