This book looks at 20 rugby union players who fought on wel pitches for little but pride and honour in the days prior to the game turning professional in 1995, such as Dai Morris, Graham Price, Ray Prosser, Brian Thomas, Delme Thomas, Geoff Wheel, J P R Williams, R H Williams, W O Williams and Bobby Windsor.

Your complete reference for all things rugby in Australia and New Zealand! A practical, useful and entertaining guide to rugby union in Australia and New Zealand, this book explains the aim of the game, the laws, what to wear, tactics, training, coaching and more. Whether you want to play or just want to watch the game, Rugby Union For Dummies, 2nd Australian and New Zealand Edition, delivers expert rugby knowledge. Build your confidence — discover expert tips and tricks for honing your skills Prepare your rugby kit — choose the correct gear for your safety on the pitch Increase your rugby knowledge — learn the difference between a ruck and a maul Talk tournament facts and figures — improve your rugby small talk in preparation for the World Cup Train effectively — develop your strength, flexibility and fitness Become a coach — immerse yourself in tactics and the detail of rugby's laws Join a club — choose the right level of play for you or your child Follow the game — keep up to date with the latest rugby news and coverage in the media and on the internet Open the book and find: How to play to win and have fun at the same time Interpretation of the ref's signals Advice on taking a conversion Tips for surviving a scrum Pointers on coaching adult and junior teams A guide to spectating online, on TV and at the game Rugby records for major tournaments between Australia and New Zealand A round-up of all the World Cups Learn to: Master the game and play to win Follow the laws and understand the ref's calls Identify key players at the World Cup Appreciate the history of the game

The ideal introduction to mini and youth rugby for parents and coaches, showing how young players should be properly introduced to the game of rugby. The book Includes sections on: - The game and the rules - Positions in rugby - Drills for passing, catching and scoring - Skills for attack - Skills for defense It also includes an introduction to the bigger issues away from the pitch that parents and coaches must deal with, including: - How to develop the right ethos for a rugby team - Coaching boys versus girls - Elite player development This essential guide contains information on all game situations, with simple explanations of essential techniques and tactics to be learned, before moving on to more advanced explanations of the skills required of the game. Accessible and practical, this book is packed full of useful coaching advice, complete with diagrams and full-colour photographs. www.miniandyouthrugby.com

Conventional historical and political analyses of South Africa have frequently neglected the vital role of sport in general, and rugby in particular. This book fills the gap through a critical interpretation of rugby's role in the development of white society, its role in shaping significant social divisions, and its centrality to the apartheid era "power elite".

Second Row is a story of a man trying to become a writer and at the same time learning the complex sport of rugby. It's an in-depth analysis of the game of rugby, history of the game, and coverage of key American matches, including at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. This story is written in a clear way so that a person with no knowledge of rugby will finish reading understanding the sport. Second Row is a story of a team of men who are a family.

Along the way he met the people whose enthusiasm for the game has made it so durable - current and former internationals as well as others involved at all levels - as well as a few miserable old gits for balance. In this intimate account, Hadfield observes the way rugby league fits into the history and sociology of towns like Wigan and Castleford, with which it is synonymous. His record of the journey is in the great tradition of writers from Wordsworth to Laurie Lee, who found in long walks the perfect medium to explore and reflect upon their surroundings. Up and Over is the definitive book about the game and the local passions it engenders, as Hadfield seeks out the poignant and the humorous on a personal journey of discovery. For those who follow rugby league, it will give a unique perspective on the parts of the world they know intimately; for others it will be an introduction to a different world, seen via one of the elements that gives it its identity.

John Daniell is a rubgy mercenary. A brutal word for an often brutal game. In 1996, when Rugby Union turned professional, John emigrated to France where he played for a decade in top competitions. His team ricocheted between fear and ecstasy, as they battled to save the club from relegation and their careers from the scrap heap. Now he lifts the lid on the dark world of the journeyman player, where losing a home game is considered a crime, coaches and club owners will do anything to win, and agents ruthlessly manipulate players. His compelling confessions are both shocking and funny, taking you behind the scenes, onto the field and into the very heart of the scrum.