From Scratching Shed Publications (UK) comes a new magazine about rugby league football. Just a quick look at the inside front cover and you'll know this is like no other rugby league magazine that has gone before it. There you will find a full-page ad for masters' degrees in sports history and culture from De Montford University, Leceister! My kind of sports mag.The writing throughout is topical and intelligent. There is excellent coverage of the recent 'International Origin' match between England and the Exiles (consisting mostly of England-based Aussies and Kiwis). Not shying away from controversial issues, there's an investigation into acts of hooliganism after Halifax defeated Featherstone Rovers in the Northern Rail Cup semi last month. And great match analysis too.
History will no doubt play a vital role in Forty-20. The first issue has two fine pieces by rugby league's premier historian, Tony Collins. Tony investigates the 1958 British Lions' tour of Australia, uncovering a player rebellion and fiery clashes between coach and manager. In another article, Tony showcases a wonderful piece of ephemera: the menu for the 1908-09 Australian squad's farewell dinner before they embarked on the first Kangaroo tour of Great Britain. Dave Hadfield, Tony Hannan, Steve Kilgallon and other classy writers contribute thought-provoking articles on the game all over the world. If you're looking for reports on the spread of rugby league in Germany and Hungary, you'll find them here.
The inaugural issue of Forty-20 had me captivated. Look out for it on the 13th of each month. It's available in print, and will soon also be available in online formats.
