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

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Northampton Chronicle rugby writer Tom Vickers to preview a mouthwatering Gallagher Premiership semi-final weekend.

Friday night sees one of English rugby’s fiercest rivalries take centre stage as Northampton Saints host Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens with a place in the Premiership final on the line.

We revisit the iconic 2014 semi-final between the sides, discuss whether this remains the biggest rivalry in the Premiership, and examine why history suggests the winner could go all the way and lift the trophy.

With Saints having topped the table and successfully navigated a season of rotation, injuries and international call-ups, we assess the outstanding job Phil Dowson has done, the impact of Anthony Belleau, and how Northampton have maintained their consistency despite spending periods without Fin Smith.

We also discuss:

• George Furbank’s impending departure and the motivation it brings • Why Saints have flourished despite heavy squad rotation • Leicester Tigers’ remarkable rise under Geoff Parling • The clash of styles between Northampton’s attack and Leicester’s set-piece power • Tommy Freeman’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage • The importance of Franklin’s Gardens under the Friday night lights

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🏆 Bath v Exeter Chiefs

Attention then turns to Saturday’s second semi-final as defending champions Bath host Exeter Chiefs at The Recreation Ground.

We discuss:

• Whether Exeter are the most dangerous fourth-placed side in recent Premiership history • Henry Slade’s outstanding season • Bath’s title credentials and attacking firepower

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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.

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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.