September 1996 - a bit hit down under – John Kennedy reports on Steve Williams’ outstanding performances in Australia, the numbers game – Norman Mair considers the challenge facing Scottish rugby as it tries to come to grips with the professional era, Ian McGeechan’s guide to fitness – speed endurance, what’s in a boot – Paul Morgan reports on the state of the boot, National League previews and League One fixtures, Welsh & Scottish Leagues preview and fixtures, world round-up – Fiji 60 Western Samoa 0, France win Student World Cup in South Africa, New Zealand blitz the Tri Nations Championship, Japan enlists outside help, Wallabies transition under Greg Smith, Canada takes the Pacific Rim title, Pumas remain positive despite a series defeat by France.

October 1996 - world round-up – New Zealand triumph in the first Tri Nations tournament, Keith Quinn looks at the Kiwis’ victory, defeat for the world champions – Dan Retief on South Africa, Australia’s Tri Nations performance, stars and their cars – Vicki Butler-Henderson meets Will Carling, Victor Ubogu, Steve Ojomoh, Adedeyo Adebeyo, Tim Rodber, Phil de Glanville and Jonah Lomu, Mickey Skinner with Dewi Morris – it’s the wheel thing, hotshots – Paul Sampson (England), Lee Jarvis (Wales) and Stuart Lang (Scotland), Ian McGeechan answers your fitness queries, trivia by Alex Spink, club round-up – club guide with performance tables, regional news.

November 1996 - Prince of Wales – they don’t make them like they used to – part 1 – Gerald Davies on Gareth Edwards, true athletes – former World 400 metres champions Derek Redmond is trying to make it as a rugby player – Michael Austin asked about the different training disciplines, fitness queries – Ian McGeechan answers them, Emerald smile – they don’t make them like they used to – part 2 – Alison Kervin interviews Willie-John McBride, Euro ’96 – rugby’s coming home? – the extended European competition scene means that all four Home nations are now involved, know your rights – part 1 – Brian Moore is running a series of legal seminars to see where you stand in the legal minefield that is professional rugby, hotshots – profiles of Malcolm O’Kelly (Ireland), Chris Sheasby (England) and Ronnie Eriksson (Scotland), world round-up – New Zealand overcame the World Champions to take their first-ever test series in South Africa – Ray Cairns and Dan Retief reports, New Zealand – union unity, Argentina – a sportsman at last, South Africa – testing times, Australia – unlucky for some, club round-up – Intermediate Cup – round one results, Rugby World’s reality rugby table, club guide in the North, Midlands, London & South East and South West, youth rugby, schools rugby, letters to the editor, the play’s the thing…Frank Keating focuses on the necessity for more centres of excellence in the game.

February 1997 -  – teams, scorers, photos, stats and match reports, fitness with David Campese, Ian McGeechan answers your fitness queries, know your rights part 4 – making the most of your commercial assets and building revenue for your club, hotshots – Vernon Cooper (Wales), James Topping (Ireland) and Simon Binns (England), club round-up – Intermediate, Junior and Pilkington Cups shocks, Newbury and Esher stay the pace in Reality Rugby, north Devon clubs lead the way in junior rugby, youth rugby with Harry Townsend, schools rugby with Huw S Thomas, School Team of the Month – Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire, Europe’s crowning glory – Frank Keating pays homage to the Five Nations – a historic and wonderful tournament.

June 1997 - Mickey Skinner visits Kingsholm for Gloucester’s match against Sale, England ready for Argy-bargy –preview of England’s tour to Argentina by Brendan Gallagher, preview of Pilkington Cup Final between Leicester and Sale, hotshots – Ben Wade (Morley & North Under 21), Jason White (Watsonians & Scotland Under 19), and Leon Lloyd (Leicester & England Under 21), fitness by Dave McLean – the Lions fitness guru, Ian McGeechan answers your fitness queries, Team of the Month – Oldham, club round-up – Wasps under the spotlight as they blaze a trail in Division One, Newbury’s 100% record at the top of the Reality Rugby table, news from around the regions, youth, Intermediate and Junior Cups with Malcolm Crane, Richmond 10 Saracens 13 in the women’s cup final – teams, scorers, stats, photos and match report, schools, School Team of the Month – Colston’s Collegiate School, Shell UK National Schools Sevens – John Fisher School in Surrey won the Open Tournament, making allowances – Frank Keating on tours.

July 1997 - Alison Kervin chats with Will Carling, courage and commitment – Rupert Bates with Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio, Mickey Skinner crosses the Severn Bridge to witness the SWALEC Cup Final in Cardiff, inter-services tournament for the Willis Corroon Trophy – won by the Army by Martin Cubitt, Pilington Cup Final – Leicester 9 Sale 3 and SWALEC Cup Final – Cardiff 33 Swansea 26 – Tennents Cup – Melrose 31 Boroughmuir 23, Intermediate Cup – Thanet Wanderers 21 Doncaster 13, Junior Cup Final – Harpenden 34 Crewe 29 – teams, scorers, photos, stats and match reports, hotshots – Richard Protherough (Worcester & England Under 21), Jamie Ringer (Cardiff & Wales Under 21) and Matt Perry (Bath & England Under 21), fitness with Lions prop Tom Smith, Ian McGeechan answers your fitness queries, club round-up – Team of the Month – Lerwick, Newbury win the first Reality Rugby league with a 100% record, news from the regions, youth with Harry Townsend, under 18s with Gavin Mortimer, schools, School Team of the Month – St Joseph’s College, Ipswich.

January 1998 - Mickey Skinner watches Wasps and Sale at Loftus Road, Alan Pearey holds a Q & A session with international referee Tony Spreadbury, international news - Daniel Ford reports on the first-ever international rugby tournament in Russia, hotshots - James Griffiths (Swansea), Joe Worsley (Wasps) and Chris Catling (Exeter), Daniel Ford on speed in rugby, Wadworth 6X Team of the Month - Bracknell, School of the Month - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield, Schools Mizuno Player of the Month - Mark Soden (Uppingham School), fixtures for the month ahead.

February 1998 - John Kennedy meets Wales second row Mike Voyle, Gavin Mortimer looks back at great matches in the Five Nations Championship, Mike Prestage on drugs - the scourge of rugby, Norman Mair meets Scotland captain Rob Wainwright, Mickey Skinner at Twickenham for the England v New Zealand game, Malcolm Crane asks 10 respected names in rugby to give their predictions for the sport in the year 2000, that was the year that was - a review of 1997, hotshots - Gordon Ross (Heriot's FP), Tony Yapp (Bedford) and Patrick & Alex Sanderson (Sale), Daniel Ford speaks to RFU doctor Paul Jackson on rugby injuries, Wadworth 6X Team of the Month Bracknell (October) and Bedford Athletic (November), South West Ladies photo, School of the Month - Oundle, Schools Mizuno Player of the Month - Mark Stanojevic (Warwick), fixtures for the month ahead.

March 1998 - let battle commence – Rugby World took a player from each country (Alex King of England, Laurent Belligoi of France, John Davies of Wales, Kenny Logan of Scotland and Jeremy Davidson of Ireland) to get their thoughts and opinions on the forthcoming tournament, the Five Nations coaches – Clive Woodward, Jean-Claude Skrela, Kevin Bowing, Richie Dixon and Brian Ashton were asked to give their views on their own teams and who they think will be Five Nations champions in 1998, brothers in arms – Alison Kervin meets the Scott and Craig Quinnell who are now both at Richmond, great leaders – Gavin Mortimer lists the 10 best captains the game has seen, show me the money – Alan Pearey interviews Keith Barwell who is the millionaire chairman and owner of Northampton RFC but insists there is no profit to be made form a rugby club, The Munch’s match day guide – Mickey Skinner visited the Rectory Field (twice!) to watch the Blackheath v Saracens cup match, world rugby – alternative Ulster – Martin McNeely finds out how rugby is viewed in the divided province of Ulster, international news, focus on the ball – England’s Paul Grayson explains the mental process behind dealing with the pressure of slotting the ball between the posts time and time again without fail, fitness queries – now includes advice on injuries from RFU Dr Paul Jackson and nutrition from Loughborough University’s Lisa Pierce, club round-up – Wadworth 6X Team of the Month – Leicester, cups update – Huddersfield YMCA stay on track and Rochdale roar on as bad weather hits cup competitions, club guide in the North, Midlands, London & South east and South West, schools rugby, School of the Month – Dulwich College, youth scene – European Students Cup, the backs – a look at the fixtures for the month ahead plus book and video reviews, letters to the editor, a tale of five cities – Frank Keating enjoys the tradition and culture of 100 years of Five Nations games.

April 1998 - France’s little giant – Ian Borthwick meets the new French captain Raphael Ibanez, kings of Europe – Bath lifted the Heineken Cup against the odds, man of our times – Norman Mair chats with former Scotland and Lions full black Andy Irvine who is now one of the men charged with leading Scotland to the 1999 World Cup, the incredible journey – Gavin Mortimer looks at Britain’s most northerly club, Orkney RFC’s travel plans, can anyone break Auckland? – Dan Retief previews the Super 12 Series, match day mishaps – Gavin Mortimer lists the 10 most disastrous moments to have graced a rugby pitch, the whole world in his hands – Alan Pearey chats to International Rugby Board Chairman Vernon Pugh and picks his brains over some of rugby’s most contentious issues, The Munch’s match day guide – France v England – Mickey Skinner goes on a diplomatic mission to befriend the French, world rugby – the Dutch march on – could The Netherlands, known for its soccer and hockey, be about to make a breakthrough in rugby – Pieter van der Vliet finds out, international news, Keegan on the ball – Daniel Ford finds out from the former England football captain and manager Kevin Keegan about his motivation and approach to fitness training both as a player and now as a coach, fitness queries – Ian McGeechan (fitness advice), Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Pierce (nutrition) answers your queries, club round-up – Wadworth 6X Team of the Month – Shrewsbury, club guide in Wales, the North, Midlands, London & South east and South West, schools rugby, School of the Month – John Fisher School in Purley, youth scene, the backs – a look at the fixtures for the month ahead plus book and video reviews, letters to the editor, Arms and the Welshman – Frank Keating on Wembley, Wales and the great Arms Park – long may it reign.

May 1998 - men on a mission – Newcastle were toiling in the Second Division when Rob Andrew and Dean Ryan headed north from Wasps – now they are top of the Allied Dunbar Premiership - Ian Stafford discovers why, premiership race hots up – let’s celebrate the opportunities the professionalism has given us says Mick Cleary, injury crisis – the horrific injury suffered by Welsh captain Gwyn Jones was headline-grabbing stuff – Clive Gammon tells the Richard Vowles’ story – a man who will never walk again, from postman to wingman – John Kennedy meets Cardiff and Wales flyer Gareth Thomas better known as Alfie, the secret diary of Austin Healey – the Leicester and England star gives an insight into a week in the life of an international player, the dream teams – Gavin Mortimer lists 10 sides from the British Isles whose deeds will live forever, Teich it easy – Dan Retief chats with Springbok captain Gary Teichmann who will welcome England, Wales and Ireland to South Africa this summer, world rugby – Italy are in at last – Italian rugby is set to take off following their entry into the Six Nations Championship from 2000 – Gianluca Barca looks at the new boys who aim to make their mark, international news, Women’s World Cup – Amsterdam is hosting the Women’s World Cup finals and England are the defending champions – Paul Morgan weighs up the opposition, The Munch’s match day guide – it’s Bath time for Mr Skinner – Mickey Skinner goes to see Bath v Leicester at the Recreation Ground, sexual equality – every game is won up front so Leicester’s Graham Rowntree and Lichfield Ladies’ Claire Sanderson look at what it takes to be a top class front row forward, fitness queries – Ian McGeechan (fitness advice), Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Pierce (nutrition) answers your queries, club round-up – Wadworth 6X Team of the Month – Avon RFC, cups update – Malcolm Crane reports on England’s big three competitions as the prospect of a game at Twickenham gets ever closer, clud guide in the North, Midlands, London & South East and South West, schools rugby, School of the Month – Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, youth scene, the backs – a look at the fixtures for the month ahead plus book and video reviews, letters to the editor, money changes all – Frank Keating looks at a game dominated in the new age by money and bickering.

June 1998 - Rupert Bates reports on the first all-London final in the Tetley’s Bitter Cup, Clinton van der Berg reports from South Africa on the Super 12 action, Richmond Mini Festival, to hell and back – Ian Stafford speaks with England’s Mr Versatility Austin Healey as he prepares for England’s most arduous tour in their history, Woodward’s half term report – England’s new coach still has an awful lot to prove at international level says Mick Cleary, the greatest – Keith Quinn meets All Black Michael Jones – is he the greatest player in the world?, a miner miracle – Gavin Mortimer reports on Welsh village club Seven Sisters reaching the SWALEC WRU Cup semi-finals – the lowest ranked side to do so in the cup’s 26-year history, fighting talk – Paul Morgan chats with Frank Warren who is owner of fast-rising Bedford on his differences with the RFU, veni, vidi, vici – Gavin Mortimer looks at the greatest touring teams to arrive on our shores, Women’s World Cup – Nicola Goodwin catches up with England in their defence of their world crown, world rugby – Hong Kong still strong – Hong Kong may have been handed back to the Chinese but the magnificent Sevens is as good as ever says Paul Morgan, international news, The Munch’s match day guide – A game of saints and Skinners – Mickey Skinner is at Franklin’s Gardens to see Northampton and Saracens go head-to-head in the Tetley’s Bitter Cup semi-final, leap of faith – Daniel Ford finds out that the much misunderstood discipline of plyometrics will help you improve your power and pace when carried out in short sharp burst, fitness queries – Ian McGeechan (fitness advice), Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Pierce (nutrition) answers your queries, club round-up – Wadworth 6X Team of the Month – Banbury, cup updates – Malcolm Crane reviews the big semi-finals and looks at how Gloucester picked up the first piece of silverware, club guide in the North, Midlands, London & South East and South West, schools rugby, Schools Team of the Month – Colston’s Collegiate in Bristol, youth scene, schools sevens – team photos of tournament winners from the Rosslyn Park Shell UK National Schools Sevens, the backs – a look at the fixtures for the month ahead plus book and video reviews, letters to the editor, our cup runneth over – Frank Keating on the remarkable growth and splendour of the RFU knockout cup.

July 1998 - Rugby World/Allied Dunbar Awards – International Player of the Year is Michael Lynagh of Saracens, Young Player of the Year is Ben Sturnham of Saracens and Player of the Year is Oat Lam of Newcastle, Dan Retief reports from South Africa on the latest action from the Super 12, “we don’t want you to be tour captain, we want you to be captain” – Matt Dawson has his work cut out leading an inexperienced England squad to the Southern Hemisphere but this a man with a mission as Ian Stafford found out, charge of the light brigade – Woodward is blooding 17 uncapped players against the world’s best reports Mick Cleary, summer tours 1998: the assessment – England can live with the best – Paul Morgan finds Clive Woodward upbeat about his untried squad, a chance to bounce back – Wales are more than ready for the South Africans reports John Kennedy, Scots follow Lions’ example – Norman Mair envisages a more physical Scotland approach Down Under, write us off at your peril – Alan Pearey finds new Ireland coach Warren Gatland in bullish mood, the tall guy – Ian Jones is the embodiment of the All Black ethos: dedicated, professional and determined to win – Keith Quinn caught up with him, wonder boy in wonderland – Thomas Castaignede was the star of the 1998 Five Nations – Rugby World took him to Disneyland Paris and Paul Morgan found a player who has the potential to be one of the game’s greats, tourists de force – Gavin Mortimer looks at the best ten teams to have left these shores and conquer, Caerphilly does it – say Caerphilly and many people would say cheese – and it’s certainly broad smiles all around the faces on the new boys to Welsh rugby’s Premier Division says John Kennedy, world rugby – Japanese in turmoil – Japan are struggling to hit form for the World Cup next years having qualified quite easily for the past two tournaments, international news, The Minch’s match day guide – Skinner’s riverside booze cruise – Mickey Skinner visits the beautiful London suburb of Richmond to see the game between themselves and London rivals Wasps, know your body – heptathlete Denise Lewis explains to rugby fitness coach Darren Grewcock about the value of rest in the training programme of any athlete, fitness queries – Ian McGeechan (fitness advice), Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Pierce (nutrition) answers your queries, club round-up – Wadworth 6X Team of the Month – Stoke Old Boys, cups update – Malcolm Crane sees a thriller in the NPI Cup Final and victory for Huddersfield YMCA in the Vase, club guide in the North, Midlands, London & South East and South West, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – Neath Tertiary College, youth scene, the backs – book & video reviews and rugby on the net, letters to the editor, business is business – Frank Keating says the heady days of touring are over as teams depart these shores with a loftier purpose.

August 1998 - the Scarlets’ 19-12 victory was all down to a late try from an unknown prop, the young pretenders – Barry Newcombe reports from Twickenham on the Sanyo Mini Festival, Henley Sevens 1998 – Seven wonders of the rugby world as Fiji overcome Samoa in the final, Benidorm Sevens 1998 – Daniel Ford reports on a Sevens tournament with a bright future, fan attendance survey – record rugby crowds as Paul Morgan reports on a big rise in attendances in the English Premiership, 1999 Rugby World Cup schedule, hotshots – profiles of Iain Balshaw (Bath & England Under 21), Jim Brownrigg (Bristol & England Under 21) and David Flatman (Saracens & England Schools), wake up Lawrence…the nightmare is over – Ian Stafford Ian Stafford talks with Lawrence Dallaglio on his mixed year for club and country, lessons from the abyss – after such public ridicule it’s time for England to put their house in order says Mick Cleary, this must never happen again – Greg Campbell reports on England suffering shellshock on their summer tour, the big sell – Greg Thomas reports on the Australian Rugby Union setting the PR machine whirring and turning to nature to win their market share, the fight for No 10 – Graham Thomas meets Arwel Thomas who is determined to make the Welsh No 10 jersey his own, playing away – British club rugby has lost an outstanding player in Gregor Townsend and Norman Mair caught up with the Scotland star in Australia to find out why he’s moving to France, the big hit parade – Gavin Mortimer pay tribute to the men who shook the rugby world with the top 10 tackles that changed the course of a match, Taine’s reign – Chris Jones on the All Blacks’ new skipper Taine Randall who has taken over from Sean Fitzpatrick, world rugby – Treviso’s Euro bid – after successive national titles Italian champions Benetton Treviso are ready to mount a serious challenge in Europe writes Gianluca Barca, international news, performance trainer – plan your year’s training with fitness editor Darren Grewcock, fitness queries – Ian McGeechan (fitness advice), Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Pierce (nutrition) answers your queries, club round-up – hail the new club champions – Newcastle, a look at all the national and regional divisional champions in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, France’s Championship Final – Stade Francais 34 Perpignan 7, schools rugby, the backs – book & video reviews and rugby on the net, letters from the editor, the 54-week rugby year – Frank Keating says that despite the backstabbing and earbiting the future looks surprisingly full of promise.

September 1998 - England: the future - Paul Morgan on the word of Woodward and chats with Will Greenwood, Wales: the future - John Kennedy speaks with Robert Jones, Scotland: the future - Norman Mair with Scotland's coach Jim Telfer, Alan Pearey holds a Q & A session with Richard Moon (Secretary of the Rugby Union Players Association), Ian Stafford looks at the future in South Africa, women's rugby - Nicola Goodwin on the rise of the Gal Blacks, New Zealand social club side Shirley Wankers of Christchurch are unbeaten in 109 matches, top ten cup upsets by Gavin Mortimer, plan your year's training with Darren Grewcock, international rugby scene - Argentina, Canada, USA and Uruguay play for a World Cup place, Croatia's new dawn, Pacific Rim Tournament.

January 1999 Women’s rugby – Nicola Goodwin campaigns for an RFU policy change for England’s women, hotshots – Huw Bennett (Clevedon School & England Under 16), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College & Ireland Under 21) and Luke Richards (Neath), Player of the Month – Keith Wood (Harlequins), Rupert Bates meets the Samoan with a tackle scarier than his haircut – Trevor Leota, Alan Perary talks with the Japan fly half winning friends in Cambridge – Kensuke Iwabuchi, John Kennedy meets the league star careering towards a union cap – Anthony Sullivan, road to redemption – Alison Kervin chats with England’s most successful captain Will Carling who is not ready to turn his back on rugby, Carling no longer the darling of rugby – Mick Cleary says that Will Carling was a great ambassador for the game but his days are over, Back where he belongs – Ian Stafford talks with England and Lions flanker Neil Back who has proved to doubters that if you are good enough then you are big enough, rugby’s future and your chance to decide – the clubs and unions have made a mess of British rugby without a thought for the fans says Chris Jones and you have the chance to have your say, the kids are alright – Priory School in Barnsley has used rugby to keep kids off the streets and away from drugs and crime so Gavin Mortimer headed north to meet the team addicted to rugby, tighthead hard men – Gavin Mortimer scrums down the 10 best tight heads of all time, The Munch’s match day guide – Skinner in the land of the exiles – Mickey Skinner visits Sunbury for London Irish’s clash with visiting Sale, world rugby – Japan reach the finals – Jeremy Duxbury reports on Japan’s unbeaten run in qualifying for their fourth straight World Cup, international news, performance trainer – improve your speed training with fitness editor Darren Grewcock, fitness queries – Ian McGeechan (fitness advice), Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Pierce (nutrition) answers your queries, club round-up – Team of the Month – Woodford, club guide – Jewson League, North, Midlands, South West and London & South East, schools rugby, School of the Month – Uppingham School in Rutland, Mizuno Player of the Month – Matt Leek (John Fisher School), the backs – a look at the fixtures for the month ahead plus book and video reviews, letters to the editor, Dear Santa-give me Cullen – Frank Keating lists the stocking fillers he wants from Mr Claus this Christmas.

February 1999 - Mike Prestage in conversation with Sale coach John Mitchell, a year in rugby – a review of 1998 by Gavin Mortimer, back to his best – Ian Stafford chats with Dick Best, top ten locks – lock, stock & barrel, Mickey Skinner watches Bristol v Moseley, world rugby – Fiji sheikh up Dubai by Gavin Mortimer, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), Ian McGeechan answers your fitness queries, Budweiser Team of the Month – Heathfield & Waldron, Jewson League and regional news with spotlights on Aspull, Oakham, Scunthorpe, Penzance & Newlyn, Longleves, Beccles and Tonbridge, schools rugby with Huw S Thomas, Schools Team of the Month – Wellington College, Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Charles Hodgson (Bradford Grammar School), fixtures for January/February, Graham Henry has put a stop to Welsh/New Zealand rivalry says Frank Keating.

March 1999 - Five Nations 1999 – coaches’ assessments, Five Nations stats and the A-Z of the Five Nations, a family affair – the Lievremonts, Chris Dighton meets Springboks Francois Pienaar and Bobby Skinstad, Mark Souster on Chinese rugby, top ten blindsides, Mickey Skinner watches West Hartlepool v Wasps, world rugby – Cannucks cash bonus by Ian Kennedy, fitness by Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), fitness queries answered by Ian McGeechan, Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Piearce (nutrition), Budweiser Team of the Month – Bloxwich, club round-up including spotlights on Hitchin, Ilkeston, Carnforth, Leodiensians, Broadstreet, Aylesbury and Bridgwater & Albion, schools rugby by Huw S Thomas, School Team of the Month – John Fisher, Purley, Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Dan Hanmer (Bishop’s Stortford College), fixtures for February and March, every match a miracle – in World Cup year Wales’ latest revival must be for real says Frank Keating.

April 1999 - as hard as nails – Ian Stafford with Richard Cockerill, all the world’s a stage – Ian Stafford meets the darling of French rugby Thomas Castaignede, return of the Tigers – Ian Stafford catches up with Dean Richards, Ulster wins Heineken Cup - Ulster 21 Colomiers 6 – teams, scorers, photos and match report, foreign players out says Alan Pearey, top ten opensides, Mickey Skinner watches Swansea v Wasps, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), fitness queries answered by Ian McGeechan, Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Piearce (nutrition), kickoff ’99 – the official magazine of the 199 Rugby World Cup – the inside track on the Kiwi boot camp and the repechage explained, meet USA captain Dan Lyle and explain how to get World Cup tickets, a look at two World Cup venues and a double tragedy for Italian rugby, Budweiser Team of the Month – Wellingborough, club round-up with spotlights on Kettering, Woodrush, Whitby, Uxbridge, Milllwall Albion, Cinderford and Supermarine Ladies, schools rugby with Huw S Thomas, Schools Team of the Month – Hall Cross (Doncaster), Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Oliver Smith (John Cleveland College), fixtures for March and April, living it up at Lansdowne – Dublin’s fair city is a veritable place of magic on match day says Frank Keating.

May 1999 - – Eddie Saunders, Eric Peters and Stephen Baines (IRB’s chief executive), Ian Stafford meets Dan Luger and Craig Quinnell, profile of Jonny Wilkinson, John Kennedy talks to coach Richard Hill, could Joel Stranksy have played for England – Ian Stafford investigates, Chris Jones meets Mark Zanotti who was a giant of Aussie Rules and now he wants to bring a new dimension to rugby, top ten number eights, Mickey Skinner travels to Dublin for the Ireland v England Five Nations game, kickoff ’99 – the official magazine of the 1999 Rugby World Cup – an inside look at drug-testing and big names axed from Canada squad, Agustin Pichot assesses Argentina’s chances plus how to get tickets, two of France’s World Cup venues and Fijian great Mosese Taga calls it a day, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), fitness queries answered by Ian McGeechan, Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Piearce (nutrition), Budweiser Team of the Month – Cobham, club round-up with spotlights on Leeds Corinthians, Corby, Vagabonds, Burnham-on-Sea, Chew Valley Old Boys, Mersea Island and BA Wingspan (Gatwick), schools rugby with Huw S Thomas, School Team of the Month – RGS High Wycombe, Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Fiachra Baynes (Ireland Schools), fixtures for April and May, Wembley’s rugby heritage – Frank Keating bids farewell to a much-loved arena before the builders move in.

July 1999 - Nicola Goodwin watches Saracens continue their domination of the women’s cup (Bread For Life Cup), the Millennium Stadium – Wales’ homecoming, schools editor Huw S Thomas selects his Team of the Term, Kinsale Sevens - Daniel Ford samples the delightful Heineken Kinsale Sevens (by the sea!), hotshots – profiles of Jeremy Staunton (Garryowen), Stephen Borthwick (Bath) and Rhys Williams (Cardiff), Brett Sinkinson – John Kennedy meets the Kiwi-born flanker proving a point in Wales, Ben Cohen – Rupert Bates meets a young man with a great sporting pedigree, Dion O’Cuinneagain – Gavin Mortimer finds Ireland’s new captain in relaxed mood, the fight is on for number ten – former England & Lions fly half Stuart Barnes runs his rule over the candidates hoping to secure a place in the World Cup, no summer holiday for Woodward’s men – England players have one more chance to state their case for World Cup inclusion says Mick Cleary, revenge mission – a year ago Matt Perry suffered the most embarrassing defeat of his career (76-0 to Australia) and now the England full back returns with revenge on his mind says Ian Stafford, facing up to the future – after England’s squandered Grand Slam coach Clive Woodward can’t wait to get his side back playing and it’s the Australians who will bear the brunt of England’s new resolve says Ian Stafford, injury time – Australia’s World Cup preparations were going swimmingly until injuries struck the likes of Eales, Larkham and Burke so now coach Rod McQueen has plenty to ponder ahead of the tests against Ireland and England reports Greg Campbell, Doddie caught in Star Wars – Doddie Weir’s fought many a battle for Scotland in the last decade but the old warhorse has it all to prove on the tour of South Africa says Iain Morrison, the giant awakes – The Memorial Ground has been Bristol’s home since 1921 and it seemed like an ironic epitaph to a once great club in receivership. – a year one and they’re back in the top division and have some heavyweight names on board and believe there is much more to come says Ian Stafford, the perfect tens – a panel consisting of Bill McLaren, Tony Ward, Joel Stranksy and Alan Old select their top ten fly halves, World Cup ’99 – Tonga and Uruguay complete Finals line-up and Italy’s coach set to quit, Spain’s chance to woo TV audience and a lifeline for Fijian star Serevi, Gavin Hastings’ World Cup verdict, two more venues and all the fixtures, performance trainer – pre-season training with fitness editor Darren Grewcock, fitness queries – Ian McGeechan (fitness advice), Dr Paul Jackson (injuries) and Lisa Pierce (nutrition) answers your queries, club guide – Budweiser Team of the Month – Aldwinians, Allied Dunbar Premiership One and Two and Jewson National Divisional Champions, regional divisional champions from the North, Midlands, South West and London & South East, league champions in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, schools rugby with Huw S Thomas, School of the Month – Neath College, Mizuno Player of the Month – Jonathan Hylton (Reigate Grammar School), the backs – a look at the fixtures for the month ahead plus book and video reviews, letters to the editor, rugby’s new revolution – club owners must avoid their lemming-like instincts and look before they leap says Frank Keating.

September 1999 - a report on Jon Callard's nationwide Coaching Tour, IBM world rankings, hotshots - James Norton (St Mary's & Ireland Schools), Jason Shoemark (Northland & New Zealand Under 19) and Andy Hazell (Gloucester & England Under 21), Alan Peary meets Chris Horsman the Bath prop who refuses to bow to cancer, Paul Morgan finds that Gloucester have pulled off a transfer coup - Ian Jones the All Black second row, Gavin Mortimer meets Alan Zondagh the Saracens Team Manager, Ian Stafford on England's new captain Martin Johnson, former England & Lions outside half Stuart Barnes on how England can win the World Cup, Jason and the arguments - Paul Morgan on Jason Jones-Hughes' attempt to play for Wales, Iain Morrison finds out why a large number of Scottish players have moved to play in France, Aussie know-how - Ian Stafford on the appliance of science, John Kennedy with new chairman of European Rugby Cup Ltd Jean-Pierre Lux, at HMP Moorland, rugby is being used to send the prisoners back on the straight and narrow reports Gavin Mortimer, kings of the wings - top ten wings, Chris Dighton on Henley Hawks, World Cup 1999 - Italy's new coach, interview with USA hooker Tom Billups, a row between Samoa and Japan, a double blow for Argentina, the confirmation of the World Cup referees and a look at the new hi-tec All Blacks shirt, the 1999 World Cup schedule, Pacific Rim tournament news, strength development by Darren Grewcock, fixtures for August & September.

October 1999 - missing in action - the English and Welsh leagues start without all the top names who will be on World Cup duty, Stuart Barnes finds out Gareth Edwards's World Cup predictions for Wales, Iain Morrison meets Steve Black Wales's conditioning coach, Greg Campbell chats with Aussie wings Ben Tune and Joe Roff, former Scotland great Andy Irvine discusses the outcome of the recent Lord Mackay report into the structure of the game, Gavin Mortimer looks at the top 10 full backs, World Cup 1999 - the USA Super League proposal, Argentina's pre-World Cup coaching crisis and the problems afflicting Springbok rugby, 1999 World Cup schedule, club round-up - new signings and new hopes with spotlights on Douglas, Nottingham Moderns, Dorchester and Chelmsford, fixtures for September and October.

November 1999 - Chris Dighton talks to World Cup Final referee Ed Morrison, Paul Morgan on Lawrence Dallaglio's return, your World Cup team rundown, Stuart Barnes on filling the boots of an outside half legend, Ian Stafford gets Will Carling's views on the challenge for the World Cup, Ian Evans speaks to Welsh skipper Robert Howley, Ian Stafford chats with Ireland's hooker Keith Wood, Ian Stafford talks with Scotland's Alan Tait, Stuart Barnes on Springbok captain Francois Pienaar, Dan Retief chats to Springbok Bobby Skinstad, Paul Morgan reports from New Zealand on New Zealand's Tana Umaga, Christian Cullen and Jeff Wilson, Greg Campbell with Aussie full back Matthew Burke, World Cup 1999 - profile of Canadian Al Charron, Eric Weil takes a look at Ramiro Mendez - an inspirational player overcoming a disability, Will Greenwood's fight to fitness, the influence of the Leslie brothers on Scotland, and a round-up of all the news from around the world, fixtures for September and October. Magazine is in very good condition. 

December 1999 - Ian Stafford talks with All Black Robin Brooke, Gavin Mortimer meets Rob Hunter - the player who's gone from Scottish to Irish, Ian Stafford catches up with Jonny Wilkinson and his dad, Ian Stafford chats with former Wales captain Gwyn Jones on how his injury changed his life, the A-Z of the World Cup, Stuart Barnes on Jonah Lomu, the ultimate team - after months of debate and the input of 25 internationals - Rugby World has come up with the greatest team in rugby history, Gavin Hastings takes the SRU to task for failing to stop the rot in Scotland reports Ian Stafford, Dale Granger recalls the memories of Rugby World Cup 1995, Mickey Skinner's weekend in Cardiff and Twickenham, world section - the Argentina lock who's quitting international rugby at 23, Italy outside half Diego Dominguez on his team's Six Nations chances and Fiji's search for a new coach, Tetley's Team of the Month - Pontarddulais, club round-up with spotlights on Westcombe Park, Penrith, Barnsley, Weymouth, Abbey Wood, Lichfield Women, Lutterworth, Old Streetonians and Worthing. Schools Team of the Month - Uppingham School, Schools Mizuno Player of the Month - Duncan Murray (Christ College, Brecon), fixtures for October, November and December.