Description
Book SynopsisA lot of rucking and mauling has gone on since William Webb Ellis first picked up the ball and ran, but this doughty little book heroically manages to capture the true essence of the daddy of all oval ball games in just 80 minutes. This is the story of rugby as never been told before: a jinking, weaving compilation of surreal match reports, spoof correspondence and quirky cartoons.
From the playing fields of Edwardian England's public schools to the canopied splendour of Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the game's towering achievements, hilarious happenings and ludicrous coincidences are entertainingly recalled.
Table of ContentsWilliam Webb Ellis • Spreading the word • A gentleman's game • The great schism • The All Backs • The Invincibles • Four Nations become Five • Varsity glory • Barry John • Gareth Edwards' try • The Lions win in South Africa • The truth about 99 • Erica Roe • The Wallabies • Ban the Boks • The Pontypool front row • Dr JPR Williams, 'physician treat thyself' • The World Cup • England drink Paris dry of champagne so drink after-shave • The battered Calcutta Cup • Wales' new home: Wembley • Lawrence Dallaglio and the honey trap • Jonny Wilkinson • In BOD we trust (if you're Irish) • Gavin Henson leaves the Church • Dwarf-throwing.
