IT’S A new age in Europe, with the launch of the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. The latest edition of Rugby World gives you the skinny on every pool! As well as talking with the biggest personalities in the competitions, we look at previous champions and consider the possible issues ahead.

On top of that, Rugby World looks at the biggest innovations to shake the game since its inception, we talk with those hardy souls who have swapped between rugby league and rugby union to see if they think Sam Burgess will be a success and Stephen Jones has a warning for the women’s game.

Here is a full list of contents – and you can find out where to buy your copy here or download our free magazine finder app here. Plus, download the digital edition here.

SIDELINES

This month we look at the most intriguing match-ups to come in the Champions Cup, Bernard Lapasset’s concerns for the Rio Olympics and talk with Steve Borthwick about life in Japan.

COLUMNISTS

John Kirwan– All Blacks hero Sir John Kirwan is in the UK in November, coaching the Baa-Baas. He tells us about it

Chris Cracknell– The sevens specialist gives us his views as the HSBC Sevens World Series

Gareth Davies– The Dragons’ Chief Executive was recently elected to the WRU board. He talks about the state of the Welsh game

SPOTLIGHTS

James Haskell– Wasps’ captain talks us through his career to date

Scott Williams– A leader? At such a young age the Scarlet is a senior player

Felix Jones – The Munster full-back hopes his side can push on following a tough start

Scott MacLeod – Making trips over the border between Hawick and Newcastle is part of life for the second-row

FEATURES

Owen Farrell – Here comes another monumental season for England and Saracens’ plucky fly-half

Leinster – Can the province triumph in Europe again? Tom English looks at their chances

Carl Hayman – Toulon’s captain looks back at his career and lifts the lid on Europe’s reigning champions

Mark Bennett – It’s been one hell of a journey for the young Scottish centre to end up back in Glasgow with the Warriors

Dan Biggar – Shy and retiring off the pitch, loud and proud on it, the Ospreys stand-off is keen to ignore the criticism and just play his game

Challenge Cup – Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie talk through European competition with us on the crazy golf course

25 innovations– Here are the big changes that rocked rugby

Sam Burgess – We ask players who have switched between rugby league and rugby union if they think Sam Burgess will be a success

Big debate– Was it right to hand the European Champions Cup final to Twickenham? Here are the arguments

Women’s rugby – The World Cup was fantastic and it’s great to see some players going pro but the women’s game must be watchful, warns Stephen Jones

ADVICE SECTION

Rugby focus – It’s back! News from clubs, schools and women’s rugby here!

Pro Insight – Ben Youngs tells Rugby World about decision-making at the breakdown

Fitness – Our new-look guide shows you how to spring like Izzy Folau

Pro Playbook – Shane Howarth looks at attacking moves

Mini Rugby – How to play rugby netball

REGULARS

Essentials – The latest books and products

Uncovered – Recent retiree James Simpson-Daniel looks to the future

Tour tale – Japes on tour with the 1974 Lions