David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie unpack the big agenda items that will be covered in the Shape of the Game conference in London, starting with the push to “depower” scrums and replace some restarts with free kicks. Eddie and Ewen are blunt: keep the scrum, speed it up, and protect rugby as a game for all shapes and sizes. From there, it’s straight into the global season debate, with both backing alignment for player welfare while warning everyone has to sacrifice something, not just Super Rugby. The 20-minute red card sparks a wider argument about keeping 15 on 15, with Ewen pitching better use of existing referee tools and stronger post-match sanctions. They also get into Six Nations form (Ireland’s response against England), Super Rugby trends, kicking and “meaningful” stats, plus quick hits on Andy Farrell, Stephen Larkham, injuries, Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s record run, and Rugby Europe Championship shocks.

Also in this episode:

● Eddie Jones rejects any move to depower scrums

● Ewen McKenzie says scrums are already overmanaged

● Global season backed to protect player welfare properly

● 20-minute red card debate turns into 15v15 argument

● Ireland v England analysed: intent, collisions, line speed

● Super Rugby vs Six Nations stats: points, tries, ball-in-play

PLUS: World Rugby transparency, refereeing consistency, and how attack trends are shifting across Six Nations and Super Rugby.

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Ireland dismantle England 42-21 at Twickenham and David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie pull apart why it got ugly. Ewen says England simply did not turn up physically, fell off tackles, lost the aerial contest and never got to their usual attacking kick game, while Ireland kept the tempo high with quick taps and sharp work in the air. Eddie adds a coach’s view from inside the stadium: Andy Farrell’s management of Jamison Gibson-Park, Ireland’s flatter “off nine” attack, and England’s emotional control going missing when the game turned. Scotland then survive a huge scare to beat Wales 26-23 after Wales led 20-3, before France continue their surge with a 33-8 win over Italy, with talk of Dupont’s influence, France’s collision wins, and what it takes to slow them down. The episode closes with World Rugby’s “Shape of the Game”, world rankings, and a big Brumbies statement win over the Crusaders.

● Ireland’s tempo and aerial dominance breaks England early

● Eddie Jones on England leadership and preparation drift

● Gibson-Park and Ireland attacking flatter off nine

● Scotland escape Wales ambush after 20-3 lead

● France 33-8 Italy: Dupont, Ramos, collision wins

● World Rugby TMO debate: speed, sovereignty, forward passes

PLUS: The panel also hits World Rugby rankings, Rugby Europe Championship results, Under 20s Six Nations scores, and why Super Rugby’s Brumbies look the form team.

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Six Nations round three is stacked, and Rugby Unity goes straight to the pressure points. David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie preview England v Ireland at Twickenham, including Jack Crowley starting at 10, Gibson-Park’s influence, and the big selection calls around Curry and Pollock, plus the ruck-speed battle and how the referee could shape it. There’s a proper salute to Maro Itoje on his 100th cap, and a blunt look at Wales v Scotland in Cardiff, including Wales’ current depth challenge and the impact of Matthew Carley’s card history. France v Italy in Lille gets the full treatment too, with real belief in Italy’s hardness, breakdown contest, kicking accuracy, and how an “off” France could be vulnerable. Then the chat widens: what’s actually happening across the Six Nations after two rounds, why intent and luck swing results, and why Super Rugby attacks can look stuck behind heavy line speed.

● England v Ireland: Crowley starts, Gibson-Park returns

● Curry’s match time and Pollock’s starting question

● Itoje’s 100th test and England togetherness pressure

● Wales v Scotland: Wales depth issues, Carley cards

● France v Italy: Italy breakdown, kicking, real upset chance

● Six Nations themes: intent, luck, discipline, short tournament

PLUS: Eddie and Ewen break down coaching messages, culture, and why structured attack is being tested by breakdown pressure and contestable kicks.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

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What a weekend of Six Nations rugby! The panel of David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie breakdown France’s slick skill, Scotland’s resilience, and Ireland’s relentless hustle. Plus, listen in as they scrutinize refereeing decisions, TMO controversies, and the evolving shape of the game. We also explore player movements to Super Rugby, top work-rates from Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx, and covers scores from Rugby Europe and U20 competitions. With a preview of this weekend’s clash between England and Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and France versus Italy, this is your must-listen take on rugby’s most heated debates.

●     Six Nations clash summaries and highlights

●     Refereeing controversies: yellow cards, TMOs, and decision inconsistencies

●     Player transfers: Warner Dearns and Harada into Super Rugby

●     Work-rate analysis: Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx

●     Scores from Rugby Europe Championship and U20 competitions

●     Upcoming match preview: England v Ireland, Wales v Scotland, France v Italy

PLUS: the ongoing quest for refereeing clarity, the future shape of rugby governance, and the relentless pursuit of faster, more exciting rugby.

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Six Nations rugby explodes this weekend as Ireland host Italy at the Aviva Stadium, Scotland take on England at Murrayfield and France travel to Cardiff to face Wales. Can Italy back up their Rome roar in Dublin, will England’s bench decide the Murrayfield test, or can Wales upset a reshuffled France in Cardiff?

David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie as they put on their coaches' hats to pick apart selections, set-piece and breakdown battles, box kicks and game plans. Also in the episode: Rugby Europe headlines including Germany v Portugal, Super Rugby kick-off, the Raeburn Shield storyline and our Third Voice fan segment with tactical calls, tips and the week’s big questions.

●     Ireland vs Italy: Can Italy challenge in Dublin?

●     Scotland’s uphill battle at Murrayfield

●     France makes bold squad changes for Cardiff

●     Wales aims to shake off underdog status

●     Super Rugby season kicks off with intense clashes

●     The story of the Raeburn Shield and its historical significance

PLUS: facing coaching pressures, fan voices from around the world, and the future of rugby competitions like the Nation's Championship.

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David Pembroke and rugby legends Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie break down Italy’s narrow victory over Scotland in Rome amidst wet conditions, Scotland’s struggles with set-piece consistency, and England’s commanding win over Wales. They tear into refereeing controversies surrounding yellow cards, propose bold solutions to restore game integrity, and forecast the biggest clashes in the second round, including Ireland vs Italy, Scotland vs England, and France against Wales. Plus, insights on the future of rugby amid global expansion, grassroots growth challenges, and the giant scale of the NFL’s business empire.

Italy shocks Scotland in Rome — a tactical masterclass and weather can’t dampen the Six Nations drama

England dominates Wales in a physical clash, with refereeing controversies overshadowing the action

Discussions around game integrity: yellow cards, consistency, and the future of officiating

Rugby’s global perspective — travel, broadcast numbers, and the rise of Germany and Romania

The NFL’s winning formula — spectacle, billion-dollar ads, and potential lessons for rugby

PLUS: tackling game integrity issues, the future prospects of rugby in North America, and how grassroots participation can flourish in a professional era.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

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Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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In this episode of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to dissect the explosive start to the Six Nations, including France's commanding 36-14 victory over Ireland in Paris. They analyze France's tactical brilliance, the evolution of lineout laws, and the supercharged depth of French rugby. With insights into Ireland's struggles, England's strategic rebuild, and Wales' uphill battle amid ticketing struggles, this episode is a deep dive into the key storylines shaping rugby's biggest tournament. Plus, they tackle potential World Cup matchups, recent law trials in Super Rugby, and the critical role of coaching structures in a fast-changing game.

●     France's dominant win over Ireland — what does it mean for Six Nations and World Cup prospects?

●     The evolving debate on lineout contestity and law changes in rugby

●     French rugby's strategic depth — how youth policies and club success fuel national strength

●     Insights into England and Wales' tournament outlook amidst team rebuilding

●     Impact of recent Super Rugby law trials and TMO regulations

●     The importance of stable coaching teams and assistant roles in modern rugby

PLUS: the future of rugby law interpretations, the significance of community connections in World Cups, and the unfolding narrative of team depth and strategic innovation.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

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all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack

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David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down whether England's November momentum will translate into a Six Nations title, France’s bold squad reshuffle, and Ireland’s injury headaches threatening their campaign. Plus, insights into Italy’s rising hopes under Gonzalo Quesada, Scotland and Wales’ ongoing battles with consistency, and the strategic moves at World Rugby ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia and 2031 in North America.

PLUS: the global TV reach of rugby, the future of the sport in North America, and why the upcoming World Cup could be the most watched yet.

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RUGBY'S BREAKING POINT: The international game faces unprecedented challenges as world leaders like Gus Pichot and Riaan Oberholzer push for a unified global season amid shifting schedules and financial struggles. From the postponement of The Rugby Championship to high-stakes talks involving South Africa, New Zealand, and major domestic leagues, the future of rugby hangs in the balance.  

Join David Pembroke, along with rugby legends Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, and George Gregan, as they unravel the strategic moves, player power dynamics, and the race to secure a sustainable path forward for the world's most beloved sport. 

• France's Nations Championship under review as teams scramble for international windows 
• The impact of balancing club commitments and national team duties 
• The move of the All Blacks' coaching position to a NZ insider 
• Angus Crichton’s bold switch from league to union ahead of 2027 World Cup 
• The future of rugby in the USA and the role of university sports 
• The strategic importance of games in Baltimore and the US in World Cup planning 

PLUS: the race for a vision-driven global rugby calendar, player influence on coaching decisions, and the evolving pathways connecting sevens, fifteens, and international growth. 

Acquired Podcast: The NFL – listen here. 

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https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 

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Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. 

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In this episode of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke is joined by rugby legends Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to dissect the seismic shakeup in New Zealand rugby — the sacking of Scott Robertson as All Blacks head coach. With the sport at a pivotal crossroads, they unpack the behind-the-scenes power plays, the influence of player ego, and what this means for the future of rugby globally. Expect a candid debate on coaching timelines, player trust, the impact of private equity, and how rugby's evolving tactics are shaping the international landscape.

●     New Zealand Rugby's coaching crisis: what's really going on behind the scenes?

●     Player power and its role in top-level decision making

●     The strategic shift in global rugby: North vs South battle

●     Rising influence of private equity in sport

●     How European rugby is innovating and what that means for Super Rugby

●     The challenge of expanding rugby into North America in the age of fierce commercial interests

PLUS: insights into elite coaching, the changing tactics across hemispheres, and the growing commercial and geopolitical influences shaping the future of rugby.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack

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Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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