The Ruck Rugby Podcast

3.5 (28)
SPORTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

The Ruck is the journalists rugby podcast from The Times & The Sunday Times. Join Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and a selection of guests every week as they provide insight and reports throughout the season, including big name interviews and forthright analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2D AGO

Are Harlequins and Bristol dropping out of play-off contention?

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Stuart Barnes and Stephen Jones look back on the latest round in the Premiership and ask whether Harlequins and Bristol are dropping out of contention to reach the play-offs? Plus, they discuss what Johnny Sexton joining Andy Farrell's coaching team means for British & Irish Lions fly-half selection. And, Elgan Alderman joins the pod to look ahead to the final round in the women's 6 Nations as England and France set up a grand slam decider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

56 min
APR 14

Are we set for the Leinster Lions?

Alfie Reynolds, Stephen Jones, Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman look back on the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup. They discuss the brilliant match between Toulon and Toulouse, as well as the other more one-sided games. Plus, they ask how many Leinster players will make Andy Farrell's Lions squad after they produced another brilliant performance to beat Glasgow, whether they will actually win the competition this season after numerous near misses and if Northampton have learnt from last season's semi-final defeat in Dublin. They also review the latest round of fixtures in the women's 6 Nations and discuss the viability of an Anglo-Welsh league following the WRU's takeover of Cardiff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

52 min
APR 7

What do rugby fans want from the sport?

Will Kelleher is back alongside Alfie to review the last-16 of the Champions Cup. They discuss some brilliant games including Castres v Benetton and La Rochelle v Munster as well as Northampton being the only English side to progress into the quarter-finals. However, they also look at the issues with the current format and ask how long it will be before more English clubs can properly compete in the competition. They are joined by Premier Sports CEO Richard Sweeney to discuss rugby's broadcasting landscape and how to reach a younger audience. Plus, they chat about future rugby world cup hosts, Worcester Warriors return to the second tier and the third round of the Women's 6 Nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 11m
MAR 31

A rugby world cup in the Middle East?

Alfie Reynolds and Egan Alderman look back on all the biggest stories across the last week. Including the possibility of a rugby world cup heading to the Middle East, Andy Farrell selecting players based in France and a future British and Irish Lions tour against Les Bleus. Plus, they review the Premiership and 6 Nations action over the weekend by asking if Saracens are devaluing the Champions Cup? And Elgan's quirky idea for how the Red Roses can get more competitive fixtures. Owen Slot also joins the pod to reflect on RFU CEO Bill Sweeney surviving a motion to remove him as the head of the governing body. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

55 min
MAR 24

Style over substance?

The Gallagher Premiership returned this weekend, following it's break for the men's 6 Nations. Alfie, Alex and Will look back on the action which included some high scoring matches, in particular a wild game between Bristol and Exeter. They discuss whether the Premiership - whilst being entertaining - is preparing players for international rugby, the latest on Newcastle's future and Leicester's rise under Michael Cheika. Plus, Elgan Alderman chats about the opening round in the women's 6 Nations as England beat Italy. And, the boys look ahead to the SGM later this week which could decide Bill Sweeney's future and the possibility of moving away from Twickenham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 9m
MAR 20

Picking our British and Irish Lions matchday 23 - post 6 Nations

Following the conclusion of the men's 6 Nations, Alfie, Will and Alex are back to pick their matchday 23 for the British & Irish Lions to take on the Wallabies in the first test. They selected a team at the end of 2024 so are back to discuss who has dropped out and who has played their way into contention. Has Marcus Smith's chances been hampered by playing full-back for England? Is Maro Itoje now their choice of captain? And, are Ireland still the dominant nation represented in the matchday squad? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

56 min
MAR 17

France win the title as England destroy Wales

Following the conclusion of the 6 Nations, Alfie, Alex and Will review Super Saturday as France won the title and England humbled Wales in Cardiff. They discuss if Maro Itoje is now the front runner to captain the British and Irish Lions? What happens if Andy Farrell doesn't want to select any Welsh players? And, whether France can now go on and dominate the championship for the next few years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 8m
MAR 13

How 'super' will the Six Nations Saturday be?

Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher are in Cardiff ahead of the final round of the Six Nations. They look forward to 'Super Saturday' with Ireland, England and France all in the hunt for the title and they go through Steve Borthwick's bold England team selection. Plus, they ask if there is a chance of an upset this weekend? Whether Scotland can stop the French party? And, how big a role the 'Cardiff factor' has to play in England's match with Wales? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

40 min

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3.5

out of 5

28 Ratings

Great pod aside from Stephen Jones

11/16/2021

alpal63

Owen Slot, Lawrence, Stuart Barnes all great, Stephen Jones uneducated views make the whole thing awkward.
Cynical.

11/01/2023

Djbarra

I’m not a South African supporter but this podcast about the World Cup final is so cynical. A team won and the negativity around them from you guys I believe is extremely disrespectful. How can you complain about cards and then congratulate the referee…. You’re finding excuses to take away the boks win on one hand but celebrating the referee. You speak highly of New Zealand and every other country…. Pretty hateful to a team that had the hardest fought route to the final and deserves more than a one sided argument. If you want to be miserable and sour, this is tbe podcast for you. If you want to celebrate and live rugby, listen to a podcast that celebrates all of rugby, whether that’s running rugby, defensive rugby, low scoring games, chess battles, kick battles definitely don’t listen to this negative stuff
Yes to the Ruck - no to Stephen Jones

10/16/2023

Stixieyoubaby

A great rugby podcast soiled by Mr Jones. His opinions often seem irrational and irresponsibly biased. His comments on the quarter finals this weekend were ludicrous (“DuPont was off his game”, refereeing has taken a massive step back”). And his loathing of South African rugby is palpable to the degree he cannot find a good thing ever to say about them. I would ditch him Mr Lowe. He weakens a great podcast.
Move On.

05/04/2023

*No10*

One eyed commentary facilitated by the Stephen Jones fan club. Lots of more insightful rugby intelligence available elsewhere. Don’t waste your time here.

The Ruck is the journalists rugby podcast from The Times & The Sunday Times. Join Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and a selection of guests every week as they provide insight and reports throughout the season, including big name interviews and forthright analysis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.