Eddie Jones is once again in the spotlight — coaching against Australia for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup where just about everything went wrong for him. Host David Pembroke and co-host Ewen McKenzie discuss Eddie’s approach to coaching and how he will be planning to bring about an upset victory over the Wallabies.

With international rugby taking a break ahead of the Autumn internationals, this episode discusses coaching philosophies and player welfare, the challenges of different professional competitions and suggestions from the Rugby Unity audience. McKenzie shares rare insights about the knowledge he acquired in his time working alongside Eddie at the Brumbies and Wallabies. The show also pays tribute to former England Captain Lewis Moody following his diagnosis of Motor neurone disease and explores how World Rugby is reshaping player safety.

Also in this episode:

Inside Eddie’s Japan setup and training calendar

Why confidence comes from clarity, not emotion

The future of player welfare and new match-load rules

How the Top 14 and Premiership got it right — and why changing Super Rugby might have caused more troubles that it was worth.

Reviving fan culture in Australia: lessons from the Waratahs

Your ideas on referees, scrums, and yellow cards

PLUS: David heads to Tokyo for a special Japan series — conversations with Eddie Jones, Japanese Rugby leaders, and key figures shaping the game’s next decade.

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One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

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.

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Rugby’s balance of power is changing fast.

In this episode, David Pembroke is joined by Eddie Jones to break down the biggest stories shaking the sport — from Carter Gordon’s return to union to South Africa’s unstoppable rise and the looming impact of the rebel R360 League.

Eddie reveals how he’s preparing Japan for clashes against the Wallabies and Springboks, why refereeing consistency is rugby’s biggest problem, and how the game must evolve to stay relevant.

Also in this episode:

• Carter Gordon’s $100k release and return to rugby
• League vs union fitness — what players gain and lose
• South Africa’s winning formula and New Zealand’s development slide
• The aerial contest — rugby’s new battleground
• The truth about R360 and player contracts
• Why Gregor Townsend’s Red Bull Rugby role is a win for coaches
• How Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie influence Japan’s game style

PLUS: How Eddie Jones is re-igniting the Brave Blossoms ahead of the Wallabies test.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 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.

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

The Rugby Championship closes with two close contests — the Wallabies fell short against the All Blacks in a soggy Perth, while the Springboks ground past an energised Argentina at Twickenham to claim the title.

David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie examine the defining moments from both matches, exploring where the Wallabies fell short, how New Zealand is evolving, and why South Africa’s power game still reigns supreme. With Eddie Jones in Japan preparing for the upcoming clash with Australia, the duo go deep on selections, scrums, and the growing influence of yellow cards shaping results.

Also in this episode:

• Brave Wallabies but familiar frustrations
• All Blacks’ next-gen talent — Tupaea, Carter, Holland
• Springboks’ set-piece dominance v Argentina
• Yellow cards and refereeing consistency
• England’s post–World Cup women’s rugby plan
• R360 — why it threatens rugby’s unity

PLUS: How to rebuild global connection through storytelling, transparency, and fan engagement.

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

One sport. Millions of voices. This is Rugby Unity.

📧 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.