March 2011 - Fixtures and TV info for February, spotlight on Hendre Fourie (Leeds & England), spotlight on Paul James (Ospreys & Wales), spotlight on Ronan O’Gara (Munster, Ireland & Lions), spotlight on Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons, Scotland & Lions), Staurt Barnes asks who’ll lift the Six Nations trophy?, Leicester & England scrum half Ben Youngs says that England are going for the Grand Slam writes Ian Stafford, look lively – Cardiff Blues, Wales & Lion Jamie Roberts has a hectic schedule but he wouldn’t have it any other way says Sarah Mockford, making a difference – tag rugby, down south – ‘Postcards from Toulon’ with former England centre Tom May, hot Scots – some canny coaching by Andy Robinson has propelled Scotland up the learning curve but what of their prospects in 2011 writes Richard Bath, home or away – Jamie Healsip (Leinster, Ireland & Lions) says that you have to weigh up life choices and I’d have no problem going abroad reports Tom English, last man standing – Salvatore Perugini is the only man who has featured in all of Italy’s Six Nations campaigns to date as Ginaluca Barca reports, clubbed to death – France’s 2010 Grand Slam was followed by nightmare defeats so is the nation’s rugby structure harming Marc Lievremont’s team asks Ian Borthwick, game zone – be a better player, monthly guide to the grounds – Edgeley Park home of Sale Sharks, the big debate – can a Six Nations team win this year’s World Cup asks Nick Cain, super charged – James O’Connor has natural flair and will be looking to mak his mark when the re-vamped Super 15 tournament kicks off this month says Sarah Mockford, Women’s Six Nations – Maggie the machine- England’s Maggie Alphonsi was the star of the Women’s World Cup and looks forward to the Six Nations writes Sarah Mockford, Who will win the 2011 RBS Six Nations – six of the games greats give their verdicts (Jason Leonard, Serge Betsen, Ieuan Evans, Andres de Rossi, Paul Wallace and Andy Nicol, Five/Six Nations Championship records, top ten shocks in the Five/Six Nations by Alan Pearey, it’ll always be there but I’m over it now – Ireland’s Alan Quinlan embodies the Munster ethos but for years he hid a darker side that threatened to destroy him reports Tom English, ex-Leicester prop Matt Hampson who was left paralysed from the neck down after breaking his neck in 2005 interviews former Leicester men and now members of the England coaching set-up Graham Rowntree and John Wells, Team of the Month – London Welsh Amateurs, focus on Wales including former Wales wing Rhys Williams who was forced to rethink his career earlier than planned writes Katie Field, national and regional news from England including spotlight on Southend, Chichester, Datchworth, Reading Abbey, Sothert & Pitt, Rossendale, Huddersfield YMCA, Peterborough Lions and Rugby St Andrews, schools rugby, School Team of the Month – Wilmslow High School, Canterbury Schools Player of the Month – Will Heylings (Hymers College), Edinburgh, Scotland & Lions hooker Ross Ford reveals his route to the top.

April 2011 - spoon decider – Italy will draw on history as they seek to upset the Scottish applecart once again says Gianluca Barca, geading for Twickenham – Tag Rugby programme is hitting new heights this year, a road well trodden – some things in women’s rugby don’t change and England’s supremacy in Europe is one, green machine – their reign was brief but has there ever been a more doughty cup king than Gosforth asks Frank Keating, fixture and TV info for March, spotlight on Dave Attwood (Gloucester & England), spotlight on George North (Scarlets & Wales), spotlight on Keith Earls (Munster, Ireland & Lions), spotlight on Richie Gray (Glasgow & Scotland), getting his act together – his family’s background is in the theatre but Toby Flood has always felt more at home on the sporting stage writes Ian Stafford, true grit – with drive and determination Matthew Rees (Scarlets, Wales & Lions) has overcome plenty of hurdles during his career to become Wales captain says Sarah Mockford, hobby craft – Ospreys, Ireland & Lions wing Tommy Bowe believes a healthy balance is key to a happy life and he is learning how to fly says Sarah Mockford, follow the leader – Scotland captain and second row Al Kellock is standing tall and trying to instil a new sense of confidence in his team-mates writes Richard Bath, game zone – be a better player, mini revolution – the RFU is driving a shake-up on mini rugby reports Nigel Botherway, blazing saddles – two adventurous Londoners are cycling 28,000 km through some of rugby’s smaller countries on their way to seeing the sport’s giants do battle at the World Cup writes Gavin Mortimer, rising star – all the rage – his wacky haircuts have caught the eye but Joe Marler might never have made the England stage but for a stinging rebuke in the corner of Cornwall writes Ian Stafford, brain storm – special report on concussion by John Davies, Calcutta Cup – this month marks 140 years since rugby’s first Test match so Richard Bath looks at how England and Scotland gave birth to one of the longest and most bitter rivalries in sport, monthly guide to the grounds – Headlingley Carnegie home of Leeds Carnegie, three wise men – Gareth Edwards, Jonathan Davies and Shane Williams give their verdict of what’s right and wrong with Welsh rugby today writes Sarah Mockford, Team of the Month – Hammersmith & Fulham, focus on Wales including it’s cloudy with a chance for Mitchell – Katie Field chats with Wales tighthead prop Craig Mitchell, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Ealing Trailfinders, Letchworth Garden City, Winchester, Bishopston, Nigel Jones (Imperial), Middlesbrough, Selby, Long Buckby and Ollerton, schools rugby, School of the Month – QEGS in Wakefield, Canterbury Schools Player of the Month – Mark Roche (Blackrock College), England second row Tom Palmer talks through his globe-trotting rugby journey.

May 2011 - thinking outside the box – two Premiership clubs are branching out this month says Paul Morgan, diving licence – Chris Ashton’s showmanship was the defining image of the Six Nations and good on him says Frank Keating, fixtures and TV info for April, spotlight on Tom Wood (Northampton & England), spotlight on Ryan Jones (Ospreys, Wales & Lions), spotlight on Eoin Reddan (Leinster & Ireland), spotlight on Max Evans (Glasgow & Scotland), England play as if they believe in perfection but it doesn’t exist says Stuart Barnes, port authority – Gavin Henson dominates the headlines even when he’s not playing as Sarah Mockford reports from Toulon, right on cue – a badly-timed injury halted Luke Fitzgerald’s progress and now he wants to hit a lucky break in the Ireland side says Bea Asprey, if he hadn’t impressed with the oval ball Scotland’s Jim Hamilton might now be sitting in a jail cell reports Ian Stafford, game zone – be a better player, the Army v Navy day encompasses pride and tradition and on the field it will be all guns blazing says Alan Pearey, guide to the grounds – Sandy Park home of Exeter Chiefs, the last eight – a preview of this months Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals – in the Heineken Cup Perpignan v Toulon, Leinster v Leicester, Northampton v Ulster and Biarritz v Toulouse and in the Amlin Cup La Rochelle v Clermont, Harlequins v Wasps, Stade Francais v Montpellier and Brive v Munster, the Stephen Jones column – Welsh picture not so perfect as they fail to get one side into the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, from Russia with love – a trip to New Zealand has whetted the appetite of the World Cup debutants who see the tournament as a springboard to new rugby growth in Russia writes Gavin Mortimer, Team of the Month – Novocastrians Ladies, focus on Wales including Katie Field’s interview with Scarlets & Wales fly half Rhys Priestland, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Canterbury, Plumpton, Fakenham, Blandford, Corsham, Sheffield, Ilkley, Rugby Welsh and Nottingham Casuals, schools rugby, Canterbury School of the Month – Stewart’s Melville, Canterbury Schools Player of the Month – Jack Fifield (King’s Winchester, England loosehead prop Alex Corbisiero talks about his rugby journey.

June 2011 - Croft original – a polar bear suit, a gun cabinet, a chef’s apron – ther’s more to Tom Croft than the pace and athleticism he show on the field says Ian Stafford, it was the kick up the backside I needed Lee Byrne tells Sarah Mockford about his rocky road from reject to regular, family guy – Donncha O’Callaghan will go to his third World Cup this year but family life and the birth of his daughter have taught the Ireland lock that there’s more to life than rugby says Bea Asprey, child benefit – Sean Lamont’s new family business is entertaining kids and preparing him for life post rugby as Sarah Mockford reports, game zone – be a better player, 7 amazing sevens – catch the climax of the IRB World Series by Katie Field, rising stars – Ford production line – England coach Mike Ford with his sons Joe and George, strictly scrum dancing – special report on the scrum by John Daniell, small steps deep breaths – there are familiar faces behind Georgia’s World Cup campaign as Alan Pearey reports, double trouble – Dan Lydiate and Sam Warburton have been causing havoc for Wales’s opponents and now the two flankers are hoping to fire at the World Cup writes Sarah Mockford, the Stephen Jones column – to pay or not to pay, think you are too old to play rugby then think again…meet 70-year-old John Goldman of Mill Hill writes Karen Giles, guide to the grounds – Twickenham, Team of the Month – Leidsch Studenten Rugby Gezelschap (The Netherlands), focus on Wales including Katie Field’s interview with young prop Jamie Corsi, national and regional news from England including spotlights on Westoe, Dartfordians, Newick, Fordingbridge, Gloucester Old Boys, Waterloo, Bradford & Bingley, Keresley and Leighton Buzzard, schools rugby, Canterbury School Team of the Month – Whitgift, Canterbury Schools Player of the Month – Alex Davis (Filton College), Ireland’s back rower Stephen Ferris talks about is past and future.

July 2011 -  typifies a sport that inspires great and charitable deeds writes Frank Keating, fixtures and TV info for June and July, Rugby World Cup 2011 complete fixture list, spotlight on Anthony Allen (Leicester & England), spotlight on Jonathan Davies (Scarlets & Wales), spotlight on Eric Elwood (Connacht head coach and former Ireland outside half), spotlight on Graeme Morrison (Glasgow & Scotland), confessions of a hooker – the Saints and England hooker sheds light on his incredible journey to the top writes Ian Stafford, born leader – despite a tough first season as skipper Alun Wyn Jones turned down offers from French clubs to stay at the Ospreys and has the captaincy credentials to thrive writes Sarah Mockford, finding his voice – addressing a speech impediment is just one reason why Scotland forward Kelly Brown will recall this season with pride says Richard Bath, life in the Darce lane – Gordon D’Arcy is still one half of Ireland’s most celebrated pairing and he talks friends, form and fans with Tom English, game zone – learn how to…, these are the players England should take to the World Cup says Stuart Barnes, Heineken Cup Final at Millennium Stadium on 21 May 2011 – Leinster 33 Northampton 22 – words by Sarah Mockford plus photos, Amlin Challenge Cup Final at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday 20 May 2011 – Harlequins 19 Stade Francais 18 – words by Sarah Mockford plus photos, guide to the grounds – Sixways home of Worcester, question time – we sat down with four former internationals turned Sky Sports analysts to get their views on all things rugby – Ieuan Evans, Sean Fitzpatrick, Dean Ryan and Michael Lynagh, talking balls – no one does rugby balls like Gilbert but what’s so special about their World Cup Virtuo as Alan Pearey finds out, you need a dark sense of humour to get through it says Exeter prop Chris Budgen as he talks about his return to Afganistan with Ian Stafford, stop look listen – having been forced to retire because of injury, Tom Shanklin is concerned about rugby’s attrition rate and also has an idea to shake up the game, Team of the Year – Cobham Under 18, list of divisional champions in Wales and the regions of England, schools rugby, Canterbury School Team of the Year – Hartpury College, Canterbury Schools Player of the Month – Luke McGrath (St Michael’s College), Wales prop Ceri Jones on his journey from Newport to Harlequins and now Worcester.

September 2011 - learning curve – Ross Ford says Scotland are looking to rectify their Six Nations mistakes this month says Katie Field, Irish report for duty – Jamie Heaslip tells Bea Asprey that Ireland’s players are primed for action, social enterprise – the explosion of social media will add a compelling new dynamic to the World Cup says Frank Keating, fixtures and TV info for July and August, Rugby World Cup 2011 fixture list, spotlight on Toby Flood (Leicester & England), spotlight on Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets & Wales), spotlight on Cian Healy (Leinster & Ireland), spotlight on John Barclay (Glasgow & Scotland), Saint necessarily so – England full back Ben Foden explains to Ian Stafford why tough defeats and off-field mistakes endured over recent years have made him both a better player and a better person, there’s nothing like being a small group taking on the world – Ospreys, Wales & Lions back rower Ryan Jones talks with Sarah Mockford about World Cup heartache and looks forward to the 2011 showpiece, reluctant hero – Richie Gray’s had rave reviews in 2011 but instead of lapping up the plaudits the Scotland lock is focussed on bettering his game for the World Cup campaign says Katie Field, ultimate warrior – it has been a tough year for Paul O’Connell but former Lions skipper and Ireland’s talisman is fighting his way back to 100% fitness ready for the World Cup, game zone – learn how to…, prop star – Northampton prop Soane Tonga’uiha talks with Sarah Mockford about family, fitness and forwards as he gears up for Tonga’s assault on the World Cup, the big debate – will New Zealand choke again asks Nick Cain, the Stephen Jones column – are players out of control – bar-room brawls, late-night arrests and right hooks have tarnished the game’s image and Stephen Jones asks who is to blame the players or rugby itself?, bearded wonder – he was the face of the 2007 World Cup but Sebastien Chabal’s celebrity status seems to have put paid to his chances of participating in New Zealand this year says John Daniell, triple decker – prop forwards are a rare breed as Rupert Bates found out when he met the Bath trio of David Barnes, David Flatman and Duncan Bell, Showman Boxer World Cup Winner? – Sonny Bill Williams has gone from league to union via Australia, France and the boxing ring and now he faces his biggest challenge with his native New Zealand says Rupert Bates, Super 15 Final on Saturday 9 July 2011 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane – Queensland Reds 18 Canterbury Crusaders 13 – words by Iain Payten plus photos, it all started here…the first RWC in 1987 wasn’t even the only show in town in Auckland writes Frank Keating, lighting the fuse – he may have grown out of the Kid Dynamite tag but Matt Giteau will be leading the Australian attack at the World Cup writes Gavin Mortimer, guide to the grounds – Aviva Stadium, rising star – wait watchers – a trimmed-down Ben Morgan has caught the eye of both England and Wales but the Scarlets No. 8 is biding his time before pledging allegiance to either country says Sarah Mockford, I was lucky I just had a nice long sleep – Leeds centre James Tincknell was left fighting for his life after a car crash in February but now he’s gearing up for a tough season in the Championship writes Ian Stafford, England centre Riki Flutey looks back at his rugby education in New Zealand.

October 2011 - hosts with most – the countdown for the 2015 World Cup in England, island delights in store – Samoa are out to upset the big boys and consign their 2007 campaign to history, shock therapy – this won’t be a great World Cup unless there are giant-killing acts or at least the threat of them writes Frank Keating, fixtures and TV info for September, spotlight on Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds & Australia), spotlight on Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues & Wales), spotlight on David Wallace (Munster, Ireland & Lions), spotlight on Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues & Scotland), what it takes to win…from those who have in Lawrence Dallaglio, Michael Lynagh, Francois Pienaar and Sean Fitzpatrick, a league of his own – his been England’s brightest spark since his debut last year now Chris Ashton wants to show the world just how dangerous he is writes Ian Stafford, face-off – Adam Jones faces stiff challenges in a hugely physical World Cup pool but the Wales & Lions prop can’t wait for the head-to-head battles in New Zealand says Sarah Mockford, spearheading the attack – Max Evans provides Scotland’s creative streak and he as more motivation than most to succeed at the World Cup says Richard Bath, strong Bowe – left out of the 2007 World Cup squad, Tommy Bowe recovered to become one of Ireland’s most consistent and dangerous performers says Tom English, game zone – learn ho w to…, how to beat the All Blacks – Stuart Barnes believes he’s spotted a few chinks in World Cup hosts and tournament favourites New Zealand’s armour, rising star – counter punch – after making headlines for the wrong reasons at the end of last season Manu Tuilagi has learned his lesson and now wants to make a belting impression at the World Cup writes Ian Stafford, the Stephen Jones column – who’s going to do an Argentina – the Pumas were the stars of the 2007 World Cup but which team can pull off similar shocks in New Zealand, hidden gems – Rugby World has looked past the game’s big stars to pick out ten unknown players who will make an impact at the World Cup – Michael Leitch (Japan), Kurt Morath (Tonga), Davit Kubriashvili (Georgia), Tommaso Benvenuti (ItalY0, Chauncey O’Toole (Canada), Agustin Creevy (Argentina), Vyacheslav Grachev (Russia), Kahn Fotuali’i (Samoa), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Fiji) and Madalin Lemnaru (Romania), rumble on the radio – there’s a new player in town – talkSPORT are doing the World Cup on radio like never before and that means six weeks of Brian Moore says Alan Pearey, we have goals higher even than the New Zealand public – Dan Carter tells Rupert Bates, joie de vivre for France – World Cup preparations are gruelling for most but the French seemed to enjoy their build-up writes Sarah Mockford, the best team NOT at the World Cup by Sarah Mockford, wheels of fortune – Phil Vickery experienced plenty of highs and lows in his career so Bea Asprey joined him for a not-so-gentle bike ride to see what he thinks of England’s chances at the World Cup, chasing history – he’s a world champions and has led his country more times than any other but John Smit has one more goal before hanging up his Springbok shirt says Katie Field, an Englishman, a Scotsman and a Welshman… walk into a room – but this is no joke as Lewis Moody, Sean Lamont and Lee Byrne are too focussed on the World Cup for that as Gavin Mortimer discovered when sitting down for a chat, I have MS…MS doesn’t have me – we could all learn from the way that former England full back Alastair Hignell is tackling one of life’s most debilitating diseases says Alan Pearey, meet the teams – all you need to know about the 20 nations competing at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand by Sarah Mockford, rising to the challenge – preview of the re-branded Celtic League by Katie Field, a chance to shine – preview of the Aviva Premiership by Katie Field, guide to the grounds – Franklin’s Gardens home of Northampton Saints, former England & Lions hooker Steve Thompson tells of his life in rugby.

November 2011 -  2012 RBS Six Nations fixtures, spotlight on Louis Deacon Leicester & England), spotlight on Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons & Wales), spotlight on Stephen Ferris (Ulster & Ireland), spotlight on Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh & Scotland), life at the top – he starred for England for more than a decade and Jonny Wilkinson talks with Sarah Mockford about his ups and downs, the pursuit of – Brian O’Driscoll know the end of his illustrious career is approaching but how will he replace the joy of playing rugby asks Tom English, king of the wingers – Shane Williams has been dazzling fans since the turn of the century and he hasn’t lost his magic touch yet as he chats with Sarah Mockford about his best and worst memories in rugby, record player – points, tries, caps, World Cups – Chris Paterson heads all manner of lists for Scotland and the slender Borderer still has an appetite for more says Richard Bath, A-Z of the World Cup by Gavin Mortimer – people and places, scores and skippers all feature in the star-studded alphabet, 15 stars of 2015 – Gavin Mortimer predicts who will shine in four year’s time at the next World Cup, star destination viva Las Vagas – it’s the perfect trip for any rugby fan – a party town plus USA Sevens action as Sarah Mockford reports, game zone – learn how to…, fan-tastic World Cup – it’s not just New Zealanders who are enjoying the World Cup as Paul Morgan meets up with travelling fans to find out their tour tales, the big debate – should there be a second tier RWC asks Nick Cain, guide to the grounds – Recreation Ground home of Bath, equality street – rugby players choose many different career paths when they retire but former England wing Ben Cohen is breaking new ground with his Stand Up Foundation writes Ian Stafford, the Stephen Jones column – it’s time to strip back the laws – officials may have been told to get tough at the World Cup but Stephen Jones still sees glaring problems and wants laws refereed to the letter, whips quips and casino chips – some World Cup tales, focus on Wales with a profile of Ospreys scrum half Rhys Webb, regional news from England including spotlights on Chobham, Old Redcliffians, Old Otliensians and Kesteven, schools rugby, England scrum half Richard Wigglesworth talks about his rugby journey.

December 2011 - how was the World Cup for you…World Cup final referee Craig Joubert, Jodie Burton and Tom Hudson are two rugby nuts and they spent 18 months cycling to the World Cup and here is their story, two hues of blue – the Varsity match may be more than a century old but it’s still a rich and relevant occasion says Frank Keating, fixtures and TV info for November and December, 2012 RBS Six Nations fixtures, headline makers – Scarlets and Wales outside half Rhys Priestland, headline makers – New Zealand full back Israel Dagg, headline makers – Scarlets & Scotland wing Sean Lamont, headline makers – Clermont & Argentina hooker and the new Stade Francais coach Mario Ledesma, RFU – Reform For Upgrade – if England are going to be ready for the next World Cup they need to make some radical changes and fast says Paul Morgan, within seven days I had my best and worst experiences on the rugby field – Wales skipper Sam Warburton tells Sarah Mockford, how to be the perfect hosts – it was a World Cup to treasure and England 2015 can be even better if it builds on the spirit and passion of New Zealand says Stuart Barnes, depth charge – Sean O’Brien has ignited Ireland’s game with his explosive bursts and now the Leinster flanker is being tipped as a future national captain says Sarah Mockford, out of contention – there’s no hiding from the fact that 2011 marked Scotland’s worst-ever World Cup so why did they struggle in New Zealand and how can they become a force once again asks Tom English, headline makers – Leinster & Ireland prop Mike Ross, headline makers – Ospreys &Samoa scrum half Kahn Fotuali’i, headline makers – Leicester & England centre Manu Tuilagi, headline makers – former New Zealand wing John Kirwan, game zone – learn how to…, super heroes – fresh from the World Cup another North v South battle looms in the shape of the Heroes Rugby Challenge as Katie Field reports, the Stephen Jones column – time to toast the Heineken – with barely a pause for breath after a pulsating World Cup the European Cup is back and never have the stakes been higher, guide to the grounds – Madejski Stadium home of London Irish, Sevens express – the HSBC Sevens World Series is back and it’s bigger and shinier than ever says Gavin Mortimer, Matt Hampson interviews Northampton’s Keith Barwell, Team of the Month – Dyce, focus on Wales with an interview with Ospreys and Wales flanker Justin Tipuric, regional news from England including spotlights on Burgess Hill, Avonmouth Old Boys, Westmorland Baa-Baas and Deepings, schools rugby, Canterbury School of the Month – Hampton School, England full back Delon Armitage looks back at his route to the top of the game.