Rugby Unity

India’s rugby scene is evolving at a remarkable pace: from 322 districts playing the sport, up to 120,000 players, and a growing women’s sevens team ranked sixth in Asia, to the ambitious launch of the Rugby Premier League aiming for Olympic qualification. Can Rahul Bose steer this transformation—building grassroots pathways from rural fields to Olympic pools? Join David Pembroke as he sits down with Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, to unpack the nation's bold plans in this two-part episode: how rural grit and poverty-driven players are shaping a new rugby ethos, the critical role of infrastructure and coaching, and the strategic push to get India into Brisbane 2032. Discover why rugby’s unique physicality, cultural independence from cricket, and a new league might just accelerate India’s journey into the Olympic spotlight. PLUS: how grassroots talent, innovative league formats, and government partnerships could transform India into a rugby powerhouse. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Pembroke sits down with World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson to explore the off-the-field strategies shaping the future of rugby. From the sport's financial dependence on the Rugby World Cup to the explosive rise of women’s rugby and the strategic push into North and South America, this deep dive uncovers how long-term investments and global plans are redefining the game. Discover how World Rugby is balancing tradition with innovation, from the Olympics to new competition models, all aimed at securing the sport’s prosperity through 2031 and beyond. • The economic impact of the Rugby World Cup — can it sustain the sport? • Growing the women's game — a new era for inclusivity and global reach • Sevens as a strategic growth engine — Olympic ambitions and Nordic expansion • Major plans for North and South America — Argentina, Chile, and the US in focus • The future competition landscape — Nation's Cup, World Cup scheduling, and international fixtures PLUS: the Olympic sevens revival, strategic investment shifts, and the quest for year-round revenue streams. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host David Pembroke sits down with world rugby insiders Brett Robinson, Chair of World Rugby, and legendary coach Eddie Jones to confront the game’s toughest challenges. From on-field law debates, TMO uproar, and safety dilemmas, to the behind-the-scenes battle for growth and global strategy—rugby is at a pivotal crossroads. Will the upcoming independent review, new competitions, and tactical tweaks form the blueprint for a more exciting, safer, and commercially viable future? Join us as we unpack a year of high stakes; the pursuit of innovation, inclusion, and integrity amid the chaos of international rugby. With insights straight from the frontlines, this is part one of a deep dive into how the sport is evolving on and off the field—setting the stage for the game’s next chapter. World Rugby’s mission to unify a fractured game amid law and safety controversies The quest to modernize officiating and decision-making protocols Insights into the new Nations Cup and the 24-team World Cup draw Challenges of growing rugby into North and South America The push for a unified global calendar and competition reform Player welfare: managing risks while maintaining the sport's authenticity PLUS: the future of rugby’s big tournaments, expanding into new markets, and safeguarding players in a contact sport. Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇 https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈 👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack 📧 Get in touch: [email protected] Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software. TikTok | Instagram | YouTube  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eddie Jones sits down with David Pembroke on the ground to unpack the weekend in Japan’s League One: Suntory v Ricoh with Sam Cane and TJ Perenara, Warner Dearns' move to the Hurricanes, Michael Leitch's relentless standards, a revealing coffee with Jesse Kriel, Richie Mo'unga's influence, Cheslin Kolbe's electric form, World Rugby's need for faster decisions and why Australia must recommit to long-term development as Joe Schmidt departs.· Rustling crowds at Japan's League One — record attendances and growing domestic interest· Eddie Jones on Japan's rugby boom, top players like Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe, and the Springboks’ winning mindset· Discussions on World Rugby's decision-making pace, calendar alignment, and law reforms· The decline of Australian rugby and the importance of long-term development strategies· Exclusive insights on coaching, player pathways, and the international gamePLUS: record-breaking crowds, the influence of top players like Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe, and why the culture of excellence is transforming world rugby.Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by rugby legends Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to unravel the chaos surrounding the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. With controversy swirling over quarterfinal matchups, player safety, and team seedings, they break down the real story behind the brackets, travel logistics, and the rising dark horses like Zimbabwe and Argentina. Plus, catch insights on Rassie Erasmus’s long-term South African tenure, Eben Etzebeth’s suspension, and the evolving landscape of European rugby — all set against the backdrop of global rugby’s future. Whether it's strategic predictions, coaching philosophies, or behind-the-scenes politics, this is the edge-of-your-seat discussion every rugby fan needs.Also in this episode:- World Cup draw controversy: South Africa vs. All Blacks in quarterfinals?- The future of seedings versus bandings in World Cup draws - Rassie Erasmus’s long South African contract: what it means - Eben Etzebeth’s suspension and its impact - Zimbabwe’s surprising potential at 2027 Rugby World Cup - Travel challenges and tournament logistics in Australia - European Cup struggles: player availability and competition qualityPLUS: emerging dark horses, coaching secrets, the impact of travel on strategy, and what the future holds for global rugby.👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, blogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and full podcast access — all in one place: Rugby Unity | Substack📧 Get in touch: [email protected] to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.