Rugby Journal Magazine Issue 26 Back Issue

Ollie Chessum opens up about his journey from the middle of nowhere to becoming an integral part of England’s XV. Hannah Botterman, at just 25, shares her story of overcoming injuries and personal loss, and how she’s become an international veteran with England.
Dean Richards takes us through his diverse career, from tackling an armed man while working as a bobby to life in France, dealing with Bloodgate, and playing for England in the 1990s. Natalia John discusses the toughest two years of her life, the legacy of Morgan, and the support she’s found in the people of Gorseinon. Jamal Ford-Robinson reflects on his 100 games for Gloucester, his rise to TikTok fame, and the unexpected discovery of a brother he never knew he had.
We also visit Castres, the five-time French champions who stand out in the Top 14 thanks to a quirky secret—varicose vein cream and Brixham, a 150-year-old club from a Devon fishing town, recalls their famous victory over one of England’s rugby powerhouses. Newport RFC embarks on a new era with Super Rygbi Cymru, and we take a closer look at Great Britain Sevens as the Olympics draw nearer, with both the men’s and women’s teams still making waves on the global sevens scene.