This month focuses on the eagerly anticipated start to the Six Nations – kicking off the wave of International tournaments this year. Stuart Barnes looks at all the team’s potential and chooses his champions, plus players from each contending nation shares why the tournament is special to them. Not forgetting the start of the new expanded Super Rugby season later this month, Antipodean hotshot James O’Connor gives us his predictions.
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The Front Row
Win tickets to the RBS Six Nations
Mike Tindall: England’s Six Nations chances
Warren Gatland: The boss on Welsh prospects
Josh Lewsey: Will injuries hinder England?
Nick Mallett: Why Italy fans are the best
Hotshots – Dominic Barrow (Leeds Carnegie) and Alex Glashan (Edinburgh)
Spotlight
Hendre Fourie: The South African flanker is eager to prove his worth to England in the Six Nations
Paul James: The Ospreys front-rower is hoping to go from a Wales stand-in to the first choice
Six Nations
Stuart Barnes critiques every team and picks his winner.
England: Eight years after the last Red Rose Grand Slam, Ben Youngs says it’s time to end the wait
Wales: Jamie Roberts is bursting to get back into a Wales shirt after a long injury lay-off
Scotland: Andy Robinson is still angry after last year’s tournament, and now he’s on a mission
Ireland: The great Six Nations grounds hold a special appeal for Ireland’s No 8 Jamie Heaslip
Italy: We meet Salvatore Perugini, the only man to have played in all of Italy’s Six Nations campaigns
France: Why France’s thriving club scene is tearing the international team apart
Game Zone
Technical zone: How best to use all the equipment in your shed
Mini rugby: Teach your minis how to play Rugby Paintball
Fitness zone: Maintain your leg power, and try out some boxing
The tourist: Our next stop is Edgeley Park, the home of Sale Sharks
The Big Debate: Can a Six Nations team win this year’s World Cup?
Super Rugby: James O’Connor previews the new Super 15 season
Maggie Alphonsi England’s machine can’t wait to get back on the pitch
Legends: Our six legends give their 2011 championship verdict
Top 10 shocks Famous championship days when David slayed Goliath
Screen stars: Go behind the scenes on this BBC Six Nations shoot
Alan Quinlan Discover a hidden side to the deep-thinking Munsterman
Matt Hampson: England’s Graham Rowntree and John Wells talk coaching
The Backs
Club Guide: Our round-up of news from grass-roots clubs and schools including Team of the Month and School Team of the Month
Armchair zone: Reviewed – Alan Quinlan:Red Blooded
Tour Tale: Victor Ubogu’s capital slip-up