The Ruck cover art

The Ruck

The Ruck

Written by: The Times
Listen for free

About this listen

The Ruck is the journalists' rugby podcast from The Times & The Sunday Times.


Join Alfie Reynolds, Alex Lowe, Will Kelleher and a selection of guests every week as they provide insight and reports throughout the season, including big-name interviews and forthright analysis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times
Politics & Government Rugby
Episodes
  • Madness, brilliance and problems: Another weekend in the Champions Cup
    Jan 12 2026

    Following another weekend of action in the Champions Cup Alfie, Elgan and Alex look back on all of the big stories.


    With only one round of matches to go until the knockout stages they explain why, despite some great games, the competition continues to have structural issues. They ask what is going wrong at Toulouse who have lost twice already in the pool stage and discuss which teams are in the running to go on to be crowned champions. Plus, Henry Pollock, as always, was in the headlines after an impressive performance despite Northampton losing to Bordeaux and Bristol produced an incredible result in beating the Bulls in South Africa.


    And, they round off the pod by chatting about the possibility of the 6 Nations going behind a paywall, the latest developments in Welsh rugby and Newcastle Red Bull's recruitment drive for next season.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Henry Pollock Special
    Jan 8 2026

    Henry Pollock had a remarkable 2025!


    Breaking through with Northampton Saints, making his England debut, beating Leinster in Dublin, a Champions Cup final appearance and being named on the British & Irish Lions tour.


    So Will and Alex have made the trip up to the East Midlands to chat with Henry Pollock and his director of rugby Phil Dowson. How does the youngster reflect on the past 12 months? Does he enjoys ruffling feathers or care about people's perceptions of him? Plus, what are his aims for 2026?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • What's happening at Harlequins!?
    Jan 5 2026

    At the midway point in the Prem season Harlequins find themselves in a crisis. They're 8th in the table, having only won two of their nine games, including a 66-21 defeat to Northampton at the weekend.


    So, Will Kelleher and Alex Lowe are at The Stoop to chat with the Quins CEO Laurie Dalrymple. They discuss the coaching upheaval in the summer and the knock on impact to the clubs current struggles, player retention and why so many academy products have departed South-West London, as well as the importance of keeping Marcus Smith and the clubs financial situation in regards to an aim of breaking even.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
No reviews yet