The new issue of Rugby World celebrates the game’s entertainers – that’s why we’ve called it the Mavericks Edition. We’ve spoken to players around the world who have the ability to keep fans on the edge of their seats, wondering what trick they will conjure next. There’s plenty more inside too – here are 12 reasons to pick up a copy…
Ready for take-off: Danny Cipriani at South Warwickshire Flying School. Photo: Sam Riley
Danny Cipriani takes to the skies
The Wasps fly-half has always divided opinion but no one can deny his knack for producing magic on a rugby pitch. RW’s Alan Dymock caught up with him as he enjoyed a flying lesson – yes, we put him in control of a plane!
The greatest mavericks of all time
As well as speaking to modern-day players with verve and flair, RW profiles seven players who can be labelled the greatest mavericks ever. Will you agree with our selection? Pick up an issue to see who makes the cut.
Boot it: Beauden Barrett explains different kicking options in the new RW. Photo: Getty Images
Learn to kick like an All Black
Beauden Barrett, the reigning World Player of the Year, is one of the game’s most exciting players. He gives his top tips for mixing up your kicks, from the chip to the grubber to the banana – and explains why putting boot to ball is a key attacking weapon.
How to make the Eagles fly
We spoke to John Mitchell to find out how he’s using the lessons learnt as All Blacks coach – and with other teams around the globe – to inspire greater success in his USA role. The Eagles won the Americas Rugby Championship and now Mitchell wants his team to become more competitive against Tier One countries.
Space invader: Simon Zebo finds a gap in England’s defence. Photo: Getty Images
Simon Zebo on fatherhood, fun and Foley
Ireland’s Simon Zebo is known as one of rugby’s most chilled out characters but he’s still hugely competitive and is not averse to taking risks in a game – he’s just learnt to do so when the time is right. He opens up about the loss of Anthony Foley, being a father and why it’s so important to play with a smile on your face.
Prop stars: Tadhg Furlong and Kyle Sinckler
Ireland tighthead Tadhg Furlong is enjoying a phenomenal season and is the favourite to wear the No 3 shirt for the Lions against New Zealand in a couple of months. Kyle Sinckler is the coming man in the position for England, highly rated by Eddie Jones and standing out for his trademark bursts. We interviewed both props to find out more about them.
Sea of red: Lions fans in New Zealand in 2005. Photo: Getty Images
A trip down memory lane – Lions-style!
RW columnist Stephen Jones has been on every Lions tour since 1983. This month he recalls some of his favourite memories, including bank robberies and death-defying drives, while also looking at how the tours have changed over the years.
Why Quade Cooper is still swinging
The Wallaby is back in Australia after a frustrating stint at Toulon and he has plenty left to tick off his to-do list. Cooper tells RW about his approach to rugby, why he is trying his hand at boxing and his ambitions for the future.
Break time: Emily Scarratt on an attacking burst for England Women. Photo: Getty Images
Roses in bloom: what’s next for England
England won all three Six Nations titles this year so we look at what challenges lie ahead for the men, women and U20s as they aim to build on their success. Plus, Emily Scarratt talks about the women’s Grand Slam, the June to tour to New Zealand and their World Cup defence.
The historic 100th Army v Navy clash
This month at Twickenham, the Army will play the Navy for the 100th time. RW’s Alan Pearey has been inside both camps to find out how they are preparing and why this match is the biggest amateur sports spectacle in the world.
Man at No 10: Dan Biggar in action during the Six Nations. Photo: Getty Images
11. Wales fly-half Dan Biggar speaks out
It’s been a mixed season for Wales and Dan Biggar. In this interview he talks about that penalty incident in the Scotland v Wales game, addresses suggestions that he should move to inside-centre to accommodate Sam Davies and reveals who he thinks is the best fly-half in the world.
12. Plus, all this is inside…
- An offbeat Q&A with Kurtley Beale.
- Leicester lock Ed Slater talks through his rugby journey.
- Ryan Wilson, the Scotland back-row, explains why his club and country are in a good place.
- The verdict on the RFU’s new Women’s Super Rugby competition.
- Rugby Europe president Octavian Moriaru lays out his vision for the future of the game on the continent and explains why there needs to be greater integration with the Six Nations.
- The Secret Player on what it’s like to play with ‘mavericks’.
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