Prem play-offs: DOR special

Prem play-offs: DOR special

From Rugby Union Weekly by BBC Radio 5 Live

June 11, 2026 · 52 min

About this episode

The episode features an exclusive discussion with four directors of rugby about the current Prem season and various rugby-related topics.

The pod has been given exclusive access to the four directors of rugby ahead of this weekend's play-offs. Chris heads to the Prem awards in central London to sit down with Phil Dowson, Johann van Graan, Rob Baxter and Geoff Parling to reflect on the Prem season so far and the quality of rugby. Has there been too many blowouts? And have the recent law changes made it a better or worse spectacle? We also look at the gruelling schedule for the game's top international players. Should Maro Itoje and his fellow Lions be rested this summer? What do the DORs think to the Champions Cup and how that is scheduled? We hear about the changes to the pool stages next season and what the four coaches would change about the competition. We also delve into the relationship between the clubs and England and whether the players should be spending more time with club than country.

People in this episode

Host: Chris

Guests: Phil Dowson, Johann van Graan, Rob Baxter, Geoff Parling

Topics covered

  • Prem play-offs
  • directors of rugby
  • rugby season reflection
  • law changes
  • international player schedule
  • Champions Cup
  • club vs country

Keywords

  • Prem play-offs
  • directors of rugby
  • rugby quality
  • law changes
  • international players
  • Champions Cup
  • club relationship

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Champions Cup, England

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