This week’s FloRugby Round-Up podcast breaks down the biggest talking points shaping the rugby landscape.

It’s a key time for rugby, as international play gears up with Autumn Internationals, and club play hits its first-month benchmark. 

The episode dives into Northampton’s PREM Rugby dominance, Japan’s resurgence under Eddie Jones and the stakes surrounding the Ireland vs. New Zealand showdown.

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From the excitement around club rugby to the unpredictable flair of international tests, the game feels both familiar and in flux. 

Momentum, identity and adaptation are the new currencies of success in the current rugby climate.

Here are three takeaways from this week’s Rugby Round-Up episode:

1. Northampton Saints’ PREM Rugby dominance

After Northampton topped Saracens 43-31, the Saints’ dominance was confirmed.

Northampton’s rise isn’t about one superstar; it’s about structure, consistency and belief. 

The Saints’ control at the set-piece and relentless physicality make them the team to beat in the PREM race.

Their success proves that system-driven teams with tactical discipline can outlast flashier rivals built around individual talent.

2. Japan Rugby’s Revival Under Eddie Jones

Under Eddie Jones, Japan is shaking up the international order.

In Japan's last match against Australia, despite a loss, the 19-15 score appeared surprisingly close, especially against a Tier 1 team.

Japan’s tactical clarity, improved conditioning and global player development strategy have reignited its competitive fire. 

This rugby resurgence for Japan shows that smaller nations can close the gap through innovation and identity.

Jones’ blueprint combines discipline with unpredictability — a formula positioning Japan as one of the most intriguing teams heading into the next test cycle.

3. Ireland vs. New Zealand: A Season-Defining Test

The upcoming Ireland vs. New Zealand clash is a pulse check on both nations’ trajectories.

For Ireland, it’s about proving sustained excellence beyond one golden cycle; for New Zealand, it’s about evolution amid generational change.

The outcome will influence global rankings, confidence and selection strategies.

Rugby On FloRugby In November

Please note all times have been converted to Eastern Time (ET). 

Nov. 1, 2025

• 9:05 a.m. ET: Barbarians vs. All Blacks XV, at TBD
• 9:30 a.m. ET: RC Toulonnais vs. Lyon OU, at Stade Mayol, Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
• 11:35 a.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Union Bordeaux, at Stade Pierre-Fabre, Castres, Occitanie
• 11:35 a.m. ET: Section Paloise vs. Perpignan, at Stade du Hameau, Pau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• 11:35 a.m. ET: MHR vs. ASM-Rugby, at GGL Stadium - Complexe Yves du Manoir, Montpellier, Occitanie
• 11:35 a.m. ET: Aviron Bayonnais vs. US Montauban, at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger, Bayonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• 12:10 p.m. ET: Japan vs. South Africa, at TBD
• 1 p.m. ET: Life vs. Mount St. Mary's, at TBD
• 4 p.m. ET: Stade Toulousain vs. Stade Francais, at Stade Toulousain, Toulouse, Occitanie

Nov. 2, 2025

• 3 p.m. ET: Stade Rochelais vs. Racing 92, at Stade Marcel Deflandre, La Rochelle, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nov. 8, 2025

• 7 a.m. ET: Georgia vs. USA, at TBD
• 8 a.m. ET: Manu Samoa vs. Paraguay, at TBD
• 8:15 a.m. ET: England A vs. All Blacks XV, at TBD
• 10:30 a.m. ET: RC Toulonnais vs. Stade Rochelais, at TBD
• Noon ET: Davenport vs. Lindenwood, at Davenport University Farmer's Insurance Athletic Complex, Caledonia, Michigan
• 4 p.m. ET: Life vs. MAU, at Lupo Field, Marietta, Georgia

Nov. 13, 2025

• 10:30 a.m. ET: Manu Samoa vs. Namibia, at TBD

Nov. 15, 2025

• 7 a.m. ET: Georgia vs. Canada, at TBD
• 12 p.m. ET: Davenport vs. McKendree, at Davenport University Farmer's Insurance Athletic Complex, Caledonia, Michigan

Nov. 18, 2025

• 10:30 a.m. ET: Manu Samoa vs. Belgium, at TBD

Nov. 21, 2025

• 10:35 a.m. ET: Union Bordeaux vs. Section Paloise, at Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nov. 22, 2025

• 7 a.m. ET: Georgia vs. Japan, at TBD
• 8:30 a.m. ET: US Montauban vs. Stade Toulousain, at Stade Sapiac, Montauban, Occitanie
• 10:35 a.m. ET: Perpignan vs. MHR, at Stade Aimé Giral, Perpignan, Occitanie
• 10:35 a.m. ET: Stade Rochelais vs. Castres Olympique, at Stade Marcel Deflandre, La Rochelle, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• 3 p.m. ET: Lyon OU vs. ASM-Rugby, at Matmut Stadium, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• 3:05 p.m. ET: Racing 92 vs. Aviron Bayonnais, at Paris La Défense Arena, Nanterre, Île-de-France

Nov. 23, 2025

• 10:35 a.m. ET: Stade Francais vs. RC Toulonnais, at Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris, Île-de-France

Nov. 28, 2025

• 2:45 p.m. ET: Newcastle vs. Leicester Tigers, at Kingston Park Stadium, England
• 2:45 p.m. ET: Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs, at TBD
• 2:45 p.m. ET: Dragons vs. Leinster, at Rodney Parade, Wales
• 2:45 p.m. ET: Ulster vs. Benetton, at Kingspan Stadium, Northern Ireland

Nov. 29, 2025

• 7 a.m. ET: Vodacom Bulls vs. Lions, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, Gauteng
• 8 a.m. ET: Zebre Parma vs. Cardiff, at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, Emilia-Romagna
• 8:30 a.m. ET: Aviron Bayonnais vs. Lyon OU, at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger, Bayonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• 10 a.m. ET: Gloucester Rugby vs. Harlequin F.C., at Kingsholm Stadium, England
• 10:35 a.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Perpignan, at Stade Pierre-Fabre, Castres, Occitanie
• 10:35 a.m. ET: ASM-Rugby vs. Stade Francais, at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• 10:35 a.m. ET: RC Toulonnais vs. US Montauban, at Stade Mayol, Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
• 10:35 a.m. ET: MHR vs. Union Bordeaux, at GGL Stadium - Complexe Yves du Manoir, Montpellier, Occitanie
• 12:30 p.m. ET: Munster vs. DHL Stormers, at Thomond Park, Limerick
• 12:30 p.m. ET: Edinburgh vs. Ospreys, at Hive Stadium, Scotland
• 12:45 p.m. ET: Bristol Bears vs. Northampton Saints, at Ashton Gate Stadium, England
• 2:45 p.m. ET: Scarlets vs. Glasgow Warriors, at Parc y Scarlets, Wales
• 2:45 p.m. ET: Connacht vs. Sharks, at Dexcom Stadium, Galway
• 3 p.m. ET: Stade Toulousain vs. Racing 92, at Stade Toulousain, Toulouse, Occitanie

Nov. 30, 2025

• 10 a.m. ET: Saracens F.C. vs. Bath Rugby, at TBD
• 3:05 p.m. ET: Section Paloise vs. Stade Rochelais, at Stade du Hameau, Pau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Watch FloRugby's Weekly Round-Up Podcast

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• United Rugby Championship
• PREM Rugby
• Top 14
• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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