THIS is a special issue of Rugby World as we’ve compiled a list of the 50 Most Influential People in Rugby, counting down the movers and shakers who currently shape our game. Running over 33 pages, it is sure to provoke debate.

We also look ahead to the Rugby Championship as well as the Top 14, chat to Stephen Ferris and Josh Lewsey, get stuck into a hot debate in Scotland and find out how Saracens plan to bounce back from their two final defeats.

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 changes that could improve the women’s game, reflect on Glasgow 2014, find out more about Brive’s new academy in Fiji, shine the spotlight on two up-and-coming players and grill Nigel Owens in 30 Minutes

COLUMNISTS

Michael Lynagh – The former Australia fly-half on the Rugby Championship

Stephen Myler – Can Saints succeed again? The fly-half gives his thoughts

Jamie Cudmore – Clermont’s menacing lock on a tough Top 14 season ahead

SPOTLIGHTS

Christian Wade – The Wasp is eager to make up for lost time after his injury

Matthew Morgan – The Welshman is proving that size isn’t everything

Luke Marshall – The Ireland centre talks concussion and comic team-mates

Greig Laidlaw – Scotland’s scrum-half explains why he is in need of a change

FEATURES

The 50 Influential – We reveal our list of the 50 Most Influential People in Rugby right now, including interviews with some of the big names and verdicts from stars on others who’ve made the cut

The Rugby Championship – All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith looks ahead to the southern hemisphere’s elite tournament

Josh Lewsey – The England World Cup-winning full-back is now the WRU’s Head of Rugby. RW editor Owain Jones went to meet him

Top 14 – Toulouse struggled in Europe and the Top 14 last season, so can the French aristocrats bounce back? We speak to coach Guy Noves

Stephen Ferris – The former Ireland flanker has had to hang up his boots because of injury, so what does he plan to do next?

Saracens – They lost two finals last season, but they are still upbeat

Scotland – How should the SRU spend their £20m windfall for the Murrayfield naming rights? We asked four Scottish rugby fans – and got very different answers

ADVICE SECTION

Pro Insight – NZ Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens on the secrets of his success

Fitness – Our new-look guide shows you how to jump like Paul O’Connell. Watch a video of the three exercises here

Pro Playbook – England Women’s flanker Maggie Alphonsi explains a set move

Mini rugby – A step-by-step guide to a switch pass – watch a video here – and learn how to play rugby football

REGULARS

Essentials – The latest books and products reviewed

Uncovered – Japan head coach Eddie Jones on his life in rugby

Tour Tale – Lawrence Dallaglio tells a story from the 1997 Lions tour