Andy Farrell re-signs for Ireland + Tony Brown returns to the All Blacks!

Bordeaux delivered silverware, Japan crowned a champion, and the big coaching moves keep coming. David Pembroke and Ewen McKenzie open Part 2 by wrapping the latest results from the sevens circuit and Japan Rugby League One, including Australia’s women defeating New Zealand in Bordeaux, France beating New Zealand in the men’s event, and Dave Rennie leading Kobe Steelers to the title in Japan. They also discuss whether Brodie Retallick might have more left in the tank, and why coaches have to think laterally when planning two years ahead.

The conversation then shifts to two major coaching stories: Tony Brown’s return to the All Blacks setup after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and Andy Farrell re-signing with Ireland through to 2031. Ewen explains why assistant coaching and head coaching are very different jobs, reflects on working alongside Eddie Jones, and breaks down what Farrell’s long-term deal says about Ireland’s faith in him. The episode closes with a reminder about Rugby Unity Live in Newcastle, and a call for the Rugby Unity audience to keep shaping the game through questions, ideas and rugby innovations from around the world.

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 🏆 Bordeaux sevens and Japan finals wrap begins
00:18 🇦🇺 Australia women beat New Zealand again
00:28 🇫🇷 France beat New Zealand in the men’s event
00:42 🇿🇦 Blitzboks finish as world champions
00:55 🇯🇵 Dave Rennie and Kobe Steelers win in Japan
01:18 🖤 Brodie Retallick future speculation begins
01:40 🧠 Why coaches must think two years ahead
02:05 🇳🇿 Tony Brown returning to the All Blacks
02:40 🛤️ Assistant coach pathway to head coach discussed
03:18 🏠 Why returning home matters for coaches
03:35 🎯 Assistant coach versus head coach explained
04:05 📋 Ewen breaks down the real head coach workload
04:42 🤝 Ewen reflects on working alongside Eddie Jones
05:35 ⏰ Six a.m. meetings and reading Eddie’s diary
06:10 🇮🇪 Andy Farrell re-signs with Ireland to 2031
06:48 🦁 England hopes ended as Farrell stays put
07:08 💚 Why Farrell’s loyalty suits Irish rugby
07:42 🏉 Two more World Cups to chase glory
08:20 📣 What Farrell’s deal says to players and fans
09:05 🚪 How long deals block the coaching pathway
09:35 🛠️ Building assistant coaches for the next cycle
10:00 🇺🇸 Ireland support in America could be huge
10:40 🇦🇺 Why Ireland will also travel strongly in Australia
11:00 ☘️ Irish influence in Australia gets a mention
11:30 🎟️ Rugby Unity Live in Newcastle reminder
12:05 🗣️ The third voice returns to centre stage
12:28 💡 Rugby Unity wants fan questions and new ideas
12:50 🌍 Future episodes will spotlight rugby innovation worldwide

Call to action:
📌 What rugby innovation from your club, province or country deserves more attention?

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