Rugby World is the voice of global rugby and the biggest-selling rugby magazine anywhere. Through its team of respected and professional writers, it offers unrivalled access to the players and coaches behind the thrilling clashes that define the sport of international rugby union. The magazine has four editions, one for each of the UK national teams, and delivers a comprehensive monthly package of rugby action, with hundreds of images that capture the excitement and passion that define this high-impact sport..

“What fresh drama will 2021 bring?”

HAVE YOUR SAY

“We can’t eliminate risk but must minimise it”

HISTORY MAKERS • British & Irish Lions scrum-half Gareth Edwards gets a pass away while under pressure from his All Blacks counterpart Sid Going. The 1971 tourists are still the only Lions team to win a Test series in New Zealand

YOUR RUGBY CALENDAR • The key dates for your diary in January

THE DIRECTORY • New year, same fixtures guide, with all the information you need for the coming weeks

“There was a weird force – it wasn’t a human being” • The Japan hooker discusses superpowers, superstitions and the supernatural

WHAT’S ON YOUR PHONE

AROUND THE WORLD IN TEN STORIES • A round-up of news from all points of the globe

LAST STOPS

Look for trouble, you’ll find • How far back should TMOs rewind? Our former elite referee gives you his view

SCHOOLS ROUND UP

“I think the athlete’s voice is the most important of all” • The Munster and Ireland back-row who is part of the Rugby Players Ireland board

RISING STARS

Do red cards ruin rugby as a spectacle?

WHAT GOES ON TOUR… • [ Goes in Rugby World ]

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO… BE A RUGBY CLUB CHAPLAIN • Martin Lewis tells RW about his work behind the scenes at Cardiff Blues

THE RUGBY RANT • Lions great Ken Scotland says rugby must become 13-a-side to create space on the field

SHORT PASS

INSIDE THE MIND OF… TOM O’FLAHERTY • From student life to social media, here’s an insight into the Exeter Chiefs wing

Kevin Gourdon • The versatile back-row is an infuential figure at La Rochelle

THE LUCK OF THE DRAW • There are some intriguing subplots in the 2023 World Cup pools

GLENN ENNIS • Age 56 Position No 8 Teams Kats, UBC, Blackheath, Grammar OB, Barbarians, Suntory & Canada

“Concussion – strides have been made but we can’t stand still” • The coach who guided Fiji to gold at the 2016 Olympics and is now a consultant

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Man OF 2021 • Why this will be a defining year for Maro Itoje

“Itoje operates on a different planet to normal players” • The England second-row is the bookies’ favourite to captain the Lions this year, but what does Stephen Jones make of his leadership credentials?

“Maro has the potential to attain greatness” • Stuart Barnes believes Itoje is built in the same mould as great Lions leaders and analyses his skill-set from head to toe

STARS OF 2021 • Her e’s who we’re predicting to make waves in what will be a BIG YEAR of rugby

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU • Kick-start 2021 with advice from the experts on getting active, eating right and taking care of your mental health

Get active • Bristol’s head of athletic performance Kevin Geary gives his dos and don’ts for starting a new regime

Work out like Warburton • A gym session from the former Wales and Lions captain focusing on upper-body strength and power

Eat right in 2021 • Our resident nutritionist, James Morehen, gives you his ten golden rules for refuelling

Mental health check • After a challenging 2020, it’s more important than ever to monitor our mental wellbeing. Mental resilience coach James...