Rugby Unity

David Pembroke is back on deck and kicks off with a rare look inside the coach’s head, asking Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie what it really takes to stay steady when results swing. From “performance not win or lose” to the brutal Monday-morning demand for answers, they lay out the habits that keep teams improving. The chat then shifts to the upcoming World Rugby coaches meeting in Windsor ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027, with both men zeroing in on the impact of yellow cards, TMO influence, and rugby’s “secret society” problem on communication. On the field, the panel previews WXV and key internationals: Wallaroos v Scotland in Canberra, Black Ferns v France in Whangārei, and the Canada v England decider in Ottawa with the Utrecht Shield on the line. Plus Eddie Jones’ Japan v Fiji (with Jake White), and a big debate on Australia’s playmaking talent and retaining young prospects.Also in this episode:● Steve Hansen on competitiveness as a coaching weakness ● Ewen McKenzie: Monday morning means having solutions ready ● World Rugby Windsor meeting: simplify laws and improve communication ● Yellow cards and TMO influence reshaping results unfairly ● WXV focus: Wallaroos v Scotland, Black Ferns v France ● Canada v England decider, Utrecht Shield on the line PLUS: A blunt look at how Australia can stop losing talent to league and overseas by building real relationships.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈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] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wallabies wear another heavy loss to New Zealand, and David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie and Steve Hansen don’t sugar-coat it: a brutal first half, too much aimless kicking, and not enough composure when Australia finally had phases to build pressure. Hansen loves what he’s seeing from the All Blacks attack, offloads, line running, and forwards playing into space, while McKenzie highlights key moments like Harry Wilson’s grubber into touch as a snapshot of game management and leadership under pressure. The TMO becomes its own storyline too, especially the Roigard incident, with all three questioning what “foul play” even means now. They also get into the deeper Wallabies problems, the missing world class 10 and a ball-playing 12, and why New Zealand fans want Australia strong again. Then it’s WXV: Black Ferns smash France 81-12, Canada pinch it late against England 24-21 to end England’s unbeaten run, and the USA keep building momentum.Also in this episode:● All Blacks offloads and handling under extreme pressure ● Wallabies leadership, huddles, and “stay steady Eddie” moments ● Meredith at 10: rocks and diamonds, but a crack ● TMO involvement and the Roigard-Meredith controversy ● WXV: Canada upset England in front of 18,600 ● Future comps: Nations Championship talks and Super Rugby formats SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones 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] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie rip into the biggest talking point from All Blacks v Wallabies: Eddie Jones’ effort stats, and what they really say about mindset, speed off the ground, and being ready for the next job. With the Wallabies’ No.10 curse biting again and another reshuffle coming, the trio run the ruler over the 23, the risks around combinations, and what has to change to keep New Zealand honest. The All Blacks changes get the same treatment, including the excitement factor of Timoci Tavatavanawai. There’s also a straight-shooting discussion on Mark Nawaqanitawase’s rugby return, the manager-led noise about Fiji and Italy eligibility, and what Rugby Australia and Les Kiss should do next. Plus a big women’s rugby weekend and a fast, practical look at the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match list. Also in this episode: ● Eddie Jones’ effort statistics and what they measure ● Wallabies squad changes: Meredith in, Donaldson out ● All Blacks depth and injury cover, Hansen’s take ● Mark Nawaqanitawase eligibility debate: Australia, Fiji, Italy ● Black Ferns v France series and Wallaroos v Scotland ● Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures across Europe PLUS: What “possession” and adaptable tactics really mean against the All Blacks. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, 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] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie and Steve Hansen break down the All Blacks’ 50-19 win over Australia at Eden Park, and why the match swung hard after Australia’s strong opening. They dig into what New Zealand fixed fast: high ball catches, maul defence, breakdown support, and a second-half lineout lift, plus how Australia’s plan to target McKenzie and use Sua'ali'i early simply evaporated. The big talking point: the Wallabies’ box kicking and lack of plan B, and what changes before Sydney with the Bledisloe already gone. The chat widens to deeper issues in Australian rugby: pathways, depth, contracts, competition structure, and the ongoing problem at 10, with Carter Gordon central to the future. Plus: refereeing boundaries, TMO stoppages, laws that need simplifying, and how World Rugby can better grow the game beyond the Nations Cup tiers.Also in this episode:● All Blacks high ball improvements punish Australia’s tactic● Wallabies lose momentum after McKenzie sparks first try● Australia’s box kicking hands New Zealand easy counterattack● Depth and bench quality gap exposed between squads● Refereeing, TMO stoppages, and law simplification debate● Nations Cup growth, fixtures for emerging unions, Brazil supportPLUS: A look at the Raeburn Shield, Argentina hiring Sean Edwards, and Fiji’s reported Jake White move.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen 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] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bledisloe Cup is back for 2026, and David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie lay out why this one feels bigger than usual: Australia have stacked wins, interest is spiking again, and Eden Park is waiting. The lads break down the teams and the key battlegrounds, from set piece and lineout pressure to the aerial contest around Sua’ali’i and the impact of Scott Barrett returning. Hansen explains why New Zealand cherish the trophy and why nobody wants to be the team that hands it back, while McKenzie details what Australia must do at the breakdown and on the advantage line to stay in the fight. There’s also a sharp chat on refereeing, TMO risk, the nines battle (Roigard vs Lonergan), and a fiery debate on RUPA’s World Cup hosting-fee comments.Also in this episode:● What the Bledisloe Cup means in Australia and NZ● Wallabies selection: bench depth concerns without Tupou, Hooper● All Blacks selection: Scott Barrett start and lineout calling● Tactical focus: aerial contest targeting McKenzie, Jordan, Carter● Bigger picture: Australian rugby momentum and bandwagon risk● RUPA dispute and World Rugby’s global season roadblocksPLUS: The panel answers audience questions on Jorgensen at 10 and why World Rugby is pushing into the USA market.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones 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] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With one year to go until Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, David Pembroke sits down with Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie to talk hype, tickets, fan energy, and what teams should actually be doing 12 months out. The chat gets practical fast: hotels, training bases, travel, preparation windows, and why there’s no single World Cup formula. Then it’s onto the Bledisloe Cup with both squads named, key ins and outs, and the depth questions that still hang over certain positions. The crew also tackles the Paisami ban and what it says about post-match judiciary versus in-game disruption, before widening the lens to refereeing transparency, law complexity, and World Rugby communication. Eddie Jones gets a mention for how tours get used to fill every spare minute, and there’s plenty on what good selection really looks like beyond a weekend highlight reel.Also in this episode:● Rugby World Cup 2027 ticket numbers and overseas demand● Steve Hansen on one-year-out squad planning and mindset● Ewen McKenzie on World Cup logistics, venues, and travel● Bledisloe Cup squads: Frizell in, Love out, Taylor captaincy● Paisami ban debate and the role of the judiciary● Refereeing transparency, law complexity, and World Rugby commsPLUS: What it takes to build a stronger top 20 and why Nations Cup-style competitions matter.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen, Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones 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] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wallabies beat the Springboks in Perth, and David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie break down how Australia did it, why Sua'ali'i looked far more influential on the wing, and what it means heading into the Bledisloe Cup and the Nations Championship. The panel praise Australia’s aerial contest, breakdown fight, midfield running lines, and key moments like Donaldson’s try set-up and Wilson’s lineout impact, while questioning what South Africa learned from 13 changes and a shift away from their usual formula. Then it turns to the last 15 minutes: head contact, yellow cards, TMO involvement, and a communications failure that made 15 v 11 feel like a farce. The conversation expands into WXV with the Red Roses edging the Black Ferns at Twickenham, France beating Canada 21-5 in La Rochelle, and the wider concerns around integrity, stoppages, and what World Rugby needs to fix with a year to go.Also in this episode:● Wallabies match Springbok physicality and win aerial battle● Sua'ali'i on the wing unlocks freedom and influence● South Africa stray from their formula despite 13 changes● Yellow cards, head contact, and TMO protocols slammed● Red Roses beat Black Ferns in thriller at Twickenham● France topple Canada 21-5 as WXV tightensPLUS: With a year to go, the panel demand leadership from World Rugby on safety, integrity, and keeping 15 v 15.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen, 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] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rassie Erasmus has named a Springboks side with 13 changes for Perth, and it’s sparked the big question: is this a golden Wallabies opportunity, or just another Springbok test of depth? David Pembroke, Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie go straight to selection, match plan, and where Australia can realistically hurt South Africa, from scrum and lineout pressure to the aerial contest with Sua'ali'i moved to the wing. There’s plenty on Les Kiss’ first big selection call, Donaldson’s chance at 10, and why both Hansen and McKenzie see a path to an Australian win, while Pembroke backs the Boks’ depth, Pollard’s control, and bench impact. The episode also shifts to the women’s game with WXV: England v New Zealand at Twickenham, France v Canada, Scotland v Australia, and why governance and speed of decision-making are now make-or-break for rugby.Also in this episode:● Steve Hansen explains how coaches think about selection ● Ewen McKenzie on charting selections to avoid emotion ● Wallabies tactics: attack Springboks strengths at set-piece ● Sua'ali'i wing move: aerial threats and roaming licence ● WXV preview: England v New Zealand at Twickenham ● Rugby governance debate: faster decisions, simpler product PLUS: What rugby can learn from the NBA, NRL and AFL on agility, marketing, and keeping fans.SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈Ask Steve Hansen, 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] | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Pembroke is joined by a special guest, two-time Springbok World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff from For the Love of Rugby South Africa, alongside Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie, for a wide-ranging Rugby Unity chat that hits the biggest talking points fast. The crew open on a huge weekend of women’s internationals, including France vs Australia with a stack of cards, plus the Black Ferns cruising past Scotland, the 26-all Canada vs England draw, and Eddie Jones’ Japan beating Fiji in Tokyo. Then it gets blunt: the bunker system, TMO influence, and how yellow cards are changing the spectacle. From there it’s into scrums and the “brake foot”, with Kitshoff explaining why it’s uncomfortable, inconsistent, and unsafe. Finally, the focus shifts to the Springboks: reflections on the All Blacks tour, Rassie’s core group, managing veteran stars, and a full preview of Sunday’s Springboks vs Wallabies in Perth, including what Australia must do to challenge the world’s best. Also in this episode:● Women’s rugby recap: France vs Australia officiating chaos● Steven Kitshoff on bunker yellow cards and TMOs● Debate over scrums and the “brake foot” safety● Springboks-All Blacks tour reflections and series impact● Managing older World Cup players and training loads● Perth preview: Springboks vs Wallabies tactics and selectionsPLUS: How winning teams build depth, standards, and daily competitiveness.Listen to For the Love of Rugby South Africa here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pGqZKr38xsWk9IXlzjWZ1 Check out the For the Love of Rugby South Africa YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@loveofrugbysa?si=Zc4pxnAj-OT0-4aF SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Steve Hansen, 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] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Zealand Rugby has fired a serious warning shot: forecast losses of $66 million over five years, and a structure they say is unsustainable, even after banking $9 million from Baltimore. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie argue the game cannot keep operating in fragments, and ask what comes next: more All Blacks tests offshore, a Miami Rugby Championship match, or even a radical 2029 Lions series across Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles and New York. They also preview the Ashi Super Dry Pacific Nations Championship final in Tokyo, tipping Japan to beat Fiji, plus USA v Canada in the double header. Then it’s a massive weekend for women’s rugby: England v Canada at Sandy Park, Australia backing up against France, Black Ferns v Scotland, and more, with World XV matches in Hong Kong feeding into 2029 Rugby World Cup qualification. Also in this episode: ● Steve Hansen absent with new Manly Sea Eagles role ● World Rugby’s role questioned in NZR talks ● Ireland and Six Nations USA match speculation discussed ● Top 14 notes: Toulouse big win, La Rochelle form ● Wallabies squad picked by Les Kiss, flyhalf debate ● Refereeing, TMO momentum, and law interpretations debated  PLUS: The panel weighs tradition, fan connection, and commercial realities as rugby’s global calendar keeps shifting. SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: https://tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈 Ask Eddie Jones, Steve Hansen 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] TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.