February 2006 ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ fixtures for Churchill Cup, Konica Minolta Cup round four draw, Rugby World’s tribute to absent friends – some who have passed away in the past 12 months, spotlight on Tom Varndell (Leicester & England), spotlight on Rhys Thomas (Cardiff Blues & Wales), spotlight on Antonio Gibbons (West Indies), spotlight on Drew Hickey (Worcester), warning: do not disturb – Chris Hewett chats with Bath, England & Lions lock Danny Grewcock, Pele was two metres away from me and I was star-struck as Llanelli Scarlets, Wales & Lions scrum half Dwayne Peel explains to Sarah Mockford, explosive coverage – every game in the Six Nations will be live on the BBC – pundits Brian Moore, Andy Nicol and Jonathan Davies share their views, growing pains – Tom English talks with Wasps & Ireland flanker Johnny O’Connor, a vote of no confidence – the decision to award the 2011 World Cup to New Zealand rather than looking to the future of the global game and handing the baton to Japan has left Stephen Jones fuming, a tale of two halves – two players, one shirt, will it be Chris Cusiter or Mike Blair for the Scotland No. 9 jersey writes Richard Bath, review of the year with Gavin Mortimer, what a difference a decade makes – former England & Lions fly half Rob Andrew talks with Ian Stafford about his 10 years at Newcastle, Micky taker – Peter Jackson on former Gloucester, England & Lions prop Mike Burton, Lion king on safari – Nigel Botherway caught up with Martin Johnson on his worldwide tour of charity work, the big debate – has drift defence been blitzed asks Alan Pearey, club round-up, Team of the Month – Bournemouth, club guide in Wales focussing on Dragons & Wales lock Luke Charteris, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Fylde, London Scottish, Mersea Island, Windsor, Corsham, Bowdon, Stanley Rodillians, Warwickians and Newark Women, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – Hereford Cathedral School, Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Rupert Cooper (Bishop’s Stortford College), fitness with Daren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), magic in their boots – from Barry John to Dan Carterr rugby has always had superstars to leave us spellbound says Frank Keating.

March 2006 ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ will Super 14 live up to the hype asks Greg Campbell, articulated Corry – Ian Stafford with England captain Martin Corry, ground force – Stephen Jones on the Six Nations grounds, coach’s view – England’s Andy Robinson talks with Paul Morgan; Mike Ruddock of Wales with Sarah Mockford, France’s Bernard Laporte chats with Ian Borthwick, Eddie O’Sullivan of Ireland talks with Tom English, Scotland’s Frank Hadden chats with Richard Bath and Pierre Berbizier of Italy with Gianluca Barca, championship records of all Six Nations countries, giant killer – Sarah Mockford chats with Ospreys, Wales and Lions wing Shane Williams, is Yannick Jauzion the world’s best player asks Stuart Barnes, England’s cloud nine – Chris Hewett looks at the candidates for England’s No. 9 jersey, Malcolm in the middle – Tom English talks with second row Malcolm O’Kelly (Leinster, Ireland & Lions), no worry for Murray – second row Scott Murray (Edinburgh, Scotland & Lions) who is enjoying a new lease of life chats with Richard Bath, the big debate – does Tri-Nations beat Six Nations asks Nick Cain, staying power – Gloucester second row Alex Brown chats with Ian Stafford on being in the England set up after injury robbed him of a first cap, new chapter in the life of Brian – Ian Stafford catches up with Bath head coach Brian Ashton, club round-up, Team of the Month – Cheltenham North, club guide in Wales focussing on No. 8 Gareth Delve (Bath & Wales), national and regional news from England including spotlights on Cleckheaton, Old Wellingtonians, Hitchin, Wincanton, North Dorset, Birkenhead Park, Morley, Earlsdon and Mansfield, schools rugby, Schools Team of the Month – Bryanston, Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Peter Clarke (Framlington College), fitness by Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), the wonder of Calcutta – rugby’s most ancient conflict Scotland v England holds a special place in our hearts says Frank Keating.

April 2006 ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ my dream team – Askeans, SOS Campaign – me and my shirt – Tracey Larcombe makes a journey to Eastern Europe, Portugal 19 Russia 19 in Lisbon, European Challenge Cup – Saints should expect Drahma – Worcester stand-off Shane Drahm is looking to knock former club Northampton out of Europe, hotshots – Ollie Dodge (Leicester & England Under 19) and Rhys Jones (Sales & Wales Under 19), 30 seconds with Simon Amor (England Sevens), spotlight on Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets & Wales), spotlight on Matt Stevens (Bath, England & Lions), spotlight on Jerry Flannery (Munster, Ireland & Lions), spotlight on Dan Parks (Glasgow & Scotland), dipping his toe back in – Ian Stafford talks with Jonny Wilkinson on why he will play for England again, earning his colours – Gavin Henson talks with Ian Stafford about injury, suspension and his book, scar tissue – Tom English chats with Brian O’Driscoll on why he wants a third straight win over England, a case of utter nonsense – Stephen Jones on the talking points of the Six Nations, pump up the volume – Iain Morrison catches up with Scotland wing Sean Lamont after Scotland’s victory over France, what can be done to prevent career-threatening injuries asks Gavin Mortimer, a thousand memories – when England host Ireland at Twickenham in the Six Nations it will be the 1,000th match of the championship so Frank Keating pays homage to the cherished tournament, Heineken Cup quarter-finals preview – Leicester v Bath by Nina Rennie, Tom English on Toulouse v Leinster, Munster v Perpignan by Tom English and Biarritz v Sale Sharks by Sarah Mockford, mum on the run – Sarah Mockford chats with England lock and mum-of-two Jenny Lyne, stairway to heaven – Ian Stafford chats with Dean Richards and Mark Evans who are guiding Harlequins to the National One title, club round-up, Team of the Month – Somerton, club guide in Wales focussing on Liza Burgess – Wales’ most capped women’s player, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Kendal, Old Brentwoods, Enfield Ignatians, Weymouth, Swanage & Wareham, Sandal, Westoe, Bedworth & Kenilworth, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – Stewart’s Melville, Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College), fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), last throes of an old chum – Lansdowne Road hosts its last championhsip match this month before the bulldozers move in reports Frank Keating.

May 2006 ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ England struck by power cut – an expert says that top players are doing the wrong strength training as Katie Field reports, struggling clubs saved from the drop include Doncaster, Pertemps Bees and Sedgley Park, Ireland – pastures new for Irish – Tom English explains where Ireland will lay their hat while Lansdowne Road is being developed, England Under 21s do it for paralysed team-mate Matt Hampson, hotshots – Cameron Ferguson (Scotland Under 19) and David Pollock (Ireland Under 19), 30 seconds with Chris Horsman (Worcester & Wales), women on parade at the Museum of Rugby at Twickenham, Powergen Cup – clash of the titans at Twickenham – London Wasps v Llanelli Scarlets, spotlight on Matthew Tait (Newcastle & England), spotlight on Nathan Hines (Perpignan & Scotland), spotlight on Ronan O’Gara (Munster, Ireland & Lions), spotlight on Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets & Wales), how to make Robbo smile again – Stuart Barnes tells his former team-mate and England coach Andy Robinson that only a radical rethink in terms of style and personnel can get the World Cup holders back on track, French toast – following a two-year sojourn in France Stephen Jones will return to Llanelli Scarlets this summer and Sarah Mockford caught up with him, super smashing great – in his first season as captain Jason White has led Scotland to their best-ever Six Nations return as Sarah Mockford reports, a gripping spectacle – Stephen Jones reviews the Six Nations, private eye – Tom English speaks with shy guy David Wallace (Munster, Ireland & Lions), Nigel Botherway headed west to Colston’s School in Bristol to find out how they produce talents like Olly Barkley and Tom Varndell, heads you win – do sports psychologists really have a role to play in rugby – Adam Hathaway went to pick the brains of Leeds Tykes, Dutch master – Alan Pearey meets schoolmaster Iain Krysztofiak who leads the Netherlands into two World Cup qualifiers, club round-up, Team of the Month – Petrovice (Czech Republic), club guide in Wales focussing on Mark Bennett (former Welsh international and now Wales’ new fitness and conditioning coach), national and regional news from England including spotlights on Preston Grasshoppers, Haywards Heath, Tonbridge Juddians, Exeter Saracens Girls, Ivel Barbarians Under 15, Shane Rich (Carnforth), Castleford, Hinckley Under 17 and Market Rasen & Louth, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – King’s School in Macclesfield, Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Ben Avent (John Cleveland College), fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), don’t bring me down – ten years on from a lucky Premiership escape Saracens are still struggling to find themselves writes Frank Keating.

July 2006 ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ Scotland – how to beat the Boks – Alan Tait’s been there and done that and he tells Katie Field how Scotland can triumph in South Africa, Daisuke Ohata knocks Campese off top caps spot, Atlantic row – Sevenoaks four are all at sea – Gavin Mortimer meets a quartet who like a challenge, former England women’s captain Maxine Edwards retires, Under 21 World Cup – England upbeat as Alan Pearey previews the IRB under 21 jamboree in France, hotshots – Matt Cornwell (Leicester & England Under 21) and Duane Goodfield (Cardiff Blues & Wales Under 21), 30 seconds with Andrew Trimble (Ulster & Ireland), spotlight on Mike Catt (London Irish, England & Lions), spotlight on John Hayes (Munster, Ireland & Lions), spotlight on Dougie Hall (Edinburgh & Scotland), spotlight on Nicky Robinson (Cardiff Blues & Wales), good things come in threes – a new baby, an England re-call and his country’s captaincy – Pat Sanderson chats with Ian Stafford, polar expedition – new Welsh captain Duncan Jones (nickname Polar Bear) talks with Sarah Mockford, Gordon grins and bears it – Leinster & Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy tells Tom English about a tough few years with one injury or another, soul man, Stephen Jones with new Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins, how to fix England’s back three – Chris Hewett on playing four not three exciting runners in the England back-line, gunning for glory – Richard Bath catches up with Edinburgh & Scotland’s Chris Patterson, liberation day for mighty Munster – Tom English joined in the celebrations of Munster winning the Heineken Cup, snow place like Latvia – Nigel Botherway on Riga’s inaugural snow rugby tournament, Northern light – Sarah Mockford chats with rising star Magnus Lund of Sale Sharks, challenge of a lifetime – Frankie Deges on Chile’s best-ever player Nicolas Arancibia who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 28, a man for all seasons – Gavin Mortimer talks with Ripon’s Johnny Williamson on his forty years and 1,300-game career, Jerry Godfrey is still teaching the youngsters a thing or two at Berkshire Shire Hall after 700 appearances writes Gavin Mortimer, club guide, Team of the Year – Canterbury, champions of all divisions in Wales, England and Ireland, schools rugby, Schools Team of the Year – Swansea College, Mizuno Schools Player of the Month – Rob Miller (Keswick School), fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), raise a glass to magic Boks – it’s 100 years since the Springboks came into being and they’ve provided golden memories says Frank Keating. 

August 2006 ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ Under 21 World Cup – fitting finale for France – the hosts gave the northern hemisphere a boost at the Junior World Cup reports Graham Clutton, talk back with Matt Dawson, Dwayne Peel and Craig Chalmers, IRB Sevens – Gavin Mortimer reports on Waisale Serevi - a new flame for the IRB Sevens, my dream team – Leeds Tykes, Asian rugby – raising the BARA – British Asian rugby is in excellent hands writes Gavin Mortimer, Clare Flowers ensures that Wales blossom, National leagues – player for hire: perfect condition – Gavin Mortimer pays homage to the evergreen Dave Scully, hotshots – Jordan Crane (England Under 21) and John Beattie (Scotland Under 21), 30 seconds with Matthew J Watkins (Llanelli Scarlets & Wales), spotlight on Ian Evans (Ospreys & Wales), spotlight on Hal Luscombe (Harlequins & Wales), spotlight on Rob Dewey (Edinburgh & Scotland), spotlight on Peter Bracken (Wasps & Ireland), stick or twist – Stuart Barnes insists changes must be made in the playing ranks if the red-rose brigade are to have any chance of defending their World Cup crown, the ten most powerful men in rugby – Ian Stafford on the small number of individuals who control rugby worldwide, senior citizen – Sarah Mockford with Wales & Lions wing Shane Williams, three of a kind – Paul Morgan meets Tom Varndell, Iain Balshaw and Matthew Tait, return of the native – Iain Morrison chats with Scotland’s Alastair Kellock and his move from Edinburgh back home to Glasgow, miracle in the Andes – when a Uruguayan team crashed in the Andes, al the passengers were presumed dead yet rugby’s unique spirit decreed otherwise in an astonishing survival story – 34 years on Alan Pearey met Nando Parrado the man who refused to accept the inevitable, launch in a lifeboat – Stephen Joens on the grim summer tours for the European nations, trophy huntrer – Tom English chats with Munster, Ireland and Lions lock Paul O’Connell about his taste of success, building society – from 1,500 fans at Heywood Road to 20,000 at Twickenham – from an empty trophy cabinet to English champions – Sarah Mockford reports on the Sale success story under the ownership of Brian Kennedy, brother beyond – Alex Mead meets the Tuilagi brothers – Vavae (wing), Freddie (centre-wing), Henry (back row), Andy (centre) and Alex (wing), Sutton means business – Richmond & England lock Jenny Sutton is determined to make it third time lucky at the Women’s World Cup in Canada this autumn as Paul Morgan found out, prop idol – Bath and England prop Matt Stevens exercising his vocal chords on prime-time TV as Ian Stafford explains, loud 9 – Sarah Mockford met up with Justin Marshall the former All Black scrum half on his move from Leeds Tykes to the Ospreys, twin peaks – Harlequins’ director of rugby Dean Richards swapped his kitbag for a rucksack and headed for the hills to meet explorers Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Tom Avery as Nigel Botherway reports, can anyone stop McCaw’s mighty men in the expanded Tri-Nations?, Tri-Nations fixtures, fitness with Darren Grewcock (fitness Editor), Wallabies one jump ahead – Australia have matured into a rugby power but it took a shock three decades ago to do it by Frank Keating.

September 2006  ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ last year’s Lions calamity hasn’t deterred fans from rushing to book for South Africa 2009 writes Alan Pearey, RFU team goes over land and sea, talk back with Matt Dawson, Martyn Williams and Paul Wallace, Sevens – crème de la Prem – Alex Mead previews this month’s revamped Middlesex Sevens, Thomond Park gets set for new look, my dream team – Pontypool, new tournaments – growth spurt – the IRB is going competition-crazy as Frankie Deges explains why, Wales – Jenks passes on tricks of the trade – Alex Mead finds a kicking legend carving out a new niche, hotshots – Lucy Millard (Scotland) and Michael Young (England Under 18), 30 seconds with Ian Gough (Dragons & Wales), spotlight on Xavier Rush (Cardiff Blues & New Zealand), spotlight on Kieron Dawson (Ulster & Ireland), spotlight on Nigel Davies (former Welsh international and Wales’ new attack coach), spotlight on Donnie Macfadyen (Glasgow & Scotland), raging bull is back – a new start for Phil Vickery as the England prop returns from injury in the colours of a new club – London Wasps as Alison Kervin reports, mission impossible – Sarah Mockford chats with Ryan Jones whom, after a year out, is back and looking to pick up where is left off, the story of Matt Hampson is one of true inspiration, of hope, of determination, of perseverance, and of love and human spirit which, for all the world’s ills, is still clearly prevalent writes Ian Stafford, details of the Matt Hampson Trust, the rock of Cashel – Tom English with Munster & Ireland’s back rower Denis Leamy, fortune hunter – Richard Bath meets Edinburgh & Scotland full back Hugo Southwell, angels and falling stars – Stephen Jones on the cheating and whining prima donnas who (dis)graced the recent Football World Cup, what the blazers – former England & Lions prop Jason Leonard has joined the RFU Council and Gavin Mortimer sought out the Barking boy to clarify matters, code cracker – Ian Stafford meets Chev Walker the former Leeds Rhinos star who has now joined Bath, bouncing Czekaj – Cardiff Blues and Wales winger Chris Czekaj is hoping to forge his own identity as a world-class act for Wales as Sarah Mockford reports, grase in favour – former England fly half Paul Grayson has been signed up for five more years as Northampton’s head coach writes Alison Kervin, World Cup 2007: Europe – the final countdown – eight countries are in the mix as the European qualifying zone approaches its climax reports Gavin Mortimer, Europe zone 2006 results and fixtures, treasure Chester – eleven years after helping the Rainbow nation find their pot of gold, Chester Williams is doing his utmost to guide Uganda to their first World Cup finals says Gavin Mortimer, Africa zone 2006 results and fixtures, best of enemies – Women’s World Cup – Paul Morgan reports on the competition in England’s back row as two club-mates battle for the same international shirt – Maggie Alphonsi and Helen Clayton, We’re the benchmark – New Zealand’s fly half Anna Richards spoke to Gregor Paul about the Black Ferns’ chances in Canada, home to roost – Canada will be looking to make the most of home advantage at the World Cup, foreign service – Sarah Mockford talks with Jo Hull, the first Englishwoman to join the SRU’s coaching staff, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), serious fun at Twickers – this month’s Middlesex Sevens will be a far cry from the event created 80 years ago writes Frank Keating.

October 2006  ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ Italy’s domestic scene is where the hard graft needs to be put in believes Gianluca Barca, new venues add spice to IRB Sevens, talk back with Lawrence Dallaglio, Martyn Williams and Michael Bradley, Basque in glory – Gavin Mortimer reports from France where high-flying Biarritz are bidding to accomplish a rare feat this season, women’s rugby exhibition at Twickenham’s Museum of Rugby, Gunners revolution – Richard Bath on new owners and new rules at Edinburgh, fitting tribute to Bali bomb victims – Sarah Mockford reports on this month’s Day of Rugby, 30 minutes with Chris Bell (Sale Sharks), hotshots – Luke Evans (Australia Under 18) and Wayne Evans (Cardiff Blues), do you remember…test your history, spotlight on Kevin Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons & Wales), spotlight on Phil Davies (Llanelli Scarlets), spotlight on David Humphreys (Ulster), spotlight on Stuart Grimes (Border Reivers), no looking back – Ian Stafford catches up with a refreshed and recharged Leicester & England’s Martin Corry, let the good times roll – Ian Stafford with Wales wonderboy Gavin Henson (Ospreys), Brian O’Driscoll believes that Leinster and Ireland could be on the verge of something special reports Tom English, follow the leader – Sarah Mockford with Scotland’s captain Jason White (Sale Sharks), the Stephen Jones debate – of the three major Exiles clubs in England only London Irish have thrived in the pro era, Reddan festival – his first season in England saw Eoin Reddan oust Matt Dawson at Wasps and get capped by Ireland – how does he follow that?, tour de force – whether it’s winning trophies, developing young players or tackling a stage of the Tour de France, Gloucester’s head honcho Dean Ryan is up for the challenge reports Nigel Botherway, men of mystery – Katie Field went to meet Steve Meehan and Mark Bakewell who are the new men in charge at Bath, a new man in black – Fabio Ongaro enjoys a challenge and he certainly faces one now he’s joined Saracens – Katie Field caught up with the Italy hooker, Salter of the Earth – Bristol captain Matt Salter in conversation with Katie Field, Sarah Mockford heads north to find Newcastle in determined mood, serve and Volley – after two years in France former Wasps stalwart Paul Volley has returned to London where he intends to do sterling service for his old rivals Harlequins reports Gavin Mortimer, on his own two feet – he hails from the most famous rugby family in Wales but Gavin Quinnell is delighted to be crossing the border to Worcester writes Gavin Mortimer, tag team – Sarah Mockford finds out more about Tag Rugby Development Trust, Leeding the revolution – Leeds may have lost their big-name players following relegation from the Premiership but those who remain at Headlingley are confident of success in National One writes Alex Mead, technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), a welcome return to old friends – Moseley and Waterloo, former giants both, will add appeal to England’s first division this season says Frank Keating.

November 2006  ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ Gavin Mortimer on a selection headache for France’s coach ahead of their double date with New Zealand, Saracens quartet on board for Pacific Islands debut tour, Brits catching up with touch masters – Rob Bowden on a growth spurt for domestic touch rugby, 30 minutes with Pat Sanderson (Worcester), hotshots – Li Yang (China Sevens) and Lou Reed (Llanelli Scarlets), do you remember…test your history, spotlight on Ollie Smith (Leicester Tigers & England), spotlight on Chris Cusiter (Border Reivers, Scotland & Lions), spotlight on Mike Phillips (Cardiff Blues & Wales), spotlight on Jamie Heaslip (Leinster & Ireland), moving mountains – Ian Stafford meets up with Josh Lewsey and talks about London Wasps in Pool One of the Heineken Cup along with Bennetton Treviso, Castres and Perpignan, Richard Bath with Scotland’s fly half Phil Godman and Edinburgh in Pool Two along with Agen, Gloucester and Leinster, Ian Stafford with Brian Liebenberg and Stade Francais in Pool Three with Calvisano, Sale Sharks and Ospreys, Tom English with Ireland lock Donncha O’Callaghan and Munster in Pool Four with Bourgoin, Cardiff Blues and Leicester, Sarah Mockford with Welsh outside half Stephen Jones and Llanelli Scarlets in Pool Five along with London Irish, Toulouse and Ulster, Gianluca Barca discusses Pool Six which has Overmach Parma along with Biarritz, Border Reivers and Northampton Saints, the Stephen Jones debate – the second wave of league invasion is upon us but should union fans be smiling or crying?, Gordon’s tonic – after staring the season in rehab following a shoulder operation, Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy is looking forward says Sarah Mockford, rose buds – the time for experimentation is all but over as there is less than 12 months to go until the Rugby World Cup and it’s time the England team took shape says Chris Hewett, Danger man – he has been called the greatest player on the planet and at the age of 24 there is a lot more to come from New Zealand’s fly half Dan Carter says Gregor Paul, Rob to the rescue – the RFU plumped for Rob Andrew when it came to appointing their elite rugby director – but is he the right man for the job asks Stuart Barnes, running on empty – burn-out is the current buzzword in English rugby – Gavin Mortimer asked three generations of Englnad props for their views (Phil Blakeway, Victor Ubogu and David Flatman), Carpe Diem – Sarah Mockford caught up with Italy’s Marco Bortalami and Carlos Nieto ahead of their crucial two must-win Rugby World Cup qualifiers, focus on Wales and Ospreys & Wales lock Brent Cockbain, regional news from England including spotlights on Plumpton, St Ives, Doncaster Phoenix and Stratford-upon-Avon, schools rugby, technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), traditional fare enriches modern diet – the Ospreys v Australia match on All Saints Day evokes memories of cherished old-style tours says Frank Keating. 

December 2006 ..........continued from the main Rugby World page............ Australia are unrecognisable from the dispirited team of a year ago says Greg Campbell, Tri-Nations reverts to six tests in 2007, talk back with Lawrence Dallaglio, Stephen Jones and Paul Wallace, blending machine – Italy’s squad is one of the most diverse in the world but can it bring results this month asks Gianluca Barca, Bulls and Cheetahs share the Currie Cup, Capital Pumas – Frankie Deges plots Argentina’s course across Europe, referee appointments for the autumn internationals, new-look England need to gel quickly – Katie Field previews the eighth IRB Sevens series, 30 minutes with Shaun Perry (Bristol & England), hotshots – Mike Brown (Harlequins) and Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), spotlight on Mark Cueto (Sale, England & Lions), spotlight on Kelly Brown (Borders & Scotland), spotlight on Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets & Wales), spotlight on Andrew Trimble (Ulster & Ireland), sit back relax and enjoy…watching England fly half Charlie Hodgson in action can be pure pleasure says Sarah Mockford, work rest and play – Welsh centre Tom Shanklin has streamlined his training programme to protect his troublesome knee writes Sarah Mockford, blowing hot and cold – Scotland wing Sean Lamont is back at full throttle with a new look and a new resolve says Richard Bath, Sheahan is believing – Ireland hooker Frankie Sheahan spent last season fighting a neck injury but has never lost faith says Tom English, the Stephen Jones debate – the RFU used to be the great protectors of relegation and promotion but even they are prepared to sell their soul, always look on the White side – it’s been a tough year for Jake White with criticism flying at him from every angle but the Boks coach is feeling positive says Gavin Mortimer, Roff diamond – next month’s Varsity match will be graced by a jewel in the world game – former Wallaby Joe Roff, writes Alan Pearey, country club – Wales v New Zealand – Dwayne Peel v Justin Marshall (on the golf course) by Ian Stafford, Nicolas Pueta’s left leg never developed properly but he wasn’t going to let a ‘minor’ thing like that stop him from playing rugby as the back rower now turns out regularly for the San Andres club in Argentina writes Frankie Deges, collision course – the debate about de-powering the scrum is one of rugby’s hottest topics as Chris Hewett adjudicates, three-legged race – as the Asian zone of Rugby World Cup qualifying reaches its climax Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea are all looking to clear the final hurdle and make it to France reports Rich Freeman, an eye for an opening – young Osprey James Hook could be the answer to Wales’s midfield dilemmas says Sarah Mockford, Team of the Month – Penallta, focus on Wales and Cardiff Blues former All Black Ben Blair, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Chinoor, Eastborune, Littlehampton, Ross-on-Wye, Torquay Athletic, Oldham, North Ribblesdale, Old Coventrians and Longton, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – Warwick School, McDavid Schools Player of the Month – Sam Warburton (Whitchurch HS), technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), have the Barbarians had their day – rugby’s most fabled club is struggling to fulfil the ideals that its founders laid down 116 years ago says Frank Keating.