Rugby Unity

contentRFC
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Rugby
  • Semiweekly

Hosted by Sir Steve Hansen, 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. Steve Hansen (2 x World Cup Winning coach with the All Blacks) and Ewen McKenzie (ex-Wallabies Coach and 1991 World Cup Winner) 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 SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 NEWSLETTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Have your question answered on the show: Rugby Unity Survey Get FREE exclusive content: Substack Dive into the world of Rugby Unity: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    Nations Championship Squads with Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie

    The Nations Championship is one week away, so David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie run the ruler over every squad and storyline before an enormous November. There’s concern about the format and tie-breakers, plus a big look at who’s trending up or down: can Wales survive their off-field chaos, can Italy rediscover last year’s spark, and are Ireland slipping before they climb again? England’s pressure is front and centre ahead of Australia first up, with the warning that Japan can become a nasty banana skin if teams rotate. The All Blacks are backed to win all three, but there’s a blunt chat about “inconvenient conversations” and the areas that can still bite them. South Africa’s selections scream long-game planning, while France’s second-round showdown looms large. PLUS: WXV, Samoa’s governance mess, and a big Monday preview with Ben Youngs and Steven Kitshoff. Also in this episode: ● Nations Championship tables, pools, and who tops them ● Steve Hansen flags format flaws and tie-break concerns ● England v Australia pressure, selections, and banana skin risks ● All Blacks injuries, Scotty Barrett impact, and lineout worries ● Springboks squad rotation as Rassie plans ahead ● WXV final round, USA v England, Black Ferns v France PLUS: How tours, injuries and club calendars shape performance windows. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen 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 TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 6d ago

    CANADA STUN ENGLAND + Mark Nawaqanitawase decision, Les Kiss and the Wallabies

    Canada have done it again, beating England 31–22 in Ottawa to win the series and defend the Utrecht Shield, and the big question now is what John Mitchell does next with selections, standards, and motivation. David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie unpack how Canada used width, tempo and intent to expose an England side that looked disjointed, despite still having their World Cup-winning tools in isolation. The conversation then swings to the Wallaroos’ 38–31 win over Scotland, where a “greatest hits” of yellow cards and reviews derailed the spectacle and raised bigger questions about common sense, coaching technique, and who’s really in charge of the system. There’s also Black Ferns 31–12 France, Australia A v USA in Nashville, PWR eligibility debates, scrum refereeing in the URC, and what’s next for Eddie Jones and Japan after Fiji’s 34–28 win. Also in this episode: ● Canada’s width and tap try undo England ● Steve Hansen on motivation: it must come from players ● England selections and “serious conversations” after losses ● Wallaroos v Scotland: yellow cards wreck the flow ● PWR player limits and local development pathways ● Mark Nawaqanitawase, Les Kiss, and Wallabies priorities PLUS: A wider debate on test windows, player availability, and whether international rugby should lead the global season. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, 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 TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Oct 23

    EDDIE v JAKE! Japan take on Fiji + WXV: Canada v England decider, Wallaroos v Scotland, Black Ferns v France

    David Pembroke is back on deck and kicks off with a rare look inside the coach’s head, asking Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie what it really takes to stay steady when results swing. From “performance not win or lose” to the brutal Monday-morning demand for answers, they lay out the habits that keep teams improving. The chat then shifts to the upcoming World Rugby coaches meeting in Windsor ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027, with both men zeroing in on the impact of yellow cards, TMO influence, and rugby’s “secret society” problem on communication. On the field, the panel previews WXV and key internationals: Wallaroos v Scotland in Canberra, Black Ferns v France in Whangārei, and the Canada v England decider in Ottawa with the Utrecht Shield on the line. Plus Eddie Jones’ Japan v Fiji (with Jake White), and a big debate on Australia’s playmaking talent and retaining young prospects. Also in this episode: ● Steve Hansen on competitiveness as a coaching weakness ● Ewen McKenzie: Monday morning means having solutions ready ● World Rugby Windsor meeting: simplify laws and improve communication ● Yellow cards and TMO influence reshaping results unfairly ● WXV focus: Wallaroos v Scotland, Black Ferns v France ● Canada v England decider, Utrecht Shield on the line PLUS: A blunt look at how Australia can stop losing talent to league and overseas by building real relationships. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 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 TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Oct 19

    BLEDISLOE 2 REVIEW: All Blacks attack clicks as Wallabies fall again + Canada stop the Red Roses record run!

    The Wallabies wear another heavy loss to New Zealand, and David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie and Steve Hansen don’t sugar-coat it: a brutal first half, too much aimless kicking, and not enough composure when Australia finally had phases to build pressure. Hansen loves what he’s seeing from the All Blacks attack, offloads, line running, and forwards playing into space, while McKenzie highlights key moments like Harry Wilson’s grubber into touch as a snapshot of game management and leadership under pressure. The TMO becomes its own storyline too, especially the Roigard incident, with all three questioning what “foul play” even means now. They also get into the deeper Wallabies problems, the missing world class 10 and a ball-playing 12, and why New Zealand fans want Australia strong again. Then it’s WXV: Black Ferns smash France 81-12, Canada pinch it late against England 24-21 to end England’s unbeaten run, and the USA keep building momentum. Also in this episode: ● All Blacks offloads and handling under extreme pressure ● Wallabies leadership, huddles, and “stay steady Eddie” moments ● Meredith at 10: rocks and diamonds, but a crack ● TMO involvement and the Roigard-Meredith controversy ● WXV: Canada upset England in front of 18,600 ● Future comps: Nations Championship talks and Super Rugby formats SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones 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 TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Oct 16

    BLEDISLOE 2 PREVIEW: The Curse of the No. 10 Jersey! Steve Hansen & Ewen McKenzie

    David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie rip into the biggest talking point from All Blacks v Wallabies: Eddie Jones’ effort stats, and what they really say about mindset, speed off the ground, and being ready for the next job. With the Wallabies’ No.10 curse biting again and another reshuffle coming, the trio run the ruler over the 23, the risks around combinations, and what has to change to keep New Zealand honest. The All Blacks changes get the same treatment, including the excitement factor of Timoci Tavatavanawai. There’s also a straight-shooting discussion on Mark Nawaqanitawase’s rugby return, the manager-led noise about Fiji and Italy eligibility, and what Rugby Australia and Les Kiss should do next. Plus a big women’s rugby weekend and a fast, practical look at the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match list. Also in this episode: ● Eddie Jones’ effort statistics and what they measure ● Wallabies squad changes: Meredith in, Donaldson out ● All Blacks depth and injury cover, Hansen’s take ● Mark Nawaqanitawase eligibility debate: Australia, Fiji, Italy ● Black Ferns v France series and Wallaroos v Scotland ● Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures across Europe PLUS: What “possession” and adaptable tactics really mean against the All Blacks. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, 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 TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Oct 12

    ALL BLACKS SMASH WALLABIES – Steve Hansen & Ewen McKenzie on the Eden Park aftermath

    David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie and Steve Hansen break down the All Blacks’ 50-19 win over Australia at Eden Park, and why the match swung hard after Australia’s strong opening. They dig into what New Zealand fixed fast: high ball catches, maul defence, breakdown support, and a second-half lineout lift, plus how Australia’s plan to target McKenzie and use Sua'ali'i early simply evaporated. The big talking point: the Wallabies’ box kicking and lack of plan B, and what changes before Sydney with the Bledisloe already gone. The chat widens to deeper issues in Australian rugby: pathways, depth, contracts, competition structure, and the ongoing problem at 10, with Carter Gordon central to the future. Plus: refereeing boundaries, TMO stoppages, laws that need simplifying, and how World Rugby can better grow the game beyond the Nations Cup tiers. Also in this episode: ● All Blacks high ball improvements punish Australia’s tactic ● Wallabies lose momentum after McKenzie sparks first try ● Australia’s box kicking hands New Zealand easy counterattack ● Depth and bench quality gap exposed between squads ● Refereeing, TMO stoppages, and law simplification debate ● Nations Cup growth, fixtures for emerging unions, Brazil support PLUS: A look at the Raeburn Shield, Argentina hiring Sean Edwards, and Fiji’s reported Jake White move. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen 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 TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Oct 9

    Bledisloe Cup 2026: can Wallabies shock All Blacks?

    The Bledisloe Cup is back for 2026, and David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie lay out why this one feels bigger than usual: Australia have stacked wins, interest is spiking again, and Eden Park is waiting. The lads break down the teams and the key battlegrounds, from set piece and lineout pressure to the aerial contest around Sua’ali’i and the impact of Scott Barrett returning. Hansen explains why New Zealand cherish the trophy and why nobody wants to be the team that hands it back, while McKenzie details what Australia must do at the breakdown and on the advantage line to stay in the fight. There’s also a sharp chat on refereeing, TMO risk, the nines battle (Roigard vs Lonergan), and a fiery debate on RUPA’s World Cup hosting-fee comments. Also in this episode: ● What the Bledisloe Cup means in Australia and NZ ● Wallabies selection: bench depth concerns without Tupou, Hooper ● All Blacks selection: Scott Barrett start and lineout calling ● Tactical focus: aerial contest targeting McKenzie, Jordan, Carter ● Bigger picture: Australian rugby momentum and bandwagon risk ● RUPA dispute and World Rugby’s global season roadblocks PLUS: The panel answers audience questions on Jorgensen at 10 and why World Rugby is pushing into the USA market. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones 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 TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Oct 2

    Paisami Ban, Bledisloe squads & 1 Year to RWC 2027: Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie react

    With one year to go until Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, David Pembroke sits down with Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie to talk hype, tickets, fan energy, and what teams should actually be doing 12 months out. The chat gets practical fast: hotels, training bases, travel, preparation windows, and why there’s no single World Cup formula. Then it’s onto the Bledisloe Cup with both squads named, key ins and outs, and the depth questions that still hang over certain positions. The crew also tackles the Paisami ban and what it says about post-match judiciary versus in-game disruption, before widening the lens to refereeing transparency, law complexity, and World Rugby communication. Eddie Jones gets a mention for how tours get used to fill every spare minute, and there’s plenty on what good selection really looks like beyond a weekend highlight reel. Also in this episode: ● Rugby World Cup 2027 ticket numbers and overseas demand ● Steve Hansen on one-year-out squad planning and mindset ● Ewen McKenzie on World Cup logistics, venues, and travel ● Bledisloe Cup squads: Frizell in, Love out, Taylor captaincy ● Paisami ban debate and the role of the judiciary ● Refereeing transparency, law complexity, and World Rugby comms PLUS: What it takes to build a stronger top 20 and why Nations Cup-style competitions matter. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones 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 TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Hosted by Sir Steve Hansen, 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. Steve Hansen (2 x World Cup Winning coach with the All Blacks) and Ewen McKenzie (ex-Wallabies Coach and 1991 World Cup Winner) 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 SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 NEWSLETTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Have your question answered on the show: Rugby Unity Survey Get FREE exclusive content: Substack Dive into the world of Rugby Unity: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    contentRFC
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    172
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © contentRFC
  • Show Website
    Rugby Unity

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