Six Nations Crunch Time & Fallow Week BTS

The fallow week is over and Rugby Rodeo is back in the saddle with plenty to get stuck into as the Six Nations enters a crucial stretch.

Ellie and Jess lift the lid on what actually happens during a fallow week in camp – is it feet up and recovery mode or harder graft behind the scenes? From training intensity to team bonding, they give a proper insight into life inside the Red Roses environment when there’s no match day.

There’s also a big talking point shaking up the women’s game, with World Rugby announcing plans to trial a smaller ball at WXV. The girls give their honest take on the proposed size 4.5 ball, with strong opinions already circulating across the game – including from Zoe Harrison.

Attention then turns to England vs Italy, with the Red Roses team named. Helena Rowland brings up her 50th cap, Ellie reflects on another switch to the wing, and Jess opens up on being rotated out this week and what those selection conversations really look like. Plus, what threat do Italy pose off the back of their win over Scotland, and why Francesca Sgorbini is one to watch.

We also catch up on the action from the week we missed, as England secured the Triple Crown with a 62–24 win over Wales. From a standout debut for Millie David to a vintage performance from Marlie Packer and the ever-influential Meg Jones, there’s plenty to unpack.

Finally, with injuries and rotation forcing a fresh look to this Red Roses squad, Ellie and Jess discuss how different this campaign feels – and whether there’s already one eye on that massive final-round showdown in Bordeaux against France, who are building nicely under a new coach.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices