Five go mad on national service Even in World Cup year the Five Nations' retains its own magic. Steve B ale reports

From: The Independent - London | Date: January 17, 1995| Author: STEVE BALE | Copyright information

In rugby union it is World Cup year and that makes it extra special. But in rugby union every year is Five Nations year and that makes every year special. The Five Nations' Championship - even though for much of its time there were only four - is the longest- running success story in the game.

Yet every January, every time the Five Nations are about to gird themselves for yet another series of sold-out Saturdays, the question about the relative importance of the championship is posed....

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