Eddie Jones' work ethic and World Rugby’s big calls

About this episode

The episode discusses Eddie Jones' work ethic while touring with Japan U23 and covers major rugby topics including the European Rugby Championship and Super Rugby results.

David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie hold the fort while Eddie Jones is away touring with Japan U23, and it kicks off with a blunt reality check on what “tour” really means for staff: more toil, more review, and a constant hunt for one-percenters. From there, it’s a sprint through the weekend’s biggest talking points: the Investec European Rugby Championship’s eye-watering Round of 16 scorelines and why the tournament still struggles to cut through globally, plus Super Rugby’s Week 8 results and what the Western Force’s win over the Reds says about form, intent, and momentum. They also get into the uncomfortable truths around crowd numbers, the economics of attending live sport, and why rugby still lives and dies by referee interpretation, even with technology. Add in 2027 World Cup pillars, women’s rugby momentum, South African schools theatre, and Henry Pollock signing with Eddie Hearn. Also in this episode: ● Eddie Jones touring: early starts, late finishes, relentless review ● One-percenters in coaching: travel, jet lag, and talent ID ● Investec European Rugby Championship lacks continuity and cut-through ● Super Rugby Week 8: Crusaders, Chiefs, Force statement win ● Referee…

People in this episode

Hosts: David Pembroke, Ewen McKenzie, Eddie Jones

Topics covered

• Eddie Jones
• European Rugby Championship
• Super Rugby
• referee interpretation
• women's rugby
• rugby economics

Keywords

• Eddie Jones
• rugby
• European Rugby Championship
• Super Rugby
• referee
• women's rugby
• crowd numbers
• 2027 World Cup

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Japan U23, Investec European Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, Western Force, Reds, TMO, Women’s Six Nations, Pacific Four

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