In this episode of The Rugby Paper Round Up, TRP Assistant Editor,Ben Jaycock is joined by Rich from YouTube channel, RugbyAnalyst. We discuss Henry Pollock finally signing for Northampton under. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom now represent Pollock, is this a the future style for rugby player representation…or will it drag rugby down? We also discuss Northampton Saints’ and England’s prospects this season with Pollock involved. What is his best position and what the balance of the England backrow should be? 🎧 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... 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

This weekend, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry heads to America as South Africa and New Zealand meet at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for the fourth and final Test of their series.

The Springboks lead 2–1, but this weekend is about considerably more than the series score.

With the United States preparing to host its first men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby journalist and former Major League Rugby writer Joe Harvey to ask the big question:

How does rugby actually crack America?

🇺🇸 Can Rugby Break Through in the USA?

We discuss:

• What taking Springboks v All Blacks to Baltimore can achieve • Whether a crowd dominated by South African and New Zealand supporters actually helps grow American rugby • How rugby converts a major one-off event into lasting interest • What American sports fans need from rugby • Whether the traditional rugby audience is enough to make the sport successful in the US • The importance of building momentum before the 2031 Rugby World Cup

🏉 The State of American Rugby

Joe gives us his insight from years covering Major League Rugby and the North American game as we examine the opportunities — and challenges — facing rugby in the United States.

Can the sport establish a genuine place alongside America’s established leagues? What lessons can be learned from Major League Rugby? And what needs to happen over the next five years to ensure 2031 leaves a meaningful legacy?

🇿🇦🇳🇿 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry

There is also the small matter of the rugby itself.

South Africa take a 2–1 series lead into the fourth and final Test against New Zealand, with Baltimore providing a fascinating setting for the conclusion of one of international rugby’s greatest rivalries.

Can the All Blacks level the series, or will the Springboks finish the job on American soil?

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As Ronan O'Gara decides La Rochelle is home and that's where he's staying I took some time to think about another front runner in the Leinster head coach race, Felipe Contepomi. The Argentine already has great familiarity with Leinster both on and off the field, between 2003 and 2009 Felipe scored an astonishing 1225 points for Leinster before returning in 2018 to become the back's coach. During his time as Argentina head coach Felipe can hang his hat on an impressive number of international wins including a series win against Scotland as well as defeating Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa as well as their first win on Dublin soil as they defeated the British & Irish Lions. Can Felipe's experience and prowess help Leinster achieve that ever elusive fifth star? Here's hoping! #leinsterrugby #leinster #newcoach #headcoach #urc #rugby #rugbyunion #argentina #argentinarugby #pumas #podcast #podcasting #europe #europeanchampionship #new

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…

It’s transfer special time! Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by renowned rugby columnist Paul Williams to pick their five best signings in both the Gallagher Prem and United Rugby Championship ahead of the new season.

We start in the Premiership, where some huge names are on the move and several clubs have made serious statements of intent.

🏉 Jac Morgan — Ospreys to Gloucester

Is this the best signing of the summer? Gloucester are getting the Wales captain and British & Irish Lions tourist at just 26, with Morgan joining fellow major recruits Dewi Lake and Jean Kleyn at Kingsholm.

We discuss what Morgan adds to Gloucester, whether he can transform their pack and what his departure says about the continued uncertainty surrounding Welsh rugby.

🦈 Courtney Lawes — Brive to Sale Sharks

One of English rugby’s modern greats is coming home.

At 37, Lawes brings 105 England caps, enormous experience and proven leadership to a Sale side desperate to turn years of contention into silverware.

But can he still dominate at Premiership level — and could an extraordinary push for the 2027 Rugby World Cup really be on?

🎭 George Furbank — Northampton Saints to Harlequins

One of the most intriguing tactical moves of the summer.

We look at how Furbank could combine with Marcus Smith in a potentially devastating Quins attack, where Tyrone Green fits into the equation, and whether the former Saints captain can provide the leadership Harlequins have sometimes lacked.

⚫ George Martin — Leicester Tigers to Saracens

Could this ultimately prove the best long-term signing of them all?

At just 25, Martin has the potential to anchor the Saracens pack for years — and the prospect of him partnering Maro Itoje should worry the rest of the Premiership.

But after a lengthy spell battling serious injuries, is this also one of the biggest gambles of the summer?

🔴 Hoskins Sotutu — Blues to Newcastle Red Bulls

Perhaps the biggest statement of Newcastle’s new era.

The former Super Rugby MVP arrives on a three-year deal after being pursued by some of the Premiership’s biggest clubs.

We discuss what the explosive No.8 can bring to Newcastle, whether his attacking game will translate to the Premiership and what landing a player of his calibre tells us about the ambition behind the Red Bull revolution.

🌍 Five Best URC Signings

We then turn our attention to the United Rugby Championship and rank the five transfers we believe could have the biggest impact across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa this season.

🇿🇦🇳🇿 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry

Plus, we look ahead to the latest instalment of South Africa v New Zealand, with the Springboks and All Blacks preparing to collide in front of a potential 95,000 fans at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium.

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