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.

5 DAYS AGO

Should South African teams remain in the Champions Cup?

After the second round of action in Europe, Will, Alex and Elgan discuss if the South African teams are a help or hinderance to the competition Stormers head coach John Dobson was on the receiving end of a heavy defeat away at Harlequins, he joins the podcast to explain how he believes South African sides can remain competitive in the competition, and says it's too early to consider removing them. Northampton made it two wins from two in the competition, they defeated the Bulls away from home, and we speak to Alex Coles about the win and if it can be a springboard for success in their Premiership campaign. Plus we get an update on 'bonus gate' with the RFU set to hold a meeting later this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

50 min
DEC 9

Did we actually learn anything from the Champions Cup opening round?

Following the opening round of the Champions Cup Alfie and Will look back on the action and question whether the fixtures revealed anything they didn't already know about the teams and the competition. They also discuss a disappointing set of results for the English clubs and look ahead to the games this coming weekend. Plus, they have an update on the RFU bonuses 'scandal' and the latest on Coventry wanting to earn promotion to the Premiership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

43 min
DEC 2

What impact will the RFU bonuses have on the game?

Following the news that Bill Sweeney and other RFU executives received hefty bonuses, Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe explain why this has happened when the union posted record losses. Alex reveals the reaction it has provoked from senior England players, RFU employees and the grassroots clubs and why it is another sign that those at the top of the RFU are out of touch. Plus, Alfie chats to the former Ireland international Simon Zebo to preview the start of the Champions Cup and the new women's 15s player of the year Ellie Kildunne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 3m
NOV 25

Have England gone backwards this Autumn?

England beat Japan on Sunday to finish their Autumn so Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher discuss where the team currently are and ask if they have an identity crisis? Alex chats to former England psychologist Dan Abrahams about the what they can do from a mental standpoint to change their tight losses into victories, Alfie and Mark Palmer reflect on Scotland ending the year with a win over the Wallabies, plus the boys talk about Warren Gatland's future and the World Player of the Year winners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 4m
NOV 21

Eddie Jones' chance for England revenge?

England's November internationals end this weekend as they host Eddie Jones' Japan at Twickenham. Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe look ahead to the match and ask what England have to gain following three losses on the bounce and question how many changes Steve Borthwick will make. Plus, Owen Slot joins to discuss Eddie Jones and his England tenure after his regime was put back in the headlines this month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

42 min
NOV 18

Is a franchise league good for the game? Plus Gatland and Borthwick's futures

Alfie, Alex and Will are back, following defeats for Wales and England over the weekend, to talk about the future of Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatland. Mark Palmer and Peter O'Reilly discuss wins for Ireland and Scotland. Plus, the boys chat about reports of a breakaway franchise league and whether it could revolutionise domestic rugby or destroy the current system and they react to the nominations for World Rugby's player of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 5m
NOV 17

Are England in crisis? England v South Africa Review

Following England's 20-29 defeat to South Africa, Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher review the action at Twickenham. They discuss how much pressure Steve Borthwick is under following another defeat and whether the perception of England as a rugby nation needs to be altered. Plus, they praise the Springboks for another hard fought win when not at their best and the brilliant performance from Cheslin Kolbe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

37 min
NOV 14

Are the Springboks the toughest challenge in world rugby? England vs South Africa preview!

Alfie Reynolds and Alex Lowe look ahead to England v South Africa this weekend. Courtney Lawes joins the pod to explain what it is like facing the Springboks, the challenge England are coming up against and the bad blood between the two sides after last year's World Cup semi-final. The boys also react to Steve Borthwick and Rassie Erasmus' team selections and ask whether playing the back-to-back world champions is the toughest thing to do in rugby and how England can get a much needed win? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

42 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.