The latest issue of Rugby League World is on sale from Friday 4th May 2012. In addition to our usual outlets, the mag is also available on iPad, iPhone, Android and the web.
We hope there’s something for everyone in this issue, no matter what your specific interest in the game might be. We kick off in Super League with a visit to Salford to catch up with Salford City Reds ‘General’ Luke Patten who has announced this will be his last season as a player.
Ahead of the game as always, we got an interview in the bag with Featherstone Rovers’ Samoan star Tangi Ropati before the big Cup tie against Castleford. Sadly for Tangi, the match resulted in serious injury as a result of dangerous play by an opponent, but we publish the interview and pictures taken in happier times and send the big man our best wishes for a speedy return to on-field action. Meanwhile, Jon Wells has his say on the legitimacy of the shoulder tackle which put Tangi out of the game.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan is using his own period of enforced absence from the field wisely, peering behind the lens during a Sky Sports broadcast to hear from former Wigan and GB star turned TV pundit Phil Clarke, who talks about his successful playing days and the serious injury which brought it to an end.
We evaluate the financial crisis at Bradford Bulls and Dave Hadfield puts the departure of RFL chairman Richard Lewis into perspective with a look back at the comparative successes and failures of his predecessors.
Sprinkling a bit of magical stardust on proceedings is Matthew Lewis, the Leeds Rhinos supporting alter-ego of Harry Potter’s trusty sidekick Neville Longbottom.
Looking further afield, we have a transatlantic chat with USA Tomahawks star Apple Pope about Rugby League stateside and their plans for the World Cup.
Swinton Lions and Wales stalwart Ian Watson is the subject of a quickfire round of questions and NSW Origin coach Ricky Stuart tells us about his plans for knocking Queensland off their perch.
Robbie Hunter-Paul discusses the viability of a single code of rugby and John Stankevitch explains the five key positions in a successful team. We also chat to some of England’s leading female internationals, examine youth development and our detailed grassroots coverage includes Medway Dragons, South Wales Scorpions and Heysham Atoms.
Apologies to fans of our Secret Speccie who is taking a break this month. Don’t worry, he’ll be back testing the pies at a stadium near you very soon.
Tell us what you think about the mag or any other Rugby League topic via our website forum, or on Twitter or Facebook or even just write a good old fashioned letter, your views are always welcome.
We also now have our own Youtube Channel where you can view videos linked to features in the magazine including our regular fitness training feature, Fit for Purpose.
John Drake – Editor
NB: You should be able to find a copy of the mag on sale in all good newsagents and many supermarket chains including Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys in the UK from Friday 4th May – if your local newsagent doesn’t have it in stock, ask them to place a regular order for you. You can also order a single copy or a subscription to be delivered by post to any address worldwide by clicking here.
Don’t forget we’re now available to read on the iPad, iPhone, Android and the web too!
