Nine articles from around the rugby world worth checking out, covering some Six Nations history, questionable club recruitment, the whereabouts of Rocky Elsom, Nigel Owens, the IRB Sevens, and more.

Cian Healy Wants To Win – by Gerry Thornley

Nice piece about the Irish prop’s burning desire to win the Six Nations.

A Sport Unlike Any Other – by Bernie Puchalski

A short story about Fred Kovacs’ induction onto the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame.

Celebrating Scotland’s Class Of ’84 – by Colin Moffat

Plenty of quotes here from arguably the greatest ever Scottish side.

Elsom Driving Force In Saving French Club – by Bret Harris

Remember Rocky Elsom? Amazing to think he’s still only 30. His latest venture is acting as CEO of Narbonne in the French Pro D2. Will he ever play again?

The Challenges And Joy Of Reffing Around The World – by Brendan Gallagher

An enlightening discussion with Nigel Owens, unquestionably the form referee in the world at the moment, about his career up until now and why he hasn’t read the law book.

Edinburgh Suffering Identity Crisis – by Alasdair Reid

Alan Solomons has brought in a huge number of South Africans to the squad in an effort to turn around their dismal performance, but not everyone agrees with his strategy.

The Loneliness Of The Long-Distance Kicker – by Tom Hamilton

A discussion with Stephen Myler of Northampton Saints about the mentality of a professional goal kicker.

The Strongest Men In Rugby Sevens – by IRB Media

Brief but interesting five minute featurette about the big men on the 7s circuit, featuring two of the best, Canada’s John Moonlight and South Africa’s Frankie Horne.

Zero Rucks Given – by Jerry Flannery

Legend on the field and off. What a character.