Rugby Unity

Rugby’s balance of power is changing fast.

In this episode, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones to break down the biggest stories shaking the sport — from Carter Gordon’s return to union to South Africa’s unstoppable rise and the looming impact of the rebel R360 League.

Eddie reveals how he’s preparing Japan for clashes against the Wallabies and Springboks, why refereeing consistency is rugby’s biggest problem, and how the game must evolve to stay relevant.

Also in this episode:

• Carter Gordon’s $100k release and return to rugby
• League vs union fitness — what players gain and lose
• South Africa’s winning formula and New Zealand’s development slide
• The aerial contest — rugby’s new battleground
• The truth about R360 and player contracts
• Why Gregor Townsend’s Red Bull Rugby role is a win for coaches
• How Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie influence Japan’s game style

PLUS: How Eddie Jones is re-igniting the Brave Blossoms ahead of the Wallabies test.

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

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

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The Rugby Championship closes with two close contests — the Wallabies fell short against the All Blacks in a soggy Perth, while the Springboks ground past an energised Argentina at Twickenham to claim the title.

David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie examine the defining moments from both matches, exploring where the Wallabies fell short, how New Zealand is evolving, and why South Africa’s power game still reigns supreme. With Eddie Jones in Japan preparing for the upcoming clash with Australia, the duo go deep on selections, scrums, and the growing influence of yellow cards shaping results.

Also in this episode:

• Brave Wallabies but familiar frustrations
• All Blacks’ next-gen talent — Tupaea, Carter, Holland
• Springboks’ set-piece dominance v Argentina
• Yellow cards and refereeing consistency
• England’s post–World Cup women’s rugby plan
• R360 — why it threatens rugby’s unity

PLUS: How to rebuild global connection through storytelling, transparency, and fan engagement.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

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

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The compelling 2025 Rugby Championship reaches its conclusion this weekend.

In this week’s episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack the headline battles, refereeing controversies, and what it all means for the future of the game.

Eddie weighs in on Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s rise, presents a new idea for World Rugby to take control of the referees in a centralised model and whether Australia’s “one-pass rugby” can evolve into a consistent winning style. Ewen shares his views on the Wallabies’ changes, Will Skelton’s influence, and why he’s tipping Australia to edge the All Blacks at Optus Stadium.

Also in this episode:

• Springboks v Argentina at Twickenham — South Africa look unstoppable
• The return of Will Skelton and his leadership on and off the field
• Refereeing reform — should World Rugby control the top 16 referees?
• The growth of Rugby in Japan and can Eddie Jones’ spring a surprise when his team takes on the Wallabies in Tokyo in late October.
• R360: is it a disruption or distraction for the world of rugby?

PLUS: Why depth, pathways, and global growth (Spain, Portugal, Japan) will decide rugby’s long-term prosperity.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

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

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are deserved 2025 Women’s Rugby World Champions.

The Red Roses claimed the title with a commanding 33–13 win over Canada in front of a world record 81,885 fans at Twickenham. But it was more than a victory —England set a new standard for the Women’s game.

In this episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke and co-host Bella McKenzie unpack the final, reflect on the stars of the tournament and discuss “where to from here”?. From Hannah Botterman’s dominance in tight to Zoe Harrison’s ruthlessly efficient kicking game, England put Canada in the hurt locker and threw away the key. With the premier domestic Women’s Rugby competition set to recommence in England in late October, the question now is how do Canada, France, the Wallaroos, South Africa, the Black Ferns and others run down Red Roses?

Also in this episode:

• England v Canada — How defence won the World Cup
• Zoe Harrison, Hannah Botterman & Sophie de Goede - standout performers
• Black Ferns beat France in the bronze medal match
• Record-breaking crowds, TV audiences & social media stats
• The first-ever Rugby Unity Content Creators Cup winner revealed
• What’s next: Domestic leagues, Super Rugby & the new World XV competition.

PLUS: Why keeping fans engaged between tournaments is the key to rugby’s future growth.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

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

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another massive weekend of rugby. Host David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack the Wallabies’ fight at Eden Park, the Springboks’ demolition of Argentina, and England’s Red Roses securing the Women’s Rugby World Cup in front of 81,000 fans.

From referee controversies to record-breaking performances, the trio explore the matches, the players, and the off-field governance challenges that will shape rugby’s future.

Also in this episode:

• All Blacks v Wallabies — Eden Park fortress holds firm
• Refereeing inconsistency, TMO debates, and solutions for the game
• Springboks v Argentina — Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s 37-point masterclass
• England’s Red Roses v Canada — Defence wins the World Cup final
• The rise of women’s rugby and global fan engagement
• Rugby governance, financial models, and the risks of relying just on World Cups for revenue.

PLUS: insights on resilience, player pathways, and why depth and commercial reform will decide rugby’s future prosperity.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rugby Championship is back — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In this episode of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to unpack the Wallabies’ clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park. Both teams are unsettled, the weather’s turning ugly, and history looms large — will Australia finally break their 23-year drought at the home of New Zealand rugby?

But that’s not all. The panel turns its focus to South Africa v Argentina in Durban, a clash set to light up the Rugby Championship as well as the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final where England take on Canada in a battle for global supremacy. Add in debates over refereeing, the rise of the box kick, and World Rugby’s unusual decision to delay by 4 months the public release of its much-anticipated strategic plan, this episode covers the full spectrum of the game.

Also in this episode:

• Wallabies v All Blacks — lineouts, breakdowns, and predictions
• Springboks v Argentina — Durban showdown
• England v Canada — Women’s World Cup Final preview
• Mark Nawaqanitawase’s return to rugby union
• Samoa’s decline and the Pacific Islands dilemma
• Why the box kick became rugby’s go-to weapon

PLUS: World Rugby’s strategy, tech lessons from tennis and baseball, and early whispers about the 2035 Rugby World Cup bids.

Eddie is on the road this week — we apologise for the poor audio in the first 25 minutes of the episode.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

Get in touch: [email protected]

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England v Canada – the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final is here.

England have won 62 of their last 63 Tests and arrive at Twickenham as overwhelming favourites. But Canada’s fearless run, capped by a stunning semifinal demolition of New Zealand has made them a team to watch and a team to fear.

In this episode, David Pembroke and Wallaroo Bella McKenzie take your inside the World Cup Final. From tactical battles to pressure moments, they reveal how this final will come down to discipline, set-piece execution and the match turning brilliance of players like Sophie de Goede, Hannah Botterman, and Ellie Kildunne.

Also in this episode:

• Canada’s rise under coach Kevin Rouet – genius or just great timing?
• England’s set-piece dominance vs Canada’s pick and go threat?
• Key matchups: Mo Hunt v Claire Pelletier at scrumhalf
• The battle of the Back three: Ellie Kildunne against Canada’s sevens-inspired attack
• Predictions and scorelines – Can Canada really pull it off?
• Third-place playoff preview: New Zealand v France

PLUS: refereeing milestones, the rise of women’s rugby commentators, and why the 2029 World Cup in Australia will be the biggest yet.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected] 

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bledisloe Cup is back —the Wallabies face the All Blacks at Eden Park. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down the key selections: Jake Gordon returns, Nick White retires, Bobby Valetini is out, while the All Blacks welcome back Cam Roigard, Caleb Clarke and Cody Taylor. Can Australia end the hoodoo?

But that’s only part of the program. From Fiji’s Pacific Nations Cup triumph to Canada’s impressive win over New Zealand in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the episode spans globe — with plenty of opinions on refereeing, media access, and growth of the game in South America.

Also in this episode:

• Eddie Jones in Europe — why scouting tours set teams up for success
• Pacific Nations Cup — Fiji’s turnover tries sink Japan
• Referee controversies — yellow card consistency questioned ... again.
• Samoa v Chile — World Cup qualifier set for a 24,000 sell-out in Chile.
• Super Rugby Americas — Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay unite
• Women’s Rugby World Cup — Canada v England final at Twickenham

PLUS: Why rugby’s financial sustainability depends on fan access, media storytelling, and development tours that change lives.

Show notes:

• Rugby Union | NewsNow

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

📧 Get in touch: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The stage is set for another massive weekend in world rugby. In Bristol, England, New Zealand, Canada and France battle for a place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final — while Eddie Jones’ Japan take on Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup Final in Salt Lake City.

David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie for a deep dive into the tactics, pressures, and off-field distractions that shape finals rugby. From ticketing chaos to mental resilience, the team reveal what it really takes to win when there are no second chances.

Also in this episode:

• New Zealand v Canada — can the Black Ferns hold their nerve?
• France v England — all the pressure on the Red Roses
• Pacific Nations Cup — Japan’s young squad vs Fiji’s power game
• The launch of the World XV Series for women’s rugby
• World Rugby’s $250m North America investment — opportunity or risk?
• Age vs pathways — when to bring through the next generation of Springboks

PLUS: why rugby must modernise its business model, grow fan engagement, and make the game more attractive for global audiences.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what it takes to stage a World Cup — from sold-out stadiums to making athletes global stars?

Behind the record crowds, the roaring fans, and the dramatic matches lies years of bold vision and fearless decisions.

Today, host David Pembroke speaks with Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, about how England 2025 became a once-in-a-generation moment for rugby — and a blueprint for the future of global sport.

From sold-out stadiums and a brand-new trophy to an all-female leadership team driving change, Sarah reveals the inside story of how a sporting event can inspire millions, transform communities, and leave a lasting legacy.

Also in this episode:

• Record-breaking ticket sales and attendance milestones
• Athletes at the centre — facilities, storytelling, and social media reach
• Diversity and inclusion at every level of delivery
• How host cities and communities reaped the benefits
• The volunteers, the fans, and the atmosphere that set new standards

PLUS: the future of women’s rugby, what the sold-out Twickenham final means for the game, and why this World Cup could change sport forever.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: [email protected] 

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.