Rugby 08 PS2 Mod

[ama1]

I have created an updated PS2 roster for Rugby08

All the players in this roster were AI generated in a list.
There are no real players, however this mod should add a bit of variety to the PS2 version - as you won't know the strengths / abilities of all the players.
All teams are relatively even, so WL should be interesting...

I can't update the graphics because there is no way to convert .fsh files to .ssh (as yet)

To play this mod you will need to be able to run an iso or via OPL (Open PS2 Loader)


1.) FreeMcBoot

2.) Some form of modchip

I personally install to and run it off a device called MX4SIO.
I boot FreeMcBoot and then go into OPL. (You will need to search online for instructions to enable MX4SIO access via settings)

3.) Or you can just run it off a PC via PCSX2...


https://www.mediafire.com/file/61x5laqp1lvyhbv/00+-+Modded+Rugby+08.iso/file

 

[Nonstopswordsman]

Hi ama is there a possibility on. The excell spread sheet file in data called controllerconfig. Can you mod that so Xbox series controller would work?

 

[davsav93]

Hi mate, interesting share!

I've found myself using Rugby 08 on PCSX2 on my Lenovo Legion Go now, as the editor allows for X6 native PS2 output, and I haven't quite figured out how to get my "cracked" (owned on PS2 and PC) Rugby08 to run on it due to portrait mode and Windows 11 issues.

Anyway, I was wondering how you can edit the roster file on PS2. I have Woosaah's Editor for the PC game still. I also have BigGui, FSHed etc.

I'd like to sort out the roster files to sort out the French team and the South African team. It would be even better if I could just copy over my PC roster file and convert it so it could be read as a PS2 file.

 

[ama1]

Hi mate. I edited the roster on my pc - using a hex editor . I then injected the .rdf file into the ps2 .big file and recreated the img using imgburn.

 

[davsav93]

Hi mate. I edited the roster on my pc - using a hex editor . I then injected the .rdf file into the ps2 .big file and recreated the img using imgburn.

Nice, but nevermind! I've realised DGVoodoo2 gets it working on PC.

 

[ama1]

I have updated the pS2 version to now have the TRF24 roster

Still a work in progress.

So far, I have added the roster, correct team names and schedule.

I just need to figure out how to do the graphics (kits, flags, player portraits..etc) by trying to convert the .fsh files to .ssh
Heres a link of the WIP iso..

https://www.mediafire.com/file/brdb3dbg7ag2egt/TRF24.iso/file

 

[@Monny]

This seems awesome. I'm just struggling to get it installed. Can't you maybe make an tutorial video of how to implement it please

I have updated the pS2 version to now have the TRF24 roster

Still a work in progress.

So far, I have added the roster, correct team names and schedule.

I just need to figure out how to do the graphics (kits, flags, player portraits..etc) by trying to convert the .fsh files to .ssh
Heres a link of the WIP iso..

https://www.mediafire.com/file/brdb3dbg7ag2egt/TRF24.iso/file

 

[ama1]

It is a ps2 iso, so you will need a way to play isos (i.e; PCSX2 on PC or a modded PS2 (either softmodded with Freemcboot or modchipped).

If using the softmod mode - you will need OpenPS2Loader or HDloader to run it.

 

[@Monny]

It is a ps2 iso, so you will need a way to play isos (i.e; PCSX2 on PC or a modded PS2 (either softmodded with Freemcboot or modchipped).

If using the softmod mode - you will need OpenPS2Loader or HDloader to run it.

So I got to have a PS2 sofware or a moddedchip?

 

[ama1]

Yes. Or just use the app PCSX2 on a PC to test it.

 

[@Monny]

Yes. Or just use the app PCSX2 on a PC to test it.

Can you maybe send some screenshot of how it looks please

 

[Shawntahs]

Hey @ama1 how to get the mod on the iso file? Want to try this on xbsx2

 

[Shawntahs]

Hey @ama1 how to get the mod on the iso file? Want to try this on xbsx

Hey @ama1 how to get the mod on the iso file? Want to try this on xbsx2

Or do i just use the trf24 file as the iso?

 

[Hankstrom]

Hi @ama1 , just tried and it and massive thanks for the effort, works like a charm, playing it on a Rog Ally X and it's perfect!

 

[ama1]

Thanks mate, I love the PS2 version - because of the responsiveness. It's a shame we can't update the graphics, however the next best thing was to create an AI generated roster of players so that the game didn't feel so out of date and it's a good challenge on World League because every team is around the same level.

 

[Hankstrom]

Thanks mate, I love the PS2 version - because of the responsiveness. It's a shame we can't update the graphics, however the next best thing was to create an AI generated roster of players so that the game didn't feel so out of date and it's a good challenge on World League because every team is around the same level.

Agree, actually enjoying the game way more when playing on a modded PS2 : it plays smooth, no hiccups, controls are responsive and with your file it feels more fresh

 

[tberry94]

Wow this is amazing! Thank you so much, dreams do come true! How's it coming along?

 

[Shawntahs]

Does rugby 08 play 60fps or 30fps on ps2

 

[Vennell11]

Is there a way to play the modded iso version on a ps3 with cfw?

 

[Vennell11]

Is there a way to play the modded iso version on a ps3 with cfw?

Update I’ve got it running on ps3 but when I try use certain teams it shuts the console down, also I got a missing texture on some stadiums. Is there a work around? Pretty cool seeing the the 24 all blacks team on there

 

[jeremili]

Hello thanks for sharing your mods. Any chance to have a mod with real names in the world league from the original game ?

 

[jeremili]

Hello, with your TRF24, I am stuck in loading a game every time I face Benetton Treviso, do you know if it's easy to fix it ? thanks in advance

 

[OutRun22]

well thats what i was wondering ps3 emu would be easier, pity they didnt just remaster th godamn game on ps3 n we would be golden

 

[Liam96]

This is fantastic i tried so many times using the .exe and it never booted but using this ISO and using PCSX2 it worked right away, huge ask i know but is there any chance of an updated version with the Lions Game mode added?

 

[balkieb]

Is there any updated version of TRF24 or another mod that works with PS2 even if team from last 5 years.
I find this version supplied here freezes during loading before playing certain teams but otherwise looks great.
Would love to try the mod but PC version doesn't start half the time so would like to use PS2 instead.

 

[jeremili]

any chance to share your final version @ama1 ? thanks

 

[ama1]

Here is my latest version (2025 squads).


Obviously, the kits are incorrect until I sort out how to mass convert the .fsh files to .ssh files.
I managed to cut and paste (in a hex editor) the bytes from a modded .bmp image file into an ssh and tested it (and it worked), but
haven't figured out why it worked.

I still have a bit of work to do on the mod (the star players are incorrect).
It is playable though (if you ignore the kits and logos).
I got rid of the representative teams and Oyonnax from the TRF24 mod and have just overwritten all the teams on the original game.

 

[ama1]

I managed to import modded graphics from a .fsh file into a PS2 .ssh file using a hex editor.
I made it work in EA Graphics Manager.

Hope this can lead to a possible TRF mod on the PS2 version.

I hope Dmitri can find an easier way to do this.

Skip to the bottom if you don't want to know the technical parts.

I tested it out on file: e7f1aa3feada2aea.... which is the Russia - Left Minikit

Using 010 editor, I set the line width to 16 bytes per line.

Getting to understand the PS2's .SSH file structure.

The first two lines of the SSH file contain the file header:

4 bytes (char) - signature // "SHPI" for FSH Files
// "SHPS" or "ShpS" for SSH Files
In this files case it is 53 48 50 53 (SHPS)

4 bytes (uint32 Hex value) - total file size
In this files case it is A0 05 01 00 (Total File Size which converted to decimal =66976 bytes).

4 bytes (uint32) - number of entries (01 00 00 00)

4 bytes (char) - directory ID //
This file displays G359

The next line (Starting at byte 16) displays
6B 72 73 61 70 00 00 00 42 75 79 20 45 52 54 53
when displayed as characters = krsap...Buy ERTS

From Line 32 - byte 111 there should be 00's (80 of them).

The Line starting at byte 112 brings us to the entry type / record id which is a header that looks like this;
02 10 00 01 00 01 00 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

According to https://web.archive.org/web/2023081...index.php/EA_SSH_FSH_Image#Supported_Programs
This record id relates to the following image data;
2 / 0x02 unknown 8-bit image with 256-colors swapped palette

The next 65536 bytes are our raw image file. (From byte 112 through to byte 65663 )

Byte 65664 is another header which looks like this
21 10 04 00 00 01 01 00 00 01 00 00 00 20 00 00

This is the header for our 256 color palette that goes along with our raw image file.
33 / 0x21 unknown 256-colors palette

The next 1024 bytes are our palette data.

Byte 66704 is the header for the EA Metal.bin attachment
69 00 01 00 F0 00 10 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
I did not modify this data and left it as it is.

The short version.

I managed to convert a .fsh file to a .ssh file by:

1.) Opening a modded .fsh file from the TRF24 mod.
2.) Deleted the first two lines (32 bytes) of the .fsh file.
3.) Opened the corresponding ps2 .ssh file.
4.) Copied the first 7 lines (112 bytes).
5.) Pasted (inserted) at the top of the .fsh file.
6.) Corrected the overall file size in hex (bytes 5 - 8).
7.) Saved the file as .ssh

Tried to change the format from an 8 bit image with 256 color palette to a DXT1 file.
The graphics did not show on the PS2. Maybe because I used the wrong image format.

I can't figure out how to create a raw image and 1024 byte pallette from a .bmp or .png that
is compatible with the PS2.
I just dont want to muck around with the PS2's raw image + 256 color palettes and want to straight convert a .fsh to .ssh

 

[jordan7martin]

Hi ama1,
Firstly, I would just like to say thank you for giving all of us rugby fans a modified Rugby 08 game that is worth playing!!!
I'm sure I speak on behalf of a lot of people when I say that your efforts are very appreciated! After skim reading a few threads, it seems like @jim546 is also instrumental in helping with your continuous mods over the years, so shoutout to him as well!

I'm obviously looking forward to your next PS2 TRF25 iso revision with updated kits, etc. as I definitely enjoy playing the PS2 version over the PC version (tried both recently). My mates and I are loving playing with all the current players and teams. We're obviously very happy we stumbled across your mod on this platform, as there really is no other rugby game that has ever come close to the likes of Rugby 08.

Just a quick one, I noticed the PS2 TRF25 iso freezes when playing any games at the State Marcel-Michelin. This has unfortunately pulled the brakes on my World League campaign... Not sure if you're able to fix this?
Also, let me know if you would like me to raise any other bugs I notice while playing, as I'm jamming religiously atm, lol.

I'm currently using PCSX2 as my emulator and it's working really well!

Looking forward to hearing from you mate! Cheers!

 

[ama1]

Thanks Jordan,

I'm still working on this project, so hopefully will get some updates done in the next month or so.

RE: the crashing stadium bug - I think its because the stadium refers to either graphics or a stadium id that does not exist in the original version.
I tried adding the modded files from the TRF24 patch and I think that's whats causing the crash.
I can just change the stadium id to a working French stadium as a quick fix.

As a side note, I managed to generate a new roster that technically shouldn't crash (as I just replaced all the teams in the existing game).
This means, some of the lower placed French and international teams have been cut.