Inside Rugby Journalism with Ben Jaycock | Starstruck Interviews, Bias & Big Matches

The first episode of the TQL Rugby Podcast with Chris Collyer sees The Rugby Paper Assistant Editor, Ben Jaycock, discuss his journalism journey, who he was starstruck interviewing, standout matches he’s covered, and how he deals with the issues of bias when reporting.

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Irish rugby journalist Caolin Scully to preview a blockbuster final round of the Women’s Six Nations — headlined by a winner-takes-all Grand Slam showdown between England and France in Bordeaux. The Red Roses are chasing an eighth straight title, but France once again stand in their way in what has become the defining rivalry of the championship. We break down where France can hurt England, how impressed we’ve been with the Red Roses’ depth amid injury disruption, and how Meg Jones has handled the pressure of captaining the side through the tournament. We also ask whether this latest England v France clash has all the ingredients to produce another classic. We also cover: •⁠ ⁠England’s unbeaten run and evolving squad depth •⁠ ⁠France’s attacking threats and belief heading into Bordeaux •⁠ ⁠Why this rivalry feels different from every other matchup in the tournament •⁠ ⁠Whether England’s rotation policy has made them even stronger 🇮🇪 Historic day at the Aviva Stadium Attention also turns to Dublin, where Ireland host Scotland in the first-ever standalone Women’s Six Nations fixture at the Aviva Stadium, with more than 28,000 tickets already sold. We discuss what the occasion means for women’s rugby in Ireland, the progress Ireland have made across the championship, and whether the battle for third place signals the emergence of a genuine tier beneath England and France. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Telegraph reporter and leading women’s rugby voice Fi Tomas to preview Round Four of the Women’s Six Nations. England head to Italy with a perfect record. We break down John Mitchell’s latest selection, including Helena Rowland earning her 50th cap, Ellie Kildunne’s shift to the wing to accommodate Emma Sing, and what England’s evolving attack says about where this side is heading tactically. We also discuss: • Whether England are adapting or evolving under Mitchell • Italy’s growth after an impressive win over Scotland • The “England need to lose” debate — and what it means for the competition • Anaïs Grando and France’s attacking threats against Scotland • Ireland’s expansive rugby under Erin King • Wales’ difficult run and Sean Lynn’s start in charge Fi also shares insight from her recent analysis work, including why female props are producing far more offloads and tries than in the men’s game — and what that tells us about the evolution of women’s rugby. We also discuss the wider growth of women’s sport, the rise in coverage since the Lionesses’ Euros triumph, and what it’s meant for Fi personally to help lead reporting in the space after being recognised on the BBC Woman’s Hour Power List. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock reacts to the team news for the Champions Cup semi-final between Bordeaux-Begles and Bath, and predicts a surprise win for the Prem champions.

Women’s Six Nations + George North retirement ft Georgie Perris-Redding | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Sale Sharks co-captain and USA international Georgie Perris-Redding — a World Cup Eagle and one of the game’s most resilient leaders — to break down a huge week across women’s and men’s rugby. We start with the Women’s Six Nations after a statement Round Three, where England, France and Italy all impressed. The Red Roses ran in ten tries against Wales, France showed resilience to stay level at the top, and Italy’s bonus-point win over Scotland underlined their growth. We ask whether England are still setting the benchmark, if Italy are a team on the rise, and whether the championship is once again building towards a decisive England v France showdown. 🏉 George North retirement We reflect on the career of Wales legend George North, who will retire at the end of the season after 121 caps, 47 international tries, two Lions tours and multiple Six Nations titles. Georgie gives her perspective on what made North so special — and how players like him set the benchmark for the next generation. 🏆 European semi-finals preview Attention turns to a huge weekend in Europe, with Leinster v Toulon and Bordeaux v Bath in the Champions Cup, plus Ulster v Exeter in the Challenge Cup. 🌍 USA rugby & growing the women’s game Born in Detroit, raised in England and representing the USA on the world stage, Georgie shares insight into the growth of rugby across America — and why the women’s game globally is moving in the right direction. ⚡ Quickfire •⁠ ⁠Nando’s order (and heat level…) •⁠ ⁠Coffee or gym day? •⁠ ⁠Best rugby moment so far •⁠ ⁠Hardest opponent faced •⁠ ⁠Sunshine rugby or cold, wet sessions?

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Women’s Six Nations commentator and Rugby Writers chair Nick Heath to preview a massive weekend across the women’s and men’s game. The sun is shining and it’s raining tries across rugby — and England head into Round Three of the Women’s Six Nations with serious momentum. A sold-out Ashton Gate awaits as the Red Roses take on Wales, with new faces like Millie David stepping into the spotlight on her home ground after a prolific season with Bristol. We break down England’s selection, including seven changes, Ellie Kildunne’s return to full-back, and what it says about the depth driving this side forward — as well as where Wales can realistically test them. There’s also a powerful story on the Welsh side, with Alisha Joyce returning after 562 days and just 158 days after giving birth, potentially lining up alongside Jaz Joyce in a remarkable family moment. We also cover: • England’s growing fanbase and sold-out crowds • Millie David’s debut and England’s attacking edge • Key tactical battles at Ashton Gate • France v Ireland — a World Cup quarter-final rematch in Clermont • Italy v Scotland — who bounces back? • Whether the title race is building towards another England v France decider 🏆 Premiership Rugby – Round 14 Attention then turns to the Premiership, where it’s first vs second as Northampton Saints host Bath in a huge top-of-the-table clash. We preview the key battles, including Fin Smith v Finn Russell, and assess how Bath cope without key midfield options. Plus, we shine a light on Saracens sensation Noah Caluori, who has racked up 17 tries this season at just 19 — including five against Sale alone. ⚡ Quickfire with Nick Heath • Favourite ground to commentate at? • One player you love calling right now? • Most chaotic game you’ve covered? • Nando’s order? (heat level included…) • Tea or coffee on comms? 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper 

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by journalist Sarah Rendell to break down a huge second round of the Women’s Six Nations — with England heading to Murrayfield under mounting selection pressure. After a record-breaking opening weekend that saw over 77,000 fans pack into Twickenham, attention now turns to how the Red Roses respond to a growing injury list. Hannah Botterman and May Campbell are out of the tournament, Alex Matthews misses Scotland through injury, and England had already lost key names including Rosie Galligan, Abbie Ward and captain Zoe Stratford. Yet, despite those setbacks, England continue to call on the depth of talent coming through the PWR — with Delaney Burns and Liz Crake drafted in. We ask whether this is disruption, or a timely test ahead of the World Cup. We also discuss Ellie Kildunne’s powerful decision to speak openly about body dysmorphia and the pressures of being one of rugby’s most recognisable faces — and what that says about the changing landscape of the women’s game. With Kildunne also part of rugby’s first ever Twickenham tifo, we explore whether rugby is finally starting to build genuine star power in a team sport that has often struggled to do so. Looking ahead to Round Two, we preview England’s trip to Scotland, Wales hosting France at Cardiff Arms Park — boosted by the return of Jasmine Joyce — and Ireland taking on Italy at the Dexcom Stadium after an encouraging showing against England. Beyond the matches, we take a wider look at the growth of the women’s game. With the Women’s Super League seeing huge attendance figures following the Lionesses’ Euros success, why hasn’t the PWR seen the same exponential rise? And does the presentation of matches — including TV shots of empty stands — risk holding the game back? Plus, we finish with a quickfire round — from Nando’s orders to favourite away days and the best press box food in the game. --- You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper See you next time on The Rugby Paper Roundup.

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by 84-cap former England centre and 2014 World Cup winner Rachael Burford to preview the opening round of the Women’s Six Nations — with a huge occasion on the horizon. The sun is shining, anticipation is building, and England are set to face Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in front of over 75,000 fans — a landmark moment for the Red Roses as they look to lay down an early marker. We break down the big game through a centre’s lens, from the midfield battle and England’s tactical approach to how Ireland can stay in the contest — including the threat posed by players like Aoife Wafer, Erin King and the Dalton-Higgins midfield pairing. We also discuss Meg Jones’ role as captain, England’s best centre combination, and the key battleground that could decide the match. Beyond Twickenham, we preview the rest of Round One — including Wales v Scotland and France v Italy — and give our predictions for how the tournament will start. Plus, we touch on a major story in the men’s game, with Courtney Lawes returning to English rugby with Sale Sharks and targeting a potential comeback for the 2027 World Cup. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠England v Ireland — handling the occasion at Twickenham •⁠ ⁠Tactical breakdown — where the game will be won and lost •⁠ ⁠Ireland’s key threats and how they can challenge England •⁠ ⁠Meg Jones’ captaincy and England’s midfield combinations •⁠ ⁠Wales v Scotland — styles, matchups and prediction •⁠ ⁠France v Italy — storylines and players to watch •⁠ ⁠Courtney Lawes’ return and what it could mean for England Plus, Rachael brings insight from her own England career — and we finish with a fun quickfire, including her go-to Nando’s order, dressing room stories and life away from rugby. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

RED ROSES SELECTION! Six Nations 2026 + PWR Insights | ft Claire Thomas | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by TNT Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live broadcaster Claire Thomas to preview the Women’s Six Nations — and explore the incredible momentum building behind the game. Women’s rugby fandom in the UK has surged from 7.94 million to 13.21 million since last summer’s Rugby World Cup, and now the Red Roses are set to play in front of over 70,000 fans against Ireland in the opening round. Is this the moment the women’s game truly hits the mainstream? Claire brings a unique perspective having covered Premiership Women’s Rugby week in, week out — offering insight into how the domestic game is shaping England’s squad, style and strength in depth heading into the tournament. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠How well the PWR prepares players for the step up to Test rugby •⁠ ⁠England’s incredible depth — and the selection headaches it’s creating •⁠ ⁠Which players are hitting form at just the right time •⁠ ⁠Meg Jones as captain — leadership, communication and presence •⁠ ⁠The big England XV debates — who starts and who misses out? •⁠ ⁠Whether attacking trends in the PWR are feeding into England’s style •⁠ ⁠The matchday atmosphere and growth of the domestic game •⁠ ⁠Why storytelling and player personalities are driving fan engagement Plus, Claire shares her standout PWR players ready to shine on the international stage, the best atmosphere she’s experienced this season, and the selection calls she’s most intrigued by heading into Round One. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

70,000 FANS FOR RED ROSES OPENER! | Meg Jones Captaincy + Women’s Six Nations Launch | ft Victoria Rush | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by No Woman No Try director and content creator Victoria Rush, fresh from the Women’s Six Nations media launch, to unpack a huge moment for the Red Roses — on and off the pitch. With over 70,000 tickets already sold for England’s opening game against Ireland, we ask whether this is the moment women’s rugby truly goes mainstream. Victoria gives behind-the-scenes insight from the launch, including the mood in the England camp, the growing connection between players and fans, and how storytelling — through the release of ‘England, Meet England’ — is helping drive the game’s rapid rise. We also break down England’s squad announcement, the appointment of Meg Jones as captain, and whether this feels like evolution or more of the same from a dominant Red Roses side. We discuss: •⁠ ⁠What the 70,000 ticket figure really means for the women’s game •⁠ ⁠Inside the Six Nations media launch — what fans didn’t see •⁠ ⁠Meg Jones as captain — leadership style and early impressions •⁠ ⁠The role of storytelling in growing rugby audiences •⁠ ⁠Whether fans are now buying into personalities as much as performances •⁠ ⁠Can anyone stop England — or are they still streets ahead? •⁠ ⁠Which nations could challenge the Red Roses this year Plus, Victoria shares her standout personalities from the launch, who impressed most off the pitch, and her overall feeling heading into the tournament. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/