Send us a text... thoughts, feelings & feedback are all welcome! We will address them on the podcast!

Courtney Lawes is coming back to Premiership Rugby, and I’m equal parts delighted and furious. We unpack why a 37-year-old can still be a difference maker, why Sale landing him changes the feel of their recruitment overnight, and how quickly England should be picking up the phone if they want more bite, edge, and week-to-week consistency in the pack.

From there we zoom out to the business and the rulebook. The rumours of American investment in Exeter Chiefs hint at where English club rugby might be heading, especially as the USA World Cup gets closer. Then we get into the uncomfortable stuff: a biting citing, the mitigation that follows, and why the disciplinary process can feel outdated for a professional sport that says it prioritises welfare and standards.

We also feast on the Champions Cup round of 16. Saints v Castres delivers proper hostility and lessons about discipline, skill execution, and missing leaders like Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith. Bath v Saracens turns into a masterclass in bench impact and momentum swings, with a tryline-to-tryline moment that belongs on any highlights reel. We round it out with quarter final predictions, a ridiculous new ranking game, and a Women’s Six Nations preview where the Red Roses are favourites but Ireland and France look ready to ask sharper questions.

Subscribe for weekly rugby chat, share this with a mate who loves the Champions Cup, and leave us a review with your boldest quarter final call.

🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast!

📲 Stay connected with us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, hot takes, and episode updates:

• Instagram: @rucksmaulsovalballs
• Twitter/X: @RMOB_Rugby
• TikTok: @rmob_rugby
• YouTube: Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls Podcast

📬 Got a question, comment, or just want to rant about your club’s form?
Email us at: RucksMaulsOvalBalls@outlook.com