Rugby Union Weekly

Chris and Ashy head to the Saracens training base for a special pod about one of the most influential figures in English club rugby history. After 17 trophy-laden years at Sarries, Mark McCall is standing down as director of rugby at the end of the season. We speak to the man himself who explains why now is the time to move on, and what place he is leaving the club in. Two of Sarries’ senior players, Ben Earl and Nick Tompkins, share their memories of being coached by McCall, and explain what makes him such a good leader. We are also joined by journalist Gavin Mairs to discuss McCall’s legacy. Is he the best director of rugby in PREM history? How much does the salary cap scandal of 2019/2020 tarnish his reputation? And will the RFU miss a trick if they don’t tap into his experience?

All eyes are on Sandy Park this weekend as Rob Baxter and Mark McCall go head-to-head for one last time. Danny, Ugo and Chris look back on Exeter’s impressive win at Leicester that sets up Saturday’s showdown with Saracens for the final play-off spot. Who will come out on top? Will anybody other than Northampton rotate this weekend? It’s now only one win in five for Bath, what is behind their recent slump? Newcastle produced one of the comebacks of the season to stun Sale for a first win since January. There were four home wins as the URC quarter-finals went to form, but who is favourite to life the title in June? Plus, what next for Shaun Edwards amid reports he could be leaving France? Should unions be making a move if one of rugby's most decorated coaches becomes available? There’s also Worcester's Championship play-off triumph to discuss and Jo Yapp's appointment as the first women's British & Irish Lions head coach.

We are podding from the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao after Bordeaux win a second successive Champions Cup crown. Chris and Paul Grayson chat to one of the key man behind Bordeaux’s success, their attack coach Noel McNamara. We also grab a word with Adam Coleman who vows to spend days partying in his match shirt. But where did it go wrong for Leinster? They’ve now lost five finals since their last triumph in 2018. Will there be big changes following this latest defeat? Billy Vunipola rolled back the years to help deliver Montpellier the Challenge Cup as the French claimed another title. With the last six Champions Cup winners all coming from France, why are their clubs in such a strong position and who is best placed to end the streak?

Ashy and Chris are back with a bonus pod after Steve Borthwick spoke to the media for the first time since England's disappointing Six Nations campaign. Chris went inside the camp to see the England head coach who explained why he's selected Benhard Janse van Rensburg selection for the three-day training camp and what he expects the South African-born centre to bring. But what does his selection mean for Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh after they were omitted from the squad? We find out how Borthwick is planning to navigate a summer schedule that incudes matches on three different continents and if captain Maro Itoje could be rested. Borthwick also touches on the RFU review into England finishing fifth in the Six Nations.

How do you sum up the life and legacy of Scott Hastings? Chris, Ashy and Danny are joined by his close friend and former teammate Andy Nicol to share memories of the great man, both on and off the pitch, following his death over the weekend. Plus, as Steve Borthwick names his latest England training squad, the guys debate the inclusion of former South Africa Under-20 centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg. The Bristol Bears player qualifies for England through the five-year residency rule despite having no British heritage. And with a huge weekend of European finals ahead, is anyone backing against the French sides coming out on top?