“International Rugby Simulator” (also known as “Advanced Rugby Simulator” on the Atari ST) is a sports game by Ian Dunlop.

First released in 1988 for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64 and Atari ST.

Seven-a-side rugby union is brought to life in this budget game.
The action is viewed from the side, although kicks to the posts are played from a behind-the-posts perspective.
Scrums and line-outs are incorporated for as realistic a game as possible given the player restriction.

A tournament can be played with up to 8 players, with as many computer teams as required to fill the gaps.

On the Atari ST version, the tactical side of the game is very complex – seventeen different formations are on offer.
Other gameplay variables can be set – player stamina (lower values forcing you to play a more conservative game), how long a player takes to recover from a tackle, and the standard strengths of passes and kicks, plus some very complicated mathematical coefficients.

The ability to rename teams, change kits and alter the match lengths seem banal by comparison.