Hold the front page: Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Heaslip, Alex Corbisiero and Greig Laidlaw are our October cover stars
THE NEW issue of Rugby World is a start-of-season special, with all you need to know about the 2013-14 campaign. As well as profiles on every team in the Aviva Premiership and RaboDirect Pro12, we have exclusive interviews with big names like Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Corbisiero, Jamie Heaslip, Greig Laidlaw, Mathew Tait, Dean Richards and Nick Evans.
Former internationals Stuart Barnes and Paul Wallace also run the rule over the teams in the English top flight and the Pro12, making their predictions of who’s going to be on song and who’s going to be bomb over the coming months. Our columnist Stephen Jones analyses Bath’s prospects and we look at the Championship contenders. There’s much more, too – check out the full list of contents here…
Sidelines
Four players to watch this season, 30 minutes with Freddie Burns, the official RWC 2015 ball revealed, Ulster’s tribute to Nevin Spence, the World Club Sevens, Hotshots and more
Columnists
Lyn Jones – The new Dragons DoR on the problems facing the regions
Neil Back – The World Cup winner picks his current England back row
Jonathan Thomas – It’s been a busy summer for the new Worcester captain
Rising to the occasion: Peter O’Mahony
Spotlights
Ashley Johnson – Why the Springbok back-rower has settled so well at London Wasps
Peter O’Mahony – Meet the man charged with leading Munster’s next generation
Rhys Priestland – The No 10 is feeling pain-free and refreshed ahead of the new campaign
Richie Vernon – Can the back-rower’s return to Glasgow Warriors reignite his Test career?
Features
Alex Corbisiero – The Lions prop talks Northampton Saints, scrums and England selection
Jamie Heaslip – The Leinster and Ireland No 8 opens up on his bitter-sweet Lions tour
Leigh Halfpenny – Recent achievements are yet to sink in for the Lions hero
Greig Laidlaw – The No 9 on why Edinburgh are all about defence this season
Mathew Tait – The forgotten man of English rugby is back on the radar
Stephen Jones – Our columnist asks if Bath can ever recapture their glory days
Nick Evans – The Kiwi No 10 is aiming for more silverware with Quins
Dean Richards – He’s back in the Premiership, but can the Falcons fly high?
Bristol – Andy Robinson sets out his plan for the Championship club
Knowledge: Team by team guide
Start-of-season special
Expert analysis – Former internationals Stuart Barnes and Paul Wallace give their verdict on the new domestic season, including their predicted end-of-season tables for both the English Premiership and the Pro12
The teams – The definitive guide to every club in the Aviva Premiership and RaboDirect Pro12, including all the key men, new signings – and potential theme tunes!
Advice section
Pro Insight – London Irish take us inside a Pilates session
Fitness – A lower-body workout for you to try
Pro Playbook – How to set up a drop-goal opportunity
Mini Rugby – How to double tackle an opponent and a fun wrestling game for you to play
Regulars
Essentials – The latest books and products
Uncovered – Meet new Sale captain Dan Braid
Tour Tale – A funny story from the amateur era