Rugby Unity

The Women’s Rugby World Cup has reached the semifinals — and Rugby Unity is on the pulse.

Host David Pembroke is joined by Bella McKenzie to break down all the action: from England’s set-piece dominance and Ireland’s heartbreak, to South Africa pushing New Zealand and Canada powering past the Wallaroos. With record-breaking crowds, global TV audiences, and unforgettable performances, the tournament is surging into its biggest weekend yet.

David and Bella go deep on the tactical battles ahead, the off-field controversies shaping the game, and who they believe will rise to the moment in Bristol and beyond.

Also in this episode:

• England v Scotland — why the Red Roses remain unstoppable
• Ireland v France — heartbreak, controversy, and a 12-week ban
• South Africa v Black Ferns — innovation meets fitness gap
• Canada v Wallaroos — Sophie de Goede’s masterclass
• Semifinal previews — Canada v NZ + England v France
• Wallaroos’ coaching and contracts dilemma

PLUS: Awards predictions, player pathways, referee insights, and why women’s rugby is poised for its biggest leap forward.

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

📧 Get in touch: [email protected] 

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The Rugby Championship is reaching boiling point. South Africa just handed New Zealand a record defeat in Auckland, Argentina stunned the Wallabies in Sydney, and Eddie Jones’s Japan now face Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup final.

David Pembroke is joined once again by legendary coaches Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to dissect the biggest matches, tactical turning points, and off-field stories shaping the global game. From Scott Robertson’s pressure in New Zealand to the Wallabies’ consistency issues, it’s a straightforward look at where rugby stands right now.

Also in this episode:

• Springboks 43–10 All Blacks — how Rassie’s selections paid off
• New Zealand’s attack under scrutiny — too deep, too predictable?
• Argentina 28–26 Wallabies — yellow cards, referees, and missed chances
• Pacific Nations Cup final — Japan v Fiji preview from inside the camp
• Women’s Rugby World Cup semifinals — record crowds and French growth

PLUS: The NFL crossover experiment, player development pathways, and why rugby must learn from global sports to secure its future.

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 Elevenlabs 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.

What happens when opportunity calls — and you don’t answer?

In this special episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by Pete Murray — one of Australia’s most beloved singer-songwriters — who opens up about his rugby roots and how an untimely injury led him towards a career in music. From schoolboy rugby alongside Tim Horan and Jason Little to a fateful moment with Bob Dwyer, Pete reveals the sliding doors moments that shaped both his sporting and musical journey.

Pete also shares his passion for today’s game, giving his take on the Wallabies’ resurgence, standout talents like Max Jorgensen and Corey Toole, and why music could play a bigger role in the rugby fan experience.

Also in this episode:

• Nudgee College and the brotherhood of schoolboy rugby
• Athletics vs rugby — the battle of passions
• The ACL injury that cut short a Sevens dream
• How busking in Europe sparked a songwriting career
• The Wallabies’ new power up front with Will Skelton
• Building fan culture through music & rugby

PLUS: Why Pete believes fate — not just talent — shapes the biggest careers, on the field and on the stage.

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 Elevenlabs 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 alive with drama. The Wallabies return to Sydney to face Argentina in front of a sold-out Allianz crowd, while the Springboks and All Blacks lock horns again in Wellington for the Freedom Cup.

David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie for a no-nonsense look at selections, tactics, refereeing, and the future of the game. From the Wallabies’ resurgence to questions about South Africa’s style, this episode dives deep into what fans can expect this weekend.

Also in this episode:

• Wallabies v Argentina — Edmed in, O’Connor out
• All Blacks v Springboks — seven changes, high stakes in Wellington
• The power (and politics) of scrummaging
• Will Skelton’s return & the Giteau Law debate
• Women’s Rugby World Cup — Bella McKenzie & Emily Chancellor on Australia’s campaign
• Pacific Nations Cup — Eddie Jones previews Japan v Tonga

PLUS: Why fan engagement, pathways, and communication from World Rugby will shape rugby’s future.

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 Elevenlabs 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 Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals have arrived — and the Wallaroos are preparing for their biggest challenge yet against Canada.

David Pembroke is joined by Bella McKenzie to review Australia’s brave performance against England, analyse the key tactical battles, and preview the quarterfinals across the tournament.

From England’s nervy first half to the Black Ferns’ dominance and France’s resurgence, this episode dives into the biggest stories shaping the knockout stages — and why the future of women’s rugby has never looked brighter.

Also in this episode:

• Wallaroos v Canada — can Australia deliver 80 minutes?
• England v Scotland — is John Mitchell under pressure?
• Fiji v Wales — unstructured brilliance stuns the Six Nations
• USA v Samoa — big win but no quarterfinals
• Japan v Spain — resilience rewarded with a famous victory
• Italy v Brazil — big finish for the Azzurre
• New Zealand v Ireland — Black Ferns hit scary form
• France v South Africa — Pauline Bourdon-Sans running the show

PLUS: record-breaking crowds, World Rugby’s investment plan, and how equity and inclusion are reshaping the Women’s World Cup experience.

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 Elevenlabs 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 Wallaroos are through to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup — but the challenge only gets bigger. After pushing England harder than most, can Australia go one step further against Canada and keep their dream alive?

In this special edition of Rugby Unity, Bella McKenzie is joined by her teammate and co-captain Emily Chancellor live from the UK. Together, they reflect on the highs and lows of the England clash, unpack the tactical battles to come, and share how belief, mental skills, and set-piece improvements are shaping the Wallaroos’ campaign.

Also in this episode:

• England v Wallaroos — pressure, pride, and missed chances
• Attack woes — 9 entries, just 1 try
• Emily on leadership from the bench
• Canada’s strengths and how to counter them
• Substitutions and rotation — what worked and what didn’t

PLUS: How this World Cup could be a turning point for women’s rugby in Australia, building momentum toward a home World Cup in 2029.

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 Elevenlabs 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 weekend had it all — high drama at Eden Park, a last-minute Wallabies win in Townsville, and the future of scrums and player contracts under the microscope.

Co-hosts Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie and David Pembroke dissect New Zealand’s 24–17 victory over South Africa and Australia’s thrilling fightback against Argentina. From set-piece struggles to new Wallaby stars, the coaches give their blunt takes on where the game is heading.

Also in this episode:

• All Blacks v Springboks — Eden Park pressure test
• Wallabies v Argentina — comeback win in Townsville
• Scrum controversy — are referees killing the contest?
• Pacific Nations Cup insights from Japan, USA & Tonga
• Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals locked in
• Player availability battles between clubs & national teams

PLUS: Why fan engagement matters more than ever — and a tribute to Australian rugby stalwart David Lewis.

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 Elevenlabs 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 stage is set for one of rugby’s great rivalries. The All Blacks face the Springboks at Eden Park, while the Wallabies battle Argentina in the Townsville heat — and Rugby Unity has it all covered.

David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie return with an unfiltered take on selections, tactics, and the pressure facing coaches in this Rugby Championship blockbuster. From referee controversies to the art of managing player transitions, this episode pulls no punches.

Also in this episode:

• All Blacks’ discipline issues and the yellow card curse
• South Africa’s aerial assault and forward dominance
• Fear, nerves, and pressure on Scott Robertson and Rassie Erasmus
• Wallabies v Argentina — life without Will Skelton
• Refereeing debates around the caterpillar ruck
• Wayne Smith’s influence on the All Blacks

PLUS: insights on Japan’s player pathways, Canada’s women’s rugby attack, and why fan expectations are shaping the future of the game.

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 Elevenlabs 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 Women’s Rugby World Cup is reaching fever pitch — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

David Pembroke and Wallaroos star Bella McKenzie look back on a thrilling week that saw the Wallaroos draw 31–all with the USA, South Africa notch their first-ever win over a top-10 side, and England continue to set the standard as tournament favourites.

Now, with everything on the line against the Red Roses, Bella unpacks the Wallaroos’ discipline issues, the tactical adjustments they’ll need, and what it will take to deliver their strongest performance yet on the world stage.

Also in this episode:

• Canada v Scotland and why Canada look like genuine contenders
• USA v Samoa and the quarterfinal equation for Australia
• Wales v Fiji and the chance of a Pacific upset
• New Zealand v Ireland — could this be the game of the round?
• France v South Africa and why the Springbok women are on the rise

PLUS: The rise of fan engagement in women’s rugby, record-breaking crowd numbers, and why the men’s game could learn a thing or two.

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 Elevenlabs 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.

Can the Wallaroos pull off the biggest upset of the Rugby World Cup?

This weekend, Australia takes on world number one England in a do-or-die clash at the Rugby World Cup — and co-captain Emily Chancellor joins host Bella McKenzie to take us inside the build-up.

Emily also reflects on the 31–31 draw with the USA — what went right, what went wrong, and the lessons learned heading into this weekend.

In this episode:

• Why England aren’t “completely unbeatable.”
• The mindset shifts giving the Wallaroos belief.
• Key areas to improve: discipline, tackling, and attacking shape.
• How Australia plans to disrupt England’s rhythm.
• The grind of preparation — from training sessions to long bus rides.
• If you believe in upsets, this is the one to listen to.

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 Elevenlabs 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.