Rugby Union Books

Book Synopsis'An impassioned tour around France which is best enjoyed with a bottle of red ... or two.' The Sunday Times'I've known Peter for some years and I'm sure you will enjoy his personal journey to the heart of rugby in this superb country.' Dan Carter, Former All Black and Rugby World Cup winner'Bills' wondrous travelogue features so many great tales from the mouths of legends.' Irish Independent'I really enjoyed this book ... A great memoir of France and its people through the eyes of rugby.' Michael Lynagh, TV analyst and Australian Rugby World Cup winner'Wonderful! This is a great read. I simply loved it and I am sure that many others will also.' Bob Dwyer, Australian World Cup winning coach 1991From French rugby's origins in Le Havre to the Catalan coast, acclaimed rugby writer Peter Bills travels the length and breadth of France, visiting the big cities and regional heartlands of the game, to reveal a country whose deep love of rugby has created a culture and playing style like no other.Featuring exclusive interviews with many of the greatest international players to have played club rugby in France, from Ronan O'Gara to Dan Carter, as well as French legends of the sport, from Serge Blanco and Jean-Pierre Rives to Antoine Dupont, Le Coq brings to life the passion, colour, excitement, characters, anecdotes, locations and great moments of French rugby's near 150 years of existence.Former French Grand Slam captain Jacques Fouroux talked of 'Rugby; the game, the life'. This book will show you exactly what he meant.Trade ReviewAn impassioned tour around France which is best enjoyed with a bottle of red or two ... Part history lesson, part travelogue, part paean, part autobiography, part restaurant guide and cookbook ... What is undeniable is Bills's passion for all things French, and the nation's rugby most of all ... It's full of the joys of France and its rugby as seen by an enthusiast. Bills loves his subject and was never going to find anything beyond delight within. -- Martin Samuel * The Sunday Times *It is at once a journey to the heart of the French club forces, old and new, as well as a gastronomic odyssey; the stories, and wine, rarely stop flowing as [Bills] visits the four corners of this intoxicating land ... All the greats are here, from Pierre Villepreux to Serge Blanco, as well as some familiar visitors, like former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, defending European champion coach Ronan O'Gara and current French defence supremo Shaun Edwards ... Bills' wondrous travelogue features so many great tales from the mouths of legends * Irish Independent *Table of Contentsi: Foreword by Dan Carter ii: Prologue 1: The Ruggers of HAC: Le Havre-Paris 2: City of Mayhem: Paris 3: The Journey South: Paris-Bourges-Vichy-Clermont-Ferrand 4: The Lost Corridor: Strasbourg-Lille-Besançon-Dijon-Mâcon-La Voulte-sur-Rhône-Cavaillon-Nice 5: A Day at The Lake: Sète 6: A Litany of Tragedies: Sète-Béziers 7: Split Personalities: A small town, a quiet South of France café. For reflection on the violence... 8: The Elixir of Life... and a Force of Nature: Béziers-Narbonne 9: La Ville Rose: Narbonne-Castelnaudary-Toulouse-Auch 10: Peter Pan and The Legend of Lourdes: Auch-Lourdes-Bagnères-de-Bigorre 11: The Man Who Put Men To Sleep: Biarritz-Bayonne-Perpignan 12: Way Out West: Mont-de-Marsan-La Rochelle 13: A Golden Era: Toulouse-Castres-Narbonne-Perpignan 14: The Rugby-Loving Abbot: Clermont Auvergne-Toulouse-Albi-La Rochelle iii: Acknowledgements iv: Bibliography

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Book SynopsisRugby union has undergone immense change in the past two decades - introducing a World Cup, accepting professionalism and creating a global market in players - yet no authoritative English-language general history of the game has been published in that time. Until now. A Game for Hooligans brings the game's colourful story up to date to include the 2007 World Cup. It covers all of the great matches, teams and players but also explores the social, political and economic changes that have affected the course of rugby's development. It is an international history, covering not only Britain and France but also the great rugby powers of the southern hemisphere and other successful rugby nations, including Argentina, Fiji and Japan. Contained within are the answers to many intriguing questions concerning the game, such as why 1895 is the most important date in both rugby-union and rugby-league history and how New Zealand became so good and have remained so good for so long. There is also a wealth of anecdotes, including allegations of devil-worship at a Welsh rugby club and an account of the game's contribution to the Cuban Revolution. This is a must-read for any fan of the oval ball.Trade ReviewAn ambitious project, triumphantly realised * Independent on Sunday *Crammed with fact and leavened with anecdote . . . an utterly reliable guide * Daily Telegraph *Huw Richards has managed to distil the very essence of rugby union history into this one volume . . . an excellent chronicle * The Independent *Magnificent * The Times *Engagingly quirky * Publishing News *

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Book SynopsisRonan O'Gara is one of the greatest sportsmen Ireland has ever produced. A brilliant kicker both from the hand and at penalty goals, a sublime orchestrator of play from the out-half position he has made his own, and a cool head in the pressure-cooker of club and international rugby, the list of the Cork man's achievements goes on and on. The leading points scorer in Irish rugby history, the Six Nations and the Heineken Cup. The architect of two amazing Munster triumphs in Europe. The man whose last minute drop-goal sensationally won the Grand Slam in 2009, Ireland's first for 61 years.In his candid, illuminating autobiography, O'Gara tells the story of those many on-field successes and, with brutal honesty, the darker days as well, most notably at the 2007 World Cup. He tells the inside story of Ireland's disappointments in France, and responds to the allegations about his personal life that made front-page news that autumn. Ronan O'Gara: My Autobiography is the unforgettable story of a rugby player at the top of his game, of a life lived to the full, and of a passionate and proud representative of the people of Cork and Ireland.Trade ReviewMunster's recent story is compelling and O'Gara has been a central figure. With the assistance of Denis Walsh, this is a sweetly struck penalty of a book: revealing and hard-nosed -- Robert Kitson * Guardian *Perhaps the finest sports book of the year and among the best Irish sports biographies ever written... a deeply rewarding portrait of a great sportsman -- Michael Foley * Sunday Times (Ireland) *O'Gara is fascinating on both the mental and physical mechanics of the rugby kick... His candour means that he does not avoid discussing the darker aspects of his personal life -- Leo McKinstry * Sunday Telegraph *Candour is a defining characteristic of O'Gara's and pervades his autobiography... a compelling read -- Hugh Farrelly * Irish Independent *Basically it's the book O'Gara hoped it would be and that's the genius of it. Nothing is off limits, his world is laid bare and people are left to make up their own minds about the subject... He is brutally honest in his observations, is very hard and unforgiving on himself and tells it like it is. It is a hallmark of the man... It's all O'Gara -- Conor George * Evening Echo *

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Donncha O'Callaghan is one of Ireland's leading international rugby players, and a stalwart of the Munster side. He was a key figure in the Irish team which won the IRB 6 Nations Grand Slam in 2009, and has won two Heineken Cup medals and two Magners League titles with Munster. But that success did not come easy. For such a well known player with a larger-than-life reputation, his long battle to make a breakthrough at the highest level is largely unknown. In this honest and revealing autobiography, Donncha talks in detail about the personal setbacks and disappointments at Munster and the unconventional ways he dealt with the frustration of not making the team for four of five years in his early 20s.He had a parallel experience with Ireland where it took him nearly six years to get from fringe squad member to established first choice player. Here he talks candidly about how he brought discipline to his game, and about his relationships with the coaches who had overlooked him and the second row rivals who had kept him on the bench.Donncha talks also with great warmth about a hectic childhood that was shaped by the death of his father when he was only six years old. One of the heroes of his story is his mother Marie who showed incredible strength and resourcefulness to rear a family of five on her own.Often deservedly regarded as 'the joker in the pack', what is often less well known is the serious attitude and intensely professional approach Donncha brings to his rugby. Joking Apart gives the full picture, showing sides of the man that will be unfamiliar to followers of Irish rugby and will surprise the reader.

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Ronan O'Gara has been at the heart of Munster and Irish rugby for the past fifteen years. Now, as he comes to the end of a glittering playing career, it is time for him to reflect on those many successes and occasional failures with the straight-talking attitude that has become his trademark. Never one to shy away from the truth, the result is Ronan O'Gara: Unguarded.Packed full of anecdotes and analysis of the teammates O'Gara has been proud to share the shirt with, and of the coaches he has played under - often in controversial circumstances - this is the definitive record of an era when Munster rose to triumph in Europe, and Ireland to win the Grand Slam, before crashing down to earth again. It is simply the must-have rugby book of the year.

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Book SynopsisFront Up, Rise Up is the story of Connacht’s remarkable journey to becoming the 2016 Pro12 champions. The story goes inside the dressing-room, takes in their unscheduled, week-long, bonding trek to Siberia and back for a European Challenge Cup game, and all the key twists and turns along the way.It brings us the characters in this Band of Brothers, from the locals such as captain John Muldoon from Portumna to their iconic fans’ favourite Bundee Aki – who like their talismanic coach Pat Lam is a Kiwi from Auckland of Samoan descent – and their Nigerian-born and Dublin-raised match-winner Niyi Adeolokun.The story takes in the province’s troubled professional history, which had them on the brink of extinction as a professional entity in 2003 and led to Connacht and their supporters marching to the IRFU offices in a successful bid to keep them afloat. It covers their dethroning of the champions Glasgow in the Sportsground in Galway and their stunning performance in the final against Leinster in Edinburgh. In more than two decades of professional rugby, there has been no story quite like it.Trade ReviewA great story, brilliantly told. -- Matt Cooper * The Last Word, Today FM *A hell of a yarn, told with precision and élan. -- Malachy Clerkin * Books of the Year, Irish Times *A great, insightful read. * Rugby World *

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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 SynopsisArthur Gould is the definitive biography of the record-breaking Welsh international player who is widely acknowledged as the first superstar of rugby. Such was his fame and renown, that upon his tragic, early death in 1919, aged just 54, Gould's funeral in Newport was reported as the biggest Wales had ever seen. Nicknamed 'Monkey' due to his childhood fondness for climbing trees, Gould played the majority of his club rugby for Newport RFC and won a then-record 27 Welsh caps; 25 of which were at centre (a record only bettered by Steve Fenwick in 1980); and captained his country 18 times (a record only beaten in 1994 by Ieuan Evans). A true sporting sensation, when he retired in 1899 Gould had played more first-class matches and scored more tries and drop goals than any other player. Gould's superstar status was illustrated late in his career when a testimonial appeal received widespread public support and resulted in the Scottish and Irish unions cancelling their fixtures with Wales in protest at the apparent breach of the game's strict amateur ethos. The controversy deepened when the Welsh Football Union (now the WRU) stood firmly behind their iconic player and withdrew from the International Rugby Board. Fearing that lucrative fixtures with Welsh clubs might be lost and that Wales might join forces with the newly established Northern Union of professional rugby, England's Rugby Football Union brokered a 'one-off' dispensation which enabled Gould to benefit from the testimonial while retaining his amateur status, and ensured that international fixtures were resumed. Comprehensively researched and written by acclaimed rugby historian, Gwyn Prescott, with the full support and encouragement of the Gould family, Arthur Gould - Rugby's First Superstar includes over 100 illustrations and will be enjoyed by all who love rugby and treasure its sporting and cultural heritage.Trade Review'We may never have seen him play but there is no doubt that those who did regarded Arthur Gould as one of the greatest sportsmen ever to wear the red shirt of Wales. His fame extended beyond the rugby field too and it is no exaggeration to describe him as the game's first superstar. This book is a fitting tribute to Gould. Intelligent, lively and intriguing, it matches its subject in its verve. Prescott's research is meticulous and he has done Gould and the histories of rugby and Wales itself proud.' Prof Martin Johnes; 'In vividly chronicling the life of rugby's first superstar, Gwyn Prescott has combined impeccable scholarship with an assured readability to produce a terrific book that enthrallingly evokes the world in which Welsh rugby union grew from infancy towards international importance and produced, in Arthur Gould's Newport, its first great club.' Huw Richards; 'The Gould family are delighted that the complete and definitive story of Arthur's colourful life and illustrious rugby career has at last been written, and in such a brilliant manner by Gwyn Prescott.' Gareth Harvey (Great-Great-Nephew of Arthur Gould)Table of ContentsIntroduction: "Arthur Gould Stands Alone" 1. A Sequence of Chance Events 2. Bob Leads the Way 3. "Monk" Breaks Through 4. History at Crown Flatt 5. Back in the "War Paint" 6. "Newport's Football King" 7. A Testimonial for a Football Prodigy 8. The Testimonial Comes Home 9. Extra Time Afterword Gould Brothers' International Matches & Scoring Record Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisSecond edition of the highly acclaimed IRB World Rugby Yearbook.

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Book SynopsisThis is a visual, historical guide to the development and growth of rugby. It includes almost 300 hundred images from the Press Association archives that capture Rugby's finest moments. It also includes background to the most successful teams, greatest matches, a players' hall of fame and guide to the hallowed Rugby grounds. As far back as the 1830s a form of rugby was being played at Rugby Public School, after pupil William Webb Ellis first picked up a football and ran with it. In 1863 the Football Association met to standardise a common set of rules between the kicking and running games but failed to meet with the approval of the rugby fraternity. Twenty-one clubs refused to join the FA and in 1871 set up their own code of practice as 'The Rugby Union'. The popularity of the game quickly spread beyond Britain's shores becoming an international sensation. 100 Years of Rugby in Focus is a visual, historical record of the development and growth of the game, with background to more than a century of the most successful teams and the greatest matches, a players' hall of fame and a guide to the hallowed grounds where the game is played. This story is told in more than 400 photographs from the vast archives of the Press Association, whose photographers were on hand to capture the finest moments of the sport over more than a century.

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Book SynopsisThis inside story of the Lions in South Africa will preserve the memories of the millions of fans who follow the tour in the press, on Sky and at the games themselves. A Lions tour is the pinnacle in the career of any rugby player from the four Home Unions. It is also increasingly a highlight in the life of the vast number of travelling supporters and indeed of any rugby follower. The "Complete Book of the Lions Tour to South Africa 2009" will be an enduring record of what is bound to be an outstanding, sometimes controversial and always absorbing six weeks of rugby history, from the first match on 30th May to the third, and final, Test against the Springboks on 4th July. "The Complete Book of the Lions Tour to South Africa 2009" will recall every aspect of the tour from selection and preparation, through the early bruising encounters in the warm-up games, the high points and the low, the constant battle against injuries, the mind games and the man management, the individual successes and disappointments, gruelling training sessions and lighter moments off the field but most of all the Test series itself. The BBC's voice of rugby Ian Robertson masterminds the book as its editor and will provide comments and interviews with all the key figures on both sides. Mick Cleary's perceptive writing will throw much light on the atmosphere within the South African and Lions camps throughout the tour, examining tactics, game plans in practice on the field, individual players within the squads, including Ronan O'Gara, Brian O'Driscoll and Phil Vickery, and the leadership of Lions captain Paul O'Connell.

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Book SynopsisWe all like choosing the best-ever rugby team, but here is a XV with a difference. A team of fifteen writers, not players, describe the exhilaration of the game, and the emotions of the most passionate followers in the world, in some classic prose. They deserve the best team we can put on the field. Here it is - a selection of world-beating writing on rugby.

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Book SynopsisThe only official book that tells the full story of the historic 2019 Grand Slam win for Wales.

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Book SynopsisMurrayfield, the Calcutta Cup, March 1990. England vs. Scotland – winner-takes-all for the Five Nations Grand Slam, the biggest prize in northern hemisphere rugby. Will Carling’s England are the very embodiment of Margaret Thatcher’s Britain – snarling, brutish and all-conquering. Scotland are the underdogs – second-class citizens from a land that’s become the testing ground for the most unpopular tax in living memory: Thatcher's Poll Tax. In Edinburgh, nationalism is rising high – what happens in the stadium will resound far beyond the pitch. The Grudge brilliantly recaptures a day that has gone down in history when a rugby match became more than a game. This is the real story of an extraordinary conflict, told with astounding insight and unprecedented access to key players, coaches and supporters on both sides (Will Carling, Ian McGeechan, Brian Moore and the rest). Tom English has produced a gripping account of a titanic struggle that thrusts the reader right into the heart of the action. Game on. Fully revised and updated, this special hardback edition is published to mark the thirtieth anniversary of Scotland’s most storied rugby season.

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Book SynopsisWe all like choosing the best-ever Welsh rugby team, but here is a XV with a difference. Here they are not players but writers. The exploits of the people's heroes from Gould to Gareth Edwards are vividly recaptured in some classic prose. So too are the expectations and emotions of the most passionate followers in the world. They deserve the best team we can put out. Here it is, a selection of world beating writing on Welsh rugby: The First XV. With an introduction by Gerald Davies, the featured authors include Richard Burton, Gwyn Thomas, Frank Keating, Alun Richards and many more.

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Book SynopsisThe gruesome stories of the hardest, most ruthless rugby players from around the world since World War I. As talented as they were fiery, many were just as lively off the pitch as on it. In our era of citing commissioners, super slow-motion replays and trial by social media, some of their actions are quite hard to believe! Foreword by Nigel Owens.Trade ReviewThe true stories behind 20 of the toughest players to ever play the game, from pre-WWI firebrands to modern-day YouTube sensations. They are shocking, gruesome, often very funny and sometimes tragic, but what unites these men is their total commitment to the sport. Irrespective of size, reputation or opposition, they never took a step back, and many were as lively off the pitch as they were fi ery on it. In our era of citing commissioners, slow-motion replays and trial by social media, some of their actions are hard to believe. Featuring exclusive interviews with some of the players themselves, insights from former teammates and a foreword from refereeing legend Nigel Owens, if you love the characters that make rugby great, then this is the book for you. -- Publisher: Y LolfaWinston Churchill described rugby as a hooligans' game played by gentlemen. And in saying so, he added to the eternal debate. Where does toughness end and thuggery begin on the rugby field? Nigel Owens in his foreword to this fascinating book goes a long way in answering that question. ‘A dirty player,’ he opines, ‘might deck someone from behind – something that in no way proves their hardness.’ And ‘Amen’, say I. Author Luke Upton has whittled down his choice of the hardest men of rugby over the past 110 years to just twenty. They represent twelve different rugby nationalities, including three stalwarts from Wales: Bobby Windsor, Scott Gibbs and Brian Thomas. Upton’s final choice is a mixture of the famous and the lesser known. The former include Shelford and Meads of New Zealand, Hadley of Canada, Chabal of France and Dooley of England. Less known to me are Bedell-Sivright of Scotland, who died in Gallipoli in 1915, Paddy Maine of Ireland, Weary Dunlop of Australia and Jacques Berger of Namibia. Upton has garnered dozens of anecdotes, some of them hilarious. He avoids the pitfall of glorifying brutality, although Bobby Windsor does admit to attempting to beat bigger packs by skullduggery. But that is typical of Windsor – hard but utterly honest with it. Just as honest is Irishman Trevor Brennan’s comment following an incident in a game against Australia after flooring an opponent with his elbow: ‘He was alright,’ he said. ‘If I was going to do it deliberately, I’d have done it right.’ Upton emphasises that his final twenty do not form an exhaustive or definitive list. They rather form snapshots from across the eras of rugby. Nor is the degree of hardness a factor. In fact, says Upton, as well as being hard men these were also very good players. Were I asked to choose my all-time hardest from among the twenty, Brian Thomas of Neath would be my choice. This is how the legendary Phil Bennett describes his first encounter with the bear-like lock nicknamed ‘The Ayatollah’: ‘He came over to toss the coin before kick-off and stood there almost blocking off the light, with a huge black eye – somehow sustained in his own dressing room.’ So, does hardness equal thuggery? Jacques Berger sums it up perfectly: ‘Rugby is a brutal game but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love it.’ -- Lyn Ebenezer @ www.gwales.comTable of ContentsForeword by Nigel Owens Introduction Paddy Mayne Brian Lima Wayne Shelford Bobby Windsor Colin Meads Jerry Collins Norm Hadley David Bedell-Sivright Scott Gibbs Gérard Cholley Trevor Brennan Wade Dooley Bakkies Botha Tomás Lavanini Jacques Burger Armand Vaquerin Martin Johnson Brian Thomas Sébastien Chabal Weary Dunlop Author acknowledgements Bibliography Notes

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Book SynopsisThe story of the second half of Nigel's career as one of the most famous referees in World Rugby, and one of only two Welsh refs ever to officiate at a Rugby World Cup Final. With his contract with the Welsh Rugby Union having come to an end in 2020, he is free to reveal all about his career since his previous autobiography, 'Half Time', to speak his mind on various issues and to give the full story of his last Rugby World Cup in 2019.Trade ReviewThe story of the second half of Nigel's career as one of the most famous referees in World Rugby, and one of only two Welsh refs ever to officiate at a Rugby World Cup Final. With his contract with the Welsh Rugby Union having come to an end in 2020, he is free to reveal all about his career since his previous autobiography, Half Time, to speak his mind on various issues and to give the full story of his last Rugby World Cup in 2019. -- Publisher: Y Lolfa

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Book SynopsisA new edition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest rugby moments ever. Against all expectations, on 31 October 1972 Carwyn James’ Llanelli beat New Zealand 9-3. The day's events are recalled by those who were there. First edition shortlisted for 2013 British Sports Book Awards.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited autobiography of Welsh rugby legend 'Charlie' Faulkner. Immortalised in Max Boyce's 'The Pontypool Front Row', he was a key member of the 1970s Golden Era Wales team in a period in which they dominated Northern Hemisphere rugby, winning three Grand Slams and four Triple Crowns. Faulkner died in early 2023 prior to publication. Over 40 images.Trade ReviewCONTENTS Foreword by Gareth Edwards Introduction Chapter One: The Farmer's Horse Chapter Two: "Hey, you boys, are you tired of living?" Chapter Three: "Not me, ref!" Chapter Four: Lionhead, Bolt and Charlie Chapter Five: Property of WRU... aged - er - 29? Chapter Six: Bobby's boot and Merv's cigarette Chapter Seven: "If you lose, don't come home!" Chapter Eight: "Up and under, here we go" Chapter Nine: "You've got to bring Charlie out here!" Chapter Ten: "You carry water for other people to drink" Chapter Eleven: Exit the Dragon Chapter Twelve: "I'll only play for Charlie Faulkner RFC!" Chapter Thirteen: A Hero with Charlie's Angels Chapter Fourteen: "Show a bit of commitment!" Chapter Fifteen: Playing to the Final Whistle Favourite Players Career Statistics Tributes -- Publisher: Y LolfaTable of ContentsCONTENTS Foreword by Gareth Edwards Introduction Chapter One: The Farmer's Horse Chapter Two: "Hey, you boys, are you tired of living?" Chapter Three: “Not me, ref!” Chapter Four: Lionhead, Bolt and Charlie Chapter Five: Property of WRU… aged – er – 29? Chapter Six: Bobby’s boot and Merv’s cigarette Chapter Seven: “If you lose, don’t come home!” Chapter Eight: “Up and under, here we go” Chapter Nine: “You’ve got to bring Charlie out here!” Chapter Ten: “You carry water for other people to drink” Chapter Eleven: Exit the Dragon Chapter Twelve: “I’ll only play for Charlie Faulkner RFC!” Chapter Thirteen: A Hero with Charlie’s Angels Chapter Fourteen: “Show a bit of commitment!” Chapter Fifteen: Playing to the Final Whistle Favourite Players Career Statistics Tributes

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Book SynopsisThe glory days of Welsh rugby seem long ago now. Mortifying defeats, threatened strike action, institutionalised sexism, racism and homophobia in the WRU, bad financial management – this book examines key events from the 1980s to today which have brought Welsh rugby to its present crisis.

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Book SynopsisKen Scotland was born on 29 August 1936 within sight of Heriot’s Goldenacre ground, which he would go onto grace with great panache and skill several years later. A prodigious talent at fly-half while at school, he was converted into a full-back during the international trials of 1957 and was capped in that position against France at Colombes just a few weeks later, scoring all of his country’s points as the Scots recorded their first win on French soil since 1949. Having joined the army after leaving school, Scotland then attended Cambridge University and it was from there that he was selected for the 1959 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand. During this epic four-month tour he won plaudits far and wide as one of the superstars of the Lions’ team. Using entries from the dairy he kept during this tour, Scotland brings to life one of the great Lions expeditions, taking us right into the heart of the changing rooms, hotels, bars and in the heat of battle on the field. Scotland played in five Tests for the Lions and won a total of twenty-seven caps for his country before retiring in 1965 with a reputation as one of the finest players ever to play for Scotland well established. He would continue to play club rugby for several years afterwards while enjoying a successful business career. At eighty-three he has finally decided to tell his life story. Working with Allan Massie, the doyen of Scottish rugby journalism, he has created a rich and powerful testimony to his life and rugby career, throwing new light on his own achievements as well as providing fresh insight the great players of his era. It is as fascinating as it is evocative of a time and a game long past and a must-read for rugby fans of all generations.Trade Review'one of rugby's greatest game-changers ... a wonderfully readable account of a life well-lived and games well-played' -- Alasdair Reid * The Times *'A rugby book for the ages. A beguiling, intimate chronicle of a lost world' -- Hugh MacDonald'I have never seen a more complete full back than Ken Scotland. He played classical rugby with a romantic touch ... an unusual as well as fascinating book' -- Allan Massie

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Book SynopsisBy 1971 no Lions team had ever defeated the All Blacks in a Test series. Since 1904, six Lions sides had travelled to New Zealand and all had returned home bruised, battered and beaten. But the 1971 tour party was different. It was full of young, ambitious and outrageously talented players who would all go on to carve their names into the annals of sporting history during a golden period in British and Irish rugby. And at their centre was Carwyn Jones – an intelligent, sensitive rugby mastermind who would lead his team into the game’s hardest playing arena while facing a ferocious, tragic battle in his personal life, all in pursuit of a seemingly impossible dream. Up against them was an All Blacks team filled with legends in the game in the likes of Colin Meads, Brian Lochore, Ian Kirkpatrick, Sid Going and Bryan Williams. But as the Lions swept through the provinces, lighting up the rugby fields of New Zealand the pressure began to mount on the home players in a manner never seen before. As the Test series loomed, it became clear that a clash that would echo through the ages was about to unfold. And at its conclusion, it was obvious to all that rugby would never be the same again.Trade Review'Brilliantly written – evocative, powerful and utterly gripping' * Rugby World *'Outstanding . . . On all sort of levels, it is a compelling read. The quality of the Lions backs, the coaching intelligence of Carwyn James, the shrewd management of Doug Smith, the growing Kiwi horror at what was unfolding: all of it feels strangely fresh, partly because it is so well told and partly because so much fascinating detail has lain untouched for ages' -- Robert Kitson * Guardian *'Special. Wondrous insights into the Lions' only New Zealand win ... loved it' -- Stephen Jones * The Sunday Times *'enthralling ... brilliantly chronicled through the eyes of those that were there' * Western Mail *'splendid ... not only for those of us well steeped in nostalgia, but of a wider and more immediate interest' * The Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisBehind the Silver Fern is a comprehensive history of rugby’s most famous yet enigmatic team, the New Zealand All Blacks, told by the men who have had the honour of wearing the iconic black jersey. From the legendary 1905 ‘Originals’ all the way through to the World Cup team of 2019, this unique history of the All Blacks lifts the lid on their experiences like never before. Thanks to exhaustive archival research and exclusive new material garnered from a vast array of interviews with players and coaches from across the decades, Tony Johnson and Lynn McConnell unveil the compelling truth of what it means to play for the most successful team in the history of sport – all the glory and the drama on the field, the great friendships off it, and the bonds of a brotherhood that extend far beyond the bright lights of a Test match. Absorbing and illuminating, this is the ultimate history of All Black rugby – told, definitively, by the men who have been there and done it.

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Book SynopsisThis is a complete history of the England rugby union team - told by the players themselves. Based on a combination of painstaking research into the early years of the England team through exclusive interviews with a vast array of Test match stars from before the Second World War to the present day, world-renowned rugby writers Stephen Jones and Nick Cain delve to the very heart of the English international rugby union experience, painting a unique and utterly compelling picture of the game in the only words that can truly do so: the players' own. This is the definitive story of English Test match rugby - a story etched in blood, sweat and tears; a story of great joy and heart-breaking sorrow; a story of sacrifice, agony, endeavour and triumph. Behind the Rose lifts the lid on what it is to play for England - the trials and tribulations behind the scenes, the glory, the drama and the honour on the field, and the heart-warming tales of friendship and humour off it. Absorbing and illuminating, this is a must-have for all supporters who have ever dreamed of walking the hallowed corridors of Twickenham as a Test match player, preparing themselves for battle in the changing rooms and then marching out to that field of dreams with the deafening roar of the crowd in their ears and the red rose emblazoned on their chest.Trade Review'A handsome new book ... a historical treasure trove' * Guardian *'a superb book' * ESPN Scrum *'delves to the very heart of what it means to play for England ... a must-have' * Planet Rugby *'A riot of anecdote, inside track and genuine insight' * The Rugby Paper *

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Book SynopsisFeaturing the thoughts of more than 180 players who have represented Scotland since the very first Test match in 1871 all the way through to the present day, Behind the Thistle gives a unique insight into the drama and emotion of playing for Scotland in that most rarefied of environments – Test match rugby. In this exhaustively research tome, David Barnes and Peter Burns provide inside access to more than 150 years of private moments in the changing room, on tour, on the training ground, during the tumultuous heat of battle itself, and lift the lid on numerous post-match antics. This is the story of what it is really like to play for Scotland, revealing the sacrifices and joys experienced by those who have shed blood, sweat and tears in pursuit of glory in the navy blue jersey.Trade Review'Takes the reader as close to the action as it is possible to get, short of invading the pitch' * The Scotsman *'Really good reminiscences from hosts of Scottish rugby greats about a host of great Scotland rugby occasions. Weighty in all respects' -- Stephen Jones * Sunday Times *'In turns comic, poignant, spine-tingling and occasionally tragic, its anecdotes provide a dressing-room keyhole for those of us who could only ever dream of getting there by any other means . . . a gem of a book' -- Alasdair Reid * Sunday Herald *'This is a remarkable insight into what it means to play rugby for Scotland . . . For all those with a deep love of rugby, its contemporary sporting history and intriguing gossip this is an unmissable tome' -- Bill Lothian * Evening News *'A fascinating new perspective brought to life in the players’ own words . . . a terrific read for any rugby fan' -- Alan Pearey * Rugby World *

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Book Synopsis'An intriguing study of the minds of some of rugby's greatest leaders' - Tom English, BBC Sport An Official Licensed Product of the British & Irish Lions A British & Irish Lions tour presents one of the greatest challenges in sport. Rugby is a game that rewards creative expression, toil, teamwork and a never-say-die attitude. It can be joyful, vibrant and beautiful. Equally, it can brutally expose human flaws and frailties – even more so in the hugely pressurised environment of a Lions tour. Every team, no matter how talented, will find itself in dark and difficult situations both on and off the field; the successful ones are those with a leadership group that can navigate these challenging moments. In Legacy of the Lions, former Lions captain Gavin Hastings draws on his own experiences in the famous red jersey and interviews other greats of the game – including, among many others, Sam Warburton, Warren Gatland, Paul O'Connell, Brian O'Driscoll, Martin Johnson, Finlay Calder and Sir Ian McGeechan, plus a selection of their illustrious opponents, such as Kieran Read, John Smit and John Eales – to explore how to forge a successful team in this most rarefied of environments, the difficulties they each encountered and what leadership lessons they learned. Inspiring, humorous and illuminating, Legacy of the Lions casts a unique light on leadership, team-building and elite performance and reveals a new perspective on touring with – and playing against – The British & Irish Lions in the modern era.Trade Review'An intriguing study of the minds of some of rugby’s greatest leaders' -- Tom English * BBC Sport *'the very definition of the inside story. Honest, insightful . . . outstanding' -- Hugh MacDonald * The Daily Mail *'full of fascinating insights' -- Alasdair Reid * The Times *'a compelling read' -- James Morgan * The Herald *

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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 SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020 - RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR This is a complete history of the Welsh rugby union team – told by the players themselves. Based on a combination of painstaking research into the early years of the Wales team to interviews with a vast array of Test match players and coaches from the Second World War to the present day, Ross Harries delves to the very heart of what it means to play for Wales, painting a unique and utterly compelling picture of the game in the only words that can truly do so: the players' own. Behind the Dragon lifts the lid on what it is to pull on the famous red shirt – the trials and tribulations behind the scenes, the glory, the drama and the honour on the field, and the heart-warming tales of friendship and humour off it. Absorbing and illuminating, this is the ultimate history of Welsh rugby – told, definitively, by the men who have been there and done it.Trade Review'Ross Harries has written a history book like no other' -- Peter Jackson * The Rugby Paper *'A tremendous book. What an array of fantastic characters and insights ... both laugh out loud and poignant' -- Tom English * BBC Sport *'Punchy, revelatory, irresistible' -- Alan Pearey * Rugby World *'An epic story by the men who created legends in the Welsh jersey' -- Stephen Jones * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Telegraph Sports Book Awards Rugby Book of the Year Among the best stories in modern British team sport has been the rise of Exeter Chiefs. How, exactly, did an unfashionable rugby team from Devon emerge from obscurity to become the double champions of England and Europe? What makes them tick? What are their secrets? Exe Men is a compelling story of regional pride, fierce rural identity, larger-than-life local heroes, remarkable characters, epic resilience, big city snobbery, geographical separation, steepling ambition and personal sacrifice which will strike a chord with anyone who enjoys a classic underdog story. This is not any old rugby book, it is the inside story of Exeter’s incredible journey from the edge of nowhere to the summit of the English and European club game.Trade Review'A beautifully-written, amusing and insightful book that gets to the very heart of Exeter Chiefs – a rugby club with one of the most remarkable stories in British sport. Exe Men is the best rugby book I’ve read in years' -- Donald McRae, twice winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year'Forensic, funny, captivating, a story told with relish as well as insight' -- Mick Cleary * The Telegraph *'No Exeter fan should be without this book, nor any sports fan who loves a fairy tale grounded in professionalism. Splendid stuff' -- Stuart Barnes * The Times *'Exeter Chiefs – the community club that grew into a European giant. This is how they did it. A quite brilliant combination of great story and great storyteller' -- Tom English * BBC Sport *'Beautifully told, this is a rare insight into the remarkable rise of the Chiefs, from their homespun roots to the pinnacle of European rugby – surely one of the most heart-warming tales in all of British sport' -- Alastair Eykyn * BT Sport *'Punchy and penetrative, Robert Kitson has done justice to one of sport’s greatest stories. If you don’t already love Exeter, you will now' -- Alan Pearey * Rugby World *'So much more than a rugby book and full of genuinely funny anecdotes, this is a read for anyone interested in building a winning team' -- Chris Bentley * Express and Echo, Exeter *

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Book SynopsisThe English rugby team has been scrummaging its way around the rugby fields of the world since 1871. James Stafford’s An Illustrated History of English Rugby takes you on a thrilling journey through a century and a half of glory, failure, mediocrity and brilliance. Mixing stats and facts with player profiles, match reports and social history, this book is perfect for hardcore and casual fans aged eight to 80. Packed with delightful illustrations from Raluca Moldovan, this follow up to Stafford’s best-selling An Illustrated History of Welsh Rugby will give readers a new appreciation of the stars of today and the pioneers of yesteryear.

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Book SynopsisKeith Earls started out in senior rugby as a teenage star and during the course of his long career has become one of the most admired and respected players of his generation. A British & Irish Lion at the age of 21, he is now closing in on his 34th birthday and still playing at the top of his game. He has won 93 caps for Ireland and played 179 times in the famous red of Munster. He started every game of the 2018 Six Nations campaign that culminated in an Irish Grand Slam victory. A lethal finisher blessed with thoroughbred speed, Earls is the second-highest try scorer of all time for his country. With Munster he is one try short of the all-time total and looks set to break that record next season. Behind the glittering success, there is another story to be told. He has achieved these milestones whilst being racked by private battles with his mental health for most of his career. A number of crises brought him to the brink of voluntary retirement from the game. A long series of injuries have taken their psychological toll too. A native of Limerick city, Earls grew up in one of its most socially disadvantaged housing estates. Moyross was blighted by crime and violence and he did not escape unscathed from the surrounding fear and trauma visited upon his beloved community. His natural sporting talent brought him into the privileged bastion of elite rugby union. His frank and fearless autobiography tells the story of his long struggle to reconcile the world whence he came with the world opened up by his brilliance with an oval ball. Earls has maintained a low profile throughout his career. For the first time he will talk in depth and at length about the inner turmoil that went unseen by team-mates, friends and fans. It is a confessional, intimate and courageous story of the pain that was a constant companion to the glory.

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Book SynopsisIn the 1980s and early 1990s, David Campese thrilled spectators both in Australia and overseas with his footloose, crazy-brave style of free running. This book tells the story of his rise from humble beginnings to the very top of a global sport. As a rugby player, David Campese seemed to operate on cross-grained pure instinct, one that left many a defender clutching at him in vain, stranded in the slipstream of his audacity. Hailed as the ‘Bradman of rugby’ by former Wallaby coach Alan Jones, and the ‘Pele’ of rugby by others, Campese was a match-winner. The refrain ‘I saw Campese play’ now speaks to much more than wistful reminiscences about a player widely regarded as the most entertaining ever to play the game of Rugby Union. It has come to represent a state of chronic disbelief that the Wallaby ascendancy of Campese’s era has been seemingly squandered. Campese occupies a unique intersection in rugby’s history: one of its last amateurs, and one of its first professionals. He had shown, too, that coming from outside the traditional bastions of rugby — the private schools and universities — was no barrier to reaching the top. Indeed, he challenged that establishment and unsettled it, warning in the early 1990s that the code risked ‘dying’ if more was not done to expand its appeal. David Campese revolutionised how the game was played and appreciated. His genius, most visibly manifest in his outrageous goosestep, captured the national and sporting imagination. The rigid, robotic rugby of today appears incapable of accommodating a player of his dash and daring.Trade Review‘Campese … is an intelligent and deeply felt meditation on the rugby player's genius, as well as an erudite analysis of Campese's complex position in the wider context of Australian sport … the book is an immense success. Unlike Campese's on-field opponents, Curran, a historian, sociologist and passionate rugby fan, is able to understand this quixotic sportsman.’ -- Barnaby Smith * Australian Book Review *‘Curran is not so much interested in Campese’s life… but with the aesthetics of his play, analysing it as you might a poem or mythology. The result - astute, imaginative and very accessible - is the kind of superior sports writing that comes along rarely. You don’t have to be a rugby fan to appreciate it.’ -- Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen * The Sydney Morning Herald *‘A smart writer pursues one of Australia’s most elusive and enigmatic champions. The result is shrewd, measured, evocative, and, at times, transporting.’ -- Gideon Haigh, author of On Warne‘David Campese could impact a rugby field like a shooting star in the night sky, and James Curran’s masterful account lifts us into that stratosphere … As a rugby entertainer and show stopper, Campese was simply the best. Finally, here is a book that does this one-off player justice.’ -- Gordon Bray, veteran sports commentator

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Book Synopsis'Maggie has changed the way the game is played forever' - The Sunday Times Maggie Alphonsi is not only a national sporting icon, the face of international women’s rugby and star player of the England side that won the World Cup in 2014. She is also an inspirational and totemic figure who transcends sport. The compelling story of her life makes her achievements even more extraordinary. Hers is an against-all-the-odds tale, becoming the best player in the world despite having to battle against racism, sexism, and prejudice. It is a book forged from the raw emotion, passion, and testimony of an iconic player, who rose to the elite of world sport when the world was seemingly stacked against her. It is a moving and revealing story of a woman who was not prepared to be defined by anyone but herself and gives the reader a unique insight into how she met her goals.Trade Review'a moving and important book' -- Donald McRae * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisLearn all about the players, characters and teams that shaped rugby and inspired millions. From 19th century innovators to 21st century superstars, the latest book in the Illustrated History of Rugby series examines players who overcame the odds to beat everything from injury and illness to racism and sexism to excel and thrill followers of our great game. It also tells the stories of giant killing teams who shocked the world and took the scalps of heavily favoured opponents. From the Tonga team that beat Australia in the 1973 to the ‘Miracle in Brighton’ which saw Japan topple the mighty Springboks, James Stafford and Raluca Moldovan bring to life some of the most thrilling moments in rugby history.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate World Cup showdown, in the words of those who were there. From 1997 to 2003 England and Australia battled for domination of the rugby world in one of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever known. In The Men in the Arena, William Hill shortlisted authors Peter Burns and Tom English explore every aspect of the teams’ journey to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, telling the story primarily in the words of the protagonists at the centre of the battle. Featuring exclusive new interviews with players and coaches from both teams plus an array of superstars who faced them from New Zealand, Ireland, France, Wales and beyond, this is the inside story like it has never been told before. 'A splendid re-telling of English rugby's most celebrated story. Cracking stuff from start to finish' - Robert Kiston, The GuardianTrade Review'Highly recommended, a deep dive into one of the best-known rivalries between two rugby nations when both were at the peak of their powers. Great stuff. A fantastic, exciting read' -- Rob Robertson * Daily Mail *'A splendid re-telling of English rugby’s most celebrated story. Cracking stuff from start to finish' -- Robert Kitson * The Guardian *'Sensational. For those who screamed and celebrated in 2003, this book is as good as it gets' -- Alex Payne * The Good, the Bad and the Rugby *'A brilliant book' -- Chris Jones * BBC Sport *'Another absolute classic' -- Paul Williams

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Book Synopsis'A modern classic . . . Absolutely riveting and frequently moving' – The Telegraph 'Among the best books ever written on Irish sport' – Sunday Tribune 'Brilliant . . . Stand Up and Fight is the definitive account. It captures the essence of what makes Munster rugby and its provincial team so unique' – Tony Ward, Irish Independent 'A terrific combination of intelligent reportage and open-eyed mythmaking' – Sunday Times 'A seminal account' – New Zealand Herald 'Irresistible' – Guardian 31/10/1978, Thomond Park. On one of the greatest days in rugby history, Munster beat the All Blacks. More than 100,000 people claimed to have watched the game, even though the ground could only hold 12,000. Now, fully updated for the 45th anniversary of the match, Alan English tells the true story.

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Book SynopsisRevised and Updated Third EditionFor almost 140 years the Welsh rugby team has battled proudly on the international stage.Full of tales of fighting clergymen, poisoned arrows and deathbed confessionals, James Stafford''s An Illustrated History of Welsh Rugby takes a unique look at the games, the players, the legends and the myths behind Wales''s national game.Blending fun and facts with trivia and social history, this is Welsh rugby like you''ve never experienced it before. Brimming with delightful illustrations from Raluca Moldovan and irreverent humour, this book will fascinate young readers and curious adults alike.

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Book SynopsisHardcover and jacket gift book which names a best of the best 15-strong line-up of Australian rugby union players. Each Immortal player named is profiled in a dedicated chapter with career stats and multiple action images. There is also a group of honourable mentions and an Immortals Wallaby side. Features 100 photographs and key statistics. The Immortals of Australian Rugby Union celebrates the greatest players to wear the green and gold for the Wallabies. It takes the Immortals concept made famous elsewhere in the sporting world and applies it to the 15-playergame. Gordon Bray, the voice of rugby in Australia, chooses his XV Immortals, telling the remarkable stories behind pioneering and modern-day Wallabies.

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