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The Ruck

The Times

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.

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35 episodes
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Today · 35 min
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 an away win at Leicester despite having a 20-minute red card? And, is Henry Pollock worth £400,000 a year? Plus, by beating South Africa did Australia show that they'll be a force at their home World Cup in 2027? And, should the Black Ferns have settled for a draw against the Red Roses? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thursday · 34 min
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 Kingsholm to chat with Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan. The Welsh internationals joined the club this summer from the Ospreys. They chat about dealing with the chaos in Welsh rugby in recent years, why they moved to the Prem and the new initiation at Gloucester now that the infamous 'milk challenge' has been replaced with something else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wednesday · 39 min
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 return to the England squad in time for the 2027 World Cup? And why has he made the move to Sale? Lozowski joins after ten years with Saracens. He explains why it's a homecoming of sorts and what the club can achieve this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 21 · 1 hr
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. Will Newcastle - now into a second season under Red Bull ownership - have a more successful campaign? Can Harlequins bounce back from last year's disappointment? And, will Northampton do a better job of defending their title than the last time they were defending champions? Plus, will Sale's blockbuster recruitment drag them back up the table? What will Saracens look like under Brendan Venter? And - the all-important question - who will win the league this year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 14 · 44 min
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 taking matches Stateside? Was the occasion a success? And, could a 6 Nations match really happen in the US? It follows the news last week that World Rugby is keen for a fixture to take place across the Atlantic. Plus, why have England given Steve Borthwick a contract extension? And the Red Roses were back in action and, as always, back winning. *** From captaining the England rugby team to tackling life's toughest challenges — including his recent MND diagnosis — Lewis Moody has always been a man of action. Don't miss Lewis in London on November 5th, where he'll be sitting down with Times rugby correspondent Alex Lowe to discuss his new book, Fronting Up. Expect an honest and deeply inspiring conversation exploring the mistakes, triumphs, and life lessons that forged a great man's mettle. For tickets, head to thetimes.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 7 · 39 min
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 nations cared about most? And, how far ahead of the rest are the Springboks and All Blacks? Alfie, Charlie and Elgan react to the 3rd test and discuss whether other nations have a chance of beating South Africa. They also look ahead to the start of the WXV, react to Steve Borthwick's latest training squad and ask, 'What is the point of the Prem Cup?' *** From captaining the England rugby team to tackling life's toughest challenges — including his recent MND diagnosis — Lewis Moody has always been a man of action. Don't miss Lewis in London on November 5th, where he'll be sitting down with Times rugby correspondent Alex Lowe to discuss his new book, Fronting Up. Expect an honest and deeply inspiring conversation exploring the mistakes, triumphs, and life lessons that forged a great man's mettle. For tickets, head to thetimes.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 31 · 39 min
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 on the second test including the controversial build-up, in which Rassie Erasmus made multiple changes to his matchday squad. Was this within the regulations? Did it go against the spirit of the game? Plus, legendary former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick chats to Alex about the upcoming film 'Jonah' which focuses on the iconic Jonah Lomu. Sean explains why there will never be another player like him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 24 · 38 min
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 victory for New Zealand under Dave Rennie? Alfie and Charlie are in studio to analyse the key moments which led to the All Blacks' victory and ask how big an impact will this have on the back-to-back world champions? Alex dials in from South Africa to react to Rassie's team for the second test and explains why Handre Pollard has been selected over Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. *** From captaining the England rugby team to tackling life's toughest challenges — including his recent MND diagnosis — Lewis Moody has always been a man of action. Don't miss Lewis in London on November 5th, where he'll be sitting down with Times rugby correspondent Alex Lowe to discuss his new book, Fronting Up. Expect an honest and deeply inspiring conversation exploring the mistakes, triumphs, and life lessons that forged a great man's mettle. For tickets, head to thetimes.com/events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 21 · 36 min
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 super-powers? How does it compare to when England took on the Boks just six weeks ago? And, why has there been a war of words this week in the build-up? Jamie explains the headlines from Dave Rennie's All Blacks team selection and why winning the first test is so pivotal for New Zealand. *** From captaining the England rugby team to tackling life's toughest challenges — including his recent MND diagnosis — Lewis Moody has always been a man of action. Don't miss Lewis in London on November 5th, where he'll be sitting down with Times rugby correspondent Alex Lowe to discuss his new book, Fronting Up. Expect an honest and deeply inspiring conversation exploring the mistakes, triumphs, and life lessons that forged a great man's mettle. For tickets, head to hetimes.com/events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 20 · 25 min
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 their 1996 tour of South Africa, as well as former players Sean Fitzpatrick, Ian Jones and Josh Kronfeld. Was theirs the greatest New Zealand side of all time? Plus, former Springbok Joel Stransky describes the team’s struggle to replicate the dizzying heights of ‘95. This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Rob Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Clips: DSPN Rugby (John Hart interview) Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 19 · 24 min
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. With the 1995 World Cup reaching its final, two of the players - former Springbok Joel Stransky and All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick - describe being part of one of the greatest moments in sporting history. This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Clips: World Rugby (1995 World Cup final) Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 18 · 20 min
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 describes how he found out about the deal before any of his teammates - and why it opened a door to the players being paid. The chair of New Zealand Rugby and former World Cup-winning All Black captain David Kirk also explains his decision not to tour, and the fierce reaction amongst the NZ public when the tour went ahead. This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 17 · 15 min
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 in flour bombs being thrown out of aircraft at the players. Former Springbok Rob Louw reflects on matters on and off the pitch. This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 16 · 25 min
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 tensions in both countries. The introduction of apartheid adds pressure, boiling over in a boycott of the 1976 Montreal Olympics. This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 15 · 12 min
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 kick-off a four test series branded 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry', Alex, Will and Elgan bring you a special podcast series charting the history of battles between rugby’s superpowers. Our story starts over a century ago, in a world recovering from war, where tension over race is sparked by the infamous 'Blackett telegram'. This podcast was produced and edited by Alfie Reynolds, with help from Hope Federico, Robert Wallace, Jamie Wall and David Whisson. Read more: Rugby’s Greatest Rivals: Springboks v All Blacks Photo: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 20 · 53 min
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 end of Siya Kolisi as the Springbok captain? Are Ireland no longer one of the best sides in the world? And, did the officials get the big decision right at the end of Argentina vs England? Can Scotland now compete with the top teams? What do Wales take away from defeat in South Africa? And, can England kick on in November? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 19 · 54 min
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 scored a try with the final play of the match. So, after a mad match Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are back in Buenos Aires to reflect on the game, Steve Borthwick's punchy post-match comments and the Nations Championship as a whole. They discuss whether the competition has been more successful than they expected, why Borthwick hit back despite the obvious discipline problems and where this leaves the team heading into November. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 16 · 52 min
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 why Henry Pollock has been named on the bench by Steve Borthwick, why this is England's biggest test of the summer and the advantage of having Marcus Smith at full-back. Plus, can Ireland be the first side to win at Eden Park in the professional era? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 13 · 52 min
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 Springboks team beat Scotland despite an impressive display from Gregor Townsend's men. Plus, are the All Blacks under Dave Rennie once again playing to their strengths? Should Henry Pollock start for England away in Argentina? And, Peter O'Reilly looks ahead to Ireland's trip to Eden Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 11 · 33 min
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. They ask what can England take away from the victory given that Fiji were so poor? Does this ease the pressure on Steve Borthwick? Or is the real test how they get on next week against Argentina? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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