Chris and Ashy are in John Barclay's recommended pub in Edinburgh where they’re joined by Rory Lawson on the eve of the Calcutta Cup. Up for discussion.. Scotland aiming to match their best winning streak in this fixture since there were “penny-farthings on the side” according to Ashy, or just the 1890s. Is the amount of chat about England’s new blitz defence disproportionate? And how will Finn Russell look to counter it having struggled against South Africa at the World Cup? England captain Jamie George is also on the pod, speaking with real poise about the death of his mother last week and how emotional the occasion will be for him and his family. And finally, Ashy reveals he thinks haggis is a vegetable.

It's Matchday!

Ugo Monye, Chris Jones, Danny Care and Chris Ashton bring you special guests and cover the biggest stories in rugby union. Sara Orchard also delivers news, interviews and reaction from the 2024 Women's Six Nations. Get in touch with the pod via 5 Live Sport on social media or email rugbyunionweekly@bbc.co.uk, and remember to leave us your ratings and reviews.

Sports

Sale's Ben Curry is our special guest this week after they stunned Saracens in the final round of the Premiership. He tells Chris and Ashy what's been behind their remarkable run to the play-offs and why Alex Sanderson had them catching tennis balls wrapped in white tape all week. We also discuss Saracens' farewell tour and whether Northampton's decision to rest key players for the semi-finals will backfire. Also, is the Champions Cup final this weekend the unofficial World Cup final?

The Sale Avalanche

Will Saracens or Bath secure a home semi-final? Can Sale hang onto fourth spot? Or will Exeter, Harlequins or Bristol leapfrog them? Ashy, Ugo and Sara look ahead to the final round of the Premiership season which has all the makings of a classic weekend. There is also plenty of fallout from round 16 including THAT 90-0 defeat for Gloucester, late bonus points and emotional send-offs. We find out how Saracens are taking inspiration from Ted Lasso their run-in and Ashy's pet goldfish.

Premiership play-offs and Gnasher the Goldfish

Fresh from his trip to Toulouse, Danny gives Ugo and Chris the inside track on Quins’ defeat in the south of France. He tells us about his latest rendezvous with his favourite scrum-half and how Blair Kinghorn ended up in his bad books on Sunday. We also discuss Northampton’s narrow defeat at Croke Park and ask who will have the edge in the final at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. But will an English club get a better chance of competing for club rugby’s biggest prize? And will Gloucester’s season be considered a success if they manage to lift the Challenge Cup despite their struggles in the Premiership?

Leinster have it all Toulouse

Chris, Danny and Ashy are on the sofa as the race for the Premiership play-offs hots up. Are Bristol genuine title contenders after another big win? Elsewhere Harlequins beat the league leaders Northampton, but should Danny have been sent off? And why are scrum-halves the lowest-paid players in the league? We also chat to former England lock Geoff Parling after his appointment to the Australia coaching staff, and discuss how is he set to make rugby history next summer.

Danny’s discipline and the English Wallaby

Sara is pitch side in Bordeaux with World Cup winner Katy Daley-McLean after England wrapped up a third straight Grand Slam with victory over France. They speak to an emotional John Mitchell and Katy is reunited with two of her favourite former team-mates. They also speak Ellie Kildunne who reveals some big news on the pod. Sara and Katy also wrap up the rest of the final round drama as Wales left it late at the Principality and there was surprise win for Ireland over Scotland.

It's Matchday!

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