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RUGBY, or Ruggah as it is known on the muddy fields of England, is not the ideal sport to simulate on a computer. It's confused enough in real life, without having to contend with pixels and attribute clashes.

International Rugby allows you to play a friend or the computer in the Five Nations series, of which the Triple Crown forms a part.

Unfortunately, the players flicker continuously, the controls are sluggish and it's difficult to maintain the flow when the player being controlled changes all the time - you always seem to be running away from the ball. Although Rugby is very much a team game, requiring the setting up of elaborate passing movements to outflank opposition, Artic's version demands the reverse - if you get the ball, your best chance of scoring is to run for the line, dodging as much as you can.

Passing appears most erratic, although hours of practice may improve what precision the program provides. But you're unlikely to want to stay with it that long; the flickering figures are a strain on the eyes, the players themselves seem to be wearing long kilts, and often just stand still with the ball waiting to be tackled - or so it seems.

There may be a few boneheaded enthusiasts out there who'll want the only rugby simulation in town, but we fear sales are likely to be as limited as the appeal of this poorly designed offering.

Chris Bourne

Publisher: Artic Price: £7.95 Memory: 48K Joystick: Kempston, Sinclair

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