PLAY-OFF CHAOS! | Exeter v Saracens Prem Shootout + URC Semi-Finals | The Rugby Paper Roundup In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by TRP writer Chris Collyer to preview a huge weekend of club rugby as the Prem regular season reaches its climax and the URC semi-finals take centre stage. The headline act comes at Sandy Park, where Exeter Chiefs and Saracens meet in a winner-takes-all battle for a Premiership play-off place. With Mark McCall preparing to step down after an extraordinary trophy-laden spell at Saracens, could this be the final chapter of one of the great coaching eras — or one last escape act from rugby’s ultimate knockout specialists? We also preview the race for home semi-finals as Bath host Leicester Tigers, assess Northampton Saints’ preparations for the play-offs, and ask whether Bristol Bears can continue their late-season charge. We also discuss: • Exeter v Saracens and the race for the top four • Mark McCall’s legacy and Saracens’ final push • Bath v Leicester Tigers and the battle for home advantage • Harlequins’ season and Saints’ title credentials • Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears in the fight for Europe • Gloucester’s ambitions and Newcastle’s spoiler role 🏆 URC Semi-Finals Attention then turns to the United Rugby Championship, where four heavyweights battle for a place in the Grand Final. We break down: • Glasgow Warriors v Bulls — a rematch of the 2024 final • Whether Murrayfield helps or hinders Glasgow • The Bulls’ quest to finally shake their bridesmaid tag • Leinster v Stormers at the Aviva Stadium • The star-studded international talent on display • Hollie Davidson’s historic appointment to officiate the semi-final 🎧 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

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Robert Graham from the Rosbifs Rugby podcast to break down the extraordinary rise of French rugby — after another weekend of total dominance in Europe. Bordeaux Bègles dismantled Leinster to retain the Champions Cup, making it six straight European titles for Top 14 clubs, while Montpellier’s Challenge Cup triumph means French sides have now won 10 of the last 12 EPCR competitions. So why are France so far ahead of the rest of Europe right now? We explore the systems, culture and identity driving the French rugby boom — from the JIFF player pathway and financial strength of the Top 14 to the incredible depth being produced across the country. And of course, we dive into the brilliance of Bordeaux’s star-studded side — with Lucu, Jalibert, Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey lighting up Europe behind a monstrous pack led by cult hero Ben Tameifuna. We also discuss: •⁠ ⁠Whether this is the golden era of French rugby •⁠ ⁠Why the French club game feels so stable compared to England •⁠ ⁠The importance of the JIFF system in producing elite talent •⁠ ⁠Why rugby is now beating football in French TV ratings •⁠ ⁠Fabien Galthié becoming a cult figure in France •⁠ ⁠Why rugby suddenly feels “cool” in the country 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

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

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by rugby content creator and social media personality Ruck Star Lizzie to react to a dramatic final round of the Women’s Six Nations — and look ahead to what feels like a huge new era for the women’s game.

England edged another epic battle with France in Bordeaux to secure an eighth straight Six Nations title and Grand Slam, while Ireland smashed attendance records at the Aviva Stadium in front of more than 31,000 fans against Scotland.

We break down why England v France continues to produce the biggest matches in women’s rugby, whether the Red Roses are building one of sport’s greatest dynasties, and just how special Ellie Kildunne’s tournament really was after a campaign packed with outrageous attacking numbers.

We also discuss:

• Marlie Packer finishing as top try scorer from the back row • Zoe Harrison leading the tournament points charts • Why Ireland’s Aviva Stadium crowd felt like a landmark moment

🦁 Women’s Lions Tour 2027

Attention also turns to the historic announcement of the first-ever Women’s Lions tour in 2027 to New Zealand.

Lizzie shares her excitement around the tour, the players who have stood out outside of England this championship, and who would already be first on her Lions team sheet.

🎥 Creator life & rugby media

Lizzie also reflects on building one of rugby’s biggest creator platforms, her favourite moments covering the sport, and what rugby still doesn’t quite get right digitally.

🎧 Subscribe for more weekly rugby insight, analysis and debate from The Rugby Paper Roundup.