The Ruck

The Ruck has a South African flavour this week as we interview Springboks hybrid hero André Esterhuizen, the centre who can also play back-row. We talk about that innovation, the Boks' fine 2025 and the upcoming Champions Cup clash between his Sharks and Saracens on Saturday.

Will, Alex and Elgan delve into the first round of the Champions Cup, which featured some of the same old issues but good wins for Northampton Saints, Bath, Bordeaux-Begles and the Scottish sides. 

Plus, the boys rattle through the 2027 World Cup draw, and a gouging ban for Eben Etzebeth. We ask how the South Africans can be stopped from winning three tournaments in a row, and whether Rassie Erasmus might throw the Italy game. 

Following the end of the Autumn Internationals, Alex Lowe and Elgan Alderman review the action. We look at South Africa's 73–0 mauling of Wales, as well as the late-game incident involving Eben Etzebeth.

Elsewhere, Alex and Elgan discuss the latest in the R360 league saga, and with the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw coming this week, we look ahead to how the new 24-team format changes the pools, the seeding and the matchups it could deliver. 

Following the end of the November internationals Alfie, Alex, Will and Barnsey are back in studio to review the action.

In 2025 South Africa have cemented themselves as the number one side in the world but who are their closest challengers? Is it England who have won 11 out of 12 matches in the calendar year? And, will Steve Borthwick's side now be expected to win the 6 Nations?

It's also been a tough November for the officials so the boys ask what World Rugby needs to do to give referees more support? And, whether they need to crack down on coaches pressuring them.

Plus, the fallout from England's narrow win over Argentina, including accusations of Tom Curry being a 'bully', Wales' defeat to New Zealand and a strange 2025 for the Wallabies.

It's the final weekend of the November internationals (apart from Wales and South Africa who play each other next week!).

So, Alfie, Will and Elgan are once again at the England training base to look ahead to their match against Argentina. After a huge win against the All Blacks how difficult will this match be? And how important is it to end 2025 with another win? They also have an injury update as Max Ojomoh replaces Fraser Dingwall in the squad for Sunday.

Plus, what constitutes success for Wales against New Zealand? And, How will Ireland fare as they host the Springboks in Dublin?

Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Owen Slot and Will Kelleher look back on the latest action from the November internationals.

They ask what was the most important result of the weekend? Wales finally winning at home or England beating the All Blacks? And, they react to Scotland losing to Argentina despite leading 21-0 and what that means for head coach Gregor Townsend.

Plus, the Nations Championship, which starts in 2026, has finally released further details about the fixtures so the boys try to explain how the competition will work and the pros and cons.

And, after beating the All Blacks on Saturday how do England kick on from that important result?