'Rugby World Cup lends credibility to a sport battling grave issues'
As clubs go bust and player welfare concerns heighten, the Rugby World Cup remains a vital beacon of light.
Mick Cleary was sports feature writer for The Observer from 1988-1997 covering Wimbledon, Tour de France, F1, cricket, golf, athletics and horse racing. In 1997 he became Chief Rugby Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. He has covered eight Rugby World Cups as well as seven Lions tours. Cleary has also written several books on the sport.
As clubs go bust and player welfare concerns heighten, the Rugby World Cup remains a vital beacon of light.
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