January 2007 – – coping under pressure in the Varsity match will be decisive says Gavin Mortimer, Rugby World Cup final could be penalty shoot-out in 2007, England’s results hitting the RFU where it hurts, earn your place in the President’s XV – Katie Field reports on a new competition designed to reward English rugby’s most forward-thinking clubs, 30 minutes with Ryan Jones (Ospreys, Wales & Lions), hotshots – Luke Eves (Bristol) and Ross Rennie (Edinburgh), do you remember…test your history, spotlight on Tom Palmer (Wasps & England), spotlight on Scott Murray (Edinburgh, Scotland & Lions), spotlight on Girvan Dempsey (Leinster & Ireland), spotlight on Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys & Wales), Johnno’s jury – Martin Johnson and a panel of rugby legends offer their thoughts on England’s dire straits and explain what they must do if they are to win another World Cup, for the record – a fourth World Cup a return to Wales and becoming his country’s most capped player are all on the cards for Gareth Thomas as Sarah Mockford reports, star of David – with huge games looming again for Munster and Ireland David Wallace shares his views on Europe with Tom English, passing the mantle – when Johnnie Beattie scored on his Test debut for Scotland his famous father was lost for words in the commentary box writes Richard Bath, ripping up the rule book – Scottish club rugby is to be the guinea pig for a raft of experimental laws designed to help tries and players win games and not penalties and referees says Richard Bath, the list of ELVs - Experimental Law Variations, the Stephen Jones column – the Heineken Cup double headers are upon us this month so get set for some thrilling ties, back from the brink – how did Bristol comer back from the verge of extinction to lead the Guinness Premiership in three short years asks Chris Hewett, quids in quick out – when millionaires began buying the crown jewels of English club rugby many fans feared their interest would be short-lived so ten year later how many have stayed the course asks Gavin Mortimer, Melville leaps across the Pond – American rugby needs a revolution and they’ve turned to an erudite and innovative Englishman in Nigel Melville to help them reports Gavin Mortimer, rugby’s top ten haircuts with Graham Reid, Team of the Month – Rolls-Royce (Derby), focus on Wales and former Wales hooker and Wales’ set-piece coach Robin McBryde, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Rugby Lions, Farnham, Southgate, Nailsea & Backwell, Exmouth, Eccles, York Railway Institute, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Deeping Devils, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – St Benedict’s in Ealing, McDavid Schools Player of the Month – Sam Northcote-Green (Dulwich College), technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), peace in our time as chat show goes off air – the IRB’s clampdown on dissent is good news for a sport that was showing disturbing soccer-like traits says Frank Keating.

February 2007  - Chris Hatherall reports on a campaign to have chaplains at every club to help improve players’ performances, it’s tight at the top in IRB Sevens, Italy join the party – Gianluca Barca on a newcomer to the women’s Six Nations, the day Jim Renwick’s small talk left him red-faced, Australia rugby enjoying swell times, 30 minutes with Simon Webster (Edinburgh & Scotland), hotshots – Gareth Hughes (Auckland Academy) and Tom James (Wales Sevens), do you remember…test your history, Rugby World’s tribute to absent friends…remembering some of those, who have passed away, and have graced out great game, spotlight on David Strettle (Harlequins & England Sevens), spotlight on Kevin Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons & Wales), spotlight on Isaac boss (Ulster & Ireland), spotlight on Martin Varga (Barbados and Yorkshire-born), Ian Stafford meets up with Phil Vickery (Wasps, England & Lions) and the prop is demanding that his team-mates show more passion if they are to change their fortunes this year, raising the stakes – Ospreys, Wales & Lions star Gavin Henson place in the Welsh national team isn’t guaranteed as there is red hot competition for the No. 12 shirt as Ian Stafford reports, the benefit of Hines bite – playing in France has helped Scotland & Lions lock Nathan Hines no end as Richard Bath found out, iron fist…in a velvet glove – the RFU’s Jeff Blackett is on a mission to blow foul play out of the water as Alan Pearey found out when he visited the judge’s London chambers, middle class – Munster’s status as European champions owes much to the centre partnership of Barry Murphy and Trevor Halstead as Tom English reports, new dawn – it’s not the structure that’s to blame for England’s malaise, it’s poor management says Stuart Barnes, rugby’s top 10 bizarre training techniques by Ian Spragg, the Stephen Jones column – a recent survey of rugby followers produced evidence that cannot be ignored if the sport is continue to thrive as both the RFU and Premiership must heed the fans’ voice, giving it both barrels – New Zealand-born Bristol No. 8 Dan Ward-Smith is gunning for a Six Nations place for England reports Ian Stafford, review of the year – Gavin Mortimer charts the highs and lows of 2006, rugby gives a second chance – the Alcatraz Project in Venezuela is turning former gang member into model citizens with a little help from the oval ball game reports Frankie Deges, battle of the titans – Greg Campbell looks ahead to the Super 14, Team of the Month – Rosslyn Park, RBS Six Nations 2007 fixtures, focus on Wales and Llanelli Scarlets & Wales hooker Matthew Rees, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Stourbridge, Barnes, Ashford, Trowbridge, Bream, Yarnbury, Medicals, Luton and Harborne, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – Skinners’ School, McDavid Schools Player of the Month – Cameron Pimlow (RGS Worcester), technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), clearing the throats for World Cup opera – the Six nations will be a rehearsal for this year’s French fiesta but can anyone trouble the All Blacks asks Frank Keating.

March 2007 - The night seven players drank 49 bottles of wine, Murray marches on – Gavin Mortimer finds the Scottish lock raising his game, Pelous the only Six Nations ever-present, Ireland by a nose – Kate Field asks a range of rugby experts to put their reputations on the line with their Six Nations predictions, hotshots – Robert Bell (England Under 18) and Tamara Taylor (England Women), do you remember…test your history, 30 minutes with Nolli Waterman (Clifton & England), spotlight on Mike Tindall (Gloucester & England), spotlight on Adam Jones (Ospreys & Wales), spotlight on Denis Leamy (Munster & Ireland), spotlight on Simon Taylor (Edinburgh, Scotland & Lions), we need to walk again before we can run – Mark Cueto tells Ian Stafford, pressure gauge – Llanelli Scarlets & Wales’ scrum half talks with Sarah Mockford about his position as first-choice scrum half for Wales, in the footprints of giants – Ireland’s players can write their names in bold type in the history books this year but their captain Brian O’Driscoll isn’t putting the champagne on ice yet says Tom English, captain Braveheart – skipper Chris Patterson has been one of Scotland’s saviours during a turbulent era and now he’s eyeing pastures new reports Richard Bath, rising star – cool-hand Luke – at 19 Luke Fitzgerald has catapulted from schools rugby to Test rugby in less than a year reports Tom English, six of the best – the exclusive verdict of the men in charge of the six countries: Brian Ashton spoke with Paul Morgan, Sarah Mockford chatted with Gareth Jenkins, Ian Laporte with Bernard Laporte, Tom English caught up with Eddie O’Sullivan, Richard Bath with Frank Hadden and Gianluca Barca talks with Pierre Berbizier, Five/Six Nations championship records for each of the six nations, the Stephen Jones column – some would turn it from a winter festival to a May ball but no matter when it’s played the Six Nations has a special resonance, the next generation – it’s the breeding ground for the stars of tomorrow but is mini rugby in need of an overhaul? Sir Clive Woodward is leading the call for change…writes Nigel Botherway, girls on film – Alison Kervin meets the stars of a new Welsh fly-on-the-wall series that exposes the life of a rugby WAG, following leaked details of a possible franchise system the RFU and elite clubs seem more apart than ever but Saints boss Keith Barwell reckons he could sort things out in a jiffy reports Ian Stafford, prize tries – Alan Pearey picks the ten best tries in the Five/Six Nations since 1988, Team of the Month – Tring, RBS Six Nations 2007 fixtures, focus on Wales with Ospreys and Wales lock Ian Gough having regained his spot in the Wales team after two years in the wilderness, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Harrogate, Pulborough, Darfordians, Sherborne, Puddletown, Aldwinians, Hessle, Dunlop and Telford Hornets, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – RHS Holbrook, McDavid Schools Player of the Month – Joe Callaghan-Adnams (Richard Hale School), technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), put the cocoa on Wales are kicking off…the 9pm start to the France v Wales match could give the Six Nations a very different cultural hue says Frank Keating.

April 2007 - Trophy hunters – Katie Field reports on the eight teams battling it out for a semi-final spot in the European Challenge Cup, Churchill Cup fixtures as the tournament hits England’s shores, the new Carter – Super 14 has unearthed another gem in Stephen Brett, Baa-Baas spreading the rugby gospel, neck and neck in IRB Sevens race between Fiji and New Zealand, hotshots – Hugo Ellis (England Under 19) and Sam Warburton (Wales Under 19), do you remember…test your history, 30 minutes with Magnus Lund (Sales Sharks & England), spotlight on Marcelo Loffreda (Argentina coach), spotlight on Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets & Wales), spotlight on Jim Hamilton (Leicester & Scotland), spotlight on Simon Easterby (Llanelli Scarlets, Ireland & Lions), the Stephen Jones column – nothing has been as momentous in this Six Nations than the return of the wounded hero Jonny Wilkinson but is he still good enough to hold the rugby world in thrall?, lean on me – Gordon D’Arcy has matured with age and as Ireland chase a Triple Crown he’s now a player they can rely on…says Tom English, propgun – he’s the best tighthead the Scots have had since Iain Milne and a player Frank Hadden is building his team around so meet the God-fearing Glaswegian Euan Murray writes Richard Bath, making a fight of it – it’s 2o years since England and Wales engaged in a game so violent the it was dubbed the Battle of Cardiff – As the nations prepare to bring the 2007 Six Nations to a close Rob Cole recalls that infamous day, shipshape and Bristol fashion – born in the Sixties, first capped in the Eighties, now Gareth Llewellyn is leading Bristol’s charge for the 2007 English title writes Gavin Mortimer, rising star – getting England out of a tight spot – David Wilson is only 21 but he has shown such promise in the No. 3 shirt that he is set to take the baton from Phil Vickery writes Sarah Mockford, verbal bombardment or ‘sledging’ can be an effective tactic for putting opponents off their game so Chris Hewett investigates its origins and shares a few gems, Heineken Cup quarter-finals preview – Llanelli Scarlets v Munster as Sarah Mockford chats with Scarlets’ Regan King, Wasps v Leinster with Tom English in conversation with Trevor Hogan and Stephen Keogh, Biarritz v Northampton as Gavin Mortimer chats with Patrice Lagisquet, and Leicester v Stade Francais and Ian Stafford catches up with Leicester’s George Chuter, all aboard – Ian Stafford reports on the charity Touraid supported by Mike Catt and Phil Greening among others, Team of the Month – Milwall, focus on Wales with ex-England lock and Ebbw Vale coach Alex Codling, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Redruth, Bishop’s Stortford, Guildford, Devizes, Oldfield Old Boys, Wilmslow, Seghill, Coventrians and Old Northamptonians, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – St Ambrose College, McDavid Schools Player of the Month – Ryan James (Neath Port Talbot College), technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), Jarrett’s Match the flame that never dies – the Six Nations finale between Wales and England brings to mind the brio of a boy hero 40 years ago writes Frank Keating.

May 2007  -   – Gavin Mortimer gives a half-term report on the Super 14, the night big Donal took Andy Robinson for a ride, IRB rankings as Ireland make it into the top four, fighting for Beaumont’s cup – the County Championship has new laws and a new prize as Katie Field finds out more, pain in Spain for World Cup qualifiers Georgia, 30 minutes with Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Francais & Italy), hotshots – Matt Mullan (England Under 20) and Jamie Corsi (Wales Under 20), do you remember…test your history, spotlight on Tom Rees (Wasps & England), spotlight on Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys & Wales), spotlight on Dan Parks (Glasgow & Scotland), spotlight on Rory Best (Ulster & Ireland), no turning back – Brian Ashton plumped for talented youngsters in the second half of the Six Nations and he must stick to his guns says Stuart Barnes, crown of thorns – as yet another Grand Slam eludes Ireland, Tom English examines whether this team has the mental strength needed to finally write their name in history at this year’s World Cup, the Stephen Jones column – Wales were quick to call for realism and douse the fires of optimism that greeted their victory over England but they have reason to celebrate as they are well on the way to World Cup success, big bang – one of the few pluses for the Six nations wooden spoonists has been Rob Dewey as the centre has made a huge impact supersizing the Scotland back-line says Richard Bath, the story of the 2007 Six Nations – here’s everything you need to know about this year’s championship with an in-depth round-up of every game with scorers, turning points, facts and stats and reactions, Team of the Six Nations, prop star – gone are the days when the fat boys were ridiculed as tightheads are now rugby’s most valuable commodity says Iain Morrison, one long party – this year’s Guinness play-offs will decide the tenth Premiership champions as Alan Pearey talks to three No. 8 giants with cause to celebrate this special competition – Dean Ryan, Martin Corry and Lawrence Dallaglio, Jarrod Cunningham the former London Irish player was given 18 months to live when he was diagnosed with a debilitating illness – five years on and he’s still going strong by Ian Stafford, rugby’s top 10 practical jokes with Iain Spragg, one last bash – Bristol’s Samoan Brian Lima wants to become the first person to play in five World Cups says Alison Kervin, Team of the Month – Etten-Leur (REL in The Netherlands), focus on Wales with former Neath & Wales flanker and Wales defence coach Rowland Phillips, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Preston Grasshoppers, Cobham, Burgess Hill, Taunton, Sherborne, Hartlepool Boys Brigade Old Boys, North Manchester, Rugby St Andrews and Coalville, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – Barnard Castle, McDavid Schools Player of the Month – Paul Leigh (Kirkham GS), technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), scourge of Test-match congestion charge – there’s more traffic coming onto an international pitch than seen at Piccadilly Circus and it’s a scandal says Frank Keating.

June 2007  – fans are switching off in droves from the SANZAR competition and Gavin Mortimer thinks he knows why, Saracens stay on top of women’s game, talk back with Lawrence Dallaglio, Martyn Williams and Paul Wallace, summer loving – once again Scotland are showing the other home unions how to prepare for a World Cup says Richard Bath, picture perfect – Katie Field reports on an art exhibition with a difference at Twickenham’s Museum of Rugby, Berbizier waves goodbye to the Azzuri, 30 minutes with Tom Biggs (Leeds), hotshots – Redford Pennycook (Bristol) and Nathan Catt (Bath), do you remember…test your history, spotlight on Toby Flood (Newcastle & England), spotlight on Reggie Corrigan (Leinster & Ireland), John Barclay (Glasgow & Scotland A), Brent Cockbain (Ospreys, Wales & Lions), in the fast lane – David Strettle hasn’t put a foot wrong during his incredible rise from national One to Test stardom and now the young England wing faces his biggest challenge to date with a two-match series against South Africa says Sarah Mockford, second coming – less than a year ago the future looked bleak for Colin Charvis with no club and an early retirement looming but the Newport Gwent Dragons have rejuvenated his career and he’s in the form of his life reports Sarah Mockford, step by step – a superb autumn series, a Six Nations Triple Crown and now it’s next stop Argentina for Eddie O’Sullivan and his Ireland team as their World Cup preparations approach boiling point by Tom English, back on the bike – nobody took Scotland’s defeat by Italy harder than Chris Cusiter whose blunders made him a fall guy but a cross-Channel move and new challenges ahead have put the spring back in the scrum half’s step says Richard Bath, the Stephen Jones column – the range of nations involved in the World Cup brings vibrancy and diversity but also dilutes the event’s competitiveness so is it fair to pit amateurs against professionals, Gavin Mortimer reports on the EDF Energy finals, Leicester beat Ospreys in the Cup, Cornish Pirates 19 Exeter Chiefs 16 in the National Trophy, Mounts Bay beat Dunstablians 46-36 in the Intermediate Cup and Northwich 18 Bradford Salem 13 in the Senior Vase, view from the top – England’s erratic form in the Six Nations shows that they’re still paying for the negligence of previous regimes but as the new-look side heads to South Africa RFU supreme Rob Andrew believes the planks of prosperity are being laid says Ian Stafford, joyful and triumphant – there will be a new face at the World Cup after Portugal came through a gruelling qualifying campaign as Frankie Deges reports, after a far from perfect Six Nations campaign, France now have their minds focused on the World Cup and captain Raphael Ibanez is confident that the hosts can lift the Webb Ellis trophy says Ian Stafford, we’re back…but we’ve never been away – of all this season’s triumphs, none was more universally celebrated than the return to the national leagues of London Scottish as Alan Pearey reports, under the hammer – the rugby memorabilia market is booming and Iain Spragg investigates what you should look out for and how much your own little bit of oval ball history could be worth with tips of the trade from Dai Richards of Rugby Relics, say hello wave goodbye – a long-standing back injury forced Matt Perry to retire and he doesn’t want the same fate to befall on today’s generation says Katie Field, Team of the Month – Cornwall County Fire Brigade, focus on Wales – smart-talking Neal gives Wales an edge – Katie Field talks with John Neal who is the newest member of Gareth Jenkins’s coaching team, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Halifax, Heathfield & Waldron, Shelford, Weston-Super-Mare, Avonmouth Old Boys, Huddersfield YMCA, Blackpool, Matlock and West Bridgford, school rugby, School Team of the Month – Neath Port Talbot College, McDavid Schools Player of the Month – Iain Crombie & Stacey-Jo Webster (Colston’s), technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), from scrawny newborn to strapping adult – it is 20 years ago this month since the World Cup was born and hasn’t the tournament grown up says Frank Keating.

July 2007 - Enjoyment – Mansfield, the Springboks are looking bullish – Gavin Mortimer reports on the feel-good factor in South African rugby as the Bulls take the Super 14 crown, Bath suffer heartbreak at hands of Clermont in European Challenge Cup final, helping to heal the scars of war – Gavin Mortimer on a match to help Falklands veterans, England’s women are top of the tree as the A team lifted the European Championship in Madrid, talk back with Mark Evans, Gareth Edwards and Craig Chalmers, the eighth wonder – Edward Lewis on how rugby is wowing the Egyptians, get a fix of sevens this summer – the abridged game is booming in the UK and Alex Mead discovers what all the fuss is about, Australian wing Lote Tuqiri in dock as phone joke backfires, 30 minutes with Rowland Phillips (Neath coach), hotshots – Luke Pearce (national referee) and Laura Keates (England Under 19), do you remember…test your history, spotlight on Matt Stevens (Bath, England & Lions), spotlight on Ian Evans (Ospreys & Wales), spotlight on David humphreys (Ulster & Ireland), spotlight on Steve Swindall (Glasgow Warriors), going out with a bang – Sarah Mockford catches up with England & Lions wing Jason Robinson who has enjoyed a glittering career and is hoping for a fitting finale at the World Cup, two can play at that game – Hook has been the name on everyone’s lips over the past year but before James exploded on the Test scene with Wales, elder sibling Mike was the one turning heads as Sarah Mockford finds out, as White as rain – one man doesn’t man a team but Scottish hearts soared when Jason White declared himself fit for duty after months of painful rehab as Richard Bath reports, under the spotlight – Ireland’s Ronan O’Gara has experienced some highs and lows and the fly half has shown the type of mental strength that will be crucial at the World Cup says Tom English, the Stephen Jones column – All Blacks Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Rico Gear and Aaron Mauger are among those heading to European clubs after the World Cup but is the foreign invasion harming the progress of home-grown youngsters?, the RFU is trying to bring England’s rapid downward spiral to a halt with radical plans for the future of the game but are they on the right track asks Stuart Barnes, in a league of their own – Mark Orders rugby writer for the South Wales Evening Post has followed the Ospreys over land and sea this season and explains why Lyn Jones’s team are worthy Magners League champions, double standards – fresh from becoming only the second English club to clam both domestic honours in a season Leicester are about to embark on a period of transition as Chris Hewett reports, the bookies gave Wasps a 12-point start in this year’s Heineken Cup but the boys from High Wycombe upset the odds just as they’ve been doing for the past decade and Mick Cleary has found out how they do it, light the blue touch paper – touch rugby is taking off in the UK and the ascent of this skilful yet sociable version of the game has been boosted by the Guinness Premiership clubs says Nigel Botherway, the unknown warriors – Gavin Mortimer looks back at the 20 years of the Rugby World Cup and how far the tournament has come in that time, before the World Cup has even kicked off the smaller nations are handicapped because of a crammed fixtures schedule dictated by broadcasters so should they have so much power over what is supposed to be a fair competition asks Sarah Mockford, giving something back – going to training can be a pain for even the most committed of players but what would happen if you had Lee Mears, Nick Easter, Matt Salter and Joe Shaw as your coach – Alex Mead found out, Team of the Year – Pinley, champions of every division in Wales and England, schools rugby, School Team of the Year – Sedburgh School in Cumbria, McDavid Schools Player of the Month – Dan Biggar (Gowerton GS), technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), alas poor Orrell we know then well – the Lancashire club’s heart-rending relegation story is befitting of a Shakespeare tragedy says Frank Keating. 

August 2007 - Galthie closes in on France job – Stade Francais’s French Championship triumph bodes well for their coach says Paul Morgan, a split decision over half-time break, talk back with Lawrence Dallaglio, Martyn Williams and Paul Wallace, a Shore thing – the USA championships brought plenty of highs and lows as Alex Goff reports from San Deigo, Leicester Tigers have shelved plans to move to Walkers Stadium and instead will revamp their own Welford Road, the future’s bright – Richard Bath reports on exciting times for Glasgow, Big Apple is enjoying first bite of rugby, 30 minutes with Chris Horsman (Worcester & Wales), hotshots – Fraser McKenzie (Edinburgh) and Ben Youngs (Leicester), do you remember…test your history, spotlight on Matthew Tait (Newcastle & England), spotlight on Kevin Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons & Wales), spotlight on Brian Carney (Munster & Ireland), spotlight on Gordon Ross (Saracens & Scotland), music to England’s ears – Jonny Wilkinson is focussing on the World Cup and proving just how good a player he is writes Ian Stafford, tall order – Mike Phillips must reach new heights if he is to displace Justin Marshall at the Ospreys and Dwayne Peel as Wales No. 1 scrum half so is he up to the challenge asks Sarah Mockford, answering Ireland’s call – he suffered heartbreak in the Six Nations and endured a poor season with Munster but Ireland lock Paul O’Connell is still looking forward to the World Cup and the matches against France and Argentina says Tom English, the comeback kid – after a lengthy injury lay-off Mike Blair will return to the international fold next month for a series of World Cup warm-ups but will he be Scotland’s first choice No. 9 – Richard Bath asked three experts for their views, the Stephen Jones column – international rugby is at a crossroads and it is vital the next IRB chairman can lead the game in the right direction – away from self-interest and towards a brighter future, the great balancing act – picking a 30-man World Cup squad is tough as, as well as individual talent you need combinations of players to work in harmony against a variety of opponents – Stuart Barnes tells Brian Ashton how it’s done, first choice – three years ago Mark Evans was in the running to be the Wales coach so we decided to put him in Gareth Jenkins’s shoes and asked him to pick his starting XV for the crucial World Cup pool match with Australia, it’s freezing and there’s no daylight – Stephen Larkham is happy to crack a joke before he swaps Australia for Scotland and the Wallaby No. 10 joins Edinburgh after the World Cup as Sarah Mockford reports, make way for the volcano – his try-scoring exploits have made him an all-time hero at Bradford Bulls but now Lesley Vainikolo is coming to union and joining Gloucester reports Katie Field, gold fever – on 20 October 2007 Paris will host the Rugby World Cup final for the first time however, more than 80 years ago, France’s capital staged another game to decide the best rugby team in the world as we look back at the fabled 1924 Olympic Games writes David Ratcliff, brother beyond – Leicester wing Alesana Tuilagi is in the form of his life and looking to create World Cup history this autumn reports Ian Stafford, taming of the Drew – Drew Mitchell was dumped from the Wallabies squad in 2006 but a change of scenery and a lot of hard work have paid off as the wing is now back in the gold of Australia and aiming for World Cup glory says Sarah Mockford, rising star – Ben Foden was overlooked by Brian Ashton after letting his standards slip but now he is determined to get out of his comfort zone and into the England team writes Sarah Mockford, too many gym sessions and not enough game time – that’s the common cry of detractors but do people really know what goes on at a Premiership club academy – Ian Stafford visited one at Leicester, technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), other ground are not a patch on our HQ – it’s 100 years since the RFU set up home in Twickenham and what memories of the cathedral of rugby says Frank Keating.

November 2007 - RWC 1991: we didn’t perform – Nick Farr-Jones makes a surprise admission about ’91, France pip England to Dad’s army tag, RWC 1987: I knew rugby would change forever – they laughed at me says Sir Brian Lahore the first World Cup-winning coach but I was right, red rose on the mark…with penalties, 30 minutes with Stephen Hoiles (Australia), hotshots – Richard Gray (Glasgow Hawks), Fionn Carr (Blackrock & Leinster), do you remember…test your history, spotlight on Andrew Sheridan (Sale, England & Lions), spotlight on Doug Howlett (Munster & New Zealand), spotlight on Colin Charvis (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales & Lions), spotlight on Ally Hogg (Edinburgh & Scotland), mixed messages from the coaches left England’s players clueless on the pitch so former fly half Stuart Barnes assesses where the red rose set-up have been going wrong, a law unto himself – Alun Wyn Jones may be the youngest player in Wales’ World Cup squad but he’s in no way a bystander – he is a self-confessed perfectionist and intelligent to boot says Sarah Mockford, gone is the wing – his ten-year Test career has been far from plain sailing but Denis Hickie made his mark on the world stage says Tom English, breaking the mould – he’s bright, ambitious and built like a tank so no wonder Northampton are celebrating signing Scotland prop Euan Murray writes Richard Bath, 50 Greatest World Cup Players – to compile this list dozens of current and former internationals were canvassed and here is the top five – 5. Martin Johnson (England), 4. Tim Horan (Australia), 3. David Campese (Australia), 2. Jonny Wilkinson (England), 1. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), the Stephen Jones column – their stunning win over host nation France only reiterated what we already knew: that it’s time for Argentina to join rugby’s top table, the ultimate tug-of-war – as France 2007 reaches its climax in Paris, we recall the seismic power struggle that surrounded the 1995 World Cup – a conflict that changed the face of rugby by Richard Bath, World Cup numbers with statistics with Gavin Mortimer, captain Kirk – as Graham Henry’s All Blacks bid to lift the Webb Ellis trophy New Zealand legend David Kirk relives the last time they experienced World Cup glory by Richard Bath, Guinness Premiership – the graduates – Leeds Tykes may have departed the Guinness Premiership last year but it’s Leeds Carnegie who are back and this time they’re leaner, hungrier and maybe a bit meaner too by Alex Mead, Magners League – the boys are back in town – during a two-year spell at Welford Road Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings played their part in a trophy-winning side but now back in Dublin, the pair are looking to show the Leinster team the way back to the top writes Mark Coughlan, focus on Wales and Ian Gough is happy to spread his wings with his new club the Ospreys, regional news including spotlights on Sidcup, Burnham-on-Sea, York and Aylestone St James, schools rugby, technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), no room for romance in this Paris citadel – the Stade de France lacks history but it will make a fitting venue for this month’s World Cup final says Frank Keating.

December 2007 - open all hours at team USA – America’s Eagles had the most punishing fixture schedule at the World Cup – physios Alex Garibay and Michael Keating explain how the dealt with it reports Alan Parey, new IRB World Rankings, military precision – it’s all about the details for Scotland team manager Guy Richardson says Alan Pearey, hotshots – Christian Loamanu (Japan) and Thretton Palamo (US Eagles), do you remember…test your history, 30 minutes with Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets & Wales), headline makers – Andy Gomarsall (Harlequins & England), headline makers – Sebastien Chabal (Sale Sharks & France), headline makers – Nicky Little (Petrarca Padova & Fiji), cheers to you Mr Robinson – the final whistle at the World Cup final in Paris brought Jason Robinson’s career to an end – Stuart Barnes pays tribute to the fleet feet and unwavering dedication of Billy Whizz, seven steps to heaven – Martyn Williams may have retired from test rugby but he’s still passionate about his country’s fortunes says Sarah Mockford, on the ball – Scotland were the best of the Celtic nations at an extraordinary World Cup but what must they do to go further in 2011 – Greg Townsend share his ideas with Alan Pearey, how to restorer pride in Irish rugby – the inquest began as soon as Ireland were put out of their misery at the World Cup but what do the men in green do after such a dismal campaign – Tom English takes a look, headline makers – Juan Martin Hernandez (Stade Francais & Argentina), headline makers – Luke McAlister (Sale Sharks & New Zealand), headline makers – Berrick Barnes (Queensland Reds & Australia), the Stephen Jones column – just as the junior nations are giving the big boys a bloody nose there’s talk of slashing the World Cup to 16 teams – what tiny – indeed nonsense, the full story of the 2007 Rugby World Cup – the definitive rundown includes scorers, turning points, facts and stats and reactions, grinning habit – even though missing out on England’s roller coaster of a World Cup Mike Tindall still has every reason to smile after Gloucester’s great start to the season writes Katie Field, the Kiwi connection – the Welsh capital is fast becoming a commune for New Zealanders with four in the Cardiff Blues’ ranks – Xavier Rush, Ben Blair, Jason Spice and Paul Tito, reports Sarah Mockford, Ospreys hoping to fly into last eight for the first time, inside man – Munster were below par last season but Mick O’Driscoll believes they’re ready to make a serious bid for the Heineken Cup says Tom English, I’m not here to create headlines – Edinburgh’s new coach Andy Robinson tells Richard Bath, shoulder the burden – as an All Black Marty Holah arrives at the Ospreys with much expected of him writes Gregor Paul, Team of the Month – Harlequins Amateurs, focus on Wales and Richard Parks fired up for French reunion, regional news from England including spotlights on Haywards Heath, St Ives, Malton & Norton and Melbourne, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – Uppingham School, technical zone edited by Nick Cain, fitness with Darren Grewcock (Fitness Editor), toast the spirit of the mighty minnows – asked to sink or swim at RWC ’07 the smaller nations surprised us all to mock talk of a 16-team event says Frank Keating.