Libby Nankivell: 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup recap + future plans

In 2025, women's rugby reached new heights with a groundbreaking World Cup at Twickenham, firsthand stories of trailblazers like Libby Nankivell reveal a sport on the rise. From grassroots initiatives in Toowoomba to the global stage, this episode dives into the pivotal moments, the rising stars, and the strategic game plans shaping the future of rugby's most dynamic women’s game. David Pembroke sits down with Libby Nankivell to unpack the incredible success of 2025 and what lies ahead on the road to Australia 2029. Women's Rugby World Cup highlights and standouts—England's triumphant victory and strategic mastery; Behind-the-scenes of Twickenham's record crowd; The rise of sevens stars Charlotte Caslick, Faith Nathan, and Ellie Kildunne; Debates on domestic leagues, grassroots growth, and the future of 15s and 7s; The global impact of sport diplomacy and women's sport activism. PLUS: record-breaking crowds, player pathways, and why fan engagement is transforming rugby's global appeal. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 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: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join David Pembroke as he explores how rugby is transforming in the Philippines and across Asia through the inspiring story of Ada Milby. From figure skating and high school football to leading Philippine rugby and breaking barriers on the World Rugby Council, Ada shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and passion. Discover how the sport is overcoming challenges post-COVID, empowering communities, and redefining what's possible for women's rugby and emerging unions. This episode reveals how fans and supporters can play a vital role in shaping the future of rugby worldwide.●     Ada Milby’s journey from figure skating to rugby leadership●     The rise of women's rugby in the Philippines●     Rugby as a tool for social change and development●     Challenges and opportunities for Asian unions●     The debate over fast decision-making in rugby governance●     Player stories like Lito Ramirez and Sylvia Tudoc●     Broader themes of inclusion, fan engagement, and structural reformPLUS: how grassroots stories are redefining rugby’s global future, and the urgent call for more agile leadership 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📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hong Kong, China has just secured a historic spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, signaling a potential seismic shift in Asian rugby. From part-time players turning professional, to strategic collaborations across unions, David Pembroke speaks with Jamie Farndale—former Scottish international—about the nation’s journey, ambitions, and the broader ripple effects for the global game. As Hong Kong prepares to face top-tier nations in a challenging pool, the story highlights resilience, innovation, and the rising tide of rugby across Asia.Hong Kong's qualification for 2027: the game-changing milestoneThe transformation from part-time to full-time professional playersStrategic MOUs with Japan, China, and Australia to grow Asian rugbyThe impact of the Nan Fung Impact League inspired by Sail GPHong Kong's preparations for the Nation's Cup and World Cup debutThe future of women's rugby in Hong Kong and AsiaPLUS: how innovative social impact initiatives in rugby are redefining community engagement and athlete development across the globe.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 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: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chile has made an extraordinary leap in rugby, sealing their second consecutive Rugby World Cup appearance for 2027 in Australia. Under President Cristian Rudloff’s leadership, the nation has built from the ground up - developing a professional high-performance program, expanding grassroots initiatives, and leveraging regional support to challenge traditional powerhouses. With over 15,000 players and four regional high performance centres, Chile's rugby story is one of resilience, ambition, and rapid growth. In this episode, David Pembroke sits down with Cristian Rudloff to explore how Chile’s strategic investments, government backing, and regional collaborations are transforming the sport in South America. They discuss the role of Super Rugby Americas, the country’s expanding women’s game, and what the upcoming World Cup means for Chile’s rugby future; plus the potential impact of a proposed $250 million investment across the Americas ahead of the 2031 World Cup in North America. Chile’s second Rugby World Cup qualification in history The rise of rugby among Chilean youth and grassroots movements Challenges of geography and infrastructure in a long, narrow country The strategic role of Super Rugby Americas in player development The importance of government support and investment Insights on the 2031 Americas strategy and regional collaboration PLUS: how South American rugby is challenging global hierarchies, the power of regional teamwork, and the blueprint for sustainable growth. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 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: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join David Pembroke for the second part of this instalment with Rahul Bose, the president of Rugby India. Discover how the Rugby Premier League was built from an audacious seven-year vision into a thrilling reality — featuring intense matches, star power, innovative formats, and inspiring stories of Indian talent. Find out how this league is transforming Indian rugby, captivating fans, attracting sponsors, and setting the stage for a future where India aims for Brisbane 2032 and beyond. The story behind India's Rugby Premier League—idea to execution How innovative formats and high-performance camps are shaping Indian talent The role of sponsorships, broadcasters, and fan engagement in league success Indian’s rising stars and how they are mixing with international stars like Rosko Specman, Perry Baker and Maurice Longbottom! The future of women's rugby in India and the potential for a women’s Premier League How India’s rugby story can impact the global game PLUS: grassroots growth, story-driven engagement, and the strategic vision propelling Indian rugby onto the world stage. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 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: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

India’s rugby scene is evolving at a remarkable pace: from 322 districts playing the sport, up to 120,000 players, and a growing women’s sevens team ranked sixth in Asia, to the ambitious launch of the Rugby Premier League aiming for Olympic qualification. Can Rahul Bose steer this transformation—building grassroots pathways from rural fields to Olympic pools? Join David Pembroke as he sits down with Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, to unpack the nation's bold plans in this two-part episode: how rural grit and poverty-driven players are shaping a new rugby ethos, the critical role of infrastructure and coaching, and the strategic push to get India into Brisbane 2032. Discover why rugby’s unique physicality, cultural independence from cricket, and a new league might just accelerate India’s journey into the Olympic spotlight. PLUS: how grassroots talent, innovative league formats, and government partnerships could transform India into a rugby powerhouse. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 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: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.  TikTok | Instagram | YouTube   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Pembroke sits down with World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson to explore the off-the-field strategies shaping the future of rugby. From the sport's financial dependence on the Rugby World Cup to the explosive rise of women’s rugby and the strategic push into North and South America, this deep dive uncovers how long-term investments and global plans are redefining the game. Discover how World Rugby is balancing tradition with innovation, from the Olympics to new competition models, all aimed at securing the sport’s prosperity through 2031 and beyond. • The economic impact of the Rugby World Cup — can it sustain the sport? • Growing the women's game — a new era for inclusivity and global reach • Sevens as a strategic growth engine — Olympic ambitions and Nordic expansion • Major plans for North and South America — Argentina, Chile, and the US in focus • The future competition landscape — Nation's Cup, World Cup scheduling, and international fixtures PLUS: the Olympic sevens revival, strategic investment shifts, and the quest for year-round revenue streams. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 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: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host David Pembroke sits down with world rugby insiders Brett Robinson, Chair of World Rugby, and legendary coach Eddie Jones to confront the game’s toughest challenges. From on-field law debates, TMO uproar, and safety dilemmas, to the behind-the-scenes battle for growth and global strategy—rugby is at a pivotal crossroads. Will the upcoming independent review, new competitions, and tactical tweaks form the blueprint for a more exciting, safer, and commercially viable future? Join us as we unpack a year of high stakes; the pursuit of innovation, inclusion, and integrity amid the chaos of international rugby. With insights straight from the frontlines, this is part one of a deep dive into how the sport is evolving on and off the field—setting the stage for the game’s next chapter.  World Rugby’s mission to unify a fractured game amid law and safety controversies The quest to modernize officiating and decision-making protocols Insights into the new Nations Cup and the 24-team World Cup draw Challenges of growing rugby into North and South America The push for a unified global calendar and competition reform Player welfare: managing risks while maintaining the sport's authenticity PLUS: the future of rugby’s big tournaments, expanding into new markets, and safeguarding players in a contact sport. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 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: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 gamePLUS: record-breaking crowds, the influence of top players like Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe, and why the culture of excellence is transforming world rugby.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 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: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 qualityPLUS: 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: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.