Can Ireland Win the Rugby World Cup?

About this episode

David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie discuss the current state of rugby, focusing on trends, challenges, and the women's game as a success story.

After 1 year of Rugby Unity, David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie unpack what’s working in the modern game (more wingers scoring, smarter kicking, lineout contests returning, less nonsense around yellow cards), and what’s still flashing red, especially Super Rugby crowds and rugby’s battle to stay relevant in a crowded entertainment market. They also spotlight the women’s game as the big success story: strong Six Nations crowds, huge engagement, and a style and connection with fans the men can learn from. Plus, a clear-eyed look at World Rugby’s Nations Championship and the real issue underneath it all: who actually has access to the top players. There’s European Cup semi-final wrap and finals in Bilbao, a nod to Louis Bielle-Biarrey, plus Rugby Europe scorelines, U20 Rugby Championship results, and World Rugby’s IMG deal ahead of 2031 and 2033. Also in this episode: ● Wingers scoring more tries shows the game’s shift ● Super Rugby trial laws and the end of caterpillar rucks ● Women’s Six Nations crowds, humility, and fan connection ● Nations Championship format excitement, but player access questions ● Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semi-finals and Bilbao finals ● Third Voice…

People in this episode

Hosts: David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie

Topics covered

• Rugby World Cup
• Women's Rugby
• Super Rugby
• Nations Championship
• Rugby Engagement
• Player Access
• Rugby Future

Keywords

• Rugby World Cup
• Super Rugby
• Women's Rugby
• Nations Championship
• Champions Cup
• Six Nations
• Player Access
• Rugby Engagement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: World Rugby, Moana Pasifika

Books & works: Nations Championship, Champions Cup, Challenge Cup, U20 Rugby Championship, Six Nations

Places: Ireland, Newcastle

More episodes of Rugby Unity

• Super Rugby reality check + Tony Brown, Springboks Squad & Andy Farrell re-signs with Ireland! · June 9, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Ewen’s Wallabies & Super Rugby Selections + Where to next for Shaun Edwards? World Rugby strategy silence! · June 2, 2026 · 1h 6m
• World Rugby’s Strategic Plan + ERC Finals & Crunch Creator Sensation! · May 25, 2026 · 1h 13m
• Building Rugby World Cup 2027 with Chris Stanley · May 22, 2026 · 55 min
• Eddie Jones Sanctioned + Rampaging Red Roses, Doping Bans, URC & Super Rugby Action! · May 18, 2026 · 1h 8m
• The RFU backs Borthwick for RWC 2027 – Rugby Unity Reacts! · May 11, 2026 · 1h 3m