Description

Book Synopsis
Imagine a Springbok as a finished product coming off a factory assembly line. What are the components required? And what does it take for them to cohere into a successful team? Author Liz McGregor spent two years behind the scenes interviewing the players, coaches, wives and girlfriends, mothers and teachers. She also spoke to the Bok doctor and physiotherapist, the sponsors, brand managers and the logistics guy. And then theres the boss, the South African Rugby Union. What she discovered is as fascinating as it is complex: that parents play a crucial role, as do those early coaches and teachers who identify and nurture talent; that injury lurks behind every corner; that it takes incredible courage to go back onto the field to face another battering; and that the business of the Springboks is one that is both well and poorly managed, depending where you look. By the end of her journey, McGregor had developed a deep regard for the players and many of the people who work to put the best team South Africa can offer onto the field. Nelson Mandela showed how a Springbok team can unite a nation. But there are parts of the Springbok Factory that are in urgent need of repair or, indeed, replacement.

Trade Review
"This is the best, most insightful, book on Springbok rugby I have ever read." -- John Dobson, Western Province rugby coach "A must-read for any true rugby supporter." -- Nick Mallett

Springbok factory: What it takes to be a Bok

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    A Paperback by Liz McGregor

    £15.19

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    RRP £15.99 – you save £0.80 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 15 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Jonathan Ball Publishers SA
      Published 1 June 2013
      ISBN-13 9781868424696
      978-1868424696
      ISBN-10 1868424693
      Also in:
      Football variants and related games

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Imagine a Springbok as a finished product coming off a factory assembly line. What are the components required? And what does it take for them to cohere into a successful team? Author Liz McGregor spent two years behind the scenes interviewing the players, coaches, wives and girlfriends, mothers and teachers. She also spoke to the Bok doctor and physiotherapist, the sponsors, brand managers and the logistics guy. And then theres the boss, the South African Rugby Union. What she discovered is as fascinating as it is complex: that parents play a crucial role, as do those early coaches and teachers who identify and nurture talent; that injury lurks behind every corner; that it takes incredible courage to go back onto the field to face another battering; and that the business of the Springboks is one that is both well and poorly managed, depending where you look. By the end of her journey, McGregor had developed a deep regard for the players and many of the people who work to put the best team South Africa can offer onto the field. Nelson Mandela showed how a Springbok team can unite a nation. But there are parts of the Springbok Factory that are in urgent need of repair or, indeed, replacement.

      Trade Review
      "This is the best, most insightful, book on Springbok rugby I have ever read." -- John Dobson, Western Province rugby coach "A must-read for any true rugby supporter." -- Nick Mallett

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