Awesome foursome: Chris Ashton, Conor Murray, Jonathan Davies and Matt Scott all feature in this month’s issue
THE AUTUMN Internationals are here and the December issue of Rugby World is packed with features on the game’s biggest names. England wing Chris Ashton explains why last season was his most challenging yet and vows to be better in this campaign, while Wales centre Jonathan Davies, Ireland No 9 Conor Murray and Scotland’s Matt Scott look ahead to a tough series of November Tests.
We also get the view from the southern hemisphere – Wallaby Israel Folau gives us an insight into his life, find out what Springboks Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis were like growing up, and read Stuart Barnes’s view on the All Black fly-half conundrum: is this the end for Dan Carter?
On top of all that, we have a brand-new women’s section – England flanker Marlie Packer is the first player to feature – and all the news from the grass-roots game. Plus, Stephen Jones gives his advice to youth coaches everywhere. This is the full list of contents – and you can find out where to buy your copy here or download our free magazine finder app here.
Sidelines
A look at the new RWC 2003 film, Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson, this month’s Tier Two Test schedule, a women’s rugby breakthrough in Brunei, 30 Minutes with Australia hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, two exciting prospects in Hotshots and more
Let’s get physical: Richard Hibbard wrestles with Dan Lydiate
Columnists
Joe Schmidt – Ireland’s new head coach looks ahead to a challenging autumn
Trevor Woodman – The World Cup-winning prop on his memories from 2003
James Robson – The Lions doctor gives his verdict on the big concussion issue
Spotlights
Richard Hibbard – Wales’ hard man is ready to take on mighty opposition
Billy Twelvetrees – Can the Gloucester centre solve England’s midfield muddle?
Rory Best – The Ireland hooker says the pressure is on this month
Ruaridh Jackson – The fly-half is eager to lead Scotland’s attack
Features
Chris Ashton – The England wing opens up on his most challenging year yet and is ready to bounce back
Conor Murray – The Lions boosted the Ireland scrum-half’s confidence and now he wants three Test wins
Jonathan Davies – The Wales centre is ready to take on more responsibility going into the four-Test series
Matt Scott – Scotland’s No 12 believes he can cut it with the world’s best this November
The Big Debate – Do Argentina need a Super Rugby team? Read these two opposing views, then vote
Memories: relive England’s 2003 World Cup triumph with our photo special
South Africa – The remarkable upbringing of Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis
Australia – Wallaby wonder Israel Folau talks through his life and times
New Zealand – Is this the end for Dan Carter? Stuart Barnes on Kiwi No 10s
2003 World Cup – Remember England’s global triumph
Stephen Jones – Our columnist on why coaching isn’t important – players are
Advice section
Pro insight – England Sevens’ top tips
Fitness – A conditioning workout
Pro playbook – Paul Grayson’s scrum move
Mini rugby – How to kick a drop-goal
Regulars
Rugby focus – All the news from the clubs, schools and women’s circuit
Essentials – The latest books and products
Uncovered – Welsh referee Nigel Owens
Tour Tale – Who made a costly mistake?