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PODCAST

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls

Welcome to Rucks Mauls & Oval Balls, the ultimate podcast for all things English rugby! Hosted by two former university teammates who shared the pitch and forged a lasting bond, this show takes you behind the scenes of the rugby world, blending insightful analysis with a shared passion for the sport. Each episode dives deep into the game, with a special focus on statistics, player performance, team dynamics, and match breakdowns. Whether you"re a die-hard fan or new to the game, Rucks, Mauls

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All Episodes

76:32

S2 Ep 09 - USA Unready & England Unleashed

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/11/05

England put on a clinic. We break down how a sharp kicking plan, relentless two‑man tackles, and a late “Pom Squad” surge turned Australia’s momentum to dust, with Alex Mitchell’s box kicking and Tom Roebuck’s aerial work setting the tone. We get into the selection debates too: Tommy Freeman’s smart decision‑making at 13, a three‑way race at 10, and why Freddie Steward’s tough takes under targeted kicks deserved more credit than criticism. Then we head to Chicago, where Ireland and New Zeala...

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91:51

S2 Ep 08 – Autumn Action & Prem Rugby Passion

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/10/29

A whirlwind weekend gave us everything: Saints igniting Franklin’s Gardens with 30 minutes of pure velocity, Saracens scrambling to recover, Tigers and Sale trading test-level shots, and the PWR roaring back with pace and bite. We dive straight into the England squad for the Autumn Nations and ask the real selection questions: stack the 9-10-12 with Northampton’s chemistry, or ride Ford’s control and cold-blooded decision-making? Build a back row for collisions with Underhill, or tilt toward ...

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86:37

S2 Ep 07 - Caluori Counting & Harlequins Humbling

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/10/22

Money, momentum, and a meteoric rise collide in a round that had everything—from a test-match brawl at Welford Road to a 65–14 shockwave in north London. We open on England’s Autumn Nations training squad and the headache it exposes: power up front and depth at fullback. With George Martin sidelined and Tom Willis choosing Bordeaux, we dig into the balance between national ambition and financial gravity, and ask whether England’s domestic-only policy still makes competitive sense as French an...

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76:48

S2 Ep 06 - Derby Days & Broken Plays

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/10/15

Forget clichés—this weekend showed exactly who’s for real and who’s searching for answers. We start with Bath, who didn’t just win, they imposed a standard: relentless collisions, clean set-piece, and a midfield pairing that bends games their way. Even with rotation, they rolled Gloucester with control and depth that’s frankly scary. We break down why their structure travels and how Ojomoh-Lawrence unlocks space for Russell and Arundell to finish the job. Then we head to the Stoop, where Har...

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88:50

S2 Ep 05 - Prem Power Plays & Player Pains

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/10/08

A rebel league selling glitz and “player IP,” a beloved flanker facing MND, and a Prem weekend that swung on packs, pressure, and poise—this one has layers. We open the hood on R360’s promises and ask the only questions that matter: who sanctions it, who plays when international camps clash, and who still cares after the marketing burn wears off. Pre‑contracts aren’t contracts, and IP only pays if the audience is real. Best case, it nudges the established game to modernise; worst case, it’s n...

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88:26

S2 Ep 04 - Red Roses Bloom, Prem Rugby Booms

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/10/01

A world title in one hand, a battered match ball in the other—this week swings from the Red Roses’ crowning moment to a wild Premiership opening round that had big hits, bigger scrums, and even bigger talking points. We start with England’s blueprint against Canada: ruthless ruck denial, set-piece authority, and a calm response to early pressure. From Ellie Kildunne’s momentum-shifting finish to Alcroft, Matthews, and Botterman setting the tone, we unpack why this run felt inevitable—and why ...

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56:38

S2 Ep 03 - Black Eyes, Bites & Red Roses in Bloom

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/09/17

The global rugby landscape is shifting dramatically, and we're here to break it all down. In a revealing conversation about Newcastle Red Bulls' resurgence, we witness what appears to be the birth of a northern powerhouse. With an impressive 9,000 fans turning out for a mere cup fixture and more star signings on the horizon, Kingston Park finally has reason for optimism after years in the wilderness. Our deep dive into the Women's Rugby World Cup quarterfinals reveals the emergence of clear ...

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72:47

S2 Ep 02 - Women's World Cup, Red Bulls Rising & Prem...

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/09/10

The Women's Rugby World Cup takes center stage as the pool stages wrap up with England facing their first genuine test against Australia. While the Red Roses secured a comfortable 47-7 victory, questions emerge about their clinical edge in the backline as they prepare for potentially facing New Zealand's lethal attack in the knockout rounds. We dive into standout performances across the tournament and highlight how teams like Brazil and Samoa are making history simply by competing on this glo...

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65:43

S2 Ep 01 - Red Roses, Red Bull & Mr Blobby Under a...

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/09/03

The flirty season begins! After a refreshing break, we're diving headfirst into rugby's most exciting developments with renewed energy and the same unfiltered perspectives you've come to expect. Welsh rugby finds itself at yet another crossroads, with the WRU contemplating a reduction to just two regions. We explore what this East-West Wales structure might mean for traditional clubs caught in the crossfire and whether burning everything to the ground might actually be the solution this perp...

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49:00

Ep. 31 - Lions, Leaps & Last-Minute Drama

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/07/30

The second Test between the Lions and Australia delivered everything rugby fans could hope for - drama, controversy, physicality, and a last-gasp victory that secured the series for the tourists. After a relatively straightforward first Test win, the Lions found themselves thoroughly tested by a transformed Australian side at the MCG. Will Skelton's return to the Wallabies' pack proved transformative, with the towering lock imposing himself on the contest through sheer physical dominance. Hi...

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74:39

Ep. 30 - Broken Fridges & Battered Wallabies

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/07/23

When test match players deliver test match performances, Andy Farrell looks like a rugby genius. The Lions dominated Australia physically in the first test, with Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne silencing critics through outstanding displays that vindicated their controversial selections. Curry's phenomenal work rate—hitting nearly 90% of defensive rucks—alongside Beirne's disruptive presence created the platform for a convincing victory, though questions remain about the Lions' second-half drop-of...

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59:03

Ep. 29 - Are the Lions Ready to Pounce?

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/07/16

Dave and Rory deliver a rugby-packed discussion covering the Lions tour, England's Argentina series win, and Premiership recruitment. • Lions are in a good position heading into the first Test despite some underwhelming performances in warm-up matches • Standout Lions performers include Ben Earl, Ben White, Huw Jones and Joe McCarthy • Full Lions Test team predictions with debates around the competitive seven position and potential Irish bias • England's Argentina tour produced several "test...

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70:25

Ep. 28 - Farrell to the Rescue: Can He Revive the Roar?

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/07/09

The latest episode of Rucks, Mauls and Oval Balls delivers a comprehensive analysis of the Lions tour as it reaches a critical juncture, with Dave and Rory examining the performances against the Reds and Waratahs while identifying concerning patterns that could impact the upcoming Test matches. The duo delves into the Lions' struggles with set-piece execution and ball handling under pressure, while celebrating standout performances from Maro Itoje, Jack Morgan, and others who have enhanced t...

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82:15

Ep. 27 - McParland, McCarthy & Mack Hansen (Interview...

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/07/02

The summer rugby season is heating up – quite literally, as our hosts confess to sweating through this episode due to the scorching temperatures! We dive headfirst into the Lions tour, analyzing the devastating blow of Tomos Williams' tour-ending injury and what it means for the scrum-half hierarchy going forward. Our Western Force game breakdown uncovers both promising signs and concerning issues for the squad. While clinical finishing and attacking continuity impressed, scrum fragility and...

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86:30

Ep. 26 - From Lions to Lymm: A Coach's Perspective...

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/06/25

What happens when grassroots rugby meets social media advocacy? In this captivating episode, we're joined by Mark Williams, a multi-faceted rugby coach whose TikTok presence (@MWRUGBYCOACHING) is helping shine a light on the beautiful game at its foundation. Mark takes us into the trenches of community rugby, revealing the stark reality that many clubs are fielding fewer teams than a decade ago. "Preston Grasshoppers had six teams ten years ago. Now maybe four," he observes, highlighti...

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63:23

Ep. 25 - Premiership Final, Farrell Returns & Red...

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/06/18

Bath's triumph in the Premiership Rugby Final capped an exceptional season as they overcame a determined Leicester Tigers side in a match defined by physicality rather than flashy play. Guy Pepper emerged as the standout performer, demonstrating extraordinary strength to swat away defenders like mere nuisances – perhaps justifying Johann van Graan's earlier comparison to Richie McCaw. Controversy swirled around referee Carl Dixon's decisions, particularly Julian Montoya's yellow card and Dan...

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79:38

Ep. 24 - RMOB Awards Night Special

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/06/11

The Premiership semi-finals delivered rugby drama at its finest, with Bath and Leicester emerging victorious through contrasting but equally compelling performances. Bristol Bears produced near-perfect first-half rugby at The Rec, with Ellis Genge setting the emotional tone and James Dunn delivering a standout performance in the engine room. Their dominance was embodied by Calaveti Ravouvou, whose electric running constantly threatened to tear Bath apart. Yet Guy Pepper's heroic breakdown wo...

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86:19

Ep.23 - Painting the Premiership Playoff Picture

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/06/04

The curtain falls on the Premiership's regular season, but the drama has only just begun. In this episode, Dave and Rory dissect a Round 18 filled with surprising performances, emotional farewells, and the final playoff picture taking shape. Bath's youthful squad showed remarkable courage against Saracens, with debutants Tyler Afaya and Barford crossing the whitewash, offering a tantalizing glimpse into their future despite the 36-26 defeat. Meanwhile, fans at Welford Road witnessed a poigna...

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74:03

Ep. 22 - Premiership Partings, Pollocks Pulse &...

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/05/28

The landscape of global rugby stands on the precipice of transformation with the announcement of a 16-team Club World Cup starting in 2028. This landmark decision promises to answer the question that's lingered in rugby circles for decades: how would champions from different hemispheres fare against each other when the stakes are highest? As we celebrate this forward-looking vision, we also honor those who've defined an era of Premiership excellence. Dan Cole, Mike Brown, and Alex Goode – th...

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80:07

Ep. 21 - England Tour Talk & Premiership Title Twists

Rucks, Mauls & Oval Balls ·

2025/05/21

Welcome to an episode brimming with rugby insights, personal challenges, and in-depth analysis of the sport's evolving landscape! We kick off with tales from the Jurassic Coast Challenge – a grueling 100km trek that left one of your hosts with barely any skin on his feet but helped raise over £5,000 for charity. Diving into the rugby world, we explore Championship Rugby's exciting rebrand and restructure. This isn't just a name change; it's a comprehensive overhaul creating a proper pathway ...

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