Forty-20 ready to launch
Managing editor Phil Caplan and editor-at-large Tony Hannan watch the first edition of Forty-20 magazine coming off the presses
A new Rugby League monthly is set to hit the newsagents on Wednesday 13th July, when the first edition of Forty-20 magazine makes its appearance.
The publication is the brainchild of Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd co-founders Phil Caplan and Tony Hannan, pictured above, who said: “We think there is a demand within rugby league for a different type of product, not to mention an alternative editorial voice.
“We aim to build a reputation for quality writing from a different range of perspectives and are looking to recapture the zeal and excitement of the original Open Rugby, but with a magazine tailored to the 21st century.”
Forty-20 will initially run to 48 pages and features thought-provoking articles by some of the game’s most respected writers and best-known personalities – including former Bradford, Wigan, Crusaders and Great Britain coach Brian Noble, Castleford star Richard Mathers and St Helens’s Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook – with more to follow.
It will have face-to-face interviews with Rugby League’s most engaging characters, be they in the European Super League, Australasian NRL or anywhere else in the world.
“In Forty-20 magazine we intend to value every rugby league club or nation whatever their geography or playing standard, from Barrow to Brighton, Bradford to Belgrade, Perpignan to Parramatta to Papua New Guinea,” added Hannan, the magazine’s editor-at-large.
“We will be offering a wide-ranging and open-minded publication that is bright and witty, punchy and intelligent. We will grapple with the big debates and explore front-line and behind the scenes issues. We will take Rugby League seriously, but not too seriously.
“And given how Forty-20 is a rugby league magazine for the 21st century, we will also encourage the talents of young and aspiring writers, photographers and illustrators.”
Managing editor Caplan went on: “We have been incredibly heartened by the number of advance subscriptions taken out, which is an indication that there is a need for a different perspective reflecting the sport. Their geographical spread – from Barnsley to Newport, Kirkintilloch to Barnstable, New South Wales to Milton Keynes – is further evidence of its current wider appeal that we will endeavour to cater for.”
Forty-20 will come out on the 13th day of each month – an appropriate date for rugby league. Priced £2.95, it will be available from newsagents and on line here. An app edition is also being produced – watch this space!
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