Six Nations’ winning formula
The world’s biggest annual rugby tournament has never been in better health, although its success should not be taken for granted
The Business of Rugby Union
Resources
Boosted by growing financial support, rugby is gearing up to expand into new territories, but some hurdles lie ahead.
Rugby’s game plan
The next decade will be critical for rugby as it balances its principles with a desire to grow the game, says Roger Blitz
Olympic dreams
Will Carling on why rugby must raise its profile, and sevens rugby, soon to be an Olympic sport, is the right tool for the job
Viewing figures
In every country where rugby is a major sport, TV rights have become more important
Growing the game
Bernard Lapasset, the president of the International Rugby Board, is pushing hard to internationalise rugby
Rugby kicks off
On and off the pitch, rugby, at the elite level, is healthier than ever
Related content and features
Six Nations
Media
Close encounters of a sporting kind
Can 3D give rugby an added dimension? Ben Fenton and son Julius, aged eight, head to the cinema to find out
The French Game
Old foes wage new battle
With four teams in this season’s Heineken Cup quarter-finals, French clubs dominate on the pitch. Off it, France is also more than a match for England
Reputation
Tarnished image
It has taken “Bloodgate”, rugby’s shameful cheating episode that unfolded last year, to remind rugby of its core values
New Zealand
Head and heart collide
As rugby-mad New Zealand counts down to the World Cup, financial concerns are mounting for the host, which is only slowly emerging from a deep recession
Asia
Fertile ground
Asian teams are rising up the rankings as they build on successes in recent tournaments
Argentina
Pumas on the rise
Argentina is the great outsider of the rugby world. Joining the Tri Nations will give the country new riches and potential
Lower leagues
Community spirit
After years in the wilderness, Richmond FC is back – and one of the great names of English rugby is determined not to repeat its mistakes
Rules
Laying down the law
The rules of rugby are constantly evolving. In a effort to keep the game safe and fair for all, everything from the tackle to the scrum comes under scrutiny
Women’s game
Women’s rugby breaking through
Hosting this autumn’s Women’s Rugby World Cup will strengthen England’s hand as they look to renew hostilities with rivals the New Zealand Black Ferns
Injuries
Sudden impact
With rugby-related injuries on the rise, those running the sport are coming under increasing pressure to act
Wage caps
Rugby hits a pay wall
Steve Johnson asks if English rugby’s self-imposed salary cap improves or inhibits the domestic game
After the game
What comes after rugby?
Former professional rugby players explain the challenges of starting a new career
corporate hospitality
The return of hospitality
The recession is over and corporate entertaining is back. This time, however, clients are being more discreet
