Football variants & related games

There have been a series of moments, some of them tough setbacks, that have proved over time to be pivotal to the person - and player - I am today. There was the time when my dreams of a football career came to an abrupt end but opened the door for rugby in my life; the ill-judged sledging outing...

There aren't many people who can say they've been the 31st man on the pitch during a World Cup humdinger, or a Grand Slam decider, or a Premiership or European Cup final; listened to the sobs of a 20-stone prop as he tries to belt out his national anthem; heard bones crunch after the mightiest of...

In 2003, England won the Rugby World Cup. Steve Thompson was there, in England's front row, at the heart of the match, and at the heart of the scrum - one of sport's most destructive, repetitive impacts. But the triumphs came at a cost. When rugby union turned professional, Steve was plunged into...

One of rugby's most ferocious flankers and biggest characters, James Haskell has had an extraordinary, global experience of the game, having played for the Lions, Wasps, England and in both Australia and France. After 17 years and with 77 international caps under his sizeable belt, he has a lot t...