In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by one of rugby’s most influential player voices – RPA General Secretary Christian Day – for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the pitch.
From cooking under pressure on MasterChef to negotiating under pressure in rugby’s corridors of power, we explore the man behind the governance role – but first, we start with the Six Nations.
Following England‘s bruising defeat to Ireland, we assess the fallout heading into the fallow week.
What questions will Steve Borthwick‘s squad be asking themselves after back-to-back humblings?
Was the 12-match unbeaten run overhyped? And with Italy looming, is there genuine banana-skin potential?
Away from Test rugby, Christian opens up on his surprise MasterChef appearance – where his passion for cooking began, how food culture has evolved in professional rugby, and whether elite sport shares traits with high-pressure kitchens.
We also cover…
Cooking as a mental escape from pro rugby pressures
Signature dishes & dressing room food culture
Nutrition’s evolution in the modern game
Financial fragility across the club landscape
Player welfare challenges in 2026
Contract security & career transition support
The global calendar and player workload debate
Relationship dynamics between the RPA, RFU & Premiership Rugby
Women’s player representation and professional growth
How the on-field product is evolving – collisions, breakdown and safety balance
From Premiership finals to judges’ tables, it’s a fascinating insight into life after playing – and life at the heart of rugby’s decision-making table.
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