Chris and Paul Grayson head into the England camp to get the inside track on their team to face the South Africa in the semi-final. A very excited Ben Earl joins the pod to tell us how he is feeling ahead of their showdown in Paris and how he’s dealing with ticket requests. Steve Borthwick explains the changes he’s made from the quarter-final and what this occasion means to him. We also chat to our favourite Springbok Bob Skinstad about Rassie’s latest mind games and where England can hurt South Africa in the semi-final.

The Earl of English rugby

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

The pod is back at Twickenham two days after the Premiership final, but this time we're talking England as Steve Borthwick names his 36-man squad for the tour to Japan and New Zealand. Danny, Ugo, Ashy and Chris quiz the England head coach on his decision to take Tom Curry, the inexperience in the back line and style of play. With George Ford missing the summer through injury, which Smith will be wearing the 10 jersey this summer? We also take ski goggles, trophy parades and look ahead to the business end of the URC season.

England summer squad pod

Chris, Ashy and Matt Dawson bring you reaction to a thrilling Premiership final as Northampton beat 14-man Bath at Twickenham. Courtney Lawes is back on the pod after ending his Saints career on a high and ending the club's long wait for a title. But as Lawes departs, is this current squad full of homegrown talent destined for more success in the future? You will also hear from a disappointed Johann van Graan, we discuss Beno Obano's red card and analyse Finn Russell's performance.

The Saints go marching in

We're continuing our build-up to the Premiership final by speaking to two of the biggest names in the game who will run out on Saturday. Sara has been to Bath's training centre at Farleigh House to catch up with Finn Russell, who talks about his desire to win a first trophy since 2015, his partnership with Ben Spencer and how he deals with nerves and pressure. You will also hear from the departing Courtney Lawes ahead of his final appearance for the Saints after 17 seasons. He tells Chris about the strong position he leaves the club in, his longevity as a player and how he still feels he is still improving at 35. Which club will end their long wait for Premiership glory at a sold-out Twickenham?

Premiership final: Russell and Lawes

Ugo, Danny & Ashy are on the sofa to round-up Premiership semi-final weekend as Northampton and Bath both emerged from two titanic tussles to book their spot in the big dance at Twickenham. With the top two sides in the league going head-to-head in the final, we pick our combined XV. Which club ended up with the most players? They also discuss Owen Farrell's legacy after he bowed out from English rugby, where does he rank amongst the all-time greats of the English game? There is a look at the URC quarter-final line-up and a tribute to the great Rob Burrow.

The Premiership final and Farrell's farewell

Ashy and Chris are suited and booted for the RPA awards in central London where they manage to track down some of the biggest Premiership names who will be involved in this weekend's play-offs. First up on the pod it's Northampton duo Courtney Lawes and Fin Smith who look ahead to their showdown with Saracens which will be Lawes' final game at the Gardens after 17 seasons! They also grab a word with England and Saracens back row Ben Earl who says they're so focused for Friday night it's 'scary'. Ashy is forced to pick between George Ford and Finn Russell as we look ahead to Saturday's semi-final between Bath and Sale. Plus we grab a word with the legendary England and Lions centre Jeremy Guscott, who was part of the last Bath team to win the title back in 1996!

The Earl of English rugby

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