The Rugby Bunker

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) discuss Marcus Smith's comments earlier this week about his England career to date, having won his 50th cap in Paris in the Six Nations, before getting into some of England's biggest selection concerns ahead of facing South Africa next week. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #premrugby #englandrugby #marcussmith #harlequins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) recaps a cagey, physical PREM final between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read #rugby #rugbynews #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #premrugby #northamptonsaints #exeterchiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) break down the strengths of Northampton and Exeter heading into the PREM final this weekend, while also discussing the latest news from England on Maro Itoje, the Six Nations and Benhard Janse van Rensburg, and Charlie's stint with Lewis Moody's charity cycle ride. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #premrugby #exeterchiefs #northamptonsaints Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) recaps a busy week featuring insights from England's training camp and reaction from each of the two PREM semi-finals in Northampton and Bath. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a bonus episode after Friday's announcement, Ben Coles (The Observer) breaks down the implications of Andy Farrell's contract extension until 2031 for Ireland, but also England and Saracens. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) break down Exeter against Saracens - effectively a quarter-final shootout to make the playoffs with Exeter ahead of Saracens by three points going into the final day of the PREM season. They discuss Saracens' five-match winning run and change to their attacking ethos, Mark McCall's legacy, Exeter's excellent recruitment and make a prediction. The two journalists then also discuss stories from this week involving Leinster and Jacques Nienaber, along with Ellie Kildunne's exit from Harlequins. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) is joined by Will Kelleher (The Times) to discuss how Alex Mitchell's hamstring injury could change England's scrum-half plans this summer, before Fiona Tomas (The Telegraph) examines the appointment of Jo Yapp as the first-ever coach of the British and Irish Lions Women before their tour of New Zealand next year. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #englandrugby #britishandirishlions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) discuss Steve Borthwick's press conference from earlier this week, including the Benhard Janse van Rensburg call-up, and guess the backline England want to pick moving forward. They also break down the key tactics ahead of the Champions Cup final between Leinster and Bordeaux-Begles, before commentator Joe Byrnes joins the episode to discuss the latest BUCS season and players to watch, plus the upcoming Celestial Sevens tournament. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #englandrugby #steveborthwick #championscup #bucsrugby #sevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) recaps Tuesday's press conference from Steve Borthwick discussing England's review into their poor Six Nations, what happens this summer to the likes of Maro Itoje, and why England have called up Benhard Janse van Rensburg - who qualifies in July - and has left out Ollie Lawrence of Bath. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read #rugbyunion #englandrugby #rugbyanalysis #rugbynews #rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) is joined by Charlie Morgan (The Times) to discuss Leicester's playoff push and why Geoff Parling should be named coach of the year, before looking at this weekend's PREM fixtures and trying to find an upset. Then Fiona Tomas (The Telegraph) joins to break down the Women's Six Nations and discuss Sunday's title decider in Bordeaux between France and England. 01:39 Charlie's thoughts on Leicester-Northampton, why Geoff Parling should win coach of the year 17:28 The Champ, with Charlie going to Richmond-London Scottish 22:56 This weekend's PREM matches 29:38 Fi joins to discuss the Women's Six Nations 43:23 Would a loss, strangely, help England? Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Fiona's work for The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/f/ff-fj/fiona-tomas/ #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #leicestertigers #premrugby #womenssixnations #englandrugby #francerugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) speaks with Billy Vunipola in an exclusive interview about the former England's number eight's successful spell with Montpellier, why he won't play for Tonga at next year's Rugby World Cup, and the build-up to his arrest in Mallorca two years ago and how it changed him. 02:39 Life at Montpellier 12:16 What led to his arrest in Mallorca 34:50 Playing for Tonga? Read the interview in The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/news/sport/article/vunipola-i-will-never-switch-to-play-for-tonga-i-am-not-afraid-to-say-im-english Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read #rugby #rugbyanalysis #rugbyunion #billyvunipola #englandrugby #tongarugby #rugbyworldcup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to discuss last weekend's Champions Cup semi-finals (and TV angles), before diving into the RFU's announcement regarding England's Six Nations review and previewing this weekend's PREM and Women's Six Nations matches. Stay for the Daniel Day-Lewis reference. 04:09 UBB defeat Bath, Leinster hold on against Toulon 16:16 The RFU's announcement regarding England's Six Nations review 34:00 This weekend's PREM matches 43:13 Women's Six Nations round four Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #championscup #bordeauxbegles #ubb #bathrugby #leinsterrugby #englandrugby #premrugby #womenssixnations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to break down this weekend's Champions Cup semi-finals - Leinster v Toulon and Bordeaux-Bègles against Bath - before discussing when Noah Calouri should make his England debut and paying tribute to the retiring George North. 02:00 Bordeaux-Bègles v Bath preview 14:20 Leinster v Toulon 24:45 When will England pick Noah Caluori? 36:23 Tribute to George North Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #championscup #bordeauxbegles #ubb #bathrugby #toulon #leinsterrugby #georgenorth #noahcaluori Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) discuss Thursday's news from Charles Richardson (The Telegraph) that the British and Irish Lions are open to a new touring destination after 2029, with France, Japan and the Americas all possible destinations. Ben and Charlie then discuss the Women's Six Nations and PREM fixtures ahead of the weekend. 01:15 The breaking news about the Lions 14:28 Round three of the Women's Six Nations 23:01 The PREM with Bath travelling to Northampton Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #britishandirishlions #lionstour #womenssixnations #premrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to discuss the top four in PREM Rugby and the Women's Six Nations, while Charlie unpacks some analysis on one of the latest bits of rugby jargon being used by coaches, 'next hole attack'. 01:50 'Next hole attack' 12:24 The PREM top four race 21:07 Women's Six Nations round two Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Charlie's piece on 'next hole attack': https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/article/bath-northampton-saints-attack-analysis-champions-cup-f29vd2ftg#rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #womensixnations #redroses #elliekildunne #finnrussell #bathrugby #northamptonsaints Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are joined by Fiona Tomas (The Telegraph) to preview the Women's Six Nations, questioning whether any other side can stop world champions England. Ben and Charlie also discuss Courtney Lawes' move to Sale, and whether it could lead to a Test recall. Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan Fi's work for The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/f/ff-fj/fiona-tomas/ Charlie's deep dive on National One: https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/article/financial-advisers-v-electricians-inside-the-countrys-best-title-race-vqb7b6mxf #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #womensixnations #redroses #elliekildunne #abbieward #courtneylawes #englandrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) is joined by Charles Richardson (The Telegraph) to discuss duck hearts (yes, really), Rob Baxter's new Exeter deal, this weekend's Champions Cup knockout games and after Mako Vunipola joining Leicester, more transfers it took us a while to get our heads around. 03:57 Rob Baxter's new Exeter deal 07:25 Round of 16 preview 27:26 Transfers which took getting used to Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charles' work for The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/charles-richardson/ #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #rugby #rugbynews #championscup #exeterchiefs #leicestertigers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an accidental business-themed episode, Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) discuss the RFU's latest briefing on Steve Borthwick's future after England's poor Six Nations, the PREM's announcements of new criteria regarding expansion including a salary cap floor, before Ben is joined by Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald to hear about the club's new investment from James Dyson. 02:19 The Bill Sweeney briefing 09:41 PREM big announcements regarding expansion 16:23 Ben's conversation with Tarquin McDonald Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugby #rugbypodcast #rugbyanalysis #rugbyunion #premrugby #englandrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a number of excellent submissions, Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) are back to answer your questions following the end of the men's Six Nations. 02:25 Will England stick with three locks? 07:31 Who are the Under-20 players to look out for? 11:59 Why do England talk about being a developing side? 19:52 What is Borthwick's ceiling as head coach? 25:56 How much did the Lions tour take out of the players? 34:19 Why is the Six Nations schedule so similar? 37:35 Is Cadan Murley's stock up or down after the Six Nations? 41:10 Is Ronan O'Gara available? 43:45 Is Steve Borthwick naming his England team so early 'naive'? 47:34 Will defence ever win again over attack or is the genie out of the bottle? Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Charlie's work for The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/charlie-morgan #rugby #sixnations #rugbyanalysis #englandrugby #steveborthwick #ronanogara Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) is joined by Tom Hamilton (ESPN) to recap that wild game in Paris between France and England, including picking the top three players, and whether England will change their coaching staff after their worst-ever Six Nations. Thanks to  @adidas  for the shirt! 08:00 Top three players from France against England 20:46 Could England change their coaching staff? 36:58 Wales-Italy recap 43:13 Ireland-Scotland recap Follow Ben's Substack: https://theofffieldreview.substack.com/ Ben's work for The Observer: https://observer.co.uk/contributor/ben-coles?type=read Tom's work for ESPN: https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/48221228/england-worst-ever-six-nations-2026-ends-blueprint-frustration-search-answers-france #sixnationsrugby #rugbyunion #rugbyanalysis #sixnations #rugby #englandrugby #scotlandrugby #francerugby #irelandrugby #italyrugby #walesrugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) and Charlie Morgan (The Times) round out the 2026 Men's Six Nations by predicting the outcome of each game, and therefore who will win the title. They disagree on two matches, but agree perfectly on another... 00:00 Intro 02:00 Ireland v Scotland 15:58 Wales v Italy 26:36 France v England The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need. Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Coles (The Observer) is joined by Charles Richardson (The Telegraph) to hear what it was like witnessing Scotland's astonishing win over France at Murrayfield, before they break down England's one change to face France in Paris this weekend. The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need. Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rugby Bunker gives you the insight and tactical understanding you need, hosted by Ben Coles (The Observer) and featuring regular guests including Charlie Morgan (The Telegraph). Listen for expert analysis from established rugby journalists, with regular features plus a range of guests, and improve your knowledge of the game each week by joining us in The Rugby Bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices