Rugby Union Weekly

Chris Jones and Matt Dawson reflect on an extraordinary day in the Six Nations.
England beaten 23-18 by Italy in Rome - England's third loss in a row, and first ever defeat to Italy. What's gone wrong since the Autumn Internationals and where does this leave Steve Borthwick?
They're also joined by Johnnie Beattie who saw Scotland run riot against France, 50-40 at Murrayfield, which means Scotland, Ireland and France all have the chance to lift the trophy next Saturday. 
TIMECODES:
00:13 - Greatest day in Six Nations history?
06:48 - Italy punish England
13:00 - Italy captain Michele Lamaro
17:12 - England head coach Steve Borthwick
20:39 - What next for England
32:01 - Chris, Matt and Johnnie Beattie reflect on Scotland's big win
43:45 - Gregor Townsend speaks to Sonja McLaughlan
50:06 - Super Saturday set up perfectly

Warning – This episode contains very strong language.
Chris catches up with Ben Youngs to discuss his new BBC documentary about rugby and player safety. Through honest conversations with former players, medical experts, and teammates, Youngs explores the long-term impact of concussion and repeated head injuries. We hear Ben’s powerful interview with Lewis Moody where he talks openly about living with MND, how it has affected his family and if he has any regrets from his playing days. Does the game still need to do more when it comes to head injuries and player safety? Sam Peters, author of ‘Concussed’, who has spent over a decade investigating the links between rugby and neurodegenerative diseases also joins Chris to look at what more could be done to protect players, particularly in training? And what about the grassroots game? Is enough being done at that level to ensure there are adequate measures in place to protect against concussion? You can watch the full documentary ‘Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?’ on the BBC iPlayer.

Sara Orchard is joined by Tommy Bowe and Philippa Tuttiett with on the whistle reaction from Dublin as Ireland overcome a spirited Wales side to win 27-17. The team reflect on another strong performance from Wales and consider the selection queries that Ireland’s performance has thrown Andy Farrell. Could Rhys Carre’s try be the moment of the Six Nations? Do Wales look good enough to secure their first win of this year’s Championship against Italy? Plus, hear from Antoine Dupont ahead of France's opportunity to win the Six Nations title on Saturday.

Back by popular demand, Chris Tom and GRO bring you another instalment of the Nations Pod guide, and this time we're in Rome. Home to the Azzurri, the Stadio Olympico, the colosseum and the scene of Tom's greatest ever Six Nations meal - just don't ask him to name the restaurant! GRO tells us why you should never confuse a Finn with a Russian. Tom explains why Bologna is the real rugby capital of Italy. We reminisce about the Stadio Flaminio and some of the great matches we've witnessed in the the Eternal City.

Steve Borthwick has made the most changes by an England head coach in the Six Nations era as he looks for a response after the big defeats to Scotland and Ireland. Ashy and Chris dissect his team for the trip to Rome, which sees 12 changes in total with nine players coming in and three positional changes. Seb Atkinson is back on the pod and one half of an all-new centre partnership. He tells us about his relationship with Fin Smith who he first started playing with in the Worcester academy aged 13, and what he hoping to achieve in his first start since the summer tour. Ashy and Chris also chat to the other Gregor at the heart of the Scotland team hoping to derail France's title charge this Saturday. Gregor Brown talks about their resurgence since that upset in Rome on the opening weekend, making Murrayfield a fortress and his journey from singing the anthem in the stands as a fan to a player.