Red Roses Rugby Pod Special - with Ellie Kildunne & Jess Breach

This week on The Rugby Pod, Ireland sent out a statement with a ruthless 42-21 dismantling of England at Allianz, turning the Six Nations on its head and reminding everyone what they’re capable of. Jim and Goodey break down Ireland’s clinical edge, Caelan Doris’ captain’s performance, and why England’s balance, and identity are suddenly under massive scrutiny. What needs to change for the final two games and what's at stake for Borthwick. There’s also reaction to Scotland edging Wales in Cardiff thanks to some Finn Russell’s genius, France continuing to look like world beaters, and big news off the field including upcoming live shows and a massive Dublin event with Conor Murray. Settle back, enjoy, and make sure you’re subscribed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

British & Irish Lion and Munster legend Simon Zebo joins The Rugby Pod and Big Jim for a brutally honest look at Irish rugby right now. Zeebs opens up on Ireland’s current trajectory, Andy Farrell’s emotional connection with the squad, and the growing pressure and online abuse facing young players. He reflects on his own Ireland career, the highs and lows, the fierce Munster-Leinster rivalry, playing for Rassie, and the pride of representing Munster and Ireland. Plus, his take on life in France, Finn Ruseell, the England v Ireland clash, life after retirement It's an awesome interview. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scotland lit up Murrayfield to snap England’s 12-game winning streak, with Finn Russell pulling the strings and exposing some questions around England’s defence and decision-making under pressure. All the lads were at the game and give us all the behind-the-scenes details in the build-up and post-game. Italy proved Rassie Erasmus might have been right, pushing Ireland to the brink and showing they’re no longer just participants but genuine contenders, while Ireland’s scrum issues come under the microscope ahead of a huge clash with England. And France continue to look like a runaway train, running in eight tries to dismantle Wales. The lads break down all the big moments, the controversies, and what it means for the rest of the Six Nations, so settle back, enjoy, and make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim and Goodey are joined by England, Leicester & British & Irish Lion Ollie Chessum this week for a deep dive into his career. From the turning points that shaped his journey, welding on his day off at Nottingham to becoming a Lion, Ollie opens up on setbacks, standards, Lions chat, England ambitions, career-defining moments, Six Nations rivalries, plus a look ahead to what dreams still drive him, including whether the England captaincy is on the horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six Nations round one is done and there’s a lot to unpack. Jim, Goodey and Bigs dive into Italy’s superb win over Scotland, how Gonzalo Quesada has transformed the Azzurri, and whether this result puts real pressure on Gregor Townsend ahead of a huge Calcutta Cup clash. The lads then turn to England v Wales, looking beyond the scoreline at England’s attacking evolution, George Ford’s control, and whether discipline could become an issue against tougher opposition. Wales’ struggles, green shoots at U20 level, and what a response at the Principality might look like are all on the agenda. We also look at Ireland’s poor performance in Paris, what went wrong in that first half, France’s physical edge, big TMO calls, and what has changed with Ireland. Listener questions, Smartest Call of the Week, news, shout-outs and live shows in Dublin round out a packed episode of proper Six Nations chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices