Most read stories of 2014

Our International Ranking?˜stories are always incredibly popular, not least due to the absence of official rankings in the game. In October we took a different look at the test rankings by also including sevens rugby into the mix and this piece was the most popular on the site throughout the entire year!Having watched every tackle, kick and scrum throughout the World Cup, we choose our top 15 players from the entire tournament as well as listing some of those close-runners. ?˜There was no surprise to see five players from the eventual tournament winners England.?˜Perhaps an unusual story to hit our top three, a recent news item about Scotand's side to take on Italy as part of their Six Nations leadup, does perhaps suggest a great interest in sides who tend to step out of the limelight for a bit, as the Scots absence at the World Cup rather enforced, coming good again with dedicated test schedules.?˜Our?˜story revealing a?˜serious breakdown of relations between the Swedish RFU and many of its leading players was well read this year after Sweden's disappointing showing at the European Grand Prix. ?˜This piece includes a letter from the players and a statement given to us from the Swedish Rugby Union.

News of national teams going professional with fulltime contracts being offered to players are becoming almost the norm in the sevens game, but Ireland's long awaited decision to do so generated plenty of interest. Mooted a year ago, funding from the Irish Sports Council has given 19 players the opportunity to play pro rugby.News that popular USA player Jillian Potter?˜had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer saw an outpuring of support online in recent months as from around the game shows. Fundraising continues ?˜England Rugby's move to give 20 England players contracts also saw plenty of interest. With 12 World Cup winning players included, England followed in the footsteps of numerous other leading sevens nations?˜Another sad story earlier this year was the tragic death of?˜Keri Holdsworth, who won 15 caps for Scotland and worked as club physio for Watsonians, following a?˜road accident. Our thoughts are with her family this Christmas.?˜As excitement built towards the World Cup, news about the pools, schedule and broadcast details for the tournament were of great interest.?˜USA player Hannah Stolba gave us her take on?˜on why changing the ball size in the women's game would be a mistake following a debate about the issue online.?˜?˜