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BBC Radio 5 Live

Ugo Monye, Chris Jones, Danny Care and Chris Ashton bring you special guests and cover the biggest stories in rugby union.

We'd love to hear from you on the pod; email rugbyunionweekly@bbc.co.uk or search for 5 Live Sport on social media to send us a message.

Rugby Union Weekly

Ugo, Danny and Chris look back at the opening weekend of the Champions Cup. La Rochelle weathered the storm - quite literally - to beat Bath on the opening night, but did the first round manage to showcase the best of the competition? The pre-tournament favourites all won handsomely, but which British team has the best chance of going deep in the tournament? Henry Pollock continues to make waves, and at only 19 what is the best way to nurture him and the next generation of talent? We also hear all about Danny's experience of the Stade Dominique Duvauchelle and how many Christmas trees he has this year.

Stars and Storms

Chris and Ashy are back to preview round two of the Champions Cup and we find out what role Ashy's son is playing in his Christmas nativity. George Ford is on the pod ahead of Sale's big clash against Racing 92 on Friday. He also reflects on England's autumn and that drop goal against New Zealand. Could a dramatic schedule change reignite interest in the Champions Cup? And what are the big clashes to look forward to this weekend?

George Ford and a Wise Man

Ashy critiques his son’s performance as one of the three Wise Men in his school’s nativity before we turn our attention to another weekend of Champions Cup action. It wasn’t without its issues again as a number of clubs heavily rotated their teams, but Northampton went fully loaded to Pretoria to face the Bulls and Tommy Freeman joins us to tell them all about their bonus-point win. Glasgow fell agonisingly short in Toulon and Toulouse ran riot in Exeter with Antoine Dupont getting one try closer to Ashy’s record. Away from the Champions Cup, Felix Jones has now officially left his role at the RFU. Can we expect him to pop up on the Lions coaching ticket next summer?

Where is Tommy?

Danny is the only one bringing the festive cheer to the pod as we discuss life as a rugby player at Christmas and how many eggs Ashy has with his Christmas dinner. Chris outlines a tumultuous few weeks for the RFU that has seen Tom Ilube resign as chairman and Sir Bill Beaumont appointed in his place on an interim basis. Warren Gatland is staying on as Wales head coach and has been challenged to deliver success in the Six Nations, but what exactly does that look like for a team that didn't win a match in 2024? Bristol win on the road again as they thrash Leicester at Welford Road. Can they go all the way this season, or will they need to tone down their attacking style?

'Twas the pod before Christmas

In Rugby Union Weekly's Christmas special, Ugo Monye, Chris Jones and Danny Care choose their global team of the decade. How many Home Nations' players can edge out an All Black? Who makes it from Australia and South Africa and crucially, who coaches the side? Also, there's a chance for you to have your say as we ask you to select the captain.

Rugby Union Weekly's team of the decade

Ugo and Chris are at Allianz Park for a special podcast to discuss the biggest story in club rugby history. With Saracens’ relegation from the Premiership confirmed, we’re joined by former Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter and BBC reporter Laura Scott, who first broke the salary cap scandal, to chat what Saracens did, what's happening now and where they go next.

Saracens Special

Ugo Monye and Chris Jones are joined by England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje to discuss race in rugby. We also chat to Anthony Watson, Christian Wade, Beno Obano, Nathan Earle and coach Collin Osborne to discuss diversifying the game, the portrayal of black rugby players in the media and their experiences of racism in both rugby and society.

Rugby and race

A special podcast looking at the issue of dementia in rugby. Ugo Monye, Matt Dawson and Chris Jones speak to former Wales flanker Alix Popham who is one of eight players to have been diagnosed with early onset dementia. Alix talks openly about his struggles and what changes he would like to see in the game. Matt talks about his love for rugby and how he face the consequences if he faced problems later in life. Danny Care tells us why a new gumshield could help improve safety in the sport and we debate whether the game should make significant changes in the future.

Rugby and dementia

In the first episode of this new series, Sam Warburton speaks to Sir Gareth Edwards about his remarkable career with the British & Irish Lions. 

Gareth remembers his first Lions call-up in 1968 as a student and his joy at receiving a voucher for two pairs of boots. Three years later Gareth was back with the Lions and helping them secure their first - and only - series win in New Zealand. It was a gruelling tour with 26 matches that lasted over three months. How did he keep in touch with his family, what was the secret to his partnership with Barry John and why did a match against Canterbury anger his grandma? 

Shortly after the birth of his first son in 1974, Gareth was back with the Lions for a third tour - this time in South Africa. This side became known as the Invincibles after they returned unbeaten after 22 matches. He relives his drop goal in the first Test, explains the real meaning behind infamous ‘99 call’ and running out of Lions jerseys before the third Test.

Warburton’s Lions Legends: Sir Gareth Edwards

Sam Warburton chats to Gavin Hastings, one of the greatest Scottish players to ever represent the British & Irish Lions. In 1989, Gavin helped the Lions to their first series win in 15 years. Despite being on the receiving end of a right hook from Australia’s Nick Farr-Jones in the second Test, Gavin scored a crucial try to level the series. He recalls David Campese’s famous error in the deciding Test and making the most of free champagne in business class on the flight home. Four years later he captained the Lions to New Zealand. Find out why he hung up on Ian McGeechan, which player taunted the crowd in Wellington with beer and all about a dodgy refereeing decision in the first Test.

'Twas the pod before Christmas

'Twas the pod before Christmas

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