Rugby Journal Magazine Issue 24 Special Issue

Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, reflects on fifty years with the club, from building a double-winning team to his drive to repeat the success. England Under-18s, after a tough few years, are back on the rise, and we went into camp to find out how they’ve turned things around. Meanwhile, Brazilian rugby, is finally showing signs of growth.
David Campese, the Wallaby icon, takes us through his illustrious career, including his World Cup triumphs at England’s expense. Leicester Tigers Women’s ascent to the top of English rugby owes much to Lichfield, while Mike Tadjer, Portugal’s French-born hooker, became an instant hero with his World Cup heroics. Paula George shares her journey from overcoming childhood racism to captaining her country, and facing the battle of her life – cancer.
Rosslyn Park, once home to the great Prince Obolensky, talk about surviving a rocky period thanks to an unexpected benefactor. Rich Lane has made an unlikely move from Bedford to Bristol, stepping into Charles Piutau’s shoes, while Mo Hunt opens up about a rollercoaster year with England. Graham Smith’s journey from abattoirs to World Cup success in Estonia shows just how unpredictable his life has been.