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Test rugby thriving after best ever Six Nations + how does rugby crack USA | The Rugby Paper Roundup

·37 min·3 clips
Why was this year's Six Nations the best ever, and what does it say about the health of international rugby?
The episode opens with host Ben declaring the 2024 Six Nations the best ever in terms of entertainment, drama, and controversy. Guest Sam Larner, a rugby analyst and author, joins to discuss the tournament. Larner shares he watched Super Saturday from Italy and highlights the high stakes, with everything from the wooden spoon to the championship up for grabs. Ben notes the thrilling finale where Thomas Ramos kicked a last-minute winning goal for France against England. They discuss the overall health of international rugby despite financial struggles in club rugby. Larner points out emerging stars like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Henry Pollock, and Rhys Carre. Statistics show this Six Nations had the most tries and points ever. Larner analyzes why scoring is up, citing a tactical shift away from kicking points and towards scoring tries, plus changes in contestable kick rules leading to more broken-field play. The conversation turns to France's attacking style, with Larner explaining how their immediate kicks on turnover ball create chaos for defenses. He mentions Bielle-Biarrey's try-scoring record and how France uses cross-field kicks from set pieces. Ben brings up Shaun Edwards' defense of France conceding over 90 points in two games, noting a trend of higher scoring in rugby. Larner discusses whether this trend will continue into the World Cup, suggesting refereeing and possession rules may favor attacking play. The focus shifts to England's frustrating Six Nations, where they won only one game. Larner analyzes their autumn success with a kicking game that created tap-backs and tries, but notes this became less effective in the Six Nations due to the lottery of aerial contests. He remains cautiously optimistic about England's future. After an ad break for Rugby Coach Weekly, the discussion moves to USA rugby and Major League Rugby. Larner assesses the challenges, including the difficulty of converting NFL athletes late and the recent contraction of MLR teams. He compares Italy's 24-year development in the Six Nations to USA's shorter timeline. Ben mentions Mike Friday's view that USA struggles in the tight five positions. Larner highlights players to watch in MLR, like Tom Pichon and Viliami Lopeti. The episode concludes with Larner promoting his new book, 'Attacking the Space', which delves into rugby's tactical underpinnings for fans.

As heard by us

A sharp Six Nations debrief that points toward rugby's attack-heavy future.

The Rugby Paper Roundup treats this Six Nations as lively and a bit chaotic, then uses Sam Larner's appearance to widen the frame toward where international rugby might be going.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want a sharp read on why this Six Nations felt alive from first whistle to last?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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