Game altering red and yellow cards continued to be flashed across the Rugby fields of Europe at the weekend with evidence piling up that these officiating decisions are playing a major role in determining results.

 Across the weekend, yellow and red cards swung key matches, from Japan v Wales to Scotland v Argentina. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie lay out why the current approach isn’t working, what’s changed in modern contact situations, and how World Rugby could fix the problem without compromising player safety.

They also wrap England’s breakthrough performance against the All Blacks, Ireland’s dominance over the Wallabies, and Japan’s near-miss in Cardiff — plus a look at other International results and listener comments and questions.

Also in this episode

South Africa v Italy — bench impact, scrum power and late momentum

• England v All Blacks — George Ford, drop-goals and aerial control

• Wallabies v Ireland — selection rotation, confidence and high-ball issues

• Japan v Wales — the yellow-card turning points

• Scotland v Argentina — how a 21–0 lead evaporated

• France v Fiji, USA v Romania, Portugal, Georgia and more

PLUS: The growing pressure on World Rugby to communicate clearly and act decisively on officiating, card reviews and player safety.

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England v New Zealand at Twickenham headlines a massive weekend of international rugby — and Eddie Jones believes this could be England’s breakthrough game. David Pembroke, Eddie Jones, and Ewen McKenzie unpack every major storyline, from selection surprises to tactical battles and referee influence.

They break down why England may now be 12 months ahead of the All Blacks in their development, what Scott Robertson’s side must fix, and how both benches could decide the final 20 minutes.

The episode then shifts to Australia v Ireland, as James O’Connor returns at 10 and Sam Prendergast takes over Ireland’s attack. Plus: South Africa rotate 11 players, Italy push for another major scalp, and Japan eye their own breakthrough moment against Wales.

Also in this episode

England v All Blacks — selection calls, matchups, and the psychological barrier

• Wallabies v Ireland — O’Connor’s return, breakdown warfare, and key referee factors

• South Africa v Italy — Rassie’s rotation gamble + Italy’s improvement

• Scotland v Argentina — consistency v creativity

• Japan v Wales — can Japan breakthrough in Cardiff?

• France v Fiji — redemption after a frustrating week

PLUS: The state of refereeing, yellow-card impact, global development, and why illegal streaming could threaten rugby’s financial future.

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Eddie Jones says South Africa’s 32–17 win over France, achieved with 14 men in the second half was a masterclass in adaptability. Eddie breaks down the Springboks’ bench strength, tactical flexibility, and the controversial red card that changed everything.

After a hard-fought 41–10 loss to Ireland, Japan’s improvement under Eddie Jones is clear — but the coach says there’s still plenty to fix before facing Wales. Eddie joins David Pembroke to discuss the lessons from a brutal three-week schedule against Australia, South Africa and Ireland, and how the Brave Blossoms must turn effort into wins.

They unpack Italy’s win over Australia, England’s unbeaten run and the return of the post-match function — this episode dives deep into what’s working, what’s not, and where the global game is heading.

Also in this episode

·      Japan’s learning curve – consistency, mindset, and composure

·      South Africa v France – red card debate and Rassie’s tactics

·      Italy v Wallabies – Eddie’s positive take on Australia’s struggles

·      All Blacks v Scotland – depth, rotation and recovery

·      2003 World Cup memories and lessons from building great teams

·      Wales preview – Japan’s next big test

PLUS: Inside rugby’s evolving rituals, the power of the bench, and why emotional control could decide the next big upset.

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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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Europe’s rugby calendar explodes this weekend — and David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie are here to guide you through every major test match.

From France’s emotional rematch with South Africa at Stade de France, to New Zealand’s century-long dominance over Scotland at Murrayfield, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Eddie Jones’ Japan face Ireland, the Wallabies return to Italy seeking redemption, and Argentina take on Wales in Cardiff — all while rugby fever sweeps across the continent.

Ewen dissects team tactics, key match-ups, and coaching philosophies — while David brings the global context, showcasing just how much rugby is being played around the world this weekend.

Also in this episode

·      France v South Africa — revenge or repeat in Paris?

·       All Blacks v Scotland — can history finally be broken at Murrayfield?

·      Ireland v Japan — Eddie Jones’ third-week test

·      Wallabies v Italy — Carter Gordon’s comeback and Joe Schmidt’s strategy

·      Argentina v Wales — can Los Pumas keep their hot streak alive?

·      Plus: more on Ewen’s menagerie

PLUS: The global scale of rugby this weekend — from Bristol to Bucharest — and why the sport’s future lies in celebrating its international diversity.

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England’s structure, South Africa’s power, and Japan’s painful lessons headline another massive week of international rugby.

Host David Pembroke is joined by Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to unpack the Wallabies’ 25–7 defeat at Twickenham, Japan’s heavy loss to the Springboks, and the chaotic All Blacks v Ireland clash in Chicago.

From Eddie’s insights on South Africa’s evolution to McKenzie’s sharp critique of Australia’s attack, this episode dives deep into what’s shaping rugby’s November series — and what’s next for the world’s best.

Also in this episode:

• England’s balanced back row and perfect bench timing

• Australia’s attritional attack — why it’s costing energy and excitement

• South Africa v Japan — lessons from the world champions

• New Zealand v Ireland — a missed showcase opportunity

• Refereeing standards and the 20-minute red card debate

• Global rugby’s communication problem — and how to fix it

PLUS: How Eddie’s Japan are learning fast against the world’s toughest sides.

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

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The Springboks are at full strength — and Eddie Jones’ Japan are the next to face them.

This week, David Pembroke catches up with Eddie from London ahead of a colossal clash at Wembley, while Ewen McKenzie joins from Australia to preview England v Australia, Ireland v New Zealand, and the biggest weekend of international rugby this year.

Eddie reflects on South Africa’s power, Japan’s preparation, and why he’s embracing the “Rumble in the Jungle” mindset. Ewen analyses the Wallabies’ selection, England’s tactics, and shares how coaches use data, discipline, and dialogue with referees to shape modern rugby.

Also in this episode:

South Africa v Japan – respect shown with a full-strength side

Eddie Jones on Japan’s mindset and travel challenge

Hybrid players – the evolution of rugby roles

England v Australia – Ford’s experience vs fresh Wallabies energy

The referee-laptop story explained

The future of global rugby calendars and competitions

PLUS: How rugby is growing across Europe and Asia, from Spain to Sri Lanka, and why accessible broadcasting is key to the sport’s future.

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

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November rugby is here — and it started with a statement in Tokyo. Japan pushed Australia all the way, proving they’re closing the gap and ready for regular clashes with Tier 1 teams. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down what it means for both nations and where this rivalry goes next.

With huge tests in London and Chicago — South Africa, England, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand all in action — the stakes rise fast. Who can manage travel, cohesion and selection pressure through rugby’s biggest month?

Eddie Jones joins to share his insights from inside the Japanese camp and how they plan to keep accelerating.

Also in this episode:

• Japan’s set-piece, defence and young stars stepping up
• Why structured November fixtures are crucial for growth
• England’s No.10 debate and Wallabies’ cohesion
• Chicago test hype — are Ireland or the All Blacks slipping?
• Why Europe’s lower tiers are more important than ever

PLUS: The business and cultural opportunities rugby is missing in Japan.

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

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Women’s rugby is entering a new era — and Japan is right in the middle of it.

In this episode of Rugby Unity in Japan, David Pembroke speaks with Lesley McKenzie, Head Coach of Japan’s Women’s 15s team, about how far the program has come and what must happen next to unlock its full potential. From pathways and professionalisation to international partnerships and community investment, this is a roadmap for the future of the women’s game.

Lesley brings valuable insight from coaching in New Zealand and Japan, the lessons of two Women’s Rugby World Cups, and why collaboration across the Asia-Pacific is critical.

Also in this episode:

• Rebuilding Japan’s 15s program from the ground up
• Australia’s stalled progress in the women’s game
• Why Japan’s fast, high-skill style is so exciting to watch
• The 2019 Rugby World Cup’s lasting impact
• Canada’s rise and expanding rugby audience
• How investment in coaching changes everything

PLUS: Why community rugby must be protected to grow the global game.

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

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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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From downtown Tokyo, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie for a revealing look ahead to Japan v Australia — a test match full of pressure, pride, and opportunity.

With Joe Schmidt naming a drastically changed Wallabies side, the trio unpack what this means for cohesion, confidence, and strategy. Eddie reflects on Japan’s strong week of preparation, how his young side is learning consistency, and what it takes to go toe-to-toe with a major rugby nation. Meanwhile, Ewen explains how Japan can exploit Australia’s lack of combinations and set-piece rhythm.

They also zoom out to the global picture — from referee inconsistency and breakdown laws to Japan’s new tier-one status and what it means for rugby’s future.

Also in this episode:

• Wallabies selection surprises and tactical fallout
• Japan’s fast start and accuracy under pressure
• Why the “fatigue factor” is a myth in modern rugby
• Managing nerves and mindset before a home test
• Japan’s fan culture and its evolving place in world rugby
• What tier-one status really means for Japan’s future

PLUS: Your questions answered!

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

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Japan is fast becoming one of rugby’s most exciting frontiers — but is it ready to stand among the world’s elite?

In this episode, David Pembroke sits down with Glenn Delaney, Head Coach of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara DynaBoars, to discuss Japan’s rapid rise, its unique rugby culture, and what the nation brings to the global game. From the passion of local fans to the challenge of developing homegrown talent, Delaney shares an insider’s view of how Japan can secure its place as a true Tier 1 powerhouse.

They also look ahead to Japan v Australia, exploring how both sides’ attacking DNA could make for one of the most entertaining contests of the season.

Also in this episode:

• The legacy of the 2019 Rugby World Cup and Japan’s post-COVID resurgence
• How League One is attracting world-class talent and coaches
• The difference between Japan’s player development and the New Zealand/European systems
• What sets Japanese fans apart — loyalty, connection, and respect
• The surge of women’s rugby and how it’s changing the game
• Japan’s upcoming clashes with Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and Wales

PLUS: Glenn’s vision for rugby’s global future — and why Japan’s success matters to everyone who loves the game.

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