In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by She’s The Champ podcast host and The Rugby Paper writer Bluebell Nicholls to preview a fascinating showdown between the competition’s established giants and its newest disruptors.

We also discuss Bluebell’s rugby journey, the growth of the women’s game in Canada and her involvement with Toronto Nomads.

🏆 The Big Picture •⁠ ⁠Does this final feel like a watershed moment for the PWR? •⁠ ⁠Is Trailfinders’ rise proof that investment is broadening the league’s competitive landscape? •⁠ ⁠Has Gloucester-Hartpury’s semi-final exit changed perceptions of what clubs can achieve? •⁠ ⁠Is the PWR becoming genuinely unpredictable?

🔴 Saracens – Experience and Pedigree •⁠ ⁠Sixth PWR final appearance and another shot at silverware •⁠ ⁠How Jess Breach’s late winner against Exeter underlined Saracens’ big-game mentality •⁠ ⁠Marlie Packer’s emotional final game for the club •⁠ ⁠Why Zoe Harrison, Sophie de Goede, Olivia Apps and Jess Breach keep Saracens as the benchmark

🟢 Trailfinders – The Disruptors •⁠ ⁠First-ever final in just their third season in the league •⁠ ⁠Barney Maddison’s role in transforming the club •⁠ ⁠Why Meg Jones is the creative heartbeat of this side •⁠ ⁠Can Trailfinders play with freedom and no fear?

⚔️ The Match-Up •⁠ ⁠Structure and control versus creativity and chaos •⁠ ⁠Does the head-to-head record matter in finals? •⁠ ⁠Where will the game be won and lost? •⁠ ⁠Set-piece, breakdown and the first 20 minutes •⁠ ⁠Which style of game favours each team?

⚡ Quickfire with Bluebell •⁠ ⁠One under-the-radar player who could decide the final •⁠ ⁠One player you'd pay to watch •⁠ ⁠Which team has more X-factor? •⁠ ⁠Which team has more power? •⁠ ⁠Which team has the better bench? •⁠ ⁠Score prediction

🎧 Sunday’s PWR Final kicks off at 3pm from The Stoop, live on TNT Sports. Will Saracens add another title to their collection, or can Trailfinders complete one of the great underdog stories in recent domestic rugby history?

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In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup… Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by All Things Rugby editor Saner Hasan to preview one of the biggest weekends in the club rugby calendar.

The Prem final takes centre stage as Northampton Saints take on Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham. The Saints have been the benchmark side all season, while Exeter’s remarkable rise from crisis to contenders has become one of the stories of the campaign. We break down the contrasting journeys of the two finalists, the brilliance of Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman, Henry Pollock’s meteoric rise, and why Rob Baxter’s rebuilt Chiefs are proving so difficult to beat.

We also discuss:

•⁠ ⁠Whether Tommy Freeman is the most dangerous player in the Premiership

•⁠ ⁠Exeter’s transformation from relegation fears to title challengers

•⁠ ⁠The key battles between Fin Smith and Harvey Skinner, and Fraser Dingwall and Henry Slade

•⁠ ⁠Whether recent final experience gives Saints an edge

🏆 URC Final

Attention then turns to Croke Park where Leinster face the Bulls in a repeat of last year's final.

We discuss:

•⁠ ⁠Why winning the URC almost feels like a minimum requirement for Leinster

•⁠ ⁠Whether the Bulls can finally end their long wait for silverware

•⁠ ⁠The pressure on Leo Cullen’s side after another Champions Cup disappointment

•⁠ ⁠Which team has more to lose on Friday night

🌏 Super Rugby Pacific Final

The Hurricanes host the Chiefs in Wellington in a final that has never happened before.

We ask:

•⁠ ⁠Are the Hurricanes the best club side in world rugby right now?

•⁠ ⁠Can the Chiefs finally end their run of final heartbreak?

•⁠ ⁠Which side handles the pressure of the occasion better?

🌹 France XV v England XV

Before the finals begin, England XV head to Vannes to take on France XV as Steve Borthwick starts preparations for the summer Nations Championship.

We discuss:

•⁠ ⁠Why this uncapped fixture matters more than it looks

•⁠ ⁠The return of Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Max Ojomoh

•⁠ ⁠England's opportunity to build momentum for the summer

•⁠ ⁠The notable absence of Ollie Lawrence

🔥 Final Questions

•⁠ ⁠Which win would mean the most?

•⁠ ⁠Which player is under the most pressure?

•⁠ ⁠If you could build a team around one player from the finals weekend, who would it be?

•⁠ ⁠Ranking the fly-halves: Fin Smith, Harvey Skinner, Sam Prendergast, Handré Pollard, Damian McKenzie and Ruben Love

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In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup…

Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by Northampton Chronicle rugby writer Tom Vickers to preview a mouthwatering Gallagher Premiership semi-final weekend.

Friday night sees one of English rugby’s fiercest rivalries take centre stage as Northampton Saints host Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens with a place in the Premiership final on the line.

We revisit the iconic 2014 semi-final between the sides, discuss whether this remains the biggest rivalry in the Premiership, and examine why history suggests the winner could go all the way and lift the trophy.

With Saints having topped the table and successfully navigated a season of rotation, injuries and international call-ups, we assess the outstanding job Phil Dowson has done, the impact of Anthony Belleau, and how Northampton have maintained their consistency despite spending periods without Fin Smith.

We also discuss:

• George Furbank’s impending departure and the motivation it brings • Why Saints have flourished despite heavy squad rotation • Leicester Tigers’ remarkable rise under Geoff Parling • The clash of styles between Northampton’s attack and Leicester’s set-piece power • Tommy Freeman’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage • The importance of Franklin’s Gardens under the Friday night lights

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🏆 Bath v Exeter Chiefs

Attention then turns to Saturday’s second semi-final as defending champions Bath host Exeter Chiefs at The Recreation Ground.

We discuss:

• Whether Exeter are the most dangerous fourth-placed side in recent Premiership history • Henry Slade’s outstanding season • Bath’s title credentials and attacking firepower

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You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: [https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc](https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc)... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner.

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