SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR The truth about being a rugby player from the horsey's mouth. This book is not just about how a psychiatrist called Humphrey helped me get back on my horse and clippity-clop all the way to the World Cup semi-final in Japan. It's the story of how a fat kid who had to live up to the nickname Psycho grew up to play and party for over a decade with rugby's greatest pros and live weird and wonderful moments both in and out of the scrum. That's why I'm letting you read my diary on my weirdest days. You never know what you're going to get with me. From being locked in a police cell to singing Adele on Jonathan Ross (I'll let you decide which is worse), being kissed by a murderer on the number 51 bus to drug tests where clipboard-wielding men hover inches away from my naked genitalia, melting opponents in rucks, winning tackles, and generally losing blood, sweat and ears in the name of the great sport of rugby. This is how (not) to be a rugby player.

Rugby basics for fans, players, and parents who are new to the game, plus all the latest developments for those returning to the sport Rugby For Dummies, Fourth Edition teaches you the essential elements of the fast-growing sport of rugby, so you can follow all the action—and get ready for the U.S.-hosted 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups. This helpful Dummies guide also gives you the information that you need to start playing or coaching rugby. You’ll get clear explanations of the rules, insight into strategy and tactics, and info on all the most popular tournaments around the globe. Learn about the rugby greats of yesterday, plus get updates on the most significant changes at every level, from high school to international level. This new edition covers the evolution of the laws that govern play and looks at how the women’s game and the sevens version of the sport have grown. Learn how rugby is played, including necessary skills and strategies for winning Take a look at the most entertaining North American and international rugby competitions Get tips for joining a rugby team or becoming a rugby coach Familiarize yourself with the history of previous World Cups in time for the next one This is the perfect Dummies guide for anyone who wants to better understand all aspects of the game of rugby.

The laws of the game are made simple - for players, referees, coaches and spectators. This is a book packed full of useful information and advice on how the modern game is played and how it all began. Now all players, novice referees and school coaches seeking to understand more about the rules and regulations can find an answer to their various questions. Featuring all key areas in the game, including: The intricacies of point scoring, the definition of a loose head and tight head, foul play and dangerous play, rucks and mauls, throwing in at the line-outs and, most importantly, why the funny-shaped ball. Written in a user-friendly style, you can't afford to be without this definitive reference book. For the observer who needs to know more than the TV commentator can ever tell him, this book is first rate and full of insight into tactics and game plans. It's a revelation which helps explain the inexplicable, and reveals the basic simplicity of the game.

In this brutally honest, hilarious and forensic examination of both himself and the game he loves, Greg Bruce tells the story of his life growing up and becoming a man in a country and culture obsessed with rugby. From the triumphs and devastations of All Blacks performances during his 1980s and ’90s childhood, his own brief and tortured playing days, his time walking among the game’s legends as hospitality worker and failed sports journalist, to his subsequent years spent struggling with the recurring torment of World Cup disaster, Rugby Head otherwise tackles mental health crises, love, grief, friendship, hero worship, and especially what it means to be a modern New Zealand man. It’s the story of a life shaped in ways big and small by rugby and its greatest team, and all they stand for. There has never been a rugby memoir like it, and probably for good reason.

The purpose of this book is to provide the player, family, coach, and player’s support network with the information needed for positional excellence in the position of Tight-Head Prop (No. 3) in Rugby Union. The objectives of this book are as follows: 1. To provide the reader with an understanding of the natural physical and mental development of young players in the sport of Rugby Union. 2. To explain the demands of Rugby Union and use that information to help guide the player’s development. 3. To provide a blueprint for the core conditioning needed to achieve results in the game of Rugby Union. 4. To provide an insight into what selectors and coaches are looking for at a representative level. 5. To provide free access to a professional player development portal, www.developaplayer.com, whereby the player can record and share their Rugby development with friends, family, coaches, sponsors, and selectors.

Drawing on the collective knowledge of experienced players and coaches, this book prepares rugby players to withstand the rigours of the sport. It helps identify strengths and weaknesses and goes on to game strategy and improving the team's mental focus.

The purpose of this book is to provide the player, family, coach and player’s support network with the information needed for positional excellence in the position of Loose-head Prop (No. 1) in Rugby Union. The objectives of this book are as follows: 1. To provide the reader with an understanding of the natural physical and mental development of young players in the sport of Rugby Union 2. To explain the demands of Rugby Union and use that information to help guide the player’s development 3. To provide a blueprint for the core conditioning needed to achieve results in the game of Rugby Union 4. To provide an insight into what selectors and coaches are looking for at a representative level 5. To provide free access to a professional player development portal www.developaplayer.com whereby the player can record and share their Rugby development with friends, family, coaches, sponsors, and selectors