Rugby is back! And the new issue of Rugby World celebrates the start of the 2016-17 season, with everything you need to know about the Aviva Premiership and Guinness Pro12 teams as well as exclusive interviews with big names from across the British Isles. So here are ten reasons to pick up a copy of Rugby World’s October issue…
1. Team-by-team guide
We profile all 24 teams competing in the Aviva Premiership and Guinness Pro12 this season, looking at the key talking points, picking out each club’s heroes and ones to watch, and listing all the ins and outs too. Plus, we select the ideal celebrity fan for every club – who’s got Britney Spears?
2. Are artificial pitches the real deal?
This season there will be even more artificial pitches in use in the top tiers of rugby in the UK – but are they good or bad for the game? Alan Pearey investigates, discussing the pros and cons of the plastic revolution.
Pitch invasion: The artificial surface at Newcastle’s Kingston Park. Photo: Getty Images
3. Gregor Townsend exclusive
In his last season as Glasgow Warriors head coach before taking over the Scotland reins next summer, Gregor Townsend explains how rugby is beginning to break football’s stronghold on the city and talks about his coaching philosophy.
Great Scot: Gregor Townsend is in his final season as Glasgow head coach. Photo: Getty Images
4. The Olympic Impact
We all marvelled at rugby sevens’ Olympic debut in Rio – but what happens next? Stephen Jones gives his view on the future of sevens around the world and lays out a plan of action for Team GB’s men and women. Will you agree?
Rio grand: Fiji and Team GB contested the sevens final at the Olympics. Photo: Getty Images
5. A kickabout with Liam Williams
Liam Williams’s ability as a rugby player is not in doubt, so we decided to put his FootGolf skills to the test. See how the Scarlets and Wales full-back fared at the sport that combines, as you’ve probably guessed, football and golf in the new RW.
On the ball: Liam Williams takes on Swansea’s FootGolf course. Photo: Huw Evans Agency
6. Japan 2019 countdown
This month marks three years to go until the 2019 World Cup and Rugby World has been to Japan to find out how preparations are going. From tickets to stadiums, we get the lowdown from those in charge and find out how they plan to engage a new audience in Asia.
All smiles: Japan fans enjoy the 2015 World Cup. Photo: Getty Images
7. Big-name interviews
Exeter and England winger Jack Nowell (below), Connacht and Ireland lock Ultan Dillane, Saracens and Scotland centre Duncan Taylor, Cardiff Blues and Wales flanker Ellis Jenkins, Munster and Ireland back-rower Peter O’Mahony, Leicester’s up-and-coming prop Ellis Genge, Northampton Saints starlet Harry Mallinder, Wasps flanker Thomas Young and Bath lock Dave Attwood… Yes, all these players feature in this issue of Rugby World. Plus, we find out what World Cup winner Danny Grewcock is up to now.
8. Lineout tips from a pro
Want to know how to perfect your jump at lineout time? Former Newcastle and Scotland second-row Scott MacLeod, who is now a coach at the Falcons, gives his advice on how to master the technique.
Soaring Falcon: Scott MacLeod wins a lineout in his Newcastle days. Photo: Getty Images
9. Brendan Venter’s column
London Irish’s new technical director Brendan Venter provides an insight into how the club have prepared for their Greene King IPA Championship campaign and lays out his plans to help the club bounce back to the top flight.
Green goals: Can London Irish bounce straight back to the Premiership? Photo: Getty Images
10. Women’s rugby developments
There has been a plethora of announcements in the women’s game over the summer. Ali Donnelly reports on the key developments.
First 15s: England Women’s 15-a-side players are to be given pro contracts. Photo: Getty Images
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