What’s in The Rugby Paper: 03/09/23

The Rugby World Cup is just around the corner, and you can find a team-by-team preview of the highly anticipated competition in The Rugby Paper this Sunday.

England have had the worst possible preparation for the tournament with a first ever defeat to tier two opposition in Fiji, and as the fallout continues from that game we catch up with Fijian winger Jiuta Wainiqolo who looks ahead to his side’s next test in the opening round of the World Cup against Wales. 

Former skipper of that nation, Sam Warburton, talks about the importance of fitness in the competition, while Damian Willemse backs Mannie Libbok after the fly-half came under pressure for his goal kicking.

We’ll also be looking ahead to the start of the Premiership Cup, which in addition to the Premiership sides competing will also have Championship teams making their bow in the tournament which, like the World Cup, starts next Friday.

Bath travel to Cornish Pirates on the opening night, and Chris Cloete – a flanker for the visitors – reveals how he found salvation from a horrible run with injuries in the unlikeliest of places: Sri Lanka.

Before that the National Leagues in England get underway, and we’ll have reports from all the action National League One, National League Two East, National League Two West and National League Two North. 

And newly wed Lark Atkin-Davies shares how she spent her honeymoon in England camp as the Red Roses gear up for inaugural WXV tournament in New Zealand

A former star for Neath and Ospreys, who played for the club during the start of the previous incarnation of what is now known as the United Rugby Championship; ex-Tonga winger Dave Tiueti picks a team of the best players he has played with or against in Dream Team.

And elsewhere in our features, tyro Bristol Aaron Tull is our Young Gun, whilst our podcast guest from this week – Duncan Hodge – reflects on his life in the game My Life in Rugby.

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