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;...
The Champions Cup is almost upon us, so Chris and Ashy take a look at the main runners and riders ahead of the opening weekend. Are the holders and six-time winners Toulouse the favourites? Or is it time for a new club to emerge to challenge for the prize? We hear from La Rochelle's Jack Nowell ahead of his trip to Bath with the French giants. He gives us a great insight into the brilliance of Ronan O'Gara and what life is like in France with his family having penned a new deal. What can we expect from the South African teams this year? And what about the Premiership clubs, can they reach the latter stage of the tournament like last season?
-------- Â
47:38
The Scottish & Irish Lions?
Ugo, Danny and Ashy are back on the sofa to discuss the return of the Premiership, but Ashy is surprised by what he saw over the weekend. Has the gap between the domestic and international game ever been greater? Newcastle won again and Exeter lost again. Gloucester and Bristol continue to thrill and both claimed impressive wins on the road. But it meant Joe Marler's farewell didn't go to plan. We look at Andy Farrell's to-do list as he starts work as the Lions head coach and ponder how Scotland players will be in his starting backline. Plus, there is some exciting news in the PWR as Bristol confirm the signing of American superstar Ilona Maher.
-------- Â
58:21
The Nations Pod
Chris, Gareth, and Tom convene for the last time this autumn. Gareth updates us on Wales' situation as the many reviews into various aspects of professional rugby continue. Is the RFU being unfairly scrutinised for revealing record bonuses for its executives as its financial affairs are made public? And with Ireland hosting Australia this weekend, Chris ponders whether the Wallabies have enough left in the tank to pull off a surprise win in Dublin.
-------- Â
1:02:36
The Big Autumn Review
The curtain has come down on the autumn for England, Scotland and Wales. Danny, Chris and Ashy assess where each team are at after testing themselves against the best from the southern hemisphere. How should England reflect on their autumn after only one win in four? And which players' stock has grown this November? Danny's upset the Scotland fans and shares some of the kind messages he's received after Gregor Townsend's side beat Australia in Edinburgh. The WRU have started their review into Wales' autumn, but could Warren Gatland still be in involved come their Six Nations opener in Paris? There's controversy at the World Rugby awards and with Ireland yet to complete their autumn schedule, we start looking at some of the issues awaiting Andy Farrell when he becomes Lions head coach.
-------- Â
56:09
We're in Twickenham and Monaco!
Chris and Paul Grayson are at Twickenham to bring you reaction to England's dominant victory over Japan. It ended a run of five straight defeats for Steve Borthwick, but how happy is he with the team's progress this autumn? Jamie George is also on the pod and we get Eddie Jones' take on a tough day at the office for Japan and a less than ideal return to Twickenham for the former England head coach. We are also in Monaco for the World Rugby awards as Sara sits down with the men's and women's player of the year. South Africa forward Pieter-Steph du Toit claimed the men's award for a second time while Ellie Kildunne was crowned the best women's player after a stellar year with the Red Roses.
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 [email protected] or search for 5 Live Sport on social media to send us a message.