PODCAST · sports
The Ruck
by The Times
The podcast they play in heaven. Join Alfie, Alex, Will and Charlie along with the best of The Times and The Sunday Times rugby writers as they ruck over the best games and biggest names from the domestic season and the international calendar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Will Spain host the World Cup? Plus England’s European struggles and the Red Roses lose
Spain have launched their bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup! The federations president Juan Carlos Martin 'Hansen' joins Alfie, Will and Elgan and explains why hosting the world cup would be transformative for rugby in the country. He also outlines plans for a professional Spanish franchise to...
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Wild scores and thin crowds: how healthy is the Prem?
Following the third round of action in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Will and Charlie review both the amazing matches on the pitch and the storylines off it. Is Northampton 71, Bath 48 a good thing for the sport? Why are we getting so many crazy scorelines? And, does the league have an attendance...
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Another Harlequins crisis and Venter bottles the media
Alfie, Will, Charlie and Elgan look back on the second round of action from the Prem. Gloucester, Bristol and Bath remain unbeaten, whilst Sale picked up a hugely important victory away to Saracens. Exeter and Harlequins both remain without a win, which club should be more concerned? Are…
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Gloucester, Bristol or Pollock’s hair: Who made the biggest Prem statement?
The opening weekend of the Gallagher Prem saw Gloucester, Bristol, Bath and Saracens all win away from home. Alfie, Charlie and Elgan ask which result was the biggest statement and look back on all of the action. Should Sale be worried after they lost at home to Bristol? How did Saracens manage…
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Welsh Chaos to Gloucester: Jac Morgan & Dewi Lake
Gloucester begin their Gallagher Prem campaign away to Exeter Chiefs this weekend! For a city with such a strong rugby history they have never won the Premiership and have only reached the play-offs once in the last fifteen years. So will their fortunes change this season? Alfie and Will are at...
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From Sarries & Brive to Sale: Lozowski, Lawes & a possible England re-call
As we continue to build-up to the start of the new Gallagher Prem season, Alfie and Will are in the North-West. They've made the trip to Sale Sharks to chat with new signings Alex Lozowski and Courtney Lawes. Lawes returns to English rugby following two years playing for Brive in Pro D2. Will he...
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Season Preview: Who will win the 2026/2027 Gallagher Prem?
It's the start of a new Gallagher Prem season! Alfie and Will are at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, to look ahead to another campaign. They're joined by Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Dan McFarland, Harlequins and England prop Fin Baxter and the Northampton Saints and England fly-half Fin Smith.…
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Will a 6 Nations match happen in the USA?
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry concluded with the Springboks winning the fourth test in Baltimore to secure a 3-1 series victory. Alfie, Alex, Charlie and Elgan look back on the epic contest and discuss the best approach for beating the Boks. With the match taking place in the USA they ask why rugby is...
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Boks vs All Blacks: Does the 4th test count?
The third match in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry produced another brilliant test! South Africa leads the series 2-1 after beating New Zealand 29-24. Attention now turns to the USA as the fourth test takes place in Baltimore. But, does that matter? Were the three games in South Africa the ones the...
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Is the 3rd test the unofficial decider? Plus: Did Rassie break the rules?
The Greatest Rivalry series is level at 1-1! South Africa beat New Zealand in Cape Town and now attention turns to the third test in Johannesburg. Despite being a four match series, is the third test - which is the final one on South African soil - the unofficial decider? Alfie and Alex reflect…
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An All Blacks win for the ages: Is Pollard South Africa's answer?
The first test between South Africa and New Zealand produced a famous win for the All Blacks. Can South Africa respond? Was this the best thing for the four match series? Why has Rassie Erasmus named his team for the second test already despite injury concerns? And, how important was Saturday's...
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The Greatest Rivalry: Is this New Zealand's ultimate test?
South Africa and New Zealand play the first test of their four match 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series this weekend. Alfie is joined by Alex and New Zealand journalist Jamie Wall, who are both in South Africa, to look ahead to the series. How big are the next four matches for rugby's two...
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivals| Episode 6: The Incomparables and a rivalry reimagined
In episode 6 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, the sport is hurtling into the professional era. South Africa are world champions after 1995 but New Zealand are on the verge of one of their greatest moments. We hear from John Hart, who led the All Blacks on...
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 5: Readmission for a Rainbow Nation
In episode 5 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, Nelson Mandela walks free, apartheid crumbles and South Africa becomes a new country. The Springboks and the All Blacks face off once more, with Mandela seizing the opportunity to help heal a wounded nation.…
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 4: Rebellion to isolation
In episode 4 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, we focus on the most controversial rugby tour in history: the 1986 New Zealand Cavaliers. Despite the global boycott, a group of rebel Kiwi players agree to tour South Africa. Former Springbok Schalk Burger Sr...
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 3: The Flour Bomb test
In episode 3 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, we are into the 1980s - a decade defined by rebellion. The 1981 Springbok tour to New Zealand goes ahead despite an international agreement to stop sporting contact with apartheid South Africa. Unrest culminates...
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 2: Racial lines drawn, and blurred
In episode 2 of our special series on the fierce rivalry between rugby’s superpowers, the former Springbok Morne du Plessis talks about the sheer, violent ferocity of test matches between South Africa and New Zealand. For decades, these matches continue to be played among the shadows of race...
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivals | Episode 1: Consider your country at war
The Springboks and All Blacks share a rivalry like no other - and it’s about so much more than just the rugby itself. The real story goes back over a century of racism, rebel tours, politics and protest, fuelling fierce confrontations on the field. With South Africa and New Zealand about to...
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Nations Championship Round 3: Are Ireland still a top side? Plus, a new Springbok captain?
The 3rd round of the Nations Championship saw New Zealand hammer Ireland, England hold on to win against Argentina and South Africa destroy Wales. Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all the action and Mark Palmer joins to reflect on Scotland's summer. Could it be the…
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Borthwick slams the "Negativity Committee" as England dodge disaster
England finished their Nations Championship matches this summer by beating Argentina 24-31! Steve Borthwick's side produced some of their best rugby of 2026 but also suffered the same disciplinary issues which saw them almost collapse to draw. The TMO saved England when Argentina thought they had...
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Can Los Pumas inflict another Argentine defeat on England?
Argentina host England in the Nations Championship this weekend! Can Los Pumas make it another Argentine win following the football World Cup semi-final? Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are in Buenos Aires to reflect on an incredible night in the capital and to look ahead to the weekend. They explain...
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How can anyone stop the Springboks?
After the second round of the Nations Championship Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Charlie Morgan look back on all of the action. They ask which nation might be able to compete with South Africa at the next World Cup and what style of rugby could cause them problems. That's after a weakened...
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England back to winning ways: But did we learn anything?
England absolutely dismantled Fiji 73-8 to return to winning ways on the second weekend of the Nations Championship. Fiji were ill disciplined and lacking accuracy as Steve Borthwick's side put them to the sword. From Merseyside Alex Lowe and Will Kelleher reflect on a bizarre and messy match.…
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Full strength England face 'must win' Fiji test
It's the second round of the Nations Championship with England taking on Fiji in Liverpool. How much pressure are Steve Borthwick's team under after their defeat to South Africa? Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher look ahead to the match and focus on the growing…
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Nations Championship starts with a bang. Is captain Pollock the answer for England?
The opening weekend of the Nations Championship produced some brilliant matches! Alfie Reynolds, Stuart Barnes and Elgan Alderman look back on all the action, including a tight victory for New Zealand against France, an important win for Wales versus Fiji and Scotland beating Argentina away.…
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England 'obliterated' by ruthless South Africa
England's opening match in the Nations Championship saw them hammered 45-21 by South Africa at Ellis Park. From the stadium Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan reflect on the match. They ask how much pressure this piles onto England ahead of games against Fiji and Argentina? What does it...
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How Can England stun the Springboks?
What are the odds that England beat South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday? From South Africa, Will Kelleher is joined by Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan to look ahead to England’s massive opening clash in the Nations Championship at Ellis Park. The panel debates whether Steve Borthwick's side can...
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Does rugby need the Nations Championship?
The inaugural Nations Championship starts this weekend but does rugby need it? Do fans even know or care what it is? Will Kelleher, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan are in South Africa ahead of England's match in Johannesburg on Saturday. They ask whether the re-vamped format will be successful or if...
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Northampton Saints beat Exeter Chiefs in compelling final
Northampton Saints are the champions of England! They beat Exeter Chiefs 26-17 in the final to be crowned champions for the second time in three years. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan look back on the match and ask what does it mean for Northampton? Does this cement them as the…
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Can Exeter upset Saints to win the Prem?
Northampton Saints will play Exeter Chiefs in the Prem final on Saturday. Alfie and Will are at Sandy Park in Devon as they look ahead to the match and chat to Exeter's Director of Rugby Rob Baxter and winger Olly Woodburn. They discuss whether Northampton Saints will win a second title in three...
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Prem semi-final drama! Why didn't Bath kick a drop goal?
Northampton will face Exeter in the Prem final! Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds to look back on the semi-final weekend which produced two excellent matches as Northampton beat rivals Leicester and Exeter produced a comeback to win away against Bath. Despite all their success...
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Are these the most evenly matched Prem semi-finals ever?
The Prem rugby semi-final line-up is confirmed: Northampton hosts rivals Leicester and Bath play Exeter. Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe and Charlie Morgan preview the semi-finals and ask is this the hardest season to predict who will make the final? Could an away side get a rare victory? They also...
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Who will qualify for the play-offs!?
With one week of the regular season remaining Alfie, Will and Elgan look ahead to the final weekend in the Prem. They chat about the crunch fixtures as Bath host Leicester and Exeter play Saracens and ask who will make it into the play-offs? With Bristol now out of the running for the top four…
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French dominance in Europe! Bordeaux hammer Leinster
Alex and Will are in Bilbao to reflect on the Champions Cup final! Bordeaux have won back-to-back titles to join the elite sides in European Club rugby. What makes them so special? It is now 6 years in a row that a French club have been crowned Champions of Europe, how can anyone catch them? What...
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Should Van Rensburg be in the England squad?
Steve Borthwick's latest England training squad includes Benhard Janse Van Rensburg, who has qualified on residency grounds. Does it make sense for him to be parachuted directly into the set up? Or is it a bad look for the RFU and their talent pipelines? Alfie Reynolds, Charlie Morgan and Will...
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Why did the RFU back Borthwick?
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...
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Brilliant Bordeaux, but Bath bemused. Was French TV to blame?
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…
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BONUS: Can rugby survive its brain injury problem?
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…
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British & Irish Lions tour to France: No-brainer or an erosion of history?
The British & Irish Lions are exploring the possibility of touring Japan, Argentina or France. Is this a dangerous erosion of tradition? A shameless money grab? Or a brilliant thing to propel the Lions into a "different stratosphere"? And, what would it mean for the traditional tours to New...
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Do the Prem's blowouts challenge its franchise future?
It was a week of contrasts in both the Prem and Women's 6 Nations. In the Gallagher Prem the league continues to attract new investment but Sale were humiliated at home on Sunday, whilst Gloucester, Newcastle and Harlequins also suffered heavy defeats. Was that down to a lack of jeopardy due to…
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England v France: which Champions Cup quarter-final was better?
Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman and Charlie Morgan look back on the Champions Cup quarter-finals. They ask which was better...Bath and Northampton's epic high-scoring tussle at The Rec? Or the heavyweight clash between Bordeaux and Toulouse? Was Henry Pollock unlucky to be shown a yellow card so...
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Are Toulouse and Bordeaux the greatest club sides in the world?
The last-16 of the Champions Cup delivered! Following an exciting weekend Alfie Reynolds, Elgan Alderman, Alex Lowe and Mark Palmer look back on the action. They chat about the competition finally bursting into life with some excellent matches including, the Stormers narrow defeat to Toulon and...
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Parling's push: love it or hate it?
Following a trio of showpiece matches at big stadiums in the Gallagher Prem Alfie, Will and Charlie are back in studio to review the action. They discuss Geoff Parling's fiery altercation with broadcaster TNT before Gloucester vs Leicester and ask was the head coach right or wrong? And, does it...
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Can Dyson's dosh build a dynasty at Bath?
Sir James Dyson has become a 50% shareholder at Bath, so what does that mean for the club and for English domestic rugby? Will it cement the clubs place at the top of the PREM for years to come? And it will it encourage further investment into the league? Alfie Reynolds is joined by Alex Lowe,...
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An all-time great 6 Nations produces an ending for the ages
The 2026 6 Nations is over! One of the great championships went down to the final kick of the final match. Thomas Ramos knocked over a penalty to break English hearts and deny Ireland the title. The morning after the events in Paris, Alex Lowe, Charlie Morgan and Will Kelleher join Alfie Reynolds...
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And then there were three…Is there one last Six Nations shock?
Super Saturday is almost here as the 2026 6 Nations reaches its conclusion. Who will win the title as France, Scotland and Ireland are all in the running? In a championship that has had plenty of twists and turns, will there be another shock on the final weekend? Alfie, Will and Alex are outside…
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Historic weekend leaves three nations in the running
What a weekend of 6 Nations action! Italy recorded their first-ever win against England, Scotland produced one of their best performances to put 50 points on France and Wales continued their revival in defeat to Ireland. Alfie, Elgan and Charlie look back on all the action and ask where this...
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England's 6 Nations in ruins after their first-ever defeat to Italy
England have lost to Italy for the first time! Following a historic day in Rome, Alfie Reynolds and Will Kelleher are in the Stadio Olympico to unpack an incredible occasion and hugely damaging England defeat. What does the future hold for Steve Borthwick? Can he continue as England head coach?…
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Can 'best ever' Italy beat England for the first time?
England make the trip to Rome in the 6 Nations following two defeats and two terrible performances against Scotland and Ireland. So how much pressure are they under ahead of facing Italy on Saturday? Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are on the streets of the Eternal City to look ahead…
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Seismic changes in English rugby & the 6 Nations run-in
Last week the English league system saw its biggest shake-up since the dawn of professionalism: it was confirmed that from 2029/30 the PREM will change to a franchise system and there will be no promotion or relegation starting next season. Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and Stuart Barnes join Alfie...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The podcast they play in heaven.
Join Alfie, Alex, Will and Charlie along with the best of The Times and The Sunday Times rugby writers as they ruck over the best games and biggest names from the domestic season and the international calendar.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
The Times
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Ruck have?
The Ruck currently has 596 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Ruck about?
The podcast they play in heaven. Join Alfie, Alex, Will and Charlie along with the best of The Times and The Sunday Times rugby writers as they ruck over the best games and biggest names from the domestic season and the international calendar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
How often does The Ruck release new episodes?
The Ruck releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 596 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to The Ruck?
You can listen to The Ruck on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Ruck?
The Ruck is created and hosted by The Times.
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