Host David Pembroke sits down with world rugby insiders Brett Robinson, Chair of World Rugby, and legendary coach Eddie Jones to confront the game’s toughest challenges. From on-field law debates, TMO uproar, and safety dilemmas, to the behind-the-scenes battle for growth and global strategy—rugby is at a pivotal crossroads. Will the upcoming independent review, new competitions, and tactical tweaks form the blueprint for a more exciting, safer, and commercially viable future?

Join us as we unpack a year of high stakes; the pursuit of innovation, inclusion, and integrity amid the chaos of international rugby. With insights straight from the frontlines, this is part one of a deep dive into how the sport is evolving on and off the field—setting the stage for the game’s next chapter.

• World Rugby’s mission to unify a fractured game amid law and safety controversies
• The quest to modernize officiating and decision-making protocols
• Insights into the new Nations Cup and the 24-team World Cup draw
• Challenges of growing rugby into North and South America
• The push for a unified global calendar and competition reform
• Player welfare: managing risks while maintaining the sport's authenticity

PLUS: the future of rugby’s big tournaments, expanding into new markets, and safeguarding players in a contact sport.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

👉 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

📧 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.

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube 

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

Eddie Jones sits down with David Pembroke on the ground to unpack the weekend in Japan’s League One: Suntory v Ricoh with Sam Cane and TJ Perenara, Warner Dearns' move to the Hurricanes, Michael Leitch's relentless standards, a revealing coffee with Jesse Kriel, Richie Mo'unga's influence, Cheslin Kolbe's electric form, World Rugby's need for faster decisions and why Australia must recommit to long-term development as Joe Schmidt departs.

· Rustling crowds at Japan's League One — record attendances and growing domestic interest

· Eddie Jones on Japan's rugby boom, top players like Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe, and the Springboks’ winning mindset

· Discussions on World Rugby's decision-making pace, calendar alignment, and law reforms

· The decline of Australian rugby and the importance of long-term development strategies

· Exclusive insights on coaching, player pathways, and the international game

PLUS: record-breaking crowds, the influence of top players like Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe, and why the culture of excellence is transforming world rugby.

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇

https://tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

👉 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

📧 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.

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

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

In this episode of Rugby Unity, host David Pembroke is joined by rugby legends Ewen McKenzie and Eddie Jones to unravel the chaos surrounding the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. With controversy swirling over quarterfinal matchups, player safety, and team seedings, they break down the real story behind the brackets, travel logistics, and the rising dark horses like Zimbabwe and Argentina. Plus, catch insights on Rassie Erasmus’s long-term South African tenure, Eben Etzebeth’s suspension, and the evolving landscape of European rugby — all set against the backdrop of global rugby’s future. Whether it's strategic predictions, coaching philosophies, or behind-the-scenes politics, this is the edge-of-your-seat discussion every rugby fan needs.

Also in this episode:

- World Cup draw controversy: South Africa vs. All Blacks in quarterfinals?

- The future of seedings versus bandings in World Cup draws

- Rassie Erasmus’s long South African contract: what it means

- Eben Etzebeth’s suspension and its impact

- Zimbabwe’s surprising potential at 2027 Rugby World Cup

- Travel challenges and tournament logistics in Australia

- European Cup struggles: player availability and competition quality

PLUS: emerging dark horses, coaching secrets, the impact of travel on strategy, and what the future holds for global rugby.

👉 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

📧 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.

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

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