This richly illustrated Presentation Pack is an official Rugby World Cup 2015 item and therefore features the ‘Official Merchandise’ hologram. Written by renowned sports writer and journalist Richard Rae, one side focuses on facts, figures and stats from the history of the competition, while the other charts the origins of the Game. It also features a wealth of fascinating images, a history of the Tournament itself and authoritative definitions of the aspects of play depicted on the Special Stamps, which are of course included. 

Tackle 
In Rugby Union a tackle occurs when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and brought to ground. Second Class

Scrum 
A scrum involves eight forwards from each team bound together. Its purpose is to restart a game after a minor rule infringement. Second Class

Try 
A try – worth five points in Rugby Union – is scored when a player reaches the opposing goal line and grounds the ball on or over the line. First Class

Conversion 
A conversion kick is taken after a try is scored, from a point in line with where the ball was grounded. First Class

Pass 
In a rugby pass the ball must be thrown from one player to another in either a backwards or lateral direction. £1

Drop Goal 
To score one, a player drops the ball to the ground, lets it bounce and kicks it over the bar between the posts, earning three points. £1

Ruck 
In a ruck one or more players from each team, on their feet and in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground. £1.52

Line-Out 
Consisting of three to eight players from each side, a line-out takes place when the ball has been kicked or knocked out of play. £1.52 

Special Stamps Technical Specifications

Design hat-trick design
Illustration Geoff Appleton
Stamp format Landscape
Stamp size 41mm x 30mm
Phosphor as appropriate
Gum PVA 

Acknowledgements

The illustrations reference the following photographic sources – tackle © AP/PA Images; scrum and line-out © Image Source/CORBIS; try and drop goal © Camillo Natale-Miles/Saracens RFC; conversion © Getty Images; pass © Douglas Fisher; ruck © International Rugby Board; TM © RWC Ltd 1986