The November window delivered answers, questions and warnings. In this episode, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones to dissect the Wallabies’ 2025 prospects, the rise of England, France’s stalled progress, and the tactical shifts redefining Test rugby. Eddie breaks down how Australia’s season unfolded, why depth remains the core issue, what Les Kiss will bring as head coach, and how selection, pathways and politics still shape the national side. The pair also examine the November Series, from South Africa’s dominance to Scotland’s slump, England’s revival, and France’s uncertain identity. They close by looking at officiating, global fan engagement, sevens, finances, the Nations Championship, and what the upcoming Rugby World Cup draw means for 2027 preparations.

Also in this episode

• Wallabies’ highs, lows and the 2025 rebuild

• France, England, Scotland — where each nation stands after November

• The tactical evolution of Test rugby (scrums, kicking, power plays)

• Pathways, depth and long-term sustainability of global rugby

• Sevens, money games and the future economic model of the sport

PLUS: Why fan engagement, transparency and global competitions will determine rugby’s future.

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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The Wallabies stand at a crossroads — and with a home Rugby World Cup approaching in 2027, the stakes have never been higher. In this episode, David Pembroke and former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie take a clear-eyed look at where Australia really sits in the world game.

From the selection volatility of 2024–25 to the strengths and weaknesses in each positional group, Ewen explains the structural changes needed for the Wallabies to compete with South Africa, England, Ireland and a fast-improving northern hemisphere. He also unpacks what Les Kiss will bring as national coach and why Australia must build a game plan that can survive high-ball pressure, tactical variety, and tournament intensity.

David and Ewen then broaden the lens — analysing England’s off-field rise, South Africa’s sustained dominance, rugby’s financial realities, and the global opportunities emerging through the new World Rugby Nations Cup and revamped sevens calendar.

Also in this episode

· Why consistency in selection still separates good teams from great ones

· What Les Kiss must prioritise from day one as Wallabies coach

· England’s new personality-driven approach to communication

· How social media is reshaping rugby’s global fanbase

· Australia’s pathway to success at a home World Cup

· The growing importance of emerging nations and expanded competitions

PLUS: insights on squad costs, leadership expectations, sevens pathways, and why world rugby must communicate in real time to stay relevant.

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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The red/yellow card crisis and the terminal TMO delays intervened with another huge weekend of international rugby —this episode goes deep into the consequences. David Pembroke is joined by Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to unpack Ireland v South Africa, the match that sparked global outrage and renewed calls for World Rugby to overhaul officiating and TMO protocols.

Eddie details Japan’s gritty 25–23 win over Georgia in Tbilisi, shedding light on set-piece growth, discipline under pressure, and what he’s learned from a demanding 2025 campaign. Ewen breaks down New Zealand’s inconsistent year, the cultural shift inside the All Blacks, and why the top three Northern Hemisphere teams — Ireland, France, England — are on a collision course in the 2026 Six Nations.

A fast, honest, and global roundup of the game’s biggest stories.

Japan vs Georgia highlights: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqOYh45d2pU

Also in this episode

• South Africa’s season: power, depth and why they’re still the benchmark

• Ireland’s early-season resilience and their road to 2027

• Why red cards are distorting Test matches — and the fix Eddie wants

• Japan’s finishing, support play and next steps toward the World Cup

• England v Argentina analysed — are both teams top-four threats?

• Italy rising & Chile’s impressive performance against the Azzurri

PLUS: Record-breaking forward play, the modern coaching workload, player data obsession, and questions from the Rugby Unity Third Voice community.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 Get in touch: info@rugbyunity.com.au

Thanks to Eleven labs for providing a grant to Rugby Unity so that we can use their world leading software.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.