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What actually happens on a Saturday night when the final whistle blows and rugby stories still need to be told?

In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan is joined by Ben Jaycock, assistant editor at The Rugby Paper, to explore how parts of a national rugby newspaper are produced under extreme time pressure.

While much of The Rugby Paper is planned days in advance, Ben explains how key match reports, ratings, and analysis are written live as games unfold and filed within minutes of full time, ready for a Sunday morning readership that already knows the score.

The conversation lifts the lid on writing for readers who have watched the game, not those discovering the result, why creativity matters more than formula, and how editors balance honesty, criticism, and respect for players, coaches, and referees.

They also discuss the importance of grassroots coverage, why The Rugby Paper resists clickbait, and what excites Ben about the modern game despite its financial challenges.

A thoughtful insight into rugby journalism, storytelling, and why good reporting still matters to the health of the sport.

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