Rugby may have come to a halt in the northern hemisphere for a few weeks but the latest issue of Rugby World has plenty to plug the gap. The August issue ticks both the 15s and sevens boxes with in-depth reviews of the summer tours as well as exclusive interviews with those set to make a big impact on the Olympics stage. Here are ten reasons to buy Rugby World this month…

  1. Tours verdict

England and Scotland triumphed in New Zealand and Japan respectively, Ireland made history in South Africa while Wales were whitewashed in New Zealand. Former England fly-half Stuart Barnes analyses the performances of the four home nations in June while Paul Grayson compares England’s Class of 2016 with that of 2003 and Sean Holley pinpoints four areas where Wales must improve

  1. Olympics Special

Dan Norton, Kayla McAlister, Collins Injera, Seabelo Senatla, Perry Baker and Ellia Green – six sevens stars destined for big things in Rio talk to us about their journeys to the Olympics. Plus, how sevens took over the world…

Sevens

  1. Project players

Does the residency rule need looking at? Does rugby need to put a stop to ‘project players’ brought in by unions with a view to qualifying after three years in the country? Stephen Jones gives his thoughts on the hot topic while our Secret Player columnist takes a different stance

WP Nel

Wrapped up: Scotland’s South Africa-born prop WP Nel in action against Japan. Photo: Getty Images

  1. U20 World Cup

Hosts England triumphed in Manchester while Ireland also entered the record books – we look back at the tournament and showcase fabulous photographs from the event

U20 World Cup

North stars: Ireland and England line up for the U20 World Cup final. Photo: Getty Images

  1. Total workout

Discover why the Skillmill is the machine that can shake up your fitness regime – it has all the bases covered, as Italy’s Martin Castrogiovanni (below) explains

skillmill

  1. Stats attack

Take a look at the facts and figures behind Connacht’s Guinness Pro12 triumph and another Aviva Premiership title for Saracens

John Muldoon

Crowd pleaser: Connacht’s John Muldoon celebrates the Pro12 win with fans. Photo: Inpho

  1. Exclusive interviews

England’s James Haskell talks through his adventures in Oz, Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau addresses his move to Bath, Paddy Jackson of Ireland opens up on his new-found focus and Scotland lock Richie Gray discusses his love affair with France

Taulupe Faletau

Shining light: Taulupe Faletau battles with TJ Perenara last month. Photo: Getty Images

  1. Damian McKenzie

The Chiefs full-back has become something of a cult hero for Super Rugby fans in the northern hemisphere, with his cheeky grin and no-fear attacking attitude, so we decided to find out more about the 21-year-old – from phobias to guilty pleasures

Damian McKenzie

On the up: Damian McKenzie has a laugh during All Blacks training. Photo: Getty Images

  1. Lions 2017

Who should be on the plane to New Zealand next year? RW readers name names as the British Isles tour comes into focus

Stuart Hogg

Fab 15: Will Scotland’s Stuart Hogg be part of next year’s Lions squad? Photo: Getty Images

  1. Coaches’ corner

They used to play for London Irish together and are now all coaches – we get to know more about Conor O’Shea, Mark McCall, David Humphreys and Brendan Venter

Coaches

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