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The Ruck

The Ruck

By: The Times
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Summary

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.

The Times
Politics & Government Rugby
Episodes
  • Why did the RFU back Borthwick?
    May 11 2026

    Despite England having their worst ever men's 6 Nations campaign why has an RFU review backed Steve Borthwick in his role as head coach?


    Alfie, Alex and Will discuss the RFU's decision, what needs to change for England and why the review process if so secretive.


    Plus, they chat about whether Cornish Pirates will become a Prem club after they acquired funding from an American private equity group, the latest twists and turns in the race for the play-offs and Elgan joins them to look ahead to a grand slam decider in the Women's 6 Nations.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    59 mins
  • Brilliant Bordeaux, but Bath bemused. Was French TV to blame?
    May 4 2026

    Bordeaux and Leinster reached the Champions Cup final after defeating Bath and Toulon, respectively. The defending champions Bordeaux now have a chance to win back-to-back titles, while Leinster will hope to finally end their Champions Cup drought.


    But were Bath hard done by? It appeared that match officials were not shown replays for some high tackles. Was this the case?


    Is it a problem unique to matches broadcast in France? Or is it a wider issue that needs fixing?


    Plus, they discuss both semi-finals in detail, including Leo Cullen's bizarre, 6-minute, loaded answer in his press conference. And, they look ahead to a big weekend in the Prem.


    ***


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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    51 mins
  • BONUS: Can rugby survive its brain injury problem?
    Apr 30 2026

    Shane Christie was one of the brightest rugby stars in New Zealand before suffering multiple concussions, leading to a brain injury that would slowly take everything from him. And his experience is far from unique. In this deeply personal account, David Walsh talks to Shane's former partner, Holly Parkes, to ask, What happened? What does Shane's story reveal about the sport he loved deeply? And can rugby survive the fallout?


    This is part one of a two-part special investigation into the crisis facing this global game.

    This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


    ***


    Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance


    Guest: Holly Parkes

    Host: David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday Times

    Producer: Sophie McNulty


    We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

    Read more: Two friends, two suicides. How did rugby let this happen?

    Clips: Harlequins - YouTube.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    47 mins
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