From lost boy to liberté
Kurtley Beale has charted a turbulent path from troubled wonderkid and rehab patient to joyous Racing 92 galactico.
Proving his worth
James Botham is stepping out of the shadows of his grandfather’s sporting legend
Features
Culture clash
If the New Zealand Rugby strikes a private equity deal, it is going to force a radical culture shift in the All Blacks’ traditional values.
Dow stock on rise
England winger wants to engineer change in the women’s game
The odd couple
Mark Durden-Smith and David Flatman make a classic TV double act but what do they make of each other?
Try your eyes
Bryan Habana’s incredible Test scoring record wasn’t just down to his speed
Loyalty and legacy
England’s new tyro talks LeBron James, Eddie Jones and making an indelible footprint.
Star Columns
Hope springs
With a new broadcast deal and coaching set-up, there’s reason for optimism in Australia right now.
The hard line
Talent only takes you so far, you need selflessness and a team-ethic to become a true great
Real cost of criticism
Rugby players never go out on the park to lose – but it’s not the players who criticism hurts the most.
Opinion
Opportunity knocks
Harrowing real-life stories from former professionals should force rugby into swift action
Escaping the straitjacket
With his bright dreadlocks and custom boots, Paolo Odogwu is a splash of colour in an often-grey sport.
Editor’s Choice
Generation next
The progeny of a 1930 British and Irish Lion, Jesse Kriel longs to face the tourists in 2021.
Better late than never
Touring is key to the Lions’ survival, so do fans want a waiting game or no game?
The XV Video
In Conversation with | Ben Ryan & Jim Hamilton
Jim Hamilton sat down with Olympic gold medalist coach, Ben Ryan to discuss his career to date, life on the island of Fiji, the state of the game and global stars of the future.
In Conversation with | Brian Moore & Jim Hamilton
Brian Moore sat down with Jim Hamilton to discuss player wages, the state of the game and the pressures of social media.
Podcasts
The XV – Rugby History
A podcast about the history of rugby and it’s roots in different countries, narrated by historian Tony Collins.
Footy Great Podcast
Former All Blacks media manager and Crowd Goes Wild host, Ric Salizzo, interviews legends of the game.
The XV – Ben Kimber
Ben Kimber explores some of the key topics in Australian rugby past and present, including interviews with the biggest names in the sport.
The XV Contributors
More Stories
Annus mirabilis
He started the year a hopeful sevens player but Caleb Clarke ended 2020 as a global superstar.
Charmed life
All Blacks captains have seemingly been subject to different rules because of their reputation.
Breaking bad
Rugby Australia have navigated some tough seas in recent years – but it’s a period they may end up thankful for.
Divorce papers
Marriage between media and clubs is in trouble but it’s not too late to save relationship
White line fever
Scotland are rock solid defensively but need to more clinical in converting pressure into points
Unfinished business
To some, he will always be known as the coach who lost to Japan. But there is much more to Heyneke Meyer.
Plugging the gaps
Wales’ transition from old defence coach to new has been far from smooth.
Chart-topper
Luke Charteris is proving to be a big hit as a young coach at Bath
Fun and games
Bernard Le Roux has been given a new lease of life by France’s youngsters
The Sexton conundrum
The way Andy Farrell handles his captain will define his tenure as Ireland head coach.
Sizing up
Bigger is better for Test coaches, but it isn’t for player welfare
The French evolution
After a decade of turmoil, things are finally looking up for Les Bleus.
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