CHRISTIAN DAY | Italy v England Six Nations preview | MasterChef to RPA leader | Rugby Paper Roundup

CHRISTIAN DAY | Italy v England Six Nations preview | MasterChef to RPA leader | Rugby Paper Roundup | Six Nations 2026 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. You can subscribe to The Rugby Paper digitally or physically for more great content via this link: https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/subsc... OR by scanning the QR code in the top right corner. Follow us across social media for more rugby insight and analysis: X: https://x.com/TheRugbyPaper Facebook: / therugbypaper Instagram: / therugbypaper Coaching at a grassroots rugby club while juggling work, family & training? Then this is for you. The Rugby Coach Weekly Partner Club Programme helps clubs recruit, train and retain volunteer coaches — while making your coaching life easier. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/