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EPISODE · Feb 4, 2026 · 1H

The Nations Pod

from Rugby Union Weekly · host BBC Radio 5 Live

Are France really clear favourites? And how real is Ireland’s decline? Chris, Gareth and Tom are back as this year’s Six Nations gets underway on Thursday. Tom argues this is a huge opportunity for Scotland and asks why they shouldn’t aspire to be outstanding. Gareth is less optimistic about Wales, though he believes they still have a couple of genuine match-winners. The guys run the rule over all six sides and ask what success looks like for each. And Chris has been left a little frustrated folowing the release of the World Cup schedule this week.

Are France really clear favourites? And how real is Ireland’s decline? Chris, Gareth and Tom are back as this year’s Six Nations gets underway on Thursday. Tom argues this is a huge opportunity for Scotland and asks why they shouldn’t aspire to be outstanding. Gareth is less optimistic about Wales, though he believes they still have a couple of genuine match-winners. The guys run the rule over all six sides and ask what success looks like for each. And Chris has been left a little frustrated folowing the release of the World Cup schedule this week.

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The Nations Pod

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This episode was published on February 4, 2026.

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Are France really clear favourites? And how real is Ireland’s decline? Chris, Gareth and Tom are back as this year’s Six Nations gets underway on Thursday. Tom argues this is a huge opportunity for Scotland and asks why they shouldn’t aspire to be...

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