Is this Bath’s year in Europe? Plus hybrid hero André Esterhuizen

The Ruck has a South African flavour this week as we interview Springboks hybrid hero André Esterhuizen, the centre who can also play back-row. We talk about that innovation, the Boks' fine 2025 and the upcoming Champions Cup clash between his Sharks and Saracens on Saturday.

Will, Alex and Elgan delve into the first round of the Champions Cup, which featured some of the same old issues but good wins for Northampton Saints, Bath, Bordeaux-Begles and the Scottish sides.

Plus, the boys rattle through the 2027 World Cup draw, and a gouging ban for Eben Etzebeth. We ask how the South Africans can be stopped from winning three tournaments in a row, and whether Rassie Erasmus might throw the Italy game.

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