Bordeaux Smash Leinster To Win Champions Cup Final

Itoje’s Summer Holiday, Van Rensburg For England & Picking Our End Of Season Awards

May 27, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of For The Love Of Rugby, the hosts broadcast from Bilbao during the Champions Cup final weekend to catch up on the latest rugby developments. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the speculation surrounding Maro Itoje and the possibility of him being rested for the upcoming summer tour. The hosts analyze the physical and emotional toll that continuous high-level play has taken on him, arguing that resting their captain is a strategic decision that could benefit England in the long run, particularly with the next World Cup in sight. The conversation also shifts to the potential selection of Bristol centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg. The panel examines his unique skillset, specifically his combination of distribution ability and physical edge, which they believe could provide a necessary spark for the England backline. Finally, the podcast addresses a listener question regarding the trajectory of Harlequins. The hosts weigh in on the club's inconsistency, emphasizing that to become a consistent force once again, the team must prioritize strengthening its set-piece and forward pack rather than relying solely on their reputation for expansive play.

Jack Nowell, Beach Rugby & Surfing With Robshaw | Road To Bilbao Finale

May 20, 20261h 25mSummary

In this finale of the Road to Bilbao, the hosts embark on the final leg of their journey, pushing their hybrid vehicle to the limit as they travel from France toward the Investec Champions Cup final. The episode captures the lighthearted competitive spirit of the hosts, starting with a go-karting challenge at the historic Le Mans circuit, which serves as a playful predictor for the upcoming rugby final between Bordeaux and Leinster. The journey leads them to La Rochelle, where they reunite with former England teammate Jack Nowell. Nowell provides an insightful look into life playing in France, highlighting the passionate fan culture and the unique coaching style of Ronan O’Gara. He discusses the differences between the structured nature of English rugby and the more fluid, instinctive French approach. Additionally, Nowell shares his expert analysis on the upcoming final, offering his tactical breakdown of Bordeaux’s explosive attacking threats and Leinster’s resilient defensive setup. The episode concludes with a beach rugby session, reinforcing the hosts' appreciation for the game’s accessibility and its power to bring people together, as they reflect on the final preparations for the tournament's climax in Bilbao.

England Win the Six Nations ft. Jonathan Joseph & Delaney Burns

May 20, 20261h 14mSummary

In this episode of For The Love Of Rugby, host Shauna is joined by former England international Jonathan Joseph to break down a thrilling conclusion to the Women's Six Nations. With regular co-host Ruby absent, Joseph steps into the guest-host role, offering professional analysis on the tournament’s tactical intricacies and the state of the modern game. The discussion centers on England’s dominant victory over France to secure the Grand Slam. The pair reflects on the immense defensive pressure France applied early on and how the England Red Roses successfully managed these momentum shifts. They are joined by Red Roses lock Delaney Burns, who shares the unique experience of being called into the starting lineup on short notice. Burns offers a candid look at the camaraderie within the squad, the high-pressure environment of professional rugby, and the team's dedicated preparation for France’s unpredictable, offload-heavy attacking style. Together, the guests explore how the women’s game has evolved in its accessibility, media profile, and tactical sophistication, noting the positive impact of individual player engagement on fan culture and the continued growth of the sport.

Jamie George, Ejector Seats & A Couple's Massage: The Road to Bilbao Begins

May 18, 202657 minSummary

The hosts of For The Love Of Rugby embark on an ambitious road trip, aiming to travel from Cardiff to Bilbao in five days to witness the Investec Champions Cup final between Bordeaux and Leinster. Traveling in their iconic pink vehicle, the hosts outline a route that traverses four rugby-playing nations, incorporating stops for food, sightseeing, and a long-overdue visit with England international Jamie George. During their stop in St. Albans, the hosts catch up with George to discuss his decorated career and his experience winning the Champions Cup three times with Saracens. George reflects on the evolution of his team, noting how difficult lessons against European giants like Toulon eventually paved the way for Saracens to reach the pinnacle of club rugby. He shares nostalgic stories from his time at the club, including the camaraderie off the pitch and the surreal experience of celebrating major victories. Turning their attention to the upcoming final, George analyzes the matchup, expressing deep respect for the current Bordeaux squad while acknowledging the tactical challenge Leinster faces. The conversation highlights the high stakes, physical demands, and unique atmosphere of European rugby finals.

For The Love Of Rugby 2026 LIVE Draft

May 13, 20261h 11mSummary

In this episode of For The Love Of Rugby, hosts Dan Cole and Ben Youngs, joined by former England captain Chris Robshaw and rugby content creator Squidge Rugby, gather at the Birmingham Town Hall for their highly anticipated 2026 Annual Draft. The group engages in a lively, competitive snake-format draft to assemble the greatest England men’s rugby teams of the 21st century. Throughout the session, the participants share candid, often humorous behind-the-scenes stories about legendary figures like Martin Johnson, Manu Tuilagi, and Johnny May. These anecdotes provide listeners with a unique glimpse into the camaraderie and antics that occur within professional rugby circles. The hosts also offer insightful discussions regarding the complexities of international captaincy, the pressure of decision-making during high-stakes matches, and the mental resilience required at the elite level. As the draft progresses, the panelists debate their selections, balancing tactical needs with personal favorites to craft their ultimate lineups. With a mix of tactical analysis, lighthearted banter, and nostalgia for iconic moments in English rugby history, the episode serves as an engaging celebration of the players who have shaped the sport over the past two decades.

The Debate to End the Small Ball Debate & Ruby Tui’s Big News

May 13, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of For The Love Of Rugby, the hosts return following a bye week to engage in a spirited, civilised debate regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding World Rugby’s trial of a 4.5-size rugby ball in the women's game. While one host argues that the smaller ball could unlock greater potential and technical ability for female players, the other expresses reservations, questioning the lack of transparent data and suggesting that the sport's focus should prioritize more urgent matters, such as player welfare and medical infrastructure. They ultimately agree to disagree, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and seeking input from professional players to ensure the game’s development is handled efficiently. Beyond the ball debate, the episode features exciting personal news from Ruby Tui, who reveals her comeback to the pitch as an invitee for the historic Barbarians team. The hosts also provide a comprehensive breakdown of the latest Six Nations action, analyzing England's dominant performance against Italy and speculating on how the Red Roses might adjust their defensive structures to counter France in their upcoming clash.