The laws of rugby are as extensive as they are confusing, their nuances and interpretations argued over relentlessly by rugby fans around the world and virtually impenetrable to those who are new to the game. In an effort to provide some much-needed clarity, Paul Williams takes an irreverent, hilarious, p*ss-taking tour through the labyrinth that is rugby's rule book – or, for the pedantic, rugby's law book. Hilarious, off-beat and (surprisingly) insightful, this is the perfect gift for rugby fans all around the world.

Two Welshmen who've been given the accolade of being the top rugby referee in the world. The only two Welshmen to have refereed a World Cup final. They've not only served the game that they love, they've contributed to its development and appeal over many decades.

The laws of rugby made simple - for players, referees, coaches and spectators - in this indispensable guide, now in its fourth edition and fully updated to include all the latest international law changes from 2001. This is a book packed full of useful information and advice on how the modern game is played. 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 the offside rule * Foul play and dangerous play * Rucks and mauls * Throwing in at the line-outs * Regulations regarding the scoring of points * The advantage law Written in a user-friendly style, with over 60 practical illustrations, you can't afford to be without this definitive reference book.

Now updated–a practical guide to understanding rugby, North American—style Filled with illustrations and photographs of drills and shape-up exercises, Rugby For Dummies tackles North American rugby rules, levels of play, and how to coach junior players as well as adults. This revised edition includes the scoop on the fall 2007 rugby World Cup in France, expanded coverage of women’s rugby, and updated information on North America's best players and teams.

This ambitious and fascinating history considers why, in the space of sixty years between 1850 and 1910, football grew from a marginal and unorganised activity to become the dominant winter entertainment for millions of people around the world. The book explores how the world’s football codes - soccer, rugby league, rugby union, American, Australian, Canadian and Gaelic - developed as part of the commercialised leisure industry in the nineteenth century. Football, however and wherever it was played, was a product of the second industrial revolution, the rise of the mass media, and the spirit of the age of the masses. Important reading for students of sports studies, history, sociology, development and management, this book is also a valuable resource for scholars and academics involved in the study of football in all its forms, as well as an engrossing read for anyone interested in the early history of football.

If you get a big kick out of rugby but still feel you could sharpen up your knowledge of the game, this friendly guide is for you. Inside you'll find easy-to-understand advice on the basic rules and pitch positions, plus in-depth lessons on ball skills, fitness training, and techniques to outwit your opponents - all illustrated with entertaining stories from British and International rugby's back pages, and coverage of England's historic 2003 World Cup victory.

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