Rugby Journal Magazine Issue 14 Vorige editie

Louis Rees-Zammit opens up in his first sit-down interview at a Cardiff brewery, discussing everything from Mikey Rayer to the coach who doubted his place in Welsh rugby. Saracens’ Mark McCall, Maro Itoje, Lucy Wray, and Jackson Wray reflect on the club’s toughest period and their plans for the future. Bristol Bears’ Simi Pam shares the painful experience of being racially assaulted after a breakthrough season, while Geoff Irvine talks about two decades of fighting at the frontier of English rugby’s top tiers.
The story of a rugby refugee from the late-1980s unfolds, revealing his escape from the Romanian team and the tragic fate of his teammates. We revisit Bay of Plenty’s historic Ranfurly Shield win under Vern Cotter and Joe Schmidt, and explore the origins of the Nomads, a women’s rugby side that travelled the world and made waves. Exeter Chiefs Women’s rise as challengers in the Allianz Premier 15s is told through the lens of their away trip and the bond between players and coaches.
Apollo Perelini, the 1991 destroyer of Wales, now leads rugby development in Dubai as head coach of the United Arab Emirates, while Jo and Tony Yapp reflect on their journey from The Pony Club to rugby paddocks. Mark Ring recounts his fascinating career, spanning from Wales to West Hartlepool, and Alex King looks back on a trophy-laden playing career before his coaching journey at Gloucester. Finally, Uganda’s return to the rugby field is marked by a regional tens tournament that signals the country’s growing rugby presence.