Rugby Union Weekly
Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Danny Care dissect the biggest rugby union stories of the week
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Hamish, hooters and Six Nations bubbles
Danny Care is back on the pod and has set his sights on being named the most handsome man in Premiership rugby. Hamish Watson joins Danny, Ugo Monye and Chris Jones to discuss the 1872 Cup and the bizarre incident before half-time involving a train horn. They also look at the challenges for players and coaches going into Six Nations bubbles and chat about the arrival of Alex Sanderson at Sale.
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Champions Cup chaos and a mid-season break
The Champions Cup and Challenge Cup are postponed but there will be no Premiership rugby to fill the void. Ugo Monye, Chris Ashton and Chris Jones discuss the decision and what it means for European competitions this season. And what impact will all this have on the Six Nations? Kyle Sinckler is in trouble but his side Bristol go top of the Premiership and Wasps win a thriller at The Rec. There's a bizarre celebration in France and Nick Easter joins the pod to chat about Newcastle's impressive season so far and making the transition into coaching.
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The Lions tour and FinnFarrell
Will the Lions tour still go ahead this summer? Should it take place behind closed doors? Or will it be postponed until 2022? Ugo Monye, Chris Ashton and Chris Jones discuss the big issues facing this summer's tour to South Africa. They also pick their starting XV for the first Test and find out who the fans think should line-up for Warren Gatland's side in Johannesburg. Can Finn Russell and Owen Farrell play in the same team and how much does reputation count when it comes to selection.
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The 2020 end-of-year review
Ugo Monye, Danny Care, Chris Ashton and Chris Jones round up an eventful year in the world of rugby. We had Saracens' relegation, the longest Six Nations in history, Exeter's double and a forgettable Autumn Nations Cup. Off the pitch the game has also faced a financial crisis and scrutiny over player safety. The four of them discuss all of this, pick their moment of the year, player of the year and what they are hoping for in 2021.
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Comebacks, Cipriani and Irish fan clubs
Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Ashton look back at a disrupted Champions Cup weekend which still managed to produce plenty of tries and some brilliant comebacks. Danny's asks for forgiveness from Munster fans, they discuss another young English star at Wasps and Ashy explains why he's found Harlequins’ defeat to Racing 92 difficult to accept. They also discuss another big departure in the Premiership as Danny Cipriani and Gloucester go their separate ways, plus Ashy gives his take on Steve Diamond's exit from Sale.
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The road to Paris starts here!
Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones discuss the 2023 World Cup draw which saw France drawn with New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland in the same pool and Wales in with Australia again. Eddie Jones gives his thoughts on England's pool which will see them face Argentina and Japan. We round up an exciting opening weekend of Champions Cup rugby including Danny's eventful trip to Munster. We chat Steve Diamond, Nigel Owens and there is more on Ugo's quest to fight Floyd Mayweather in Doncaster.
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Rugby and dementia
A special podcast looking at the issue of dementia in rugby. Ugo Monye, Matt Dawson and Chris Jones speak to former Wales flanker Alix Popham who is one of eight players to have been diagnosed with early onset dementia. Alix talks openly about his struggles and what changes he would like to see in the game. Matt talks about his love for rugby and how he face the consequences if he faced problems later in life. Danny Care tells us why a new gumshield could help improve safety in the sport and we debate whether the game should make significant changes in the future.
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Sudden death, golden points and Monye vs Mayweather
The Autumn Nations Cup finally delivered with a thrilling final at Twickenham. Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones discuss golden points, the return of fans and a brilliant performance from a young French side. But are there still concerns with England and their attack? There is more on how rugby has handled the Pablo Matera situation. John Barclay is back on the pod to discuss Scotland, whisky and some questionable Irish punditry. And Ugo challenges Floyd Mayweather to a fight in Doncaster.
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'Rugby doesn't know how to deal with racism'
Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Matt Dawson join Sonja McLaughlan to discuss Pablo Matera, his discriminatory comments on social media and how the Argentine Rugby Union has dealt with the issue. They also preview the final of the Autumn Nations Cup, ask whether fans will lead to more attacking rugby and explain what it's like to play for Shaun Edwards. Plus, you will hear from England's Billy Vunipola on becoming a dad and whether he wants his son to play rugby in the future.
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The Sheriff, Kayser and the Autumn Nations finale
Ugo Monye, Chris Ashton and Chris Jones are joined by two big guests this week. Ken Owens comes on the pod to chat about Wales, the state of the international game and Pokemon Go. As England prepare to face France in the final of the Autumn Nations Cup, a passionate Benjamin Kayser shares his frustrations with French rugby and tells us why Shaun Edwards has been so successful. Ashy has been upsetting Irish rugby fans with his comments about James Lowe. Plus, there's a look at round two of the Premiership as Newcastle continued their impressive start to the season and Northampton suffer another defeat.
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Bonus Pod: The big Wales v England preview
Can Wales defy the odds and beat England this weekend? Ugo Monye and Chris Jones chat to Wales flanker Dan Lydiate and Gareth Rhys Owen from the Scrum V podcast. Eddie Jones discusses his team selection and lends his support to under-fire Wales boss Wayne Pivac. We ask how many Wales players would get into the England starting XV? And just what can we expect from this encounter without any fans?
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Ashy 2010 vs May 2020 and private number plates
Chris Ashton is back on the pod to tell Danny Care and Chris Jones why his try against Australia was better than Jonny May's this weekend. England's defence is hailed as the best in the world, but has international rugby become boring to watch? Red Roses scrum-half Natasha Hunt talks about their last gasp victory over France, Danny's on the lookout for a new private number plate and there were some shocks on the opening weekend of the Premiership season.
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Los Pumas, Rory Best and Danny's umbrella
Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones discuss Argentina's shock victory over the All Blacks in Sydney. Ireland legend Rory Best joins the pod to chat about his new nose, farming, scrums, James Ryan and England's front row. Does George Ford need to play so England can get the best out of Owen Farrell? Plus, Scotland make it five in a row, a Tigers legend departs ahead of the new Premiership season and Danny gets compared to Steve McClaren for his brolly antics at the weekend.
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Bonus Pod: Ben Youngs 100 not out
After marking his 100th cap with two tries and a Six Nations title, Ben Youngs sits down with his old England team-mate Danny Care to reflect on his career so far. Ben reveals all about his first meeting with Eddie Jones involving a bag of Haribo. He recalls making his debut on the wing, picks his favourite England moments and talks about competing with Danny for the number 9 shirt.
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Wayne's world, famous cousins and a Royal wedding
What is going on at Wales? Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones discuss the issues facing Wayne Pivac ahead of the Autumn Nations Cup. Wales start with a trip to Dublin, but there are also question marks over Andy Farrell and his Ireland team. What can we expect from Scotland and England in this new tournament? Plus, we find out how Rob Kearney is related to President-elect Joe Biden and Danny reveals what it was like to attend Mike Tindall's wedding.
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The big Six Nations debrief
Seven months later than planned, the 2020 Six Nations finally has a winner. Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones look back at a third title in five years for England, discuss whether Super Saturday lived up to its name and whether losing points are good for the championship. Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter joins the pod after they secured back-to-back Grand Slams. Everyone is getting excited by the French, but the same can't be said for Ireland and Wales. And no end of competition pod is complete without a team of the tournament.
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Bonus Pod: Who will win the Six Nations?
The 2020 Six Nations finally concludes this weekend, but who will take the title? Ugo Monye, Chris Ashton and Jamie Heaslip join Sonja McLaughlan to preview 'Super Saturday' with England, Ireland and France all still in the hunt. They also pay tribute to Lions and Wales legend JJ Williams, speak to England's Shaunagh Brown ahead of their Grand Slam match with Italy and there is more fallout from the Barbarians game.
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Exeter's double and the Six Nations returns!
The Premiership season is finally over! Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones look back at Exeter's victory at Twickenham which saw them complete the double for the first time in their history. They are joined on the pod by Eddie Jones to discuss the Barbarians game that never happened and his latest England squad ahead of the Six Nations final weekend. Will England claim the title in Rome? Or will Ireland clinch the championship with victory in Paris?
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Slade, Sheedy and will Wasps make it to Twickenham?
Exeter are the new kings of Europe so Ugo Monye, Chris Ashton and Chris Jones are joined by Henry Slade after he helped the Chiefs beat Racing 92 in a dramatic final at Ashton Gate. They also chat to Wales fly-half Callum Sheedy about Bristol's Challenge Cup victory and the prospect of playing in the Premiership final with Wasps' place in doubt. There is also a look at Ireland's Six Nations game with Italy and Caleb Clarke's standout performance in the Bledisloe Cup.
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A Chief, Hogg v Russell and Piña Coladas
A bonus pod for you all about the Champions Cup final. Ugo Monye, Matt Dawson and Chris Jones join Sonja McLaughlan to discuss whether Exeter will be crowned the best side in Europe. They speak to Chiefs winger Tom O'Flaherty about his role in the side and how he feels about the forwards scoring all the tries. Ugo and Matt reveal what it's like facing a good friend in a final as Scotland team-mates Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell prepare to do battle in Bristol. And our French correspondent Johnnie Beattie stops by to run the rule over Exeter's opponents Racing 92.
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Jackal Willis and Simmonds the Viper
Ugo Monye, Chris Ashton and Chris Jones look back at the Premiership semi-finals. Wasps' Jimmy Gopperth drops by to chat about Jack Willis, Lee Blackett and facing Exeter in the final. Exeter fly-half Joe Simmonds gets compared to 'The Viper' Randy Orton and the 'Ash Splash' takes on a whole new meaning in one of many wrestling references this week. There is plenty on the dramatic draw in the Bledisloe Cup plus a discussion on player welfare and managing pain.
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Sale, semi-finals and England's bubble
So Sale's season is officially over. Ugo Monye, Chris Ashton and Chris Jones join Sonja McLaughlan to discuss the Sale saga and where the sport goes from here. Which Premiership semi-final is everyone excited about? Should the 2021 Six Nations be delayed? Plus, hear from Eddie Jones on the England bubble and why their autumn fixtures are so important.
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The Sale saga and Eddie's England experiment
Will Sale get to play their rescheduled match with Worcester? Will this season ever end? Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Danny Care reflect on a dramatic few days at Sale after 16 players tested positive for Covid-19. We pick our ones to watch in Eddie Jones' England squad for the autumn internationals. Plus, a listener stumbles across an unusual photo of Danny in an Oxfordshire pub.
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Russell, Steenson and a tweet to Boris Johnson
Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Ashton look back at the Champions Cup semi-finals. They speak to Exeter's Gareth Steenson about his fairytale journey with the club and find out where to get the best Guinness in Devon. Finn Russell is also on the pod after he helped Racing 92 into the final. He talks about life in Paris, initiations and his Scotland future. Plus, find out why Ugo decided to tweet to the Prime Minister this week.
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The penultimate dance for Saracens?
Saracens' scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth joins Ugo Monye and Chris Jones to discuss their stunning victory over Leinster, what it meant to the players and his future. But where did it go wrong for Leinster and how long can they rely on Johnny Sexton? Manny Iyogun has debut to remember and it was a day to forget for Ulster as Cheslin Kolbe showcased his dazzling footwork.
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A big week in Europe and late night bus journeys
It's a massive week in the Champions Cup so Danny Care, Chris Ashton and Chris Jones look ahead to the big match at the Aviva between Leinster and Saracens, plus the injury crisis facing Northampton ahead of their trip to Exeter. They also discuss late night coach journeys back from a match and Ashy reveals what it's like to face a disciplinary panel after Owen Farrell's five match ban.
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Farrell's ban, fans return and Jack Nowell's man cave
Owen Farrell's red card is the big talking point this week for Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones. Exeter's Jack Nowell joins the pod from his man cave to discuss the hunt for silverware, how Rob Baxter has changed and his England ambitions. Danny explains what it was like to play in front of fans again and there was heartbreak for Edinburgh in the Pro14 semi-final.
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Jack Willis, misunderstood players and is midweek rugby the future?
Danny Care, Ugo Monye and Chris Jones are joined by the Premiership's in-form player, Wasps' flanker Jack Willis. They also try to predict who will finish in the top four, ask whether midweek games are the future and look at supporters returning to the Premiership. Flo Williams joins the pod after she sparked an online movement following the way the new Irish women's kit was launched. Plus, after being inspired by the new Nicolas Anelka film, we debate which rugby players are the most misunderstood.
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The Sheriff, JP Doyle and a tale of two mullets
Mullets are high on the agenda this week. Jack Goodhue may have said goodbye to his, but it's proving a popular hairstyle with players since the restart. Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones are joined by pod favourite Ken Owens to discuss the return of the Pro14 and what he could bring to the Lions tour next year if selected. Danny talks about his Harelquins team-mate Jack Clifford being forced to retire at 27 and we catch up with referee JP Doyle after he was made redundant by the RFU.
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Rugby's return and Luke Cowan-Sickie
So rugby is back but with a difference. No crowds, more penalties and club bars being used as changing rooms. Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Chris Ashton give their take on the Premiership's return. They also discuss which rugby shirts are appropriate to wear in public and Luke Cowan-Dickie's unfortunate try celebration.
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The road to Twickenham starts here!
The pod is back with the return of the Premiership just around the corner. Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Danny Care look at what we can expect after five months away. There's been a lot of movement during lockdown, so which signings have caught the eye? And how will the players cope with the gruelling schedule planned over the next 12 months? There is also a look at how the sport will show support for the Black Lives Matter movement on the opening weekend.
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Rugby and race
Ugo Monye and Chris Jones are joined by England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje to discuss race in rugby. We also chat to Anthony Watson, Christian Wade, Beno Obano, Nathan Earle and coach Collin Osborne to discuss diversifying the game, the portrayal of black rugby players in the media and their experiences of racism in both rugby and society.
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Saracens Special
Ugo and Chris are at Allianz Park for a special podcast to discuss the biggest story in club rugby history. With Saracens’ relegation from the Premiership confirmed, we’re joined by former Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter and BBC reporter Laura Scott, who first broke the salary cap scandal, to chat what Saracens did, what's happening now and where they go next.
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Rugby Union Weekly's team of the decade
In Rugby Union Weekly's Christmas special, Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Danny Care choose their global team of the decade. How many Home Nations' players can edge out an All Black? Who makes it from Australia and South Africa and crucially, who coaches the side? Also, there's a chance for you to have your say as we ask you to select the captain.
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