The Ruck

Owen Slot welcomes Times writers Alex Lowe and John Westerby, and commentator Alastair Eykyn. The panel give their insights on the state of the world's international teams going forwards.At the end of the first six week's of the premiership, our guests tell us who's impressing and try to make some very early final four picks. The panel offer their choices for the Premiership 15 to date, some *almost* based on how freely a player will offer a lift to the airport. We hear their picks for potential European Cup Champions.

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Stephen Jones welcomes Owen Slot from The Times, Tom Hamilton from ESPN and Alex Spink from The Mirror. The panel pick their highlights of the week, including world cup bids and American football at Wembley.In a lacklustre week of rugby the overall quality of the Premiership is debated, notably Wasps vs Bath and Leicester vs Exeter.There's praise for Northampton's new chief executive and George North in addition to Newcastle's academy fuelling their revival. Also under consideration whether the mass injuries of recent weeks have been caused by the law change and should the next English national coach be English is discussed as well.

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Owen Slot speaks to Will Fraser for the second part of this special.The former Saracens player recalls telling his team mates of his retirement before having to watch them train immediately afterwards.Will also speaks about his new job with the club and offers his opinion on the attritional aspect of the modern game, perhaps surprisingly arguing for the sport to remain as physical as possible and going as far to warn about over sanitising rugby.Finally he offers unique dressing room insight into Saracens success.

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Owen Slot welcomes Will Fraser for the first part of this special episode.The former Saracens player reflects on having to retire due to serious injury, the nature of his new routine, including being unsure if he could enter his old dressing room at the weekend.He relives the frustration of injuries and how he coped with the disappointment of missing two summer tours for England. Will also speaks of the inspiration he drew from his brother and offers a rare insight into dealing with a career cut short.Part two is available tomorrow.

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Stephen Jones, Owen Slot and Alex Lowe are joined by rugby royalty in the form of Rachael Burford. They talk about exporting rugby to the USA and developing grassroots players.Also we hear Rachael's perspective on the World Cup Final and she reveals who she believes to be the greatest player.

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Stephen Jones welcomes Owen Slot and Alex Lowe from The Times and deputy editor of Rugby World Magazine, Sarah Mockford.The panel discuss their highlights of the rugby weekend (02.00) what Semesa Rokoduguni needs to add to his game to contend for an England place (04.00) and suggestions Leicester are already in crisis are quickly swatted away (07.00). There's a review of all the other Premiership action (09.00) and the Pro 14's new teams sluggish start to life in the division (16:00).There's also an explainer and preview to the Women's Premier 15's season (19:00)Finally the panel reveal what they make of the match up in the USA (28:00) and Stephen doesn't really like Argentina's approach in the rugby championship. (30.00)

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The Ruck returns for a brand new season as Owen Slot welcomes Stephen Jones, from The Sunday Times, Alex Lowe from The Times and Adam Hathaway, "Rugby's premier greyhound owner".In this weeks show the panel discuss England's "ridiculous" tour to Argentina. (02:00) There are reflections on the opening weekend (8:00) including debate as to whether Leicester have redesigned the way they play (9:00) Stephen asks do the new rules send premiership rugby closer to super rugby? (10:00) Alex Lowe summarises the new rules (12:00) then basks in his recent cricket performance against the RFU (15.00)Then from (17:00) the whole season is mapped out and predicted with the panel debating what the final table will look like. The Ruck will return on Monday.

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Stephen Jones presents the season finale of The Ruck banishing all others to offer his final thoughts on an incredible series which he describes as "the biggest ever". In the shorter episode he pays tribute to Lions who "return in triumph" after their performances. He selects those who stood out, and praises the courage and confidence of the team unit as well as detailing the reasons they ultimately fell short.Finally Stephen reflects on making the podcast with a colourful cast of characters.

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Owen Slot welcomes Stephen Jones, Peter O’Reilly and Stuart Barnes to preview the deciding test.The panel bill the game as "one of the biggest games in the history of the sport" due to the initial tour negativity and speculation surrounding the Lions future, all twinned with New Zealand's status as world champions.Also debated in the podcast: Should Mako Vunipola have been dropped, what other changes would the panel make, what influence will the referee have on proceedings, where do the all backs weaknesses lie for the and what should the Lion's tactics be?To close Owen responds to his new nickname and everyone reveals their non-rugby moment of the tour.

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From Auckland, Stephen Jones, Peter O’Reilly and Nick Cain review a stunning second test. Later Owen Slot and Jonny Fordham report from Queenstown.Covered in the podcast: Memories of an incredible weekend, what changed for the Lions, does Warren Gatland need to make changes, plus how will Steve Hansen respond with selection?And do you agree with the kiwi description of Owen Slot? Finally theres a journey to the world famous Stephen Jones urinal.

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The panel are totally confused by Warren Gatland's second test team selection.Stephen Jones, Peter O’Reilly, Owen Slot and Alex Lowe attempt to make some sense of the XV with only Peter offering any positives for the Lions amongst their detailed analysis. There's also review of the recent draw, and a debate on the 'geography 6' debacle. Finally, Wellington is reviewed in the travel section which closes the pod.

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Stephen Jones welcomes Owen Slot, Peter O'Reilly and long time sports photographer David Rogers from Getty Images. David has been to nearly every Lions match since 1980 and he recalls the great matches, players and journalists he's seen down the years with a host of anecdotes. Later the panel give us reasons to believe the Lions can turn it around, also what changes Gatland will make? And how good are this New Zealand side compared to the greats? There are mouse-gate and shoe-gate updates as well as thrilling news of Owen's haircut.

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Ahead of the first test, Stephen Jones, Alex Lowe and Owen Slot analyse Gatland's thinking, decide who's unlucky, and debate whether the logic stacks up for the selection. They also cover: the Lions ambassadors, chaos in the gym, Alex Lowe's dreadful footwear.Stephen Jones then stars in shoe-gate as he attempts to be reunited with his size 15's also there's no glee at all from the panel at Telegraph writers encountering mice in their accommodation. The next episode airs Monday.

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Recorded From Hamilton, New ZealandStephen Jones is joined by Stuart Barnes, Owen Slot and Peter O'Reilly. Discussed by the panel: can Henshaw, Williams or Stander force their way into contention during the midweek game? Also who will captain in the first test and who makes everyones first test side? Finally, in the first ever Ruck Book Club you can hear the panels reading material on tour from the pretentious to the corporate.

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Stephen Jones is joined by Stuart Barnes, Owen Slot and Peter O'Reilly for a review of NZ pape​rs and a key examination of 'Gatland's Law' in the selection for the Maoris. Also hear why Stuart Barnes is now one fifth Maori and everyones personal highlight of the tour so far.The next episode is on Monday

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Owen Slot and Stephen Jones go head to head on a range of Lions issues and come out with about 30 seconds worth of agreement. The weekend victory is reviewed, forthcoming test sides picked and despite the lack of a jingle, there's even a new feature in 'Lion of the Week'. Also featured, a review of England's victories in both mens and women's game.The next episode airs on Thursday

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Recorded in Christchurch, The Times' Owen Slot welcomes Stephen Jones from The Sunday Times, Nick Cain from The Rugby Paper and Tom Hamilton from ESPN, to discuss the latest from the tour. There's a preview of the crucial match against crusaders. The panel also debate the merits of their location and each select Lions who have adapted well to New Zealand so far.Next episode on Monday

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In this second episode on the road in New Zealand. Stephen Jones is joined by Nick Cain from The Rugby Paper alongside regulars Stuart Barnes and Owen Slot. Up for debate: are the Lions doomed after one match?There's also a full preview of the Lions v Auckland and Stephen reviews the NZ papers, comparing the quality writing to Enid Blyton...

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Recorded in New Zealand The Times' Owen Slot welcomes a bleary eyed Stephen Jones from The Sunday Times, and a jet lagged Jonny Fordham from The Sun for the first Ruck on tour. The panel bring you a flavour of the early days of the tour, hear about team bonding, impressions of the city, a detailed look ahead to the first match, and a comment from Jonny about the Kiwi press seeming a bit 'Aussie lite' which should make him very popular. The Ruck will run bi-weekly from New Zealand, with episodes every Monday and Thursday.

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In this second special edition of the podcast Owen Slot is joined by Stephen Jones, Stuart Barnes, Lawrence Dallaglio, and a live studio audience to preview the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. The second part sees the panel field a range of challenge questions from the audience.

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In this special edition, Owen Slot is joined by Stephen Jones, Stuart Barnes, Lawrence Dallaglio, and a live studio audience to preview the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. The panel talk about pre-tour excitement, the challenges of touring a nation completely obsessed with the game and analyse both sides. Also find out why Steven has a special connection to Donald Trump in a Queenstown bar, why in 2005 Lawrence found himself in an deserted hospital after breaking his leg, and how Stuart Barnes found out even the hotel cleaners can be fierce critics. The episode contains some strong language and was recorded live at London Bridge on 22nd May.

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In the final northern hemisphere podcast of the season Owen Slot, Stuart Barnes and Stephen Jones preview the Premiership final, the Pro 12 final and build up to the lions, talking major injuries and starting combinations. Next week the podcast comes from New Zealand as the Lions Tour finally begins.

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This week Stephen Jones welcomes Owen Slot, Alex Lowe and Adam Hathaway. The panel discuss their highlights of the week, if the Rugby Sevens is actually about rugby and whether Saracens are the greatest English club side of all time. They'll also preview the Premiership and Pro 12 semi-finals before trying to make sense of yet another confusing Eddie Jones selection.

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Owen Slot is joined by Stephen Jones and Stuart Barnes to debate all things rugby from the last 7 days.On the agenda: a review of the final weekend of the Premiership and pro 12 seasons. A comprehensive preview for both of the weekends European finals.Theres a fierce debate over residency rules and whether Mike Brown's recent treatment was fair.

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Stephen Jones is joined by Owen Slot and Nigel Botherway for a review of the weekend's rugby and a special feature on the state of grass roots rugby. Also covered: the Premiership, Pro 12, who helped their Lions starting prospects and just how do you catch a fish double the size of Billy Vunipola?

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Stephen Jones welcomes Alex Lowe, Alan Dymock, and Adam Hathaway to discuss the week in rugby.On the agenda: A review of the European Semi-Finals and Saracens' seemingly unstoppable march to another European crown, the return of the drop goal and why the England squad still makes no sense 5 days on. There's also a review of Lions players performances and the Pro 12 weekend.Finally Stephen Jones praises the current state of refereeing.

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With so much to talk about Owen Slot and Stephen Jones go head to head on the Lions, a 'bizarre' England squad, and the European ties at the weekendCovered in the Podcast: - Concern over the Lions preparation time- Will the squad split in two when the first team is picked?- How do you keep 41 players happy?- The surprises - both exclusions and inclusions- The Scotland issue, why tokenism, is worse than underrepresentation- Weakness at 12, the options are assessed- Astonishment over Eddie Jones' picks for Argentina and why he's got it wrong. - Predictions for a huge European weekend.

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Stephen Jones welcomes Stuart Barnes, Owen Slot and Adam Hathaway to discuss the week in rugby and for the first two minutes, The Masters. In a packed podcast, the panel review the Premiership weekend, the Pro 12, and theres an appraisal of the proposed changes for Super Rugby. And with just 1 week until the Lions squad announcement, we hear who's played themselves into contention and who is faltering out of contention at the last. To close the panel choose their 'Sergio Garcia' Rugby moments as they focus on long waits and fairytale moments.

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In a packed podcast, Owen Slot is joined by Stephen Jones, Stuart Barnes and ESPN's Tom Hamilton to cover the week in rugby.On the agenda, Saracens' march to the double, double is unpicked as well as who might stop them, there's also debate over the state of the Welsh clubs and why Ireland haven't suffered the same lack of competitiveness. The Lions squad announcement is only two weeks away and once again the panel's picks have changed.And what would John Paul Sartre make of George Ford's final season at Bath? Stuart Barnes has the answer, in addition to everyone previewing a big weekend of premiership rugby, with the focus on Bath vs Leicester.

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Stephen Jones is joined by Nick Cain from the Rugby Paper,Al Dymock from Rugby World, and Adam Hathaway from 'various tabloids' as Stephen puts it. On the agenda this week: european quarter finals, the ever changing Lions picture, and the battle for rugby's heart at Newport.

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The big questions get answered this week:Did any side have a good tournament?Can anyone make a case for Hartley starting beyond loyalty?What would you give the tournament out of ten?Does Rob Howley deserve the abuse he gets?And who makes team of the tournament?This week Owen Slot is joined by Stephen Jones of The Sunday Times, Jonny Fordham of The Sun, and Steve James from The Times to answer all of the above before welcoming back club rugby.

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This week Stephen Jones welcomes The Times' Owen Slot, World Cup Winner Michael Lynagh and The Sunday Times' Peter O'Reilly.They discuss, England's purple patch and how it's been achieved, the problems with Super 18 rugby, why gloom as descended on Irish rugby so soon after the all blacks triumph and cover all the weekends action.All this plus the usual team of the week sparing and weekend highlights including jager bombs and awkward hugs.

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This week Owen Slot welcomes Stephen Jones, Mark Souster and Mark Palmer to discuss England vs Scotland at a crucial stage of the 6 nations. They also pick their perfect alternative rugby destinations and debate the starting line up for the Lions tour.

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This week SJA rugby journalist of the year Stephen Jones welcomes The Times' Owen Slot, Rugby World's Deputy Editor, Sarah Mockford and Simon Halliday, Chairman of EPCR. The panel refute the criticism of Italy's lack of rucking, instead pointing the finger at Eddie Jones's diversionary tactics. There's direct questioning of European rugby's current formats to the man in charge. The panel also consider: current TV coverage, their team of the week, and the state of play in women's 6 nations.

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This week Owen Slot welcomes The Sunday Times's Stephen Jones, columnist Stuart Barnes, and founder of the Rugby Players' Association Damian Hopley. The panel discuss mental health in the game, showcasing the new 'lift the weight' initiative, as well as covering depression during and after a professional career. On the pitch there's a review of the Premiership action, plenty of forthright opinions on players sticking to their country in the light of Denny Solomona's form, they finish with 6 nations predictions. And there's a tribute to Dan Vickerman, who died this week.

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The Sunday Times' Stephen Jones welcomes Owen Slot and Steve James from The Times and Jonny Fordham from The SunThis week:The writers pick the highlights of their week, there's full analysis on all six teams, including worrying times for Italy's tournament future.Owen Slot picks his team of the week and the other panelists helpfully pull it apart. All this and how the Lions picture changed.

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After a dramatic start to the 6 nations, Owen Slot welcomes Stephen Jones from The Sunday Times and Alex Lowe from The Times, for a packed programme. The panel take you through their week in rugby, select the team of week one, debate George Ford's move to Leicester and predict the next round of matches. There's also a tribute to Joost van der Westhuizen

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Owen Slot welcomes Stuart Barnes, Stephen Jones and Adam Jones for 45 minutes of lively, light hearted debate on the eve of the 6 nations tournament. In front of a packed audience the panel discuss the teams strengths, weaknesses and players to look out for, all interspersed with telling anecdotes and cutting insight.

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The new Rugby Podcast from The Times. Owen Slot is joined by Stuart Barnes, Stephen Jones, and Adam Jones for a lively debate recorded in front of live audience. Episode One features a comprehensive preview to the Six Nations.

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