Rugby Union Books
Pitch Publishing Ltd Budge Rogers: A Rugby Life
Book SynopsisBudge Rogers: A Rugby Life is the long overdue biography of one of rugby's most iconic players, Derek Prior Budge Rogers. The story of the wing forward who lit up rugby grounds around the world in the 1960s and 1970s with dazzling and determined wing play, Rogers is a true rugby great. He captained Bedford RFC for five seasons, including the year they won the National Cup in his last game for the club. He spent nine years as England captain and toured overseas with the British Lions and Barbarians - with many a tale to be told from these trips, which are a real highlight of his story. Rogers's exemplary playing career was followed by years in management and administration at the highest level as both Chairman of England Selectors and President of the RFU. An OBE soon followed. A player who epitomised the best values in the amateur game, he also became a key figure in managing the difficult transition of rugby from its amateur status into the modern, professional game we know today. Budge Rogers: A Rugby Life gives a unique insight into the life of this electrifying wing forward and his time at the top of the sport.
£16.19
Pitch Publishing Ltd British & Irish Lions On This Day: History, Facts
Book SynopsisBritish & Irish Lions On This Day revisits the most magical and memorable moments from the Lions' distinguished history, mixing in a maelstrom of anecdotes and characters to produce an irresistibly dippable diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From tours, Tests and provincial matches to the exploits of the Lions players in the wider world of rugby and beyond, the names of the players that have represented the Lions reads like a Who's Who of British and Irish rugby union and despite the advent of professionalism and the World Cup many home players regard Lions selection as the highest accolade available to them. Cliff Morgan, John Dawes, Willie John McBride, Bill Beaumont, Finlay Calder and Martin Johnson are just some of the famous names that have led the Lions on tour. Meanwhile tries and goals have been provided by Vivian Jenkins, Ernest Hammett, Barry John, Gareth Edwards, Ollie Campbell, Alan Irvine and many, many more.
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Thorny Encounters: A History of England v The All
Book SynopsisIn 1905, Vic Cartwright's England rugby team lined up against Dave Gallaher's touring All Blacks at Crystal Palace - the first ever meeting of two national teams. Ensuing matches, in both the amateur and professional eras, have been dramatic and controversial, steeped in the historical rivalry of the traditional home of the game for the nation that has claimed rugby as its own. Men in white (such as Wakefield, Beaumont, Carling, Leonard and Johnson) versus men in black (Meads, Lochore, Fitzpatrick, Lomu, McCaw). Hakas drowned out by rousing renditions of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'. Grinding forward tussles on cold, murky afternoons and sweeping back-line movements on sun-lit grounds. Thorny Encounters chronicles the first 40 Test matches between England and New Zealand, in which giants of the sport have measured themselves against each other. In the professional era, the match has become the clash of the hemispheres.
£16.99
Pitch Publishing Ltd England Rugby On This Day: History, Facts &
Book SynopsisEngland Rugby On This Day revisits the most magical and memorable moments from the national team's distinguished history, mixing in a maelstrom of anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the first ever rugby international (the 1871 meeting with Scotland) to their exploits at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and beyond, the book covers all the highs and lows of 150 years of international rugby. With a record number of grand slams and triple crowns, England are the most successful team in the Six Nations. They reached the pinnacle of the game when they won the 2003 World Cup but have also suffered heartache in three losing finals. Relive 4 January 1936 when Prince Alexander Obolensky stunned the All Blacks, 5 March 1980 when John Carleton sealed a long-awaited grand slam with a hat-trick of tries, and of course 22 November 2003 - the day Jonny Wilkinson kicked England to World Cup glory in Sydney.
£13.49
Merrion Press A History of Rugby in Leinster
Book Synopsis
£20.69
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
MX Publishing Bath The Enigma - New Edition
Book SynopsisBath, founded in 1865, rank among the oldest established rugby clubs in England, yet not for decades could they shake off their poor-relation status in the shadows of West Country rivals Bristol and Gloucester. Indeed, to do so required something approaching a miracle. But miracles do not ''just'' happen, they happen for a reason, or as in Bath''s case for a number of reasons. Hurdles for Bath to jump? Oh yes, plenty. Indeed, how does one even begin to define a club that by 1900 had already produced three England internationals and yet by season 1905-6 with a meagre 7 wins from 33 matches played came near to being folded-up. And who, in that same season of near despair, would ever have contemplated the transformation that would later lead Bath in season 1995-6 to be chosen to carry the Union colours against Rugby League giants Wigan (first under League rules, then Union rules) to end a century of divide between the two codes. Yet chosen Bath were!Of course, it did not happen overnight, but as the decades passed, so too did the pieces of the jigsaw slowly come together, culminating with a team (nay teams) that rose to the forefront of English (indeed British) rugby. Moreover, over the decades the friendly nature of the club and its supporters has never changed, as they remain the same rugby family they always were. And that is a fascinating part of their story, one that includes the closeness of the bondwith their parent city, their cherished home on ''the Rec'' (its original stands, now rebuilt, bombed to pieces in World War Two) and ''Oh,'' that banter and humour experienced on match-days.This 2nd edition of ''Bath the Enigma'' relates their story with an abridged version of the original 1st edition from 1865-2015, plus the five seasons which have followed, culminating with the unprecedented season of 2019/20, a season of near unparalleled difficulties for rugby, sport in general and Bath. A Review of season 2020/21 is added.In accordance with the author''s wishes all royalties from this book go direct to the Bath Rugby Foundation Charity.
£17.09
Headline Publishing Group The Little Book of England Rugby: Over 170 red
Book SynopsisThe Little Book of England Rugby is the latest volume in this highly successful series of sports-themed quotes books. Focusing on the mots justes from former players such as Steve Smith – who noted that Colin Smart who had been rushed to hospital after quaffing aftershave in Paris, 'He may have been unwell, but Colin had the nicest breath I've smelt' – and Will Carling – who, as England captain, called his bosses '57 old f**ts' – to the key men today such as coach Eddie Jones and Owen Farrell. Trade ReviewOTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES The Little Book of Ireland Rugby The Little Book of Scotland Rugby The Little Book of Wales RugbyTable of ContentsIntroduction. The England Way. Five and Six Nations Days. Forward Thinking. Coaches' Chatter. World Cup Moments. Backs to the Future. On the Jolly.
£6.99
Headline Publishing Group The Little Book of Wales Rugby: Over 170 Red
Book SynopsisThe Little Book of Wales Rugby is the latest volume in this highly successful series of sports-themed quotes books. Focusing on the mots justes from the great players of the past 50 years. Includes quotes from many Welsh rugby giants, plus from players, coaches, journalists and fans from every era when the Welsh dragon was rampant. Trade ReviewALSO IN THIS SERIES The Little Book of England Rugby The Little Book of Ireland Rugby The Little Book of Scotland RugbyTable of ContentsIntroduction. The Wales way. Five and Six Nations days. Forward thinking. Coaches' chatter. Famous days. Backs to the future. On the jolly.
£6.99
O'Brien Press Ltd Football Spirit: United they Stand, United they Soar
£8.99
O'Brien Press Ltd Rugby Rookie: Stepping up a level, Stepping back
Book SynopsisBook 9 in the acclaimed Rugby Spirit seriesEoin's been promoted early to the Senior Cup team where he's the youngest ever player and he's not sure if he's ready for it.A discovery from the earliest days of Irish rugby brings more ghostly encounters for Eoin and leads him and his friends to tackle a series of crimes at the national stadium.
£8.99
Bonnier Books Ltd The Boys of Winter: England's 2003 Rugby World
Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER and must-read book for the Rugby World Cup 2023.England have been in four Rugby World Cup finals and only won one of them. In 2003, this team was the one that did it. And this is their story in their words.The image of Jonny Wilkinson's last-minute winning drop goal is etched deep into the nation's consciousness - everyone knows where they were during that iconic moment on the 22nd November 2003. Twenty years on, with their achievement still unmatched, the affection and respect this band of brothers command is as great as ever. There is still no modern player as beloved as Jonny Wilkinson, no captain as celebrated and respected as Martin Johnson, and no coach as revered as Sir Clive Woodward. And there is no one with the aura and drive of Lawrence Dallaglio.In The Boys of Winter, Dallaglio and writer Owen Slot tell the inside story of England's triumphant 2003 Rugby World Cup through interviews with those involved, revealing how the team planned it and executed it; the iconic memories as well as the unseen moments.But what has become of those heroes of our youth? This book also tells the story of how the tournament has shaped the lives of those involved, for better or worse. For many it was the pinnacle, for some a missed opportunity and for others a curse from which they never recovered.- Includes never-before-seen interviews with the squad and coaching staff- Reveals how the team planned and executed the 2003 Rugby World Cup win- Uncovers for the first time the impact of the achievement on the players- Explores why this success has never been repeatedThis is the definitive account of a legendary sporting moment and an examination of the costs of our dreams.
£17.60
Y Lolfa How Wales Beat the Mighty All Blacks: The most
Book Synopsis
£7.99
Y Lolfa Six Nations Rugby Quiz Book, The
Book SynopsisTest your knowledge about the Six Nations rugby tournament with this brand new set of quiz questions. 50 rounds of 10 questions, with answers in the back. From the author of Welsh Rugby Quiz, which has sold over 12,000 copies.
£7.55
Y Lolfa Rugby Union Quiz Book, The
Book SynopsisMassive rugby fan? Think you know it all? Test your knowledge with the ultimate Rugby Union quiz book: 50 rounds of 10 questions, from easy to fiendishly tricky, with answers in the back. From the author of Welsh Rugby Quiz, which has sold over 15,000 copies. New, updated version for 2023.
£6.82
Y Lolfa Welsh Rugby in the 1970s
Book SynopsisA volume celebrating the golden era of Welsh Rugby in the 1970s, full of entertaining snippets and photographs reflecting Wales'' success during a decade in which players such as Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Phil Bennett and JPR became international superstars. Fun retro Seventies annual design.
£14.24
Y Lolfa Rugby Lives
Book SynopsisA collection of in-depth interviews from one of Wales'' best rugby journalists, looking back on the careers of 26 of Welsh rugby''s finest players.
£12.34
Pitch Publishing Ltd Glory in Union: The Rugby World Cup
Book SynopsisGlory in Union is a pictorial celebration of the Rugby World Cup, taking us on a thrilling journey from the inaugural tournament in 1987 to the present day. Using stunning stock images, it brings you the greatest and most iconic stars to have ever played the game, including Jonah Lomu, David Campese, Jonny Wilkinson, Sebastian Chabel, Zinzan Brooke, Michael Jones, Brian O'Driscoll, Richie McCaw, Francois Pienaar and many more. This beautifully illustrated book covers the great matches, the turning points, the controversy, the heroes, the villains and the iconic moments that have made the World Cup the most prestigious tournament in rugby. Glory in Union is an essential piece of World Cup nostalgia for every rugby fan.
£21.25
Troubador Publishing The Unluckiest All Black?: Alexander 'Nugget'
Book SynopsisToo big for the Primary School reps, and in his day the tallest man to have played on Lancaster Park, Nugget Pringle won Wellington caps in his first season of senior rugby with the Oriental Club, and went on to win an All Black cap the following year, 1923. In the training camp before the first test against New South Wales he proved a great entertainer and his Salome was a scream, but a cauliflower ear (one of many) led to his withdrawal from the match. He scored a try in the second test, which the All Blacks won handsomely, but, despite every endeavour for the next 4 years, failed to gain a second cap. En route he played for and against the All Blacks and against New Zealand Maoris, winning all three and scoring a try in two. Fate’s fickle fingers nonetheless conspired, through injury, illness, selection policy and sheer misfortune, to cause him to miss further home internationals as well as tours to Australia and South Africa. Most importantly, although a hot favourite all season, he missed out by a whisker on a place with the 1924/25 Invincibles. With the benefit of contemporary press cuttings in the family scrapbook, and from the archives, we follow here his playing career at club, representative and national level, while we also learn of his achievements in the worlds of athletics and cricket, and how he gained the unusual distinction of playing both rugby and cricket, as well as winning the shot put, on Athletic Park. A genial giant who gave his all for the game he loved, but, in terms of his playing career and All Black appearances, was he the Unluckiest All Black? Judge for yourself.
£9.45
Gill Books Go Johnny Go
Book Synopsis
£8.99
Danilo Promotions Limited Welsh Rugby Union Square Calendar 2025
Book Synopsis
£12.53
Atlantic Books Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth:
Book Synopsis*SHORTLISTED for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2023**A TIMES AND DAILY TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR**A WATERSTONES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2023**FOREWORD BY SIR CLIVE WOODWARD*'There is a real sense of mission in his voice - and vitriol for those who held back the sport for so long' The Observer The definitive account of sport's concussion crisis, how its 'dirty secret' was finally made public and what rugby union must now do to save itself.'Peters' work is in the greatest tradition of British journalism: fearless, unstoppable and committed to righting a profound wrong.' DAN SNOW'Sam Peters has fought a truly magnificent campaign on concussion in rugby . . . sport will be safer because of it.' STEPHEN JONESBy recounting the untold story of the most influential sports campaign in British newspaper history, which turned concussion in professional rugby from a niche issue into front and back page news, Concussed poses the questions all sports lovers need answering as evidence grows linking sports-related concussions to premature deaths and dementia.Expanding his research from rugby to football, NFL and other contact sports, Sam Peters brings an unparalleled breadth of experience, depth of knowledge and journalistic rigour to a subject he has written about and campaigned over for a decade.Now sport's 'dirty secret' is out in the open, Peters asks: how can rugby and other sports save themselves from the vested interests which threaten their very existence?Trade ReviewConcussed is a call to action, which shows Peters's unwavering passion for the safety of the players in a sport he loves so much. The tension between Peters and professional rugby's top organisations is palpable; there is a real sense of mission in his voice - and vitriol for those who held back the sport for so long. * Observer *'Sam's work is comparable to David Walsh exposing Lance Armstrong. It should go down along with Walsh and the work of someone like Marie Colvin as one of the great pieces of investigative journalism.' * Stephen Jones, Sunday Times rugby correspondent *'Peters is driven, balanced, incredibly bright and appropriately relentless.' -- David Flatman'Sam achieved more in a year than most journalists achieve in their lifetimes. There's no doubt his work saved lives.' -- Alison Kervin'Rugby will never be the same again knowing what we now know. In a time when others obfuscated and trod water, Peters asked the difficult questions and told the terrible stories. Sport needs voices like Sam's.' -- Alan Dymock, editor of Rugby WorldTable of ContentsI: Introduction 1: A love affair begins 2: Growth, growth, growth 3: Someone's going to have to die 4: Bloodgate, statistics and damned lies 5: Nothing to see here 6: Death of a schoolboy 7: The campaign begins 8: Pulling the pin 9: Even the doctors are laughing 10: Head games 11: A tale of two valleys 12: 'Not a rugby man' 13: Justice for Jeff 14: Going rogue 15: The bomb goes off 16: If in doubt, sit them out ii: Appendix iii: Acknowledgements iv: Index
£17.00
Atlantic Books Concussed
Book SynopsisThe definitive account of sport's concussion crisis, how its 'dirty secret' was finally made public and what sport must now do to save itself.
£11.69
Atlantic Books Le Coq: A Journey to the Heart of French Rugby
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
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd A Game for Hooligans: The History of Rugby Union
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 *
£11.39
Transworld Publishers Ltd Nobody Beats Us: The Inside Story of the 1970s
Book SynopsisIn the 1970s, an age long before World Cups, rugby union to the British public meant Bill McLaren, rude songs and, most of all, Wales. Between 1969 and 1979, the men in red shirts won or shared eight Five Nations Championships, including three Grand Slams and six Triple Crowns. But the mere facts resonate less than the enduring images of the precision of Gareth Edwards, the sublime touch of Barry John, the sidesteps of Gerald Davies and Phil Bennett, the courage of J.P.R. Williams, and the forward power of the Pontypool Front Row and 'Merv the Swerve' Davies. To the land of their fathers, these Welsh heroes represented pride and conquest at a time when the decline of the province's traditional coal and steel industries was sending thousands to the dole queue and threatening the fabric of local communities. Yet the achievements of those players transcended their homeland and extended beyond mere rugby fans. With the help of comedian Max Boyce, the culture of Welsh rugby and valley life permeated Britain's living rooms at the height of prime time, reinforcing the sporting brilliance that lit up winter Saturday afternoons. In Nobody Beats Us, David Tossell, who spent the '70s as a schoolboy scrum-half trying to perfect the Gareth Edwards reverse pass, interviews many of the key figures of a golden age of Welsh rugby and vividly recreates an unforgettable sporting era.Trade ReviewA belter . . . No book better explains why watching Wales was almost a religious experience (*****) * Rugby World *
£10.44
Simon & Schuster Ltd Engage: The Fall and Rise of Matt Hampson
Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE CROSS SPORTS BOOK AWARDS BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR 'Engage!' was the last word Matt Hampson heard before dislocating his neck while in rugby training with other young England hopefuls. On a cold, grey, overcast day in 2005, the cream of young English rugby gathered at a Northampton training ground. Matt Hampson, 'Hambo' to his mates, was one of them. He had dreamt of playing rugby for England ever since he had picked up a rugby ball at school. His skill, conviction and dedication had brought him to the cusp of realising that dream, in an England U21 team that included Olly Morgan, Toby Flood, Ben Foden and James Haskell. But as the two sets of forwards engaged for a scrum on the training field, the scrum collapsed and Matt, who played tight-head prop, took the full force of two opposing sides. In that moment his life changed forever. Paul Kimmage went to visit Matt as he recuperated, and wrote a piece for the Sunday Times which won him his third successive SJA sports interviewer of the year award. They struck up a friendship and here, Paul tells Matt's whole story, in all its intimate detail. From the build-up to the dreadful day, to Matt's recuperation, to his struggle to adjust to normal life again, to his family and friends, to other tragic incidents on the rugby field, to the response of the RFU, this is a story of terrible sadness yet unadorned triumph and joy, of anger yet of reconciliation and peace . . . of a boy who became a man.Trade Review'A hellish, inspiring and often hilarious account' * Daily Telegraph *'Engage's honest and unblinking approach to the scale of his disaster makes this book much bleaker [and better] than just an uplifting triumph-over-adversity tale' * Sunday Times *'This is a big call to make but no amount of head scratching contemplation has prompted recall of a finer rugby book than this ... the quality and the ingenuity of the narrative takes your breath away' * Rugby World *'A genuine must read' * Sport magazine *
£8.99
Transworld Publishers Ltd Ronan O'Gara: My Autobiography
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 *
£11.39
Transworld Publishers Ltd Joking Apart: My Autobiography
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.
£11.39
Transworld Publishers Ltd Ronan O'Gara: Unguarded
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.
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd Man and Ball: My Autobiography
Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS'When I came into the Ulster team,' Stephen Ferris says with typical candour, 'we were crap'. It was, however, preferable to his day job of paving driveways, and that day in 2005 saw the start of an incredible journey for Ferris, Ulster and Ireland rugby. A Celtic League title in his very first senior season with Ulster. A Grand Slam in 2009, followed by a sensational Lions breakthrough. A starring role in Ireland's greatest World Cup win, over Australia in 2011, when Ferris famously picked up Will Genia and carried him ten yards. And leading Ulster from nowhere to the Heineken Cup final.Stephen Ferris had an incredible rugby career, tragically ended by ankle injuries so severe they will never properly heal. He is an inspiration to the population of Ulster, an emblem of the sport that serves as such a positive expression of its culture and identity, and earned the respect and admiration of fans across Ireland for his strength, pace, skill and courage. Fearless, funny and full of an incredible array of stories from behind the scenes of Ulster, Ireland and the Lions, this is the must-have rugby book of the year.Trade ReviewWritten in a colloquial style that reassures you this is Ferris's story in his own words, this is a cracking read... compelling. * Rugby World, Book of the Month *
£16.46
Transworld Publishers Ltd Donal Lenihan: My Life in Rugby
Book SynopsisAs player, manager, and pundit, Donal Lenihan has seen it all in the world of rugby - and done much of it too. A victorious captain of Munster Junior and Senior Schools, he went on to skipper the Ireland team at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 1987 and was a fixture in the second row for over a decade, winning two Triple Crowns and three Five Nations championships. Selected for three British & Irish Lions tours, he was famous for skippering the unbeaten side nicknamed 'Donal's Doughnuts', before taking charge of both Ireland and the Lions as manager. From such a stellar position at the heart of the rugby world, Donal Lenihan has a wealth of stories to tell from both on and off the pitch, from raucous antics on tour to the sometimes difficult fellowship of players in a time of Troubles. He delves deeply into Cork and Munster culture and the influence on his career of his family. And as a much-respected analyst, Donal is also not short on voicing his opinion on the rights and wrongs of the modern game, and how the transition from the amateur to the professional era has affected the heart and soul of rugby.Full of wit, insight and emotional sincerity, this is a rugby book for the ages by a sporting great.Trade ReviewAlways a writer of authority, Lenihan tells his story in the careful, meticulous way that any readers of his columns will recognise. There's a steel to him that shines through here, whether dealing with the political situation in Ireland during his playing days or the dreadful tragedies that robbed him of two of his children at an early age. * Irish Times, Sports Books of the Year *Always a writer of authority, Lenihan tells his story in the careful, meticulous way that any readers of his columns will recognise. There's a steel to him that shines through here, whether dealing with the political situation in Ireland during his playing days or the dreadful tragedies that robbed him of two of his children at an early age. * Irish Times, Sports Books of the Year *Particularly good on Ireland's Triple Crown teams of the 1980s, Lenihan is also revealing about his varied experiences with the Lions as player and manager. * Sunday Times, Sports Books of the Year *Full of wit, insight and emotional sincerity, this is a fine rugby book by a sporting great. * RTE Radio 1, Today Show *An enjoyable and engaging read... offers both a cold and affectionate eye on all aspects of the game. -- Kieran Shannon * Irish Examiner *
£16.14
Transworld Publishers Ltd Front Up, Rise Up: The Official Story of Connacht
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 *
£8.54
St David's Press Spikey - 2 Hard to Handle: The Autobiography of
Book SynopsisOne of the most colourful and controversial characters in Welsh rugby history, Mike 'Spikey' Watkins remains the only player since 1882 to captain Wales on his debut, and win. Discarded by Cardiff RFC and banned by the WRU after the infamous 'Hookers Night Out' incident in November 1978, Spikey, who had regularly played for the Wales B team and was understudy to Bobby Windsor, thought his chance of a prized Welsh cap has disappeared. In this brutally frank and hard-hitting autobiography, 'Spikey' Watkins, the loveable rogue of Welsh rugby, lifts the lid on his roller-coaster playing career and explains how he fought back against the 'blazer-brigade' he despised, returned to captain a hugely successful Newport team and finally got the call from the WRU, due to public pressure from the supporters who adored him, to captain his country to victory against Ireland in 1984.Trade Review'One of the most inspirational leaders that Welsh rugby has ever produced' Mike Ruddock 'Spikey Watkins is the most 'Rock 'n' Roll Welsh sportsman ever. The establishment hated him but the people loved him. This is the best sports biography I've ever read. Buy or steal a copy now' Jonathan OwenTable of ContentsForeword by Paul Turner 1. Hookers Night Out 2. 50 Shades of Spikey! 3. Blood, Sweat and Stud Marks 4. Come in Cardiff - we have Parity, 5. One Stray Boot and a Bottle of Beer 6. Charlie Faulkner RFC 7. The Cat with the Ten and Half Inch Tail 8. The Irish Generation Game 9. A Bunch of Amateurs 10. Dirty Tricks and Cocktail Sticks 11. High Tailing it through the Dark Clouds 12. Hello, I'm Oliver Reed 13. Hooker goes to Bangkok 14. Rugby Reflections
£18.04
St David's Press The Wizards: Aberavon Rugby 1876-2017
Book SynopsisOne of the traditional powerhouses of Welsh first class rugby, Aberavon RFC has a long, proud and illustrious history, with 50 of its players being capped for Wales, the club winning many league titles and domestic cups, and - with Neath RFC - facing the might of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Aberavon RFC is a great rugby club and this is its story. Fully illustrated and packed with photos and club memorabilia, The Wizards is a comprehensive history of the town's premier club, from the days when the men of Aberavon gathered on a farmer's field to challenge rivals from across south Wales, to the formation of the Afan Football Club in 1876 and its development into Aberavon RFC, and from the club finding a home at the Talbot Athletic Ground to the anniversary celebrations of the 2016-17 season. Aberavon RFC's fascinating 140-year story - lovingly written by renowned rugby historians Howard Evans and Phil Atkinson - traces the club's fortunes through its good times, its many challenges and, most importantly, through the personalities who've worn the famous black and red jersey, delighting the home supporters and putting fear into visiting teams. From the days of `One-Arm' Wilkins to `Warhorse' Jones, The Wizards recalls the great names such as Johnny Ring, Ned Jenkins, John Bevan, Clive Shell, Ray Giles, Billy Mainwaring, Max Wiltshire, `Om the Bomb', Allan Martin and Billy James, to current heroes `Buddah', Jamie Davies and Richard Morris, with a special place for the club's greatest supporter, the legendary and much missed Mrs Evelyn Mainwaring.Trade Review`I would rather have played rugby for Wales than Hamlet at the Old Vic. To that town, Aberavon and its rugby team, I pledge my continuing allegiance, until death.' Richard Burton; `The earliest memory I have of watching The Wizards play is with my Grampa. Freezing cold and sitting in the stand (never did understand how that made any sense), listening to the glorious Mrs Mainwaring 'urging' on her Billy and his boys, and me trying to summon up the courage to pipe up and join in.' Michael SheenTable of ContentsForeword by Michael Sheen Preface by Andrew John, Chairman Aberavon RFC 1. 1876-1900: Start, stop, restart, grow 2. 1900-1918: Victory in the Cup: then war breaks out 3. 1919-1939: Including the greatest era of the `Wizards' 4. 1940-1949: Before the balloon went up: and after 5. 1950-1959: `The well-off problem child of Welsh club rugby' 6. 1960-1969: Including another `Wizard' time 7. 1970-1979: Cometh the Cup. Finals, two: luck, nil! 8. 1980-1989: Tricky times ahead 9. 1990-1999: The Ups - and Downs - of the Leagues 10. 2000-2009: Canny O'Cally takes over and titles are gained 11. 2010-2017: A Happy Ship: a good spell for `the Wizards'
£18.99
St David's Press 'Call Them to Remembrance': The Welsh Rugby
Book SynopsisIt is estimated that the First World War claimed the lives of 40,000 Welshmen, all of them heroes whose sacrifice is honoured by a grateful nation. 'Call them to remembrance', which includes 120 illustrations and maps, tells the stories of 13 Welsh heroes who shared the common bond of having worn the famous red jersey of the Welsh international rugby team. Gwyn Prescott's sensitive and fascinating book, the product of over ten year's research and study, recovers the memory of these thirteen multi-talented and courageous Welshmen who gave their lives in the Great War of 1914-18, detailing their playing and military careers. Amongst their stories are the leading amateur golfer in Wales who represented Newport at five sports; the Cambridge choral scholar who gave up his job in India to volunteer for the Army; the flying Cardiff winger who impressed Lloyd George; and the "lion-hearted" hero of the famous Welsh victory over New Zealand in 1905.Trade Review'These pages contain an unexplored and untold tale which, from the deepest anguish of the suffering born of their unquestioning bravery, pierces the heart...This book is [an] acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by 13 Welshmen...Theirs was a sacrifice which needs to be told...Gwyn Prescott, with meticulous and sympathetic attention to detail, tells the story. This narrative is an essential record'. Gerald Davies, from the Foreword; 'From the boisterous singing and exhilarating cheers of Cardiff Arms Park to the deafening roar of artillery shells and gunfire, these humbling stories describe thirteen individual journeys which began on muddy yet familiar Welsh playing fields but ended in the unimaginable brutality of the battles of the First World War. These are men who experienced two very different kinds of glory.' Dan Allsobrook, gwladrugby; 'This is a book which moves as well as informs, combining impeccable scholarship with deep human sympathy. In recounting the active lives and terrible deaths of the 13 Welsh internationals who died in the First World War Gwyn Prescott not only offers a fitting tribute to their sacrifice but paints a vividly compelling picture of Wales, and the increasingly important role that rugby played in Welsh life, in the decades leading up to 1914.' Huw Richards, Associate Lecturer in Sports History, London College of CommunicationTable of ContentsForeword by Gerald Davies Richard Davies Garnons Williams Charles Gerald Taylor Louis Augustus Phillips Charles Meyrick Pritchard David Westacott Richard Thomas John Lewis Williams Philip Dudley Waller Brinley Richard Lewis Horace Wyndham Thomas William Purdon Geen Fred Leonard Perrett David Watts
£18.99
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
St David's Press White Gold: Swansea RFC 1872-1887
Book SynopsisA founder member of the Welsh Rugby Union, Swansea RFC is one of Wales' oldest and most illustrious rugby clubs. It was the first to beat the 'big three' touring teams of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, and enjoyed multiple Welsh Cup and Merit Table successes, over its first 150 years. Formed in 1872 as an association football team before converting to rugby football in 1874, White Gold tells the fascinating story of the club's first 15 years, when a group of Swansea cricketers established a football club for winter recreation, found a home at St. Helen's and how they created an open, running playing style that quickly became known and revered around the rugby world. Lavishly illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, White Gold has been meticulously researched by club historian David Dow and is the most comprehensive study of the early days of rugby in Swansea ever published. White Gold also vividly describes rugby politics both inside and outside of Wales, the social attitudes of the day and how they influenced Welsh rugby and society. David Dow's comprehensive and definitive study also contains extensive appendices covering all the players, the club's first internationals, complete fixture lists, club captains and point-scorers of the period.Trade Review'an incredible insight into the formation of Swansea RFC: its characters, games played and the evolution of the 'Swansea Style'.' David Richards, Swansea, Wales and British & Irish Lions; 'White Gold describes accurately and entertainingly, the formation and rise of one of rugby's great clubs. The personalities and sometimes bizarre events will fascinate and educate the reader. There is something here for everyone and it is a valuable addition to our knowledge of early rugby in Wales.' Mike Ruddock, Swansea (player & coach), Wales & Ireland U20s (coach)Table of ContentsForeword Introduction 1. Football - A friendly kind of fight 2. 1831-73: A Winter Sport for Swansea's Cricketers 3. 1873-74: The Search for a Permanent Home 4. 1874-75: Primrose Field - Football on a Hillside 5. 1875-76: The South Wales Football Club 6. 1876-77: An idyllic ground on Swansea Bay - Football at St. Helen's 7. 1877-78: A rugby cup competition for Wales 8. 1878-79: Neath and Swansea lock horns 9. 1879-80: Success and silverware 10. 1880-81: Metamorphosis - South Wales Football Union to WFU 11. 1881-82: Swansea's first Welsh caps 12. 1882-83: St. Helen's - Wales' first rugby international ground 13. 1883-84: Red to white - Swansea become the 'All Whites' 14. 1884-85: Four three-quarters - A new system 15. 1885-86: Challenged for supremacy - the rise of the District teams 16. 1886-87: Rejuvenation and the 'glorious tin pot' Appendices Bibliography Index
£67.50
St David's Press White Gold: Swansea RFC 1872-1887
Book SynopsisA founder member of the Welsh Rugby Union, Swansea RFC is one of Wales' oldest and most illustrious rugby clubs. It was the first to beat the 'big three' touring teams of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, and enjoyed multiple Welsh Cup and Merit Table successes, over its first 150 years. Formed in 1872 as an association football team before converting to rugby football in 1874, White Gold tells the fascinating story of the club's first 15 years, when a group of Swansea cricketers established a football club for winter recreation, found a home at St. Helen's and how they created an open, running playing style that quickly became known and revered around the rugby world. Lavishly illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, White Gold has been meticulously researched by club historian David Dow and is the most comprehensive study of the early days of rugby in Swansea ever published. White Gold also vividly describes rugby politics both inside and outside of Wales, the social attitudes of the day and how they influenced Welsh rugby and society. David Dow's comprehensive and definitive study also contains extensive appendices covering all the players, the club's first internationals, complete fixture lists, club captains and point-scorers of the period.Trade Review'an incredible insight into the formation of Swansea RFC: its characters, games played and the evolution of the 'Swansea Style'.' David Richards, Swansea, Wales and British & Irish Lions; 'White Gold describes accurately and entertainingly, the formation and rise of one of rugby's great clubs. The personalities and sometimes bizarre events will fascinate and educate the reader. There is something here for everyone and it is a valuable addition to our knowledge of early rugby in Wales.' Mike Ruddock, Swansea (player & coach), Wales & Ireland U20s (coach)Table of ContentsForeword Introduction 1. Football - A friendly kind of fight 2. 1831-73: A Winter Sport for Swansea's Cricketers 3. 1873-74: The Search for a Permanent Home 4. 1874-75: Primrose Field - Football on a Hillside 5. 1875-76: The South Wales Football Club 6. 1876-77: An idyllic ground on Swansea Bay - Football at St. Helen's 7. 1877-78: A rugby cup competition for Wales 8. 1878-79: Neath and Swansea lock horns 9. 1879-80: Success and silverware 10. 1880-81: Metamorphosis - South Wales Football Union to WFU 11. 1881-82: Swansea's first Welsh caps 12. 1882-83: St. Helen's - Wales' first rugby international ground 13. 1883-84: Red to white - Swansea become the 'All Whites' 14. 1884-85: Four three-quarters - A new system 15. 1885-86: Challenged for supremacy - the rise of the District teams 16. 1886-87: Rejuvenation and the 'glorious tin pot' Appendices Bibliography Index
£36.10
St David's Press Arthur Gould: Rugby's First Superstar
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
£16.19
St David's Press Chalkie White
£18.99
Vision Sports Publishing Ltd IRB World Rugby Yearbook: In Association with
Book SynopsisSecond edition of the highly acclaimed IRB World Rugby Yearbook.
£15.29
Vision Sports Publishing Ltd IRB World Rugby Yearbook
Book Synopsis
£15.29
GMC Publications Rugby in Focus
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.
£14.44
Corinthian Pride Restored: The Inside Story of the Lions in
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.
£18.00
Parthian Books The First XV: A Selection of the Best Rugby
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.
£9.49
SportsBooks Ltd Rugby & Art: Jean-Pierre Rives in Conversation
Book Synopsis
£8.24
Vision Sports Publishing Ltd IRB World Rugby Yearbook 2012: Rugby World Cup
Book Synopsis
£15.29
