Autobiography of Llanelli prop, Welsh Rugby Union Board and International Rugby Board member Anthony Buchanan. Although he only won a handful of International caps for Wales, Anthony Buchanan's story is unusual in that it spans both the playing and administrative sides of the game as well as bridging Welsh rugby's momentous shift from the amateur days to professionalism. A trusted confidant of Gareth Jenkins, he is ideally placed to comment on Llanelli RFC's transition from club to region, not to mention the birth of European rugby. He is a natural raconteur and as well as telling his own story, he delivers a rare and informed insight into one of Wales's most famous rugby clubs and regions and the highest echelons of the game. In his capacity as former Chairman of the International Referees Selection Panel, he discusses his frank opinions of the role of Television Match Officials and their impact on the game for players and spectators alike, the career of Nigel Owens and the infamous red card issued by Alain Rolland to Sam Warburton in the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final. He also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the rugby world that is always laced with humor and often downright hilarious.

'I, Steven Paul Fenwick, have a revelation to make that may surprise many readers. My first international representative rugby union honours were playing for England. There I was, in the line-up up for the English national anthem, in full regalia and the red rose on my chest representing England. I know this may come as a shock and it still feels as odd now as it did all those years ago, but bear with me, don't judge me quite yet!' An icon of Welsh rugby and one of the stars of the great Wales team of the 1970s, Steve Fenwick won three Triple Crowns, two Grand Slams and played in all four Tests of the 1977 Lions tour to New Zealand. He is also one of the very few members of that illustrious team to not have told his story, until now. Witty and engaging with a very dry sense of humour, Steve Fenwick's autobiography tells the story of the schoolboy from Nantgarw who became one of the most celebrated players in the rugby world, and his hilarious anecdotes and recollections of a glittering career during a golden age of Welsh rugby will delight and enthral readers in Wales and beyond.

The world of the international rugby referee has always been a closely guarded secret... until now.

As a Durban schoolboy, Jonathan Kaplan watched rugby at Kings Park every Saturday, dreaming of the day he would represent his country. Now, three decades later and at the age of 47, he reflects on the career highs and lows that saw him retire as the most capped international, Super Rugby and Currie Cup referee of all time.

But records and milestones are just a part of an intriguing memoir that affords the reader a rare glimpse into the world of international refereeing... and what lies behind that enigmatic, penetrating glare that is as typical of Jonathan Kaplan as his silver-grey patch of hair.

In Call It Like It Is, Kaplan describes exactly what it takes to be an international rugby referee: his gradual climb to the top, the sacrifices he had to make in his personal life, his struggle with injuries and rugby management, the toll an itinerant lifestyle exacted upon him, and much, much more. But this is not only an autobiography: Kaplan also offers his opinion on the role of technology in rugby, dissects his own successes and failures, debates the selection and assessment of referees, and, yes, gives his take on the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the Bryce Lawrence affair.

Containing all the guts and glory you’d expect from an epic rugby tale, this is also the frank and forthright account of a man who, both in life and on the pitch, would only ever call it like it is.

Gloucester is one of rugby's most famous clubs. Home of 'The Shed', Gloucester ended a long period of underachievement by winning the Powergen Cup in 2003, having reached their first domestic cup final for thirteen years. Written by BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Ian Randall, this is the story of the time between the defeat by Bath and the win over Northampton - one of the most dramatic periods in Cherry-and-Whites' history - told through the reminiscences of those directly involved.

A history of Raith Rovers Football Club since 1996

Neath Rugby Football Club is the oldest senior club in Wale and the Welsh All Blacks have enjoyed a long and proud history. This is the second Images of Sport volume devoted to the development of Neath RFC and it covers the period from 1945 to 1996 - from the end of the Second World War to professionalism. Read how the All Blacks became the first post-war Welsh champions, the first to celebrate their centenary, the first to win the Welsh Cup, the first to win the Welsh League in its amateur form, and the first to win the League under professionalism. Read too how Neath took on - and so very nearly beat - world champions New Zealand, Australia and South Africa as the 'Thomas Revolution' set them on their way to dominance of the Welsh scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Many of the great names of Welsh rugby are featured, including the club's first British Lions, Rees Stephens and Roy John, Courtenay Meredith, Ron Waldron, Brian Thomas, Dai Morris, Elgan Rees, Paul Thorburn, Jonathan Davies, Allan Bateman and Gareth Llewellyn. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in Neath rugby (an integral part of the town itself) and will revive memories for the modern rugby supporter.

A history of Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Football Club

Liam O'Callaghan's revelatory Blood and Thunder shows that the rise of Irish rugby is inextricable from the tensions, debates and divisions – of politics, religion and class – that have defined modern Irish history.

Despite the political partition of the island, Ireland competes at rugby internationally with an all-island team – and with a bespoke anthem that nobody loves but everyone tolerates. Ireland has become a leading rugby nation despite its tiny population and the fact that the sport is only the fourth most popular team game on the island by participation.

In Blood and Thunder, O’Callaghan traces the dramatic evolution whereby a rugby nation that was deeply attached to amateurism has made such a dramatic success of professionalism. From the sequence of events that led Ireland's private Catholic secondary schools to embrace rugby, to the controversies and crises that have shaken Irish rugby – including the Northern Troubles, the Belfast rape trial, and the rising toll of head injuries – Blood and Thunder tells the rich and fascinating story of Irish rugby.

Blood and Thunder is more than a social and political history of Irish rugby. It is also a shadow-history of modern Ireland, rooted in brilliant original research and packed with terrific stories.

A 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.

As the scorer of the only try in Englands historic World Cup victory in 2003, Jason Robinsons career has scaled the peaks. Yet while his career has been statistically impressive -- with 37 tries in 102 starts for Sale, 22 tries in his 35 England appearances and a remarkable 11 tries in 10 Lions appearances -- it is perhaps for his character and personal achievements that Jason is best loved. As Englands first black Rugby Union captain. Jason has given what has in the past been regarded as a stuffy, public school game a much wider profile. Away from the pitch, Jasons conversion from bad lad to religious family man has made him a role model and, while this part of his career has been well-chronicled little is known about the man behind the achievements -- his sense of fun, love of practical jokes and fast food in equal measure. Author Dave Swanton delves behind the public persona of Billy Whizz, a nickname he acquired at Wigan in his Rugby League days. Swanton first saw Jason Robinson play for Wigan in 1992 while working for Warrington Wolves. When Dave later joined Wigan as PR man in 1998 their careers became inextricably linked. Their paths continued to be intertwined when Jason moved across to Rugby Union with Sale Sharks in 2000, shortly after Swanny became Media and PR Manager. For the last eight years Jason Robinson has called him his right hand man. Together Swanny and Robbo have fuelled the rise of Sale from suburban Rugby Union club to a Premiership team challenging for European honours. When they joined, Sale were still adjusting to the demands of the newly professionalised game, playing before crowds of 3,000 at the quiet bonhomie of their Heywood Road home. 5 years on, the club groundshare with Stockport County, have seen their average gate rise to nearly 10,000 and regularly challenge for the top European and domestic honours. Jasons subsequent disappointments with the England and Lions teams are also documented and only serve to throw into sharp relief his previous achievements. Yet Jason remains most famous for the dazzling side-steps that form the basis of his elusive running style. As Neil Squires of the Daily Express discovered when invited to tackle a rampant Robbo in training, One moment a rapidly approaching Jason Robinson is filling my vision, the next he is nowhere to be seen. There is no hole in the ground, no scorched grass, not even a sound as he vanishes. Its like tackling a gust of wind. Robinsons step, Rugbys most watchable magic trick, is even more jaw dropping from the pitch than the stands. The balance and acceleration belong to one of the most highly tuned sports cars, the change of direction to a zigzag.

Dit is met trots en nederigheid dat die Blou Bulle Rugby - Unie sy 70ste herdenking vier - trots oor die prestasies van die spelers van die voormalige Noord-Transvaal en die Blou Bulle; en nederig, dat die drome en visie van die wat hulle vir 'n onafhanklike unie beywer het suksesvol nagestreef is. Blou Bulle - 70 Glorie Jare is nie bedoel om 'n naslaanwerk te wees nie. Dit is die storie van die totstandkoming van die unie en hoe dit oor die 70 jaar ontwikkel het. Die hoogtepunte - en ook laagtepunte - word in die titel gedokumenteer, insluitende die prestasies op die veld en in die raadsale van Suid-Afrika en inderdaad die wereld; so ook die probleme tydens die oorgang na professionalisme. Die rol van die skeidsregters, die ondersteuners, die skole en die klubs word gekombineer in hierdie verhaal van eenheid van wat eintlik 'n enkele groot familie is, omdat die unie so na aan sy ondersteuners staan.

A thoroughly researched and comprehensive guide to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, to be held in Japan in September. This is the sporting highlight of the year, with teams from England, South Africa, New Zealand, Wales and Ireland all competing for the coveted William Webb Ellis trophy.

The book will provide the reader with all the information and insight needed to understand and enjoy the competition. Written by sports journalist Graeme Copas, the book covers the history and build up to qualification, the tournament schedule and venues for this Rugby Union showcase, while also providing talking points, an in-depth analysis of each team and insightful interviews with players and rugby experts from a variety of countries Also included is a thoroughly researched survey of the host country, Japan, and the growing popularity of rugby there, telling how they won the right the host the first Rugby World Cup in Asia.

All 20 national teams involved are analysed and assessed on their chances of success, the star players are featured and each coach`s basic strategies outlined and explained. With this book, the reader will have a handy, competent source of information on hand both before the start and especially whilst the tournament proceeds to its thrilling conclusion.

Here are Irish Rugby's most legendary, celebratory and brilliant moments from the 1940s to today. 101 Great Irish Rugby Moments is a unique celebration of the sport's most significant moments. Featuring: Munster's historic win over the All Blacks Ulster's victory in the European Cup Connacht winning the Pro 12 Leinster's unique European double The national women's team winning the Grand Slam Ireland's double defeat of the All Blacks . . . These epic moments are based on exclusive interviews with Mick Galwey, Ciaran Fitzgerald, David Humphreys, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara and many others from the great and good of Irish Rugby. Enjoy a host of brilliant anecdotes and remarkable insights into the controversies, epic matches, thrilling contests and pivotal events on and off the field which shaped these 101 GREAT IRISH RUGBY MOMENTS. 'The legendary Mike Gibson, once eloquently wrote that "rugby is like love, it is a game of touch and of feel and of instinct". I have no doubt that John Scally has written this book with those same qualities of love, touch, feel and instinct. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.' OLLIE CAMPBELL

'You will laugh, and you will cry.' The extraordinary, life-affirming autobiography of rugby legend DODDIE WEIR. There has never been anyone quite like Doddie Weir. A giant of the game and a rugby icon, his unique story is charged with a passion for living life to the full. In a rugby career which had huge highs and shocking lows, Doddie faced some of the game's greatest players, from Jonny Wilkinson to Jonah Lomu, Brian O'Driscoll to Scott Quinnell and Martin Johnson to Joost van der Westhuizen, and set stadiums alight when 'on the charge like a mad giraffe'. Now, at the age of 48, Doddie faces an entirely different adversary: Motor Neurone Disease. But Doddie Weir has never been one to shy away from a challenge, on or off the pitch, and he has faced up to MND with undaunted positivity, using his boundless energy to raise funds for MND research and support.

This book critically examines how rugby union has developed in recent years, in nations on the periphery of the sport. Focusing on people and places on the fringes, it examines contemporary issues and challenges within the global game. Such a collection is timely, as the sport's governing body seeks to expand influence and participation beyond the eight core nations, with the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan being the first time that that tournament has taken place outside of the core. Presenting case studies from Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia and the Middle East, this collection offers an interdisciplinary account of a sport that is undergoing a period of significant change. Through examination of topics such as the development of rugby sevens and the growth of women's rugby, it considers what the future may hold for the sport. Rugby in Global Perspective is important reading for students of sport in society, the globalisation of sport, sports studies, sport development and associated fields. It is also a valuable resource for academic researchers working in rugby union or sport in the peripheral rugby nations, as well as those with an interest in cultural geography, sociology, development studies, events studies, event management and sport management.

Scrum Queens: The Story of Women's Rugby, from 1880 to the Present Day charts the fascinating journey of women's rugby, from widespread social disapproval to the modern era of Olympic recognition and professionalism. Along the way, the book takes in all the major moments in the history of the women's game, from groundbreaking games during the war, to the first World Cup in 1991 and a momentous first appearance for women's rugby at the 2016 Olympics. There are stories of the pioneers who fought to get the game played in its earliest days, like New Zealand's Nita Webbe and France's Henry Flechon, while the more modern-day drivers of the game, like England's Carol Isherwood, also feature. Scrum Queens celebrates the success and heroics of the sport's top players and teams, with New Zealand's dominance of the game at every level alongside their long-time rivalry with England explored, along with the more recent successes of teams such as Ireland and Fiji, and the rise of the sevens game and its impact on women's rugby.

'If we win today, for the rest of our lives we'll be blood brothers. Nobody can do it for us. We are the twenty-two players who can go out there and create history.' Stuart Duncan In 1999, Ulster - whose squad included builders, students and lorry drivers, as well as professional players - overcame the odds to become the first Irish champions of Europe. The Last Amateurs tells the story of how the team went, in just fourteen months, to a record-breaking 56-3 defeat to Wasps, to victories over French giants Toulouse and Stade Francais to secure their place in Irish history. Based on interviews with all the key members of the squad - including David Humphreys, Mark McCall, Simon Mason and Andy Ward - the book tells for the first time the remarkable story of the players and the team, and of the turbulent campaign that led to them being crowned kings of Europe.

The story of the world's most formidable rugby team. The record of the All Blacks in world rugby is unmatched. From the famous pre match challenge of the haka to the scintillating brand of rugby they play, the team draws thousands around the world to stadiums and TVs to watch them play. Over the years, some of the greatest players to ever pick up a rugby ball have worn the iconic black jersey – names like Lomu, Meads, Carter and Barrett. From the first ever tours to the modern World Cups, the All Blacks embody a legacy of excellence that strikes fear into the heart of their opponents. 'Son, you've got to be prepared to piss blood to wear this jersey.' - All Black flanker Mark Shaw to debutant Mike Brewer, 1986. The 1924/5 All Black side won an astonishing 31 games in a row on their tour to the United Kingdom, France and North America. When they arrived back in New Zealand they were dubbed 'The Invincibles'.

The new-look South African Rugby Annual 2015 is the official record of the South African season and is widely considered to be the finest yearbook in world rugby. The unrivalled 'bible' of the game has definitively chronicled the game in this country for over four decades and this 44th edition represents a refreshing departure from previous editions in terms of editorial and design.

For starters, the 2015 edition, at 640 pages, will be by far the biggest Annual to date, while a more compact, user-friendly size and cleaner design will ensure that rugby fans will have more facts and figures at the disposal than ever before – and all presented in a refreshing manner.

For lovers of sporting trivia, the South African Rugby Annual 2015 doubles for the first time as a Springbok handbook, with hundreds of bite-sized facts and figures appearing throughout the book. For example, did you know that 2007 World Cup winner Schalk Burger made his Test debut just 17 years after his dad, Schalk senior played his last match? Or that Pieter ‘Slaptjips’ Rossouw scored the fastest-ever Springbok hat-trick, in just seven minutes? Or that the Webb Ellis Cup was already 81 years old when it was first presented at the 1987 World Cup?

Trivia apart, the Annual is also the official and definitive resource for the upcoming 2015 IRB Rugby World Cup, with a dedicated section providing every stat imaginable for Springbok fans, including the result of every World Cup match ever played!

The 2015 edition will also establish the Annual as a leading sporting journal, with a host of best-selling authors contributing articles that add fascinating and previously unpublished new chapters to the unique and colourful saga of South African rugby.

Dan Retief, who has written about Springbok rugby for more than four decades, uncovers the fascinating and little-known story of a New Zealand rugby team who swept all before them in South Africa years before the Springboks and All Blacks first met, while Craig Ray, who wrote 2007 Rugby World Cup winning coach Jake White’s autobiography, provides a personal insight into what it takes to win the ultimate prize in world rugby.

With its unrivalled mix of Springbok trivia, cutting-edge research and every record imaginable, the South African Rugby Annual 2015 will continue to settle arguments at braais across the land, while continuing to be the perfect gift for rugby fans of all ages.

A Miscellany of Rugby's World Cup (Facts, History, Statistics and Trivia 1987-2019) will transport you directly into the thrilling history of the greatest event in global rugby union. Here's a treasure trove of insider facts, fantastic feats, firsts and lasts, records and stats - covering every nation and every star player to have made their mark in a tournament now watched by 120 million fans worldwide. John White leads you through all the highs and lows and unforgettable moments from Rugby World Cup's 1995 inception, ushering in the sport's professional era, right through to Japan 2019 and the competition's ninth edition. Relive the greatest games and the finest individual performances. Compile your own Rugby World Cup Fantasy XV. Recall the captains, the record try scorers, the youngest and oldest, the longest drop goals and the strangest conversions. And every time you discover an elusive nugget and say to yourself, 'I never knew that,' rest assured John will soon enlighten you with a follow-up to leave you even more amazed. To the victor go the spoils!

In 1897 Herbert William Rudge founded Dings Crusaders Rugby Club as a part of the Dings' Club, one of the activities of the Shaftesbury Crusade, a Christian and social mission founded in the 1880s in the Dings, a notorious area of poverty and degradation in the St Philip's area of Bristol. This book tells the story of how the rugby club grew from humble beginnings to competing in the fourth tier of English rugby. The club's move to Lockleaze in 1948 established close links with the local community and schools, and the publication of this history coincides with Dings Crusaders' move to a new home, Shaftesbury Park, heralding an exciting new chapter in the club's story.

Ray Gravell was undoubtedly one of Wales and rugby's greatest characters. He touched the hearts of all who met him, and his sincere interest in everyone made you feel better after being in his company. This volume brings together touching and humorous anecdotes about him by friends and acquaintances. -- Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru

Here are Scottish rugby's most legendary, celebratory and brilliant moments from the last 50 years.

100 Great Scottish Rugby Moments is a unique celebration of the sport’s most significant moments. Including:

• Andy Irvine's kick to beat England in 1974
• The 1984 Grand Slam
• David Sole, Tony Stanger and the 1990 Grand Slam
• Toony, Paris and that pass
• The great Bill McLaren’s final commentary• Doddie Weir's Big Entry
• The 2019 Calcutta Cup – a match like no other . . .

These epic moments feature exclusive interviews with Gregor Townsend, Jim Telfer, Ian Robertson, Ian McLauchlan, Andy Irvine, Alan Lawson, Iain Milne, Jim Calder, John Rutherford, Finlay Calder, Craig Chalmers, David Sole, Tony Stanger, Scott Hastings, Gavin Hastings, Doddie Weir, Rob Wainwright, Gary Armstrong, Kenny Logan, Bryan Redpath, Chris Paterson, Al Kellock, Sean Maitland and many others. Enjoy a host of brilliant anecdotes and remarkable insights into the controversies, epic matches, thrilling contests and pivotal events on and off the field which shaped these 100 GREAT SCOTTISH RUGBY MOMENTS.

"All the key moments from the last 50 years of Scottish rugby are captured . . . 100 Great Scottish Rugby Moments will definitely bring back some truly great memories for you."
GARY ARMSTRONG OBE