The RFU backs Borthwick for RWC 2027 – Rugby Unity Reacts!

Was the RFU right to back Borthwick until RWC 2027? Will England be the team who can challenge the almighty Boks in Australia? Perhaps the Nations Championship will be the telling competition? This and more on this episode of Rugby Unity.

David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie break down the Super Rugby ladder fight (including the battle for fifth and sixth), refereeing swings that cut both ways, and how a Wallaby coaching group should be tracking form without making emotional, knee-jerk calls. They also wrap the global game: Top 14 relegation pressure and Toulouse’ ridiculous points differential, the Premiership’s lopsided results (Harlequins’ 76 on Newcastle), and a URC table packed with contenders. Plus: New Zealand’s player drain, Japan’s pull, Richie Mo’unga’s return-to-eligibility rule, record crowds in the women’s Six Nations, and a winner-takes-all England vs France final in Bordeaux.

RUGBY UNITY LIVE! IN NEWCASTLE 10 JULY 2026: tickets.iwannaticket.com.au/event/hunter-rugby-luncheon-japan-v-ireland-61ffdo

SIGN UP TO THE BIG 3 HERE: tinyurl.com/big3rugbyunity 👈👈

Ask Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie anything! Fill out the form below 👇
tinyurl.com/rugbyunityquestions 👈👈

👉 Want more from Rugby Unity? .substack.com/

In this episode:
00:00 🏉 Super Rugby and Top 14 pointy end overview
02:00 🇦🇺 Super Rugby Australia struggles vs New Zealand sides
03:00 🧑‍⚖️ Reds refereeing call, disallowed try, swings and roundabouts
03:30 🧲 Wallabies selection approach as Super Rugby unfolds
05:00 🩼 Brumbies back row Cale impact and injury question
06:00 🌊 Force competitiveness without wins in Super Rugby
08:00 🇳🇿 New Zealand player drain and contract reality
09:00 🇯🇵 Japan league stacked with World Rugby stars
12:00 📜 Richie Mo’unga rules, All Blacks eligibility, and NPC/Super Rugby
14:00 🏴 Premiership ladder, Harlequins 76, Pollock controversy
16:00 🏟️ Steve Borthwick review outcome and 2027 World Cup continuity
18:00 🌍 URC table: Glasgow lead, South African strength
20:00 🇫🇷 Top 14: Toulouse lead, relegation fight, La Rochelle and Toulon down
23:00 👩‍🦱 Women’s Six Nations crowds, Packer tries, England vs France final
29:00 🌏 World Rugby Growth Conference, Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong
39:00 🧠 Rugby culture vs money vs structure, and values as differentiation
48:00 🏉 Shute Shield momentum, community rugby and local marketing
57:00 🇦🇺 Domestic comp debate, ARC memories, pro opportunities

Call to action:
📌 Can Australia’s Super Rugby form still translate into finals wins over New Zealand teams?

📩 Got a question? Email us: info@rugbyunity.com.au
🔔 !
📲 Follow us on socials → TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook & LinkedIn @RugbyUnityPodcast