Rugby League Books
Headline Publishing Group My World
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.
£11.69
Headline Publishing Group In the Line of Fire
Book SynopsisWarren Gatland''s In the Line of Fire is the ultimate chronicle of this summer''s remarkable Lions tour to New Zealand - home of the fearsome All Blacks, the double world champions - which culminated in an historic and nerve-shredding series draw.The book is the Head Coach''s wonderfully candid and vibrant record of the withering ferocity, the turbulent peaks and troughs, the triumphs and despairs, of one of sport''s toughest challenges. It gives rugby fans an unparalleled front-row seat with the squad and coaching team during every facet of preparing for and executing a successful tour on the opposite side of the planet, recounting intriguing details on everything from pre-tour planning and strategy, to on-tour experiences, analysis and decision-making.It all adds up to a thrillingly definitive exposition and post-mortem of a mind-blowing six weeks in the cauldron which forged the mighty All Blacks.Trade ReviewWow. This is rugby. - All Blacks captain Kieran Read to Lions captain Sam Warburton, during the second TestGatland is one of the great coaches of history. - Stephen Jones, The Sunday Times'Draw' is an inadequate way to describe what the Lions did here. They stopped one point short of a miracle. - Paul Hayward, Daily Telegraph
£10.44
Allen & Unwin The Last Snake Man: The remarkable true-life
Book SynopsisEvery Sunday for almost a century John Cann's family ran the famous snake show in a pit at La Perouse in Sydney - an area once alive with tiger, brown and black snakes. After growing up with over 300 'pet' snakes in their backyard, John and his brother George took over the snake show from their parents in 1965. By the time John retired in 2010, he'd survived five venomous snake bites.Many of those familiar with John and his shows wouldn't know that he was also an Olympic athlete, a top state rugby league player who played alongside some of the legends of the game, a state champion boxer, an adventurer and a world authority on turtles.The Last Snake Man chronicles John's extraordinary life and times. From wrangling snakes to chasing turtles, from remote country towns to the impenetrable jungles of New Guinea, this is the story of an amazing Australian and his never-ending search for fascinating animals and adventure.Table of ContentsPreface 1. The Snake Man of La Perouse 2. Cleopatra, Queen of the Snakes 3. War baby 4. Underwater football 5. Born to run 6. The Games 7. Race relations 8. Roughing it 9. 'This one's dead . . .' 10. Work 11. Snaking 12. Snakebites 13. 'He got me!' 14. Showtime 15. Turtles 16. Collecting in Irian Barat 17. A cruel end 18. Back to work 19. Turtle wars 20. My brother George 21. My family 22. Martin Lauer 23. Reptiles and reprobates 24. No fortune, no fame 25. Survivor Appendix Australia's great snakeys Appendix John's turtles Acknowledgements Index
£13.49
Hodder & Stoughton You Can't Stop The Sun From Shining
Book Synopsis'The book is as compelling and open-hearted as Williams is... It is full of the beguiling Sonny Bill sunshine' Don McCrae, Guardian 'Excellent' David Walsh, Sunday Times __________Out now: the extraordinary and revealing autobiography of one of rugby's most entertaining and complicated figures'I lived for winter Saturdays and played footy at lunchtime and after school, while at home I passed, kicked, tackled and discussed the game endlessly with my big bro. I ignored bad weather; I just wanted to play. When there weren't enough numbers to make up teams, a few of us kids would still get together and practice. That's where my offloads were born.'__________As a shy part-Samoan boy growing up in the suburbs of Auckland, Sonny Bill Williams thought about footy constantly. For him, the dream of playing professional NRL was so big that nothing else ever came close.Fast forward to 2004, and eighteen-year-old Sonny Bill's dream was coming true. Making his first-grade debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs, he would become an integral part of their premiership-winning team and be named Rookie of the Year.The league culture was train hard, play hard and then party hard. Alcohol, drugs, women - it was a slippery slope for a naïve teen looking to find his place. Too soon, the joy of winning a premiership gave way to an emptiness that not even footy could fix. Struggling, Sonny made a decision that for many was unforgivable. He walked out on the Bulldogs and flew to France. Scathing headlines, subpoenas and threatened lawsuits followed. But so too would come the realisation that he couldn't run from the man in the mirror.In this powerful, open and honest memoir, Sonny Bill shares the triumphs and missteps of his extraordinary sporting life and reveals how faith and family have made him the man he is today.__________Sonny Bill Williams is a once in a generation athlete - a player with immense sporting talent in rugby league, rugby union and boxing. In his remarkable career, he has won World Cups with the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015 and helped the Kiwis reach the 2013 final of the rugby league equivalent.Compelling and searingly honest, You Can't Stop the Sun from Shining is essential reading for any sports fan.
£18.00
Ebury Publishing Proud
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 *
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd Fuel
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 *
£11.69
Taylor & Francis Ltd The Science of Rugby
Book SynopsisCoaches, practitioners and medical staff working in the worldwide sport of rugby will frequently apply scientific principles to their programmes to inform the practice, performance, health, well-being and development of their athletes.This book explores the scientific principles underpinning the preparation and management of rugby players in both codes and modified versions of the sport. Applied examples are also provided throughout to understand the practical application of the material in a real-world context. This new edition of The Science of Rugby offers a significant contribution to the field of rugby science that will act as a useful resource to scientists, coaches, practitioners and students interested in rugby.New chapters and key topics include: Physical and psychological preparation for rugby Planning and monitoring of training Managing fatigue, recovery and nutrition Effects of different environmental conditions aTable of Contents1 Physical Preparation for Rugby Tim J. Gabbett 2 Strength and Power Training for Rugby Daniel Travis McMaster, Michael R. McGuigan, and Nicholas D. Gill 3 Monitoring the Match and Training Demands of Rugby Mark Waldron, Erwan Izri, and Craig Twist 4 Monitoring Fatigue and Training Adaptations in Rugby Players Craig Twist and Jamie Highton 5 Match Day Strategies to Enhance the Physical and Technical Performance of Rugby Players Mark Russell, Samuel P. Hills, Christian J. Cook, and Liam P. Kilduff 6 Strategies to Enhance Recovery in Rugby Players Jamie Highton and Craig Twist 7 Nutrition for Rugby Graeme L. Close, Andreas M. Kasper, and James P. Morton 8 Training and Playing in the Heat: Strategies for the Rugby Player Rudi Meir, Neil Chapman, and Mike Climstein 9 Practical Considerations for Team Travel, the Lifestyle of Elite Athletes, Travel Fatigue, Infection and Coping with Jet Lag Ben J. Edwards, Tom Clark, Anna C. Fitzpatrick, Colin M. Robertson, and Neil P. Walsh 10 Psychological Preparation for Rugby Stephen D. Mellalieu and Rich Neil 11 Performance Analysis in Rugby Nimai Parmar, Nic James, and Wilbur Kraak 12 The Biomechanics of Rugby Neil E. Bezodis, Ezio Preatoni, Dario Cazzola, and Elena Seminati 13 Injury Epidemiology in Rugby Niki Gabb, Grant Trewartha, and Keith Stokes 14 Talent Identification, Development, and The Young Rugby Player Stephen Cobley and Kevin Till 15 The Female Rugby Player Emma Ross 16 Modified Rugby Craig Twist
£44.64
Superscript Publishing In the Field and On the Field A Highlight History
Book Synopsis
£23.70
The History Press Ltd Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Football Club
Book SynopsisA history of Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Football Club
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Jamie Peacock No White Flag
Book SynopsisJamie Peacock is the ultimate modern forward in rugby league. Taking the hard hits, making the toughest yards and leading by example in the Super League and international arenas, JP' has come through adversity, on and off the pitch, to become one of the most respected players of his generation. His strength, determination and unfailing will to win have seen him claim the Man of Steel' and International Forward of the Year' awards, along with a host of other individual honours, while picking up Super League titles and Challenge Cups with Bradford and Leeds. His autobiography No White Flag is a revelatory and inspirational account of a life in professional sport, from starting out as a skinny youth and being told he wouldn't make the grade to dark days in hospital waiting rooms with his career hanging by a thread culminating in the euphoria of winning the Grand Final with hometown club Leeds Rhinos and leading Great Britain to a historic series whitewash over New Zealand in the autumn o
£10.44
Headline Publishing Group Martin Johnson Autobiography
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 *
£10.44
Headline Publishing Group Its in the Blood My Life
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 *
£12.34
Headline Publishing Group Tackling Life Striving for My Type of Perfection
Book SynopsisJonny Wilkinson''s impact on global sport has been extraordinary. Yet Jonny has faced a battle all his life to achieve success and, crucially, happiness. A crippling fear of failure, the targets he set himself and a string of injuries have caused Jonny to question his attitude to life. In this startling new book, writing with Steve Black, Jonny opens up for the very first time, revealing his darkest moments and explaining in a practical way the steps and techniques he has taken to ensure success in all aspects of his life. He still wants to be the best, but he now enjoys the journey. With never-before-told stories from his life and rugby career, this book will act as a powerful inspiration for anyone wanting to bring to the field of play - be it business, personal or sport - the very best they have to offer.
£10.44
Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd Glory in the Centre Spot The Eric Ashton Story
Book Synopsis
£9.99
Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd Reluctant Hero The John Holmes Story
Book Synopsis
£13.29
The Slattery Media Group (AFL Publishing) A History of State of Origin
Book SynopsisNothing captures the hearts and minds of rugby league fans more than State of Origin and Will Evanss A History of State of Origin is the most comprehensive book on the codes showpiece event to date. Following on from the success of Evanss much acclaimed A Short History of Rugby League in Australia, it includes a detailed account of each State of Origin clash from 1980 to 2013, making it the ultimate guide to the fierce rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland. A History of State of Origin contains a blow-by-blow report of each of the 99 games since Origins inception and complete career profiles on all 442 Origin players and coaches, as well as referees, with a focus on their contribution to the Origin story. It contains an extensive records section, crunching the numbers on the annual three-match series that has become one of the most hotly contested prizes in Australian sport. The detailed clubs section, listing which players have represented their states on a club-by-club basis
£23.24
Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd Sermons from the Mount
Book Synopsis
£13.29
Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd Castleford Rugby League Football Club A Ninety
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
£17.09
Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd The Greatest Sacrifice
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
£14.24
Caique Publishing Ltd Carterhaugh Ba
Book SynopsisOn December 4, 1815, 750 ba' players came together in a mighty contest on the field of Carterhaugh, near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, for what was advertised as a Great Foot-Ball Match'. On December 4, 2015, two bands of dedicated ba' players descended on Carterhaugh to celebrate the bicentenary of the match by joining battle in another no-holds-barred contest.For anyone interested the true origins of the game of rugby in the centuries-old mass ba' games of the Scottish Borders and the North of England still alive and kicking to this day here are tales wonderfully told by historians of the game.Cracked crowns, furious duckings, acts of never-to-be-forgotten heroism and unforgivable betrayal Ian Landles relives the dramas of the original 1815 Carterhaugh Ba' match, recalls Walter Scott's pivotal role in organising it, and in the process rewrites the early history of rugby. The late Hugh Hornby describes the enduring appeal of mass football games today.Bill
£16.95
Amberley Publishing Stack Stevens
Book SynopsisA fascinating account of how a young farming boy from Cornwall went on to become an England and British Lions great.Trade Review‘One of god’s honest forwards’ -- Willie John McBride
£15.19
Human Kinetics Publishers Focused for Rugby
Book Synopsis To be a complete rugby player, you must master both the physical and mental skills of the game. You must be prepared, committed and determined to succeed. You must be focusedFocused for Rugby. Authors Dr. Adam Nicholls and Jon Callard, former England International player and professional coach, pool their years of experience and offer a mental training programme designed to maximise performance on the rugby field. You'll learn instantly applicable strategies for coping with stress, building confidence, managing emotions, and leading a team. You'll even go inside the zone so you can be at your best in even the most pressure-filled situations. Focused for Rugby is more than a psychology text; it is a training programme that will sharpen mental skills and unleash your full potential. Expert advice and step-by-step techniques will transfer directly to your game. Focused for Rugby is your complete guide to becoming a complete player. Trade Review "Focused for Rugby is a great asset for coaches at all levels of the game. It offers a coach-friendly guide toward the understanding of psychology. In particular, it teaches you how to apply the principles to both training and competition to improve your players. Just as important, the exercises provided in this book will allow you to monitor the progress of your players over the course of the rugby season." Leigh Jones--Coach Development Manager, Hong Kong RFU Table of Contents Chapter 1 Goal Setting Chapter 2 Performance Profiling Chapter 3 Preparation for Peak Performance Chapter 4 Mental Toughness Chapter 5 Coping Effectively With Stress Chapter 6 Mental Imagery Chapter 7 Building Confidence Chapter 8 Avoiding Choking Chapter 9 The Zone Chapter 10 Managing Anger Chapter 11 Injury and Rehabilitation Chapter 12 Progressive Muscular Relaxation Chapter 13 Overtraining and Underperforming Chapter 14 Coach–Athlete Relationship Chapter 15 Effective Leadership
£14.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 101 Youth Rugby Drills
Book SynopsisDesigned specifically for younger players, 101 Youth Rugby Drills is the practice bible for youth rugby coaches. It contains a range of progressive practice drills to help young players develop. Fun, educational and challenging, all drills are illustrated and cover the essential technical skills required to introduce rugby, including:- warming up and cooling down- handling the ball- running with the ball- running off the ball- attacking and defensive patternsAs well as easy-to-use instructions, each drill contains information on the equipment needed, the space required, how to construct a safe and effective training session and how to organise the players.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction 1 Session Guidelines 2 Warming up 3 Speed Development 4 Ball Handling and Attacking 5 Contact Skills 6 LIneout 7 Ruck, Maul, Scream 8 Tackling and Defence 9 Kicking and Fielding 10 Controlled Games 11 Warming Down
£18.04
Hodder & Stoughton How to Win
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.
£11.69
Hodder & Stoughton You Can't Stop The Sun From Shining
Book Synopsis
£10.44
Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd Who Framed William Webb Ellis: (...and other
Book SynopsisRugby is full of mysteries on and off the pitchIt is played with an odd-shaped ball. There are twoversions. The rules seem to change regularly. Fans of the twogames still argue about things that happened over a centuryago including who invented it. Award-winningsports history professor Tony Collinscracks many such enigmas.Table of Contents1. Who Framed William Webb Ellis?................................................5 2. Why Is Rugby Played With An Odd-Shaped Ball? ..................11 3. How Rugby Scored The Greatest Own-Goal Of All Time ......16 4. League Or Union: Which Is The Real Rugby? ..........................22 5. Why Didn't Soccer Have Its Own 'Great Split'? ......................27 6. Why Does Wales Play The Wrong Type Of Rugby? ................34 7. Why Didn't Lily Parr Play Rugby? ............................................39 8. The Mystery Of Sherlock Holmes's Missing Three-Quarter.................................................................45 9. Unintended Consequences: How The All Blacks Kick-Started Rugby League Down Under ................................49 10. Did Australian Rugby Union Lose The Code War Because It Was Too Patriotic? ......................................................54 11. Why The 'First Lions' Weren't The First (And Weren't Even Lions)............................................................59 12. Inner City Blues (And Reds): How Manchester Was Lost By Rugby .......................................64 13. The Pen Is Mightier Than The Ball? How Tom Brown's School Days Launched Rugby......................70 14. Rugby's Line-Out And Soccer's Throw-In: Separated At Birth?.......................................................................75 15. Are Leicester Tigers The Most Important Club In The History Of Rugby Union? ...............................................80 Full book interior_Full book 216pp 25/11/2022 10:53 Page 6 16. Who Painted The Players Out Of William Wollen's 'The Roses Match'? .......................................................................86 17. Why Scrums Aren't What They Used To Be (But Never Were Anyway)?.........................................................91 18. Leeds United's Secret Rugby League History ..........................97 19. Why Doesn't Robert Delaunay's Painting 'The Cardiff Team' Show The Cardiff Team?..........................103 20. Why Are There So Many Penalty Goals In Rugby Union?...109 21. Why Does Hull Have Two Professional Rugby Teams?........115 22. Is This Sporting Life Really A Film About Rugby? ..................121 23. When Rugby League Was Almost A Jewish Game................127 24. How Lucius Banks Became America's First Pro Rugby Player And Rugby's First Black Pro ............133 25. Did Melrose Invent Rugby Sevens? It's Complicated ...........138 26. How Romanian Rugby Became A Cold War Football...........144 27. How Wigan v Bath Showed How Rugby Had Changed ... Or Did It? .................................................................................150 28. 1-2-3-4! The Rise And Fall (And Rise?) Of Drop-Goals.........156 29. Imitation Is Not Just A Form Of Flattery: Why Union Borrows From League ..........................................162 30. The Game That Won't Die: Why Reports Of Rugby League's Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated...................168
£13.29
Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd The Heavy Woollen Victories 19732010
Book SynopsisBatley and Dewsbury are the professional rugby league clubs whose grounds are in closest proximity. John Roe brings together a collection of colourful reminiscences of the supporters, administrators and players of both clubs
£13.29
Upstart Press 2024 Rugby Almanack
Book SynopsisThe Rugby Almanack is the world? s longest running rugby book of record. It was first published in 1935 to cover the previous season? s first-class rugby in New Zealand. Since then, it has been published uninterrupted (apart from two combined issues during World War II). Now in its 88th edition, the 2024 Rugby Almanack records another huge year, including the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup, Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe Cup plus the Women? s Rugby ? including the World Cup held in New Zealand ? Maori Rugby, Super Rugby, Bunnings Warehouse NPC and Heartland Championship and a full summary of sevens rugby.
£35.99
DB Publishing The Rugby League Challenge Cup: An Illustrated
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. "
£13.49
Bonnier Books Ltd 101 Funny Irish Rugby Moments
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.
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd True Professional: The Clive Sullivan Story
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.
£16.14
Pitch Publishing Ltd Man of All Talents; the: The Extraordinary Life
Book SynopsisA Man of All Talents is the remarkable story of rugby and wrestling legend Douglas 'Duggy' Clark. Born in 1891 in the sleepy Cumbrian village of Maryport, at 14 he left school to work for his father's coal merchant business. Duggy grew into an exceptionally strong but quiet and reserved young man. His two great passions were rugby and Cumberland and Westmorland-style wrestling, and he excelled at both. By 24 he was already a rugby league great and a key member of Huddersfield's 'Team of All Talents', winning every honour the sport could offer. He represented Britain in the infamous 1914 'Rorke's Drift' tour of Australia before being called up to serve in the Great War. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery, but his war injuries were so severe he was discharged with a 20% disability certificate. Doctors gave Duggy an ultimatum: either he could stay home and live a long but sedate and ordinary life or risk his health by returning to sport. He chose the latter and went on to achieve more extraordinary and pioneering feats.
£11.69
Octopus Publishing Group A Little Bit of Rugby Wit: Quips and Quotes for
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.
£7.59
Octopus Publishing Group The Rugby Puzzle Book: Brain-Teasing Puzzles,
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
£6.64
Pitch Publishing Ltd Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher's
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 *
£20.00
Pitch Publishing Ltd St Helens Match of My Life
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.
£16.99
S & T Sales & Marketing Ltd Diary of a Season Swinton Lions 2022
Book Synopsis
£14.99
Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd The History of Schools' Rugby League in Leeds
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
£8.99
Huia Publishers Auckland 100 Years of Rugby League 19092009
Book SynopsisA crowd of 8,000 curious spectators came to see the first rugby league game played in Auckland at Victoria Park, 1908. Since then, league has become a major sport in New Zealand, and Auckland has been at the core of New Zealand''s teams against the strongest international opposition.This book tells of the struggles and triumphs of Auckland teams and players over 100 years of rugby league. It traces successes and disappointments at international, districts, provincial and club levels and profiles the men who made and kept Auckland rugby league strong. Packed with over 300 photographs, in-depth stories of the games and major players and comprehensive statistics, the book is a rich history of a century of Auckland rugby league.
£26.34
League Publications Ltd Rugby League Yearbook 2021-2022
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£18.99
League Publications Ltd 50 Wigan Legends in Their Own Words
Book Synopsis
£22.50
League Publications Ltd Rugby League Yearbook 2023-2024
Book Synopsis
£22.49
League Publications Ltd Rugby League Yearbook 20242025
Book Synopsis
£22.49
St David's Press The Indomitable Frank Whitcombe: How a Genial
Book SynopsisFrank Whitcombe, described as 'one of the greatest Welsh rugby league forwards of all time', played for Bradford Northern, Wales, and Great Britain. Adored by Bradford supporters and admired by the rugby league fraternity, such was his prowess that he was named in the Bradford Northern all-time greats team. The Indomitable Frank Whitcombe, lovingly tells the incredible story of a rugby league legend who was born and raised, as one of ten children in Grangetown, the heart of working-class Cardiff. Frank's rugby career, after a brief and successful spell as a boxer, began in rugby union, when he played for the British Army and London Welsh, as a deceptively nimble and skilful 18 stone forward. His talents were quickly spotted by rugby league scouts, and Frank was persuaded to 'go north' for GBP100 and two new suits, although the cost of buying himself out of the Army left him just GBP10, and the suits! Frank was made for rugby league and he enjoyed a glittering career in professional rugby, winning the RL Challenge Cup three times, the RL Championship three times and was capped 14 times by Wales.He quickly created a big impression on the Great Britain selectors and he was chosen for the famous 1946 'Indomitables' tour of Australia. Frank excelled as the tourists made history and won plaudits from antipodean fans and media alike as the team became the first, and to date only GB tourists, to win a rugby league Test Series, undefeated, 'down under'. After 331 games, Frank bowed-out of rugby with Bradford Northern, four days after playing in a Challenge Cup final at Wembley, in his last match at Odsal; a game which attracted 19,000 fans. He then turned to life as an RL administrator and publican before his life was tragically cut short by pneumonia at the age of only 44. Frank was a true giant of rugby league and this is the first book to tell his remarkable story.Trade Review'We both played for Cardiff RFC and for Bradford Northern RLFC; we both played at Wembley in Challenge Cup finals; and we both played for Wales and Great Britain. We were both prop forwards and when our playing careers were over we both went into the licensed trade. I am so proud to have walked the same path as this wonderful man did.' Jim Mills, Cardiff RFC, Bradford Northern, Wales & Great Britain; 'Frank Whitcombe became a Welsh international and a Great Britain tourist. He is widely regarded as an all-time great of rugby league. Dad always enthused, not only about his scrummaging and play in the loose; but that he was very light on his feet for a huge man, a surprisingly good place kicker and an excellent tactical kicker of the ball. This was unheard of back then and even now it is rare to see such skills from a prop forward.' Fran Cotton, Sale, England and British LionsTable of ContentsCONTENTS Foreword by Jim Mills Preface by Fran Cotton 1. A Family at Play 2. Army Games 3. A Broughton Ranger 4. Wearing the Three Feathers 5. Enter Harry Hornby 6. Odsal Here we Come' 7. War-time Glory and Gloom 8. Building the Dream 9. Rising to the Challenge 10. Winning the Peace 11. The Indomitables Depart 12. Across Australia 13. Let the Action Commence 14. The First Test 15. The Ashes Retained 16. Mud-baths in New Zealand 17. Back to Bradford 18. Hard Men 19. The Road to Wembley 20. The Lance Todd Hero 21. Bowing out 22. Goodbye to a Rugby Giant 23. The Dynasty Goes on... Appendix 1: The Rugby Career of Frank Whitcombe Appendix 2: The Official Rugby League Report of the 1946 Great Britain tour of Australia & New Zealand
£18.99
London League Publications Ltd Liverpool City RLFC: Rugby League in a Football
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£14.95
London League Publications Ltd A Lad from Donkey Common: A Rugby League Life
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£12.30
St David's Press Devs - Double Dragon, Double Lion: The Official
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
£13.29
The Cloister House Press The greatest try: Former Widnes Rugby League
Book SynopsisSeventeen-year old Dennis O'Neill was a precocious talent. Widnes coach Joe Egan put him straight into the first team after he had signed as a professional in the summer of 1966. Not only Egan, but other Rugby League pundits of the day regarded him as "the best teenage prospect since Alex Murphy" In only his second season at the age of 19, he was selected for the Lancashire side to play Yorkshire in January 1968.The game was appropriately played at Naughton Park, Widnes. O'Neill's sensational match winning try was described nearly four decades later as "The Greatest Try" by a local journalist. The description inspired the title of Anthony J. Quinn's book. Not only with a brisk season by season narrative, but with numerous references to contemporary press reports, the book vividly portrays Dennis O'Neill's thrilling performances for Widnes in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It also highlights his constant injury problems and gives the reader an insight into events at Widnes RLFC during that period in its history and is interspersed with pictures and press cuttings. In addition, the author refers to several letters and articles that were published in the local press, commenting on the poor state of British Rugby League in O'Neill's prime playing days.
£12.24
