About

Northern Rugby Journal is for readers who want to understand more than the score. We explore the laws, patterns, player roles, equipment and club customs that make rugby compelling, explaining specialist language as we go.

What we cover

Our subjects range from the logic of a phase and the purpose of a position to the traditions that gather around a club. We favour evergreen questions that help readers watch, discuss and appreciate the game with a keener eye.

Who it is for

You might be a long-time supporter, a newer viewer, a player curious about another role or simply someone who enjoys learning how a game works. We aim to make rugby terms understandable without assuming that every reader knows the vocabulary already.

How we approach the game

We explain the idea at the heart of each subject, distinguish general description from opinion and avoid pretending that one observation accounts for every match or team. Our aim is a clearer view of rugby, not a substitute for official laws or coaching.