Eddie Jones sits down with David Pembroke on the ground to unpack the weekend in Japan’s League One: Suntory v Ricoh with Sam Cane and TJ Perenara, Warner Dearns' move to the Hurricanes, Michael Leitch's relentless standards, a revealing coffee with Jesse Kriel, Richie Mo'unga's influence, Cheslin Kolbe's electric form, World Rugby's need for faster decisions and why Australia must recommit to long-term development as Joe Schmidt departs.

· Rustling crowds at Japan's League One — record attendances and growing domestic interest

· Eddie Jones on Japan's rugby boom, top players like Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe, and the Springboks’ winning mindset

· Discussions on World Rugby's decision-making pace, calendar alignment, and law reforms

· The decline of Australian rugby and the importance of long-term development strategies

· Exclusive insights on coaching, player pathways, and the international game

PLUS: record-breaking crowds, the influence of top players like Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe, and why the culture of excellence is transforming world rugby.

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In this episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by rugby legends Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to unravel the chaos surrounding the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. With controversy swirling over quarterfinal matchups, player safety, and team seedings, they break down the real story behind the brackets, travel logistics, and the rising dark horses like Zimbabwe and Argentina. Plus, catch insights on Rassie Erasmus’s long-term South African tenure, Eben Etzebeth’s suspension, and the evolving landscape of European rugby — all set against the backdrop of global rugby’s future. Whether it's strategic predictions, coaching philosophies, or behind-the-scenes politics, this is the edge-of-your-seat discussion every rugby fan needs.

Also in this episode:

- World Cup draw controversy: South Africa vs. All Blacks in quarterfinals?

- The future of seedings versus bandings in World Cup draws

- Rassie Erasmus’s long South African contract: what it means

- Eben Etzebeth’s suspension and its impact

- Zimbabwe’s surprising potential at 2027 Rugby World Cup

- Travel challenges and tournament logistics in Australia

- European Cup struggles: player availability and competition quality

PLUS: emerging dark horses, coaching secrets, the impact of travel on strategy, and what the future holds for global rugby.

👉 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: info@rugbyunity.com.au

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 2027 Rugby World Cup draw has sent ripples through the rugby community, with top-tier teams and emerging nations locked in a fierce contest for knockout glory. From Pool A's blockbuster Australia vs. New Zealand opener to the drama of potential upsets in Pools B and C, this episode unpacks the tactical battles, referee influences, and the strategic play for third-place thrillers. David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie, and special guest Eddie Jones analyze every angle of this epic tournament—who'll survive the storm, and who will rise to claim rugby's ultimate prize?

In this bold, energetic episode, we dive into the implications of the expanded field, the importance of match scheduling, and the underdog stories that could shake the foundations of rugby’s world order. Ready yourself for cutting-edge insights, key match predictions, and the passion that only the Rugby World Cup can inspire.

• Why the New Zealand v Australia opener could define the whole tournament

• The hidden tactical battle for third-place qualification in every pool

• Eddie Jones’ early blueprint for Japan’s clash with France

• Fiji’s rise and which emerging nation has the highest World Cup ceiling

• The Six Nations mindset vs World Cup mindset — who it helps and hurts

• England, Wales and Tonga: the Pool F power struggle

PLUS: record-breaking crowds, global growth of rugby, and the future of fan engagement in the sport

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: info@rugbyunity.com.au

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.