World Cup quarterfinals – the pressure just went up

What happens when opportunity calls — and you don’t answer?In this special episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by Pete Murray — one of Australia’s most beloved singer-songwriters — who opens up about his rugby roots and how an untimely injury led him towards a career in music. From schoolboy rugby alongside Tim Horan and Jason Little to a fateful moment with Bob Dwyer, Pete reveals the sliding doors moments that shaped both his sporting and musical journey.Pete also shares his passion for today’s game, giving his take on the Wallabies’ resurgence, standout talents like Max Jorgensen and Corey Toole, and why music could play a bigger role in the rugby fan experience.Also in this episode:Nudgee College and the brotherhood of schoolboy rugbyAthletics vs rugby — the battle of passionsThe ACL injury that cut short a Sevens dreamHow busking in Europe sparked a songwriting careerThe Wallabies’ new power up front with Will SkeltonBuilding fan culture through music & rugbyPLUS: Why Pete believes fate — not just talent — shapes the biggest careers, on the field and on the stage.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rugby Championship is alive with drama. The Wallabies return to Sydney to face Argentina in front of a sold-out Allianz crowd, while the Springboks and All Blacks lock horns again in Wellington for the Freedom Cup.David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie for a no-nonsense look at selections, tactics, refereeing, and the future of the game. From the Wallabies’ resurgence to questions about South Africa’s style, this episode dives deep into what fans can expect this weekend.Also in this episode:Wallabies v Argentina — Edmed in, O’Connor outAll Blacks v Springboks — seven changes, high stakes in WellingtonThe power (and politics) of scrummagingWill Skelton’s return & the Giteau Law debateWomen’s Rugby World Cup — Bella McKenzie & Emily Chancellor on Australia’s campaignPacific Nations Cup — Eddie Jones previews Japan v TongaPLUS: Why fan engagement, pathways, and communication from World Rugby will shape rugby’s future.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals have arrived — and the Wallaroos are preparing for their biggest challenge yet against Canada.David Pembroke is joined by Bella McKenzie to review Australia’s brave performance against England, analyse the key tactical battles, and preview the quarterfinals across the tournament.From England’s nervy first half to the Black Ferns’ dominance and France’s resurgence, this episode dives into the biggest stories shaping the knockout stages — and why the future of women’s rugby has never looked brighter.Also in this episode:Wallaroos v Canada — can Australia deliver 80 minutes?England v Scotland — is John Mitchell under pressure?Fiji v Wales — unstructured brilliance stuns the Six NationsUSA v Samoa — big win but no quarterfinalsJapan v Spain — resilience rewarded with a famous victoryItaly v Brazil — big finish for the AzzurreNew Zealand v Ireland — Black Ferns hit scary formFrance v South Africa — Pauline Bourdon-Sans running the showPLUS: record-breaking crowds, World Rugby’s investment plan, and how equity and inclusion are reshaping the Women’s World Cup experience.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTubeThanks to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wallaroos are through to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup — but the challenge only gets bigger. After pushing England harder than most, can Australia go one step further against Canada and keep their dream alive?In this special edition of Rugby Unity, Bella McKenzie is joined by her teammate and co-captain Emily Chancellor live from the UK. Together, they reflect on the highs and lows of the England clash, unpack the tactical battles to come, and share how belief, mental skills, and set-piece improvements are shaping the Wallaroos’ campaign.Also in this episode:England v Wallaroos — pressure, pride, and missed chancesAttack woes — 9 entries, just 1 tryEmily on leadership from the benchCanada’s strengths and how to counter themSubstitutions and rotation — what worked and what didn’tPLUS: How this World Cup could be a turning point for women’s rugby in Australia, building momentum toward a home World Cup in 2029.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTubeThanks to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rugby Championship weekend had it all — high drama at Eden Park, a last-minute Wallabies win in Townsville, and the future of scrums and player contracts under the microscope.Co-hosts Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie and David Pembroke dissect New Zealand’s 24–17 victory over South Africa and Australia’s thrilling fightback against Argentina. From set-piece struggles to new Wallaby stars, the coaches give their blunt takes on where the game is heading.Also in this episode:All Blacks v Springboks — Eden Park pressure testWallabies v Argentina — comeback win in TownsvilleScrum controversy — are referees killing the contest?Pacific Nations Cup insights from Japan, USA & TongaWomen’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals locked inPlayer availability battles between clubs & national teamsPLUS: Why fan engagement matters more than ever — and a tribute to Australian rugby stalwart David Lewis.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The stage is set for one of rugby’s great rivalries. The All Blacks face the Springboks at Eden Park, while the Wallabies battle Argentina in the Townsville heat — and Rugby Unity has it all covered.David Pembroke, Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie return with an unfiltered take on selections, tactics, and the pressure facing coaches in this Rugby Championship blockbuster. From referee controversies to the art of managing player transitions, this episode pulls no punches.Also in this episode:All Blacks’ discipline issues and the yellow card curseSouth Africa’s aerial assault and forward dominanceFear, nerves, and pressure on Scott Robertson and Rassie ErasmusWallabies v Argentina — life without Will SkeltonRefereeing debates around the caterpillar ruckWayne Smith’s influence on the All BlacksPLUS: insights on Japan’s player pathways, Canada’s women’s rugby attack, and why fan expectations are shaping the future of the game.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup is reaching fever pitch — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.David Pembroke and Wallaroos star Bella McKenzie look back on a thrilling week that saw the Wallaroos draw 31–all with the USA, South Africa notch their first-ever win over a top-10 side, and England continue to set the standard as tournament favourites.Now, with everything on the line against the Red Roses, Bella unpacks the Wallaroos’ discipline issues, the tactical adjustments they’ll need, and what it will take to deliver their strongest performance yet on the world stage.Also in this episode:Canada v Scotland and why Canada look like genuine contendersUSA v Samoa and the quarterfinal equation for AustraliaWales v Fiji and the chance of a Pacific upsetNew Zealand v Ireland — could this be the game of the round?France v South Africa and why the Springbok women are on the risePLUS: The rise of fan engagement in women’s rugby, record-breaking crowd numbers, and why the men’s game could learn a thing or two.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTubeThanks to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can the Wallaroos pull off the biggest upset of the Rugby World Cup?This weekend, Australia takes on world number one England in a do-or-die clash at the Rugby World Cup — and co-captain Emily Chancellor joins host Bella McKenzie to take us inside the build-up.Emily also reflects on the 31–31 draw with the USA — what went right, what went wrong, and the lessons learned heading into this weekend.In this episode:Why England aren’t “completely unbeatable.”The mindset shifts giving the Wallaroos belief.Key areas to improve: discipline, tackling, and attacking shape.How Australia plans to disrupt England’s rhythm.The grind of preparation — from training sessions to long bus rides.If you believe in upsets, this is the one to listen to.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTubeThanks to Elevenlabs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby is at a crossroads — from global tournaments to local clubs, the game is showing how tradition and innovation can shape its future.In this episode, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie to explore the Women’s Rugby World Cup, where England’s dominance and packed stadiums are setting new benchmarks for the sport. They also unpack Japan’s emphatic win over Canada in the Pacific Nations Cup and the challenges facing North American rugby.Attention then turns to the Rugby Championship: The Springboks head to Eden Park to face the All Blacks, with tactical kicking, fatigue, and discipline all in the spotlight.Along the way: lessons in fan engagement, stories from the coaching trenches, and audience questions on rugby’s next tactical shift.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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Rugby Championship on pause, the Women’s Rugby World Cup in full swing, and the Pacific Nations Cup heating up, former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie joins David Pembroke to look ahead.Ewen shares how coaches use a break to reset — from data-driven game plans to managing fatigue and squad changes. He reflects on working with Eddie Jones, Rod Macqueen, and Bob Dwyer, and explains what it really takes to build a cohesive coaching team.Looking ahead, the focus turns to the contests on the horizon:The Wallabies reshaping after injuries, and who might fill Will Skelton’s boots.The Springboks looming Eden Park test.Joseph Sua’ali’i’s best position — and why the wing might suit him most.How discipline, yellow cards, and fatigue shape outcomes.The Wallaroos’ clutch clash with the USA, with a World Cup quarterfinal spot on the line.Why better facilities and investment are lifting the Women’s World Cup.Eddie Jones’ Japan squad in the Pacific Nations Cup, and why more test matches matter for Pacific rugby.Plus, can the Springboks stay on top with an ageing squad? And is Joseph Sua’ali’i better suited to the wing?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 | SubstackOne sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.📧 Get in touch: [email protected] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.