Rugby League Books

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Book SynopsisPaul Williams is a columnist for the Pro14 website and a regular guest on the Pro14's Under the Sticks podcast. A once tackle-shy second row, he has a deep love of attacking flair, questionable clothing and low-calorie lager. He lives in Cardiff.

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Book SynopsisJohn Devereux burst into rugby's big-time as a 19-year-old student when he terrorised a Cardiff team packed with Lions and Wales stars for his South Glam Institute side in a Welsh Cup tie. His powerful piston-pump hand-off saw him nicknamed the 'Dalek' and two months later, in January 1986, he was making his Wales debut against England. He was one of the stars of the 1987 union World Cup as Wales finished third, the nation's highest ever position in the tournament, and appeared for the British and Irish Lions before being lured to rugby league by a big-money offer exceeding GBP350,000. Devereux was a huge hit for Widnes, playing 185 games and scoring 120 tries, and Manly Sea Eagles in Australia, and became a dual-code international - scoring six tries in eight games for Great Britain, and three tries in 12 games for Wales RL. He was also the last Wales union international to appear in a RL World Cup final when he lined up for Great Britain against Australia at Wembley in 1993. Held in the highest regard by former teammates and opponents alike, John Devereux is revered by followers of rugby league and rugby union and, in his official biography, Devs, tells the fascinating story of his life in rugby.Trade Review‘Devs was big, explosive, fit and full of enthusiasm. You could see he could become something special.’ Derek Quinnell; ‘John is right up there when it comes to Welsh players making a mark on the Rugby World Cup’ Tony Gray; ‘It’s not easy to make the transition from union to league but Devs did it, and more.’ Jonathan Davies; ‘John was, without a doubt, one of the finest players to ever wear the Widnes jersey.’ Jim Mills; ‘He was a player you didn’t just play to, you also played off him.’ Sir Ian McGeechanTable of ContentsForeword by Jonathan Davies 1. 'Is There a John Devereux here?' 2. Garw Valley Boy 3. Twickenham Calling 4. Debut 5. The Brawl to End Them All 6. Accidents Will Happen 7. The Inaugural Rugby World Cup 8. The Talk of Wales 9. Lion 10. Going North 11. Surfing the Waves with Widnes 12. Wales RL 13. Tearful World Cup Final 14. Implosion at Widnes 15. Maninga and Manly 16. Wales and Samoa Go To War 17. The Toughest Fight of My Life 18. Back to Rugby Union 19. Wales, Henry and Granny-Gate 20. The Green Green Grass of Home 21. 2000 RL World Cup 22. End of the Rugby Road Career Statistics Index

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Book SynopsisThe first-ever Forty20 Annual featuring all your favourite columnists in festive mood together with a full expose on Bradford, welcome Sonny Bill, that World Cup draw video, Kelner's Almanac, California dreaming, 2020 into view & much more - perfect with a truffle log

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Book Synopsis''He''s one of the best players I''ve ever played with. As a forward, I''d say he''s the best.'' Johnny SextonSeán O''Brien does not come from a traditional rugby background. He grew up on a farm in Tullow, far from the rugby hotbeds of Limerick and Cork or the fee-paying schools of Dublin. But as he made his way up through the ranks, it soon became clear that he was a very special player and a very special personality. Now, Seán O''Brien tells the remarkable and unlikely story of his rise to the highest levels of world rugby, and of a decade of success with Leinster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.Trade ReviewA really, really honest and revealing read -- Matt Cooper * Today FM *Fuel is about revelation - not so much the late-night, boozy, tops-off revelation, although there is a good bit of that. It's more about the baring of his vulnerabilities and driving forces * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisAgainst a backdrop of a dramatically changing city, Last One Out... traces the story of how Hull's two rugby league teams emerged from mid-seventies gloom to take their place at the very top of the game - exerting a dominance over the sport that others would follow.

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Book SynopsisIrish rugby's most hilarious and outrageous moments101 Funny Irish Rugby Moments is a collection of priceless anecdotes from the field, with interviews from Moss Keane, Mick Galwey, Peter Clohessy and plenty more, plus a foreword by the legendary Tony Ward.From Lansdowne Road to Thomond Park, from Connacht to Ulster and Leeside to the Lions, these are some of the most unexpected tales of Irish rugby legends, like when . . . - BRIAN O'DRISCOLL HOSTED A BOND GIRL - PAUL O'CONNELL MET PRINCE WILLIAM - RORY BEST TURNED INTO SLEEPING BEAUTY - AND JAMES LOWE MADE A STRANGE REQUEST OF THE GARDAÍThis book offers a unique glimpse into the funniest moments that have happened on and off the pitch with some of rugby's greatest characters.

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Book SynopsisThe laws of rugby are as extensive as they are confusing, their nuances and interpretations argued over relentlessly by rugby fans around the world and virtually impenetrable to those who are new to the game. In an effort to provide some much-needed clarity, Paul Williams takes an irreverent, hilarious, p*ss-taking tour through the labyrinth that is rugby's rule book – or, for the pedantic, rugby’s law book. Hilarious, off-beat and (surprisingly) insightful, this is the perfect gift for rugby fans all around the world.

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Book SynopsisAs a Premiership, World Cup and Grand Slam winner, no one better embodies the charisma and the colour of English rugbys greatest era than Lawrence Dallaglio. He has some story to tell, not just of the formidable exploits on the field, but an extraordinary life off it. His only sister, Francesca, was the youngest to perish in the Marchioness disaster and her death at 19 remains the great sadness of his life. In addition to this and his much-talked about England exploits, he also led his club Wasps to the summit of European rugby, winning two Heineken Cups and three consecutive English Premiership titles. Full of drama, controversy and great sadness, Lawrence Dallaglios story the last of the great World Cup heroes is the one every rugby fan has been waiting to read.Trade Review'Uncontrollably frank...a terrific book' * Daily Telegraph *'Dallaglio, as befits his hardman persona, takes no prisoners' * Guardian *'One of the best autobiographies of the year... beautifully written' * Daily Telegraph *'It's top' * Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear *'Never less than compelling' * Mariella Frostrup, The Book Show *'By no means just for rugby heads' * Evening Standard *'An engaging tale' * Daily Express *'lucid, detailed and frank' * The Times *'Conveyed with the right balance of truth and delicacy: there is nothing prurient, yet the emotional passages are extremely moving, which is not something you can say about many rugby books' * Daily Telegraph *'The story of a true English sporting hero, albeit a flawed one for whom tragedy as well as disgrace has been a companion. Pretty much everything is confronted head on, exactly as Dallaglio played, indeed plays' * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisA 90-year record of both teams and scorers of every match played from season 1925-6 to 2016. Players statistics for every season, players total career records plus over 500 photographs. A must for every Castleford supporter and an invaluable reference work

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Book SynopsisThey were among the sporting elite of 1914, the stars of the Northern Union. Yet despite their heroic status in what was soon to become known as rugby league, these warriors of the playing field were willing to sacrifice their careers - and then lives - on the WW1 killing fields, for King and Country.Trade Review"Timely tales of rugby league gallantry" - Chris Irvine, The Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisThe Tough Season series moves to Australia. It’s the Rugby League World Cup and Duggan is in the heat of the action in this high-adrenaline fuelled crime thriller. When the charred remains of a body are found off Krakor Island in the Republic of Vanuatu in the South Pacific there is no hint of the violence, corruption and further death toll that is set to mount nor the mastermind responsible. Rugby League hero Greg Duggan’s life has hit rock bottom. He’s been sacked by his club, he’s not received a call up for the World Cup, he’s feeling bad about missing his son growing up, he feels his girlfriend is holding out on him about something – and then his mother calls with even more bad news. His dad is dying. Greg flies out to Australia to be with his parents and when an injury crisis takes its toll he joins the England squad. But just as his luck appears to have changed, he finds himself dodging bullets, on the run, at the centre of a murder inquiry and criminal activity. Then his son goes missing, followed by his girlfriend. The third book in the Greg Duggan series is author Chris Berry’s action-packed, high-adrenaline fuelled crime thriller.

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Book Synopsis**WINNER British Sports Book Awards SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR****Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award**Gareth Thomas had it all. Gareth’s inspiring and moving story transcends the world of sport to tell a universal truth about feeling like an outsider, and facing up to who you really are.Trade ReviewAstonishingly powerful * The Times *Proud offers an enthralling insight into a world and a struggle to which we are rarely given access… Thomas’ story is a harrowing reminder that sportsmen are as vulnerable as the rest of us… The honesty with which Thomas presents his many dark moments makes this an absolute must-read. An eye-opening glimpse into the inner turmoil of a national hero * Sport Magazine *Inspiring and moving * Daily Telegraph *Sensational * Rugby World *Achingly honest * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisIn this fully updated paperback edition of the Sunday Times bestseller, Jonny Wilkinson opens up to reveal what it is like to be the world''s most famous rugby player and an international sporting superstar. MY WORLD is a fascinating insight into his motivations, thoughts, hopes and fears as he discusses topics as far ranging as playing for England, his all-time heroes, becoming a celebrity, what it is like to be on the pitch with the hopes of a nation resting on your shoulders and in your feet and the positives that could be taken from the 2005 Lions Tour.For the first time, Jonny Wilkinson talks openly about the England World Cup campaign and the pressure he was under in those dramatic final moments when he won the cup for his country. Two years on he also reveals the battles he has had to face to bring himself back to full fitness as England build their team round him in preparation for the 2007 World Cup.

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Book SynopsisMartin Johnson is the towering second row forward who has come to set the standards of what a professional rugby player should do. His drive and physical presence mean that he is a natural leader on the pitch - and off it, too. In this, his long-awaited autobiography, he looks at the changing world of rugby. He explains why he led the England team to the brink of a strike in the autumn of 2000, and provides the definitive account of England''s 2003 World Cup triumph, as well as Lions tours and all the goings-on that make rugby such a special sport. Hugely popular and respected, Martin Johnson has written vivid autobiography and a remarkable portrait of modern rugby.Trade ReviewFirm, clear and fascinating... There is no morbid sentimentality...about these passages, and their directness is reflected throughout the book with no concessions to the squeamish... His rugby life [is] quite a journey, but...millions will feel compelled to make the trip. * Brough Scott, Sunday Telegraph *Very droll, dry, self-deprecating humour; Johnno is a very funny man...this is so crisp, tough. I think it's a good buy for Christmas. * Germaine Greer *

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Book SynopsisFor over one hundred years the Challenge Cup has been ïlled with moments of high drama, compelling action and superb skill. This book gives the full story of the Cup with details of the early rounds and a full description of every Final since the â??Gallant Youthsâ?? of Batley won the very ïrst trophy in 1897. Complemented by a range of superb photographs, many of which have never previously been published, the book is the complete guide to over a century of the Rugby League Challenge Cup competition. "

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Book SynopsisThroughout the history of rugby union, a select few players have stood out above the rest.Bringing together 50 of the finest, this book reveals the fearless scrum-halves, tricky wingers, explosive centres and powerful props that have lit up the game, celebrating their achievements and controversially ranking them in order of greatness.Is the might of Jonah Lomu preferred to the vision of David Campese? Who was more influential, Jonny or Johnno? Which hemisphere has produced the most superstars? And most importantly, who will be named the greatest player of all time?Passionately argued, provocative, and sure to trigger lively debate, this book is a must-read for rugby fans everywhere.Published in time for the Six Nations 2016 and fully updated following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, hosted in England.

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Book SynopsisHope and Glory recreates the extraordinary era of Thatcherite Britain with the dramatic tension of a novel, revealing it as a critical moment in rugby league history when despite losing everything, anything seemed possible. Rugby league should never have survived Thatcher's Britain. As the sport of the working class, the expectation was that rugby league would suffer the same fate as the textile mills, factories and coal mines that once surrounded it. Having declined in the 1970s, the sport appeared to be at the point of no return in 1982, when the Australian team destroyed any remaining illusions of 'British exceptionalism'. But as it often does, rugby league found a way to turn itself around. From the pit villages which fought industrial decline to the players who ushered in the new professional era, the 1980s was the decade when rugby league finally came of age. By the 1990s, there was an optimism that it could even replace football as the global game for the 21st century.Trade Review"Hope and Glory perfectly captures an era of immense change, opportunity and upheaval. A must-read not only for rugby league fans but for those interested in politics, history and marketing." -- John Davidson * The i newspaper *"Across 352 absorbing pages, Anthony Broxton has deftly written a 'must have' book on the subject, contrasting Conservative fortunes (in government/in the country at large) with that of the top rugby league teams. The working man’s game, unlike the mining industry, has survived intact, and in Hope and Glory Broxton seamlessly succeeds at the coal face of the sport, despite the unemployment, strikes and a killer on the loose, The Yorkshire Ripper. Rating: 10/10." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"A timely book... Broxton is a superb and sympathetic chronicler of how this happened." -- Patrick Kidd * The Times *"Brilliant, illumintive. Hope and Glory is a literary triumph for rugby league chronicling the sport's rise in defiance of industrial decay." -- Chris Irvine * Former rugby league correspondent at The Times *"Rugby league's working class heritage is intertwined with the events of the 1970s and 1980s, from punk rock to rebellion and riots. Hope and Glory is a riveting account of how sport must change and adapt to survive in times of social upheaval." -- Steve Brady * League Express *"Fascinating...If (Labour) are looking for advice perhaps they could read this book." -- Patrick Maguire * Times Radio *"A great time for this book to come out...a generation scarred by Thatcherism living to see the glory days come back." -- Paul Mason * Author of Postcapitalism *"Gripping account of rugby league’s improbable resurgence in the face of industrial collapse in Thatcher’s Britain. A book that is not just for rugby league fans." -- Brian Groom * Author of Northerners *"Whatever sport you love, I'd recommend this book. Visionaries, villains and vaudeville all play their part in a brilliant tale, expertly told." -- Brian Carney * Sky Sports *"[An] innovative account of Thatcherism, resistance and Rugby League." * Philosophy Football *

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Book SynopsisFrom the early cup-winning Bramley National and Hunslet Carr teams, through some outstanding representative sides, to the modern-day national girls' champions of Corpus Christi, there is a rich & proud history of schools' rugby league in the city of Leeds. This catalogues the story of the game in words and photographs

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Book SynopsisRaunchy rugby league hunk Greg Duggan is having a tough season with basement club Hopton Town until a new owner offers him his dream job. Suddenly Greg's life and loves are under pressure like never before from perpetrators bent on their goals. Is the reason sex, money or revenge? One way or another this is now his toughest season yet! Passions run high on all fields of play as Greg attempts to unravel why he is being targeted and tries to hold on to the ball while his world suffers the ultimate conversion that sees him hurtling from disaster to destruction. Can Greg survive? Can Town survive? TOUGH SEASON is the first ever crime thriller featuring the sport and is the debut novel by Yorkshire Post feature writer, former rugby league magazine editor and previously published author Chris Berry.

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Book SynopsisRuncorn was a hotbed of rugby in the late Victorian era, the town’s club a proud founder member in 1895 of the Northern Union – the breakaway game that became known as Rugby League. Yet that great rugby tradition was ended by the First World War, with devastating effects for many Runcornians, including members of the rugby club, who served and lost their lives. Runcorn nurtured ten international rugby players in total, all but one born within a few hundred yards of the Irwell Lane ground. Respected sports writer and historian Michael Latham recreates those far-off days when the oval ball dominated and the town’s heroes included Harry Speakman, a member of the first rugby tourists to Australia, Sam Houghton, Jimmy Butterworth, Jimmy Jolley and Dick Padbury, among just a few in a gallery of colourful characters, the rugby league superstars of their day. With a detailed biographical and records section to complement the deeply researched narrative, this is one of the most comprehensive histories ever written about the Northern Union and contains around three hundred photographs. Harry Price was once a promising Runcorn player, snapped up by Wigan in 1906, where he became a highly regarded and popular player and captain. The report announcing his signing in the Wigan newspaper had a simple, approving testimonial: “Price was born in Runcorn, the home of footballers.” Hence the book’s title.

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Book SynopsisThis collection of rugby humour is perfect for anyone who lives and breathes the glorious game. Packed with the very best quips and quotes for lovers of the oval-shaped ball, it guarantees laughs and lots of celebratory fist pumps.Scrum down and prepare yourself for a full-on tour of the game through the eyes of iconic players, pithy commentators and dumbfounded celebrities. It'll reveal whether rugby really is a game that requires all brawn and little brain, explore the divisive history between the Union and League and celebrate the legends of the sport.Up until the final whistle, the quotes in this book will have you on the edge of your seat. Offering an amusing look at the lives of rugby stars on and off the pitch, it'll have you cheering for more and make you even more nuts for the honourable and always beautiful game than you already are.

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Book SynopsisTest your rugby knowledge with this exciting collection of puzzles and triviaDiscover wordsearches, riddles, crosswords, spot-the-differences and much more in this fun-filled activity book for rugby lovers. Whether you're trying to match the pairs of rugby shirts or locating world-famous stadiums, this book is guaranteed to be a favourite for all who enjoy the game. Rugby fans love a bit of trivia, and this entertaining puzzle book is filled with all kinds of interesting facts, games and activities to whet your quizzing appetite. Put your knowledge to the test and wow your friends with your expertise. Hone your puzzling skills by pitting your wits against challenges such as:- Locating all the items of a rugby kit hidden in a wordsearch- Unscrambling the names of iconic international players- Spotting the differences between two scenes of a crunching tackle- Guessing which year Italy last won a game in the Six Nations, and other fascinating trivia

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Book SynopsisThe Catalan Dragons’ stunning 2018 Wembley Challenge Cup victory came against a backdrop of well over half a century of both triumph and turbulence in French rugby league. Re-emerging from the iniquitous ban under the Vichy government, le rugby à treize was rebuilt from scratch after World War II – so successfully that the Tricolores were recognized as unofficial world champions after their dazzling, ground-breaking tour of Australia, and were at the forefront of international innovation, including the World Cup. Together with the acclaimed 'The Forbidden Game', which explored the story of the Vichy ban, 'The Struggle and the Daring' makes up the first-ever complete history of French rugby league. Based on extensive research and interviews, the book highlights the many great players France has produced and analyses key events as the game emerged from the chaos of post-Liberation France, continued to grapple with the threat posed by rugby union and, after a long decline, returned to the mainstream of professional rugby league.

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In his entertaining and informative new book, Sir Clive Woodward analyses the events of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, offering his unique perspective on the performance of players and coaches, from Owen Farrell and Kieran Read, to Eddie Jones and Steve Hansen.HOW TO WIN:Rugby and Leadership from Twickenham to Tokyo is much more than the story of a tournament, however. It is the distillation of a philosophy of leadership developed during a lifetime in high-performance environments, from the rugby field to the boardroom. Tapping into his experience of winning the 2003 World Cup, being a part of the leadership team that delivered Olympic Success in 2012 and lessons drawn from Japan 2019, the author delivers a go-to manual in how to improve both individual and team performance in order to reach the pinnacle in sport and in business.Every individual position in rugby requires a unique set of skills, knowledge and expertise that collectively form a balanced team; the same is true in any successful business or organisation. From 1 to 15, the former England and British and Irish Lions coach identifies the key attributes and uses these defining traits to explain his collaborative 'Teamship' leadership style.With a fascinating blend of analysis, insight and anecdote, and the highs and lows of a memorable Rugby World Cup as the setting, Clive reveals how to lead the culture of a winning team - in any context.

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Book SynopsisTrue Professional tells the story of Clive Sullivan, who emerged from one of Cardiff's toughest neighbourhoods to become an icon of rugby league. Overcoming a major childhood injury and a car crash early in his career, he was a ruthless and thrilling presence on the wings of both Hull FC and Hull KR teams for over 20 years, scoring over 300 tries.The first-ever black Briton to captain a British sports team, Sullivan did so with great success, even lifting a World Cup and being awarded an MBE. He was loved by rugby league fans and revered following his untimely and tragic death. Yet the wider sporting public overlooked his achievements at the time and his name is rarely mentioned when discussing Britain's sporting greats. The book is a snapshot of the working class Northern towns that have long been the heartland of rugby league, and the communities that gave them their unique character. It is also a look at how Clive's career developed against the backdrop of a declining fishing industry, the lifeblood of the city of Hull.

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Book SynopsisSt Helens Match of My Life features the tales of some of the greatest rugby league players ever to wear the Red Vee of St Helens. The Saints are known as one of the most successful teams of the Super League era, but the memories also cover the glory days before the game switched to the summer months.

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Book SynopsisRugby fans will delight in this astonishing collection of outlandish stories from the past 150 years of the game. Here you’ll find, among many other curious events, the Irish international who arranged his marriage in order to play against England, the team of top soccer players who beat their rugby counterparts at their own game, the day the entire Wales team was sent off, and when in an astonishing turn of events underdog Japan trimphed and beat South Africa (and who doesn't love an underdog). The tales in this book are bizarre, fascinating, and, most importantly, true. This brand new edition, redesigned in splendid hardback for 2019, makes the perfect gift for the rugby obsessive in your life.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisCheslin roared with happiness as the final whistle blew on the field in Japan. They were champions! Later, as his captain lifted the 2019 Rugby World Cup trophy into the air, he had never felt prouder of himself, his team and his country. Cheslin Kolbe tells the story of a kid from Kraaifontein, Cape Town, whose talent took him to international sports stardom, first to Toulouse France, and eventually to getting the call-up that would change his life forever: to play for the Springbok 2019 World Cup XV. It’s a heartwarming story of a small player with a big heart whose signature side-step helped the Springboks win the World Cup trophy for South Africa. Cheslin Kolbe is the eighth book in the bestselling ‘Road to Glory’ series, which covers some of South Africa’s sporting legends as they set out on their journeys to becoming national and international stars.

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