Alfie, Alex and Will react to England's victory over Australia at Twickenham as Steve Borthwick's side started their November campaign with a 25-7 win.

They chat about the impact of the England bench, Henry Pollock (of course!) and how they got over the line.

Alfie makes the case for the match being an example of how England have progressed over the last 12 months but Alex & Will are more measured in their assessment of the result against an under-strength Wallabies side.

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

England begin their November internationals this weekend by welcoming Australia to Twickenham.

Alfie and Alex are at the England training base to preview the match. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold matchday squad and explain why the England head coach is under-appreciated for the brave selection decisions he makes. They chat about Tommy Freeman starting at outside centre, the back-row balance and what would constitute success for England this coming month.

They also chat about the Wallabies who aren't at full strength, how they have developed since the British & Irish Lions tour and the battle at the set-piece.

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

It's the start of the November internationals so Alfie and Will look ahead to the matches this weekend, including England's game against Australia. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold selection of moving Tommy Freeman to outside centre, which means no Ollie Lawrence, as well as George Ford starting at fly-half.

Sam Warburton chats to Will about the WRU's plans to cut the number of regional sides from four to three and he also explains why despite their current poor form Wales should be capable of having a competitive national side again.

And, the boys round up the Prem rugby action by asking who has impressed them the most following the first block of fixtures? Plus, which countries will have a successful Autumn campaign and who will be left disappointed?

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

Alfie, Alex and Will question whether the rugby establishment wants to see R360 - the new global franchise competition - be successful. It follows last week's announcement by eight of the world's top unions that players who sign-up will be banned from international selection. So they ask how much of a setback is this for for the organisers? What questions do they need to come out and answer? And, could the disruption actually be a good thing for the game!?

Plus, they discuss what England's backline could look like for the November internationals, in particular does Owen Farrell return and who starts at fly-half? And, give their view on what the big talking points in the sport will be come the end of 2025. Will the Springboks have asserted their dominance? Will Ireland have dropped off? And where on earth will Wales be?

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

Ahead of 'Derby Weekend' in the Gallagher PREM, Will Kelleher heads to the midlands to chat to Northampton Saints. He speaks with Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, plus two of the clubs British & Irish Lions in Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman.

Fin explains that wanting to earn more caps for England was a big motivation for signing a contract extension, despite the lure of R360. And find out why he was disappointed with his performances on the Lions tour.

Tommy Freeman brings up his 100th Saints appearance on the weekend so he reflects on the journey to this point and discusses what the future might hold. Will he be a 13 going forward?

Plus, Phil Dowson looks ahead to a big East Midlands derby against Leicester Tigers!

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

2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody has announced that he has motor neurone disease, so, Alex Lowe and Stuart Barnes join Alfie Reynolds to pay tribute to a great man and brilliant player. Tom Kershaw also discusses his investigation for The Times earlier in the year where he looked into the links between elite sportspeople and MND.

They also look back on the second weekend of the PREM and ask whether Newcastle were correct to part ways with Steve Diamond and if it's too early to view Bath and Saracens as the best two clubs in the division. It was the opening weekend for the CHAMP which saw the return of Worcester Warriors, their back-rower Matt Kvesic chats to Alfie and Alex.

And, Stuart explains why 2025 was the best Rugby Championship we've ever seen.

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

Promotion and relegation, franchising and the rugby pyramid; these are all issues that are so fundamental to the state of English rugby, and things so few people agree on.

So, to tackle these meaty topics Will and Alex go to Twickenham to meet Simon Gillham, the chair of the new Tier 2 board, and vice-president of French Pro D2 side Brive.

Can the Champ, which relaunches this weekend, and the Prem finally get on, coexist and thrive together?

How could promotion to the top flight work? Will London Irish return like Worcester Warriors have?

And Will there be an end to "self-interest" on all sides? We discuss it all, and rattle through the news from the opening round of the Prem, plus the finale of The Rugby Championship.

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

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