Rugby Union Weekly
Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Danny Care dissect the biggest rugby union stories of the week
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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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Rugby on the frontline: Karen Findlay
In the second episode of the series, Sara Orchard chats to Harlequins Ladies co-head coach Karen Findlay, who is also a Chief Superintendent in the Met Police and working on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus.
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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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