The Rugby Paper Podcast's microscope moves south of the equator for today's episode, as in the latest round of the Rugby Championship South Africa wrapped up their fourth consecutive win against the All Blacks before Argentina condemned Australia to their largest ever defeat. 

The Springboks continue to go from strength to strength under Rassie Erasmus, while question marks remain over whether Australia will be able to competitively host the British and Irish Lions next summer. Joining Ollie Little and Brendan Gallagher for this one is former South Africa lock, Juandré Kruger.  

Welcome to a new season of the Rugby Paper Podcast! As the 2024/25 season is about to get underway, what better way to start it than welcoming Racing 92 head coach and former England head coach Stuart Lancaster! 

Stuart discusses the impact Owen Farrell has had at Racing since he arrived six weeks ago and looks ahead to his debut as well as the Top 14 season as a whole. He also discusses Siya Kolisi's likely departure and how Racing can match Toulouse. 

The guys then discuss this week's announcement of the RFU's new 'enhanced contract' scheme for 25 England players, as well as the worrying implications behind the departures of England defence coach Felix Jones and strength and conditioning coach Aled Walters. 

The big one is upon us! Northampton Saints and Bath are set to battle it out in one of the most eagerly anticipated Gallagher Premiership final in years. Today's episode goes completely off piste, as host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by TNT Premiership rugby and European Cup rugby anchor Craig Doyle. As well as previewing the final, Craig shares some incredible stories from his career including a fight with Ben Kay, an interview with Tiger Woods and more, and Ollie has a blunder of his own!

Episode 24 of The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes former Ireland fly-half Mick Quinn, basking in the success of his team's historic summer  in New Zealand. Together with host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett, Mick lays out Irish prospects for the World Cup next year. Mick also takes the liberty to lay into English life prospects in general. 

Points of discussion are in abundance in your next edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast after a fitting finale to the summer series. Host Ollie Little is rejoined by Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett as they welcome special guest, former England full-back, professional cricketer and rugby journalist Alastair Hignell. As well as discussing Ireland's phenomenal achievement in New Zealand and the perennial problem of England selection, Alastair provides fascinating insight into his charity work for The Sporting Memories Foundation, an organisation that uses the power of sports reminiscing and discussion to tackle dementia, depression and loneliness among the elderly. 

Two weekends of summer tours have proved a microcosm of the very fine north/south divide at present. Australia vs England, New Zealand vs Ireland, South Africa vs Wales and Argentina vs Scotland are all locked at a win apiece. The Rugby Paper Podcast looks ahead to a weekend guaranteed of drama and unpredictability. To do so, Ollie Little is joined by columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett, as well as former Bath and England prop Gareth Chilcott. 

Saturday's Gallagher Premiership Final was a wonderful occasion - not least if you are a Leicester Tigers fan! The Rugby Paper Podcast looks back at the final and the Gallagher Premiership season as a whole, as well as reviewing the England squad for their tour of Australia which was announced following a dismal showing against the Barbarians. Joining host Ollie Little to do this are regular columnists for The Rugby Paper Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett, as well as former England prop Jeff Probyn. 

Following a weekend of chaotic semi-final action, this week's instalment of The Rugby Paper Podcast previews the all-important Gallagher Premiership Final between Leicester Tigers and Saracens. Joining host Ollie Little is columnist for The Rugby Paper and podcast debutant Chris Hewett as well special guest former England scrum-half and World Cup winner Kyran Bracken. 

Your next edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast discusses the United Rugby Championship. The URC is undergoing something of a revolution, with the addition of four South African provinces this season. Two South African sides made it to the semi-finals, however with all four Welsh regions missing out on quarter-final spots. Joining Ollie Little, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher to debate this imbalance is former Wales captain and one of the most distinctive voices in rugby, Eddie Butler.

This week, host Ollie Little and Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock are joined by Scotland international and Saracens back row Andy Christie to discuss the all important denouement for the Gallagher Premiership 2022 season, chaotic international call-ups, Love Island and more.

Episode 17 tackles one of the most pressing issues in English men's rugby. An already-shrinking grassroots game has been hit by the pandemic and needs as much support as it can get in order for the top levels of rugby to not be affected. Discussing what needs to be done, host Ollie Little is joined by columnists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher, as well as two time British and Irish Lion Peter Winterbottom.

A special family occasion for this week's episode of The Rugby Paper Podcast. Host Ollie Little is treated to the company of Leicester Tigers and England prop Joe Heyes, his father, former Nottingham Forest professional goalkeeper Darren Heyes, and his grandfather, former Leicester City and Swansea goalkeeper George Heyes. The episode includes discussion on Leicester's prospects ahead of a potential Premiership Final, overlap between rugby and football, and 84 year-old George's first experience over zoom - thoroughly entertaining!

For The Rugby Paper Podcast this week, host Ollie Little, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and Digital Editor Ben Redwood are joined by Bristol Bears stalwart Jake Woolmore. Being the first Bear to 100 caps is just one of many feats on the loosehead's resume, as we find out in discussing his work as a barber and his gin brand (listen for a discount code).  In Mental Health Awareness Week, we also discuss Jake's lessons learned from working as a Mental Health First Aider, and mental health in rugby. 

What a Champions Cup final it was, and Antoine Dupont's Toulouse ultimately condemned Leinster to a third consecutive final defeat to claim their sixth European crown. 

Much to discuss in this week's episode as the Gallagher Premiership playoffs begin this weekend, with Northampton hosting Saracens on Friday night before Sale head to Bath on Saturday. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher for this one is former Northampton and England scrum half Lee Dickson/.

Grand Slam champions! The Red Roses secured the Six Nations title, in France on Saturday finishing the tournament unbeaten and scoring a record 282 points. Post-celebrations, England captain Sarah Hunter joins host Ollie Little and record-breaker Rocky Clark to review the tournament, look ahead to the World Cup as well as discuss dentistry and voodoo dolls...

For your next edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast, host Oliver Little is joined by Digital Editor Ben Redwood, as we welcome breakthrough Bath centre Max Ojomoh. On the menu for today are the new Bath, Max's academy and professional arc, dreadlocks, FIFA career mode and much more. 

A week of contention and fierce debate as The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes back Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher alongside host Ollie Little, as well as RFU referee Craig Maxwell-Keys to discuss the laws of the game. Scrums, forward passes, high tackles and much more - fasten your seatbelts!

This week, alongside regulars Oliver Little and Brendan Gallagher, The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes former England captain Phil de Glanville and teammate and ex-British and Irish Lion Tony Underwood to discuss dealing with the void left when you go out of the professional game. 

This week The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes two of the faces of England women's rugby's Mount Rushmore. Mid-way through the Women's Six Nations, Rocky Clark and Emily Scarratt join host Oliver Little to discuss Emily's return from injury, watching from the sidelines as well as reviewing the Championship so far and the rest of the tournament to come!

Calmed down from Super Saturday weekend yet? We hope so, since The Rugby Paper Podcast is back with an episode full of contention and controversy. Nick, Brendan and Ollie are joined by former England fly-half Toby Flood to debate an England XV for 2023. We are sure it will spark thought at home!

What a Super Saturday it was, culminating in Paris as Les Bleus secured the grand slam for the first time since 2010. This edition of The Rugby Paper Podcast reviews the weekend and tournament as a whole. Host Oliver Little is joined by resident panellists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher, as well as ex-England prop and TV pundit David Flatman. 

It's time for the best day of the year - Six Nations Super Saturday! To preview all the action, host Oliver Little is joined by regular panel Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher, as well as Scotland and British and Irish Lions icon Gavin Hastings. 

This instalment of The Rugby Paper Podcast welcomes none other than Wales's record try scorer and Lions legend Shane Williams as we preview the most pivotal weekend yet in the 2022 Six Nations. 

Following France's impressive demolition of Scotland, an unconvincing England win over Wales and, well the less said about Ireland vs Italy the better, The Rugby Paper Podcast takes a break from Six Nations action in the tournament's final rest week. Leicester Tigers prop James Whitcombe and his dad, ex-pro Martin Whitcombe come on to discuss the Whitcombe rugby dynasty, as well as generational change in the game.

This weekend, the two most decorated European clubs go head to head in a titanic clash for Champions Cup glory. Toulouse and Leinster are both looking to add to their tally of five and four trophies respectively in as box office a matchup as you could ask for in club rugby.

Dupont or Gibson-Park? Meafou or McCarthy? Willis or van der Flier? So much to discuss, and joining host Ollie Little, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher to preview the game is former Ireland and Leinster legend Gordon D'Arcy.

Episode 4 of The Rugby Paper Podcast previews a tantalising weekend of Six Nations rugby.  The Rugby Paper analysts Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher return and we welcome special guest former Wales captain and British and Irish Lion Michael Owen to preview Scotland vs France, Ireland vs Italy and of course, England vs Wales.

Weekend two of the Six Nations was an absolute cracker.  Wales proved many doubters wrong to beat Scotland, France overpowered Ireland to cement their status as tournament favourites and England bounced back from Murrayfield disappointment against Italy.  Speaking of crackers, in this week's episode of the Rugby Paper Podcast host Oliver Little is joined by Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock and special guest Harlequins winger Cadan Murley to discuss modern pressures on young rugby players.

After a furious first weekend to kick the Six Nations off, weekend two is even more pivotal.  England and Wales look to bounce back from disappointing defeats to Scotland and Ireland, whilst the Irish gear up for what is likely to be a title-decider in Paris in France.  Join host Oliver Little, panellists Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher and Italy and Harlequins fly-half Tommaso Allan for the lowdown on what to expect this weekend.

Join Ollie Little, Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and special guest Jerry Guscott for a jam-packed Six Nations preview including team analysis, tournament predictions, one to watch and Jerry Guscott's Random Rugby XV!

The Gallagher Premiership is headed towards a superb Super Saturday, with five teams still in the running for the final two play-off spots!

Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher first to discuss the laws of the game, including TMO interventions, tackle laws and scrums, before the guys preview the all-important weekend, is former Premiership and international referee JP Doyle. 

Plenty on the agenda for the Rugby Paper Podcast this week as Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain review English disappointment in the Champions Cup semi-finals before they are joined by USA 7s Head Coach Mike Friday to discuss the end of the season, Antoine Dupont and, of course, this summer's Olympic Games.

Following a pivotal weekend of Gallagher Premiership action - not without its controversies - Ollie Little, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain are joined by Gloucester back row Ruan Ackermann.

The guys discuss Karl Dickson's refereeing controversy at Twickenham last weekend, before Ruan previews Gloucester's EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final clash against Benetton, as well as the potential for him to represent South Africa and England, or maybe even Wales or Scotland!

It all comes down to this! The Women's Six Nations is heading for an epic conclusion in Bordeaux on Saturday as England take on France, with both sides undefeated and in the hunt for a Grand Slam.

Joining the Rugby Paper Podcast to preview that game, and explain why she is called 'Daddy Packs', is none other than Red Roses captain and 100-cap club member, Marlie Packer.

The quarter-final stage of the Champions Cup was an absolute try-fest, with 41 tries in four games underpinning headline wins for Harlequins and Leinster. 

Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain to analyse those games as well as those who put their hand up for England selection is former England, Leicester and Bristol Number 8 Jordan Crane.

As defence coach of Bristol Bears, Jordan also discusses the upcoming battle to make the Gallagher Premiership play-offs. 

This is a big one! Plenty on the menu for host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett as they are joined by England World Cup winner and rugby legend Matt Dawson.

The guys take trips down memory lane to RWC 2003 and the 1997 British Lions tour, and Matt gives his insight into England and Northampton's development this season. Finally, listen to the end for our Champions Cup quarter-final predictions!

The Red Roses are two rounds into their Six Nations title defence and have come away with two convincing bonus point wins. 

New head coach John Mitchell has spoken about developing an attacking brand of rugby to match that of the Black Ferns with a home Rugby World Cup less than 18 months away.

Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain to reflect on the opening rounds as well as women's rugby as a whole is record-breaking former England head coach Simon Middleton.

In the fortnight that has passed since the last episode of the Rugby paper Podcast, we have had the first two rounds of this year's Rugby Championship. 

A win for Argentina over New Zealand on their turf was the eye-catcher of weekend one, whilst Australia's struggles have continued at the hands of the irresistible Springboks.

Ollie Little, Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain lay out the glaring issues in Australian rugby a year out from the British and Irish Lions tour, as well as previewing the upcoming repeat of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand. 

The British & Irish Lions are just over a year away from heading down under to take on Australia! With dust settling after the 2024 Six Nations, host Ollie Little called together columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher with one goal: naming a XV to do the business against the Wallabies. 

Who would you have in your side? We'd love to know in the comments!

What a Six Nations the 2024 edition has been! Super Saturday did not disappoint, and it was Ireland that ultimately claimed back to back titles. To look back on Saturday's fixtures as well as review the tournament as a whole, host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain are joined by rugby refereeing great Nigel Owens. 

After beginning by reviewing Wales's torrid season, Nigel also gives some pearls of refereeing wisdom on how to improve the game of rugby. The guys spend the last hour reviewing the championship as a whole.

It is time to look ahead to Six Nations super Saturday! The best Saturday of the year is upon us, and with three tantalising contests to look ahead to, we hope you're as excited as we are. 

One of those fixtures is 'Le Crunch', as France take on England to round off the tournament in Lyon. Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett to give some truly compelling insights on his native France side's struggles is former French centre and 2011 Rugby World Cup finalist, Maxime Mermoz.

What a weekend of rugby! The latest round of the 2024 Six Nations was without doubt its best so far, as Italy and England pulled off shock upsets in two pulsating encounters on Saturday. 

In a very special mini-episode of the Rugby Paper Podcast, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett react to a stunning round of fixtures.

This week, the Rugby Paper Podcast brings up 100 episodes! A huge thank you to all those who support and continue to follow the podcast - we could not have done it without you. 

The guys commemorate the podcast's century by previewing the fourth round of the 2024 Six Nations and in particular looking ahead to England's clash with Ireland at Twickenham. Host Ollie Little and regulars Nick Cain, Brendan Gallagher and Chris Hewett are joined by former Ireland centre and Ulster defence coach Jonny Bell.

The panel finish by casting an eye back over the past 100 episodes, reminiscing over their favourite editions and memories.

Refereeing controversy was once again at the heart of the third round of the 2024 Six Nations, as Paolo Garbisi's contentious missed kick denied Italy a first Six Nations win in France. Plenty to discuss for host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett in this one!

With The Rugby Paper Podcast being such big fans of Portuguese rugby, the guys were very excited to be joined for this episode by Portuguese captain and legend Tomas Appleton to discuss that win against Fiji, meeting Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal's future. 

Round 3 of the 2024 Six Nations is coming thick and fast and the headline fixture - as it often is - is Saturday's Calcutta Cup fixture between Scotland and England at Murrayfield.

Scotland are looking for their fourth consecutive win against England for the first time since 1896, whilst all eyes are on how the 'new' England perform in their toughest challenge of the tournament so far.

Joining host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Nick Cain and Chris Hewett to look ahead to the weekend's action is former Scotland captain and London Scottish boss Bryan Redpath.

The second round of the 2024 Six Nations was marred by refereeing controversy, most notably TMO Brian MacNeice and referee Nic Berry not awarding a try that would have handed Scotland victory over France. 

Today refereeing, the TMO process and the laws of the game are under the Rugby Paper Podcast's microscope as host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher and Nick Cain are joined by former England and British and Irish Lions flanker, now coach at Esher Rugby Peter Winterbottom.

The opening round of the 2024 Six Nations threw the script out the window as Scotland almost let a 27-point lead slip against Wales, Ireland thumped France at home and England cut it close against Italy. 

With England set to host Wales this weekend and France looking to bounce back against the Scots, host Ollie Little and columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher are joined by Welsh cross-code legend and BBC commentator Jonathan Davies.

Jiffy also pays tribute to Welsh rugby great Barry John following the tragic announcement of his passing at the weekend. 

International rugby is back for the first time since Rugby World Cup 2023, and it's Six Nations season! It is the dawn of a new era, with each nation either deploying a new captain or a new head coach.

As is Rugby Paper Podcast tradition, to preview the whole tournament and the blockbuster opening fixtures, host Ollie Little and columnists Chris Hewett, Nick Cain and Brendan Gallagher are joined by England and British and Irish Lions legend Jerry Guscott. 

While things are a bit quieter in the rugby world what better time to take a deep dive into the laws of rugby! Ollie Little and the full house of columnists in Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher are joined by RFU referee and Rugby World Cup Final 2023 TMO Tom Foley. 

On the menu today, the 20 minute red card, forward passes and Tom's decision to step away from international rugby following the controversy at Rugby World Cup Final 2023. 

In a fascinating week in European rugby, amidst Six Nations and Women's British and Irish Lions announcements, Welsh rugby superstar Louis Rees-Zammit has announced that he is quitting rugby to pursue a dream of playing in the NFL, aged just 22. The decision has shocked the rugby world and sparked mass debate about what it represents for the game of rugby as well as whether Rees-Zammit can succeed in one of the most competitive player pools in world sport.

Host Ollie Little and columnists Brendan Gallagher, Chris Hewett and Nick Cain are joined by journalist Francisco Isaac to discuss Rees-Zammit's move, Six Nations squads and the 2024 rugby prospects of Francisco's native Portugal.

Happy New Year from the Rugby Paper Podcast! As 2024 dawns, host Ollie Little and Rugby Paper columnists Nick Cain, Chris Hewett and Brendan Gallagher are joined by former England prop Jeff Probyn to look back on a memorable 2023 both global and English rugby, as well as the podcast itself. 

Where does the past year leave the English game? What was everyone's moment of 2023? What was Chris Hewett's favourite podcast episode? Only one way to find out!