The Black & White Story traces the long and proud 125 year history of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union and their team The Sharks.

The Natal Rugby Union, later renamed the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union, was founded in 1890 and there have been many heroes in the 125 years. Some of them were players, others administrators; and then of course there were the men who spent hours on training fields with schools, clubs and province, and those who refereed matches at all levels.

Natal only won fifty per cent of their Currie Cup matches in their first 60 years and then came the surprise first final in 1956 when a gust of wind cost them the title. It took sixty-six years for the union to enjoy its first Currie Cup final.

But the province did produce its fair share of quality players, including Springboks Bill Payne, Wally Clarkson and Philip Nel, who led South Africa on the country’s unbeaten tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1937.

Two of those coaches, in particular, turned the fortunes of Natal around in the years before they became known as the Sharks. Izak van Heerden became world-renowned for his tactics and emphasis on skills to play running rugby. This transformed Natal into a real power and also a crowd favourite. And fifteen years later Ian McIntosh identified a (totally different) ‘new style’. This put Natal at the forefront following some lean years and bore fruit when they won the Currie Cup for a first time in 1990.

Retold in detail is the wonderful 25 year period following The Sharks first Currie Cup win in 1990 (after being a team playing B section rugby in the 1980s), of the construction of Kings Park Stadium, and how today, The Sharks (previously known as The Banana Boys) have become one of the leading rugby brands in the world.

The story of the search by the author to discover the truth about the death of his uncle, a pilot in one of Churchill's Special Duties Squadrons during WW2. The parallel descriptions of the RAF career of F/Lt John Menzies and his nephew's dogged determination to find out what happened to him culminate in the discovery of the wreckage of his aircraft. Information discovered along the way raises many questions, not all of which have been answered. In the 10 years that have passed since the first publication of this book many other families have found out the truth of the careers of their relatives in the Special Duties Squadrons, largely through the continuing work of the author, who has become an authority on the subject.

Rugby Stories...and other misadventures was incredibly enjoyable. I'm a bit of a history buff and the one area of American rugby history I always wanted to know more about was the period in the 1960s and 70s, when the Eagles were just formulating. The generation of players that came of age during that period is only getting old and some of the stories from that time are getting lost. The greatest triumph of "Rugby Stories" is that it preserves that part of history for future generations. Written by former Eagle, UCLA, and Santa Monica player Dave Stephenson, "Rugby Stories" offers a unique take on a crucial period in U.S. rugby history. Stephenson's writing style is like his play on the field, solid with a touch of bravado. He tells the story of his emergence as a school player in England, to immigrant in Los Angeles where he finds rugby once again. Stephenson has an interesting life that in and of itself is well worth a story and when you throw in rugby, it makes a great combination. The inside knowledge Stephenson provides of the early Eagles is invaluable. It was a different time back then, and while things didn't always run smoothly, the passion that all of those involved had was impressive. If there is one disappointment, it's that Stephenson isn't around for years and years with the team, but that's something you'll have to read about in the book. It's more than just the early history of the Eagles that makes "Rugby Stories" valuable for the American rugby fans, it's the early history of UCLA and Santa Monica as well. Stephenson was part of Dennis Storer's legendary Bruins squads that challenged for the World Cup with Cal and UBC, as well as in the Monterey Tournament, the unofficial national championship at the time. He was also a founding member of Santa Monica Rugby Club. This is a crucial part of American rugby history and that should make "Rugby Stories" a crucial part of your rugby book collection. I can't recommend this book highly enough. I learned so much about American rugby history that I couldn't find anywhere else. ThisisAmericanrugby.com

Imagine a Springbok as a finished product coming off a factory assembly line. What are the components required? And what does it take for them to cohere into a successful team? Author Liz McGregor spent two years behind the scenes interviewing the players, coaches, wives and girlfriends, mothers and teachers. She also spoke to the Bok doctor and physio, the sponsors, brand managers and the logistics guy. And then there’s the boss, the South African Rugby Union.

What she discovered is as fascinating as it is complex: that parents play a crucial role, as do those early coaches and teachers who identify and nurture talent; that injury lurks behind every corner; that it takes incredible courage to go back onto the field to face another battering; and that the ‘business’ of the Springboks is one that is both well and poorly managed, depending where you look.

By the end of her journey, McGregor had developed a deep regard for the players and many of the people who work to put the best team South Africa can offer onto the field. Nelson Mandela showed how a Springbok team can unite a nation. But there are parts of the Springbok Factory that are in urgent need of repair or, indeed, replacement.

Inspiring and irreverent by turns, Brian Levison's new anthology has drawn on rugby's wealth of excellent writing. Frank Keating, P. G. Wodehouse, Alec Waugh, A. A. Thomson, John Reason and Mick Imlah are among the distinguished names who have written movingly, amusingly and entertainingly about the game they loved. Great players such as Brian O'Driscoll, Willie John McBride, J. P. R. Williams, Chester Williams, Colin Meads, Gavin Hastings and Brian Moore give us a fascinating insider's view, as does World Cup Final referee Derek Bevan, who reveals what it is like to try to control thirty powerful and often volatile men in a highly competitive situation. But some of the best writing and the wittiest insights come from those who played their rugby at a much less exalted level. The origins of the game - sometimes true, sometimes fanciful - are explored as are some of its rituals like the haka. There are amusing tales including that of the four Tibetan boys sent by the Dalai Lama to learn the game at Rugby School and an account of New Zealand scrum-half Chris Laidlaw's hostile reception at a village fete in Wales. Along with barely believable stories about the game's hardest men, including the French coach Jean 'le Sultan' Sebedio, who used to conduct training sessions wearing a sombrero and wielding a long whip, and 'Red' Conway who had his finger amputated rather than miss a game for South Africa. One section 'Double Vision' looks at the same incident from opposing viewpoints, such as when the then relatively inexperienced Irish immortal Willie John McBride took a swing at the mighty All Black Colin Meads in a line-out. Another, 'Giving it Everything', shows how exceptional courage was not restricted to the rugby field but extended to the battle grounds of the First World War. From the compiler of highly acclaimed All in a Day's Cricket, this selection covers the game from virtually every angle and is sure to delight any rugby fan.

The story of a typical English rugby club set in its historical context linked to the tale of the rare survival of a multi-sport Victorian complex. This will be of interest and use to local people, sports enthusiasts and serious sports historians.

"Rugby - Backs Moves" is a collection of moves or "plays" which any group of backs in a rugby team can use during a match. The book is intended to be something which anyone who coaches senior or junior rugby, at rugby clubs or in schools, can use to develop their team's back play. The book is an ideal companion for use on the training ground or in team meetings. Each move is described on two adjacent pages, which appear side by side as you open out the book. For each move, the book identifies the area of the opposition's defensive alignment on which the attack is focused and the lines of running for each player involved in the move. The book also identifies from which side of the pitch any move can be used and whether it works from a scrum, a line-out or from other phases of play. Variations on individual moves are explained, with cross-references included to where the variations are described elsewhere in the book. For each move, the book also contains a "Key Points" narrative, with tips on how best to make the move work and points to look out for in running the move. The moves are illustrated with easy to understand diagrams and space is provided for coaches to jot down any thoughts that spring to mind as they try out the moves during practice or match play. The book includes various indexed lists, which enable the reader to find particular types of move, such as moves to run from the left or right side of the pitch, from a scrum or line-out or through a particular channel in the opposition's defence.

ROCKY: LEADER OF THE WALLABIES is an insightful and revealing look into the rugby union career of one of Australia's greatest Wallabies, Rocky Elsom. "Rocky Elsom is a rugby player of the old school. No frills, lots of spills, and with a will to win that would kill a brown dog. He is an Australian original who is also a hugely admired figure in international rugby." - Peter Fitzsimons "He is prepared to stand up against the tide and inspire others to do the same" Robbie Deans ROCKY ELSOM: LEADER OF tHE WALLABIES is an insightful and revealing look into the rugby union career of one of Australia's greatest Wallabies, Rocky Elsom, as seen through the eyes of the key figures in his life, including family members, team-mates and coaches. From representing Australia at under 16s level to attaining cult status in Ireland and named as the best player in the world, Rocky has exerted the same talismanic influence on the Wallabies that Richie McCaw has had on New Zealand. A rugged individualist, Rocky's biggest task to date will be leading the Australian team for the World Cup in New Zealand in September 2011. "After covering Rocky's career as a journalist for eight years I thought I had a fair idea of him, but I realized I hardly knew him at all. Rocky is like a modern day renaissance Man, a Leonardo da Vinci in studs. Apart from being one of the greatest Wallabies of his generation, Rocky is a musician, a philosopher, an entrepreneur and a pilot just to list a few of his pastimes. Most people enjoy speaking about, even boasting about, their interests, especially if that is landing a rickety two-seater t-Bird sideways on a slippery runway, not Rocky. He rarely talks about it, he just does it." - Bret Harris

An inspirational full-colour book that features entries on the world’s greatest and most exciting clubs and stadiums. From Scotland to New Zealand, Argentina to South Africa, this is the ultimate guide to the best international rugby clubs and their home nations.

"Rugby - Backs Moves" is a collection of moves or "plays" which any group of backs in a rugby team can use during a match. The book is intended to be something which anyone who coaches senior or junior rugby, at rugby clubs or in schools, can use to develop their team's back play. The book is an ideal companion for use on the training ground or in team meetings. Each move is described on two adjacent pages, which appear side by side as you open out the book. For each move, the book identifies the area of the opposition's defensive alignment on which the attack is focused and the lines of running for each player involved in the move. The book also identifies from which side of the pitch any move can be used and whether it works from a scrum, a line-out or from other phases of play. Variations on individual moves are explained, with cross-references included to where the variations are described elsewhere in the book. For each move, the book also contains a "Key Points" narrative, with tips on how best to make the move work and points to look out for in running the move. The moves are illustrated with easy to understand diagrams and space is provided for coaches to jot down any thoughts that spring to mind as they try out the moves during practice or match play. The book includes various indexed lists, which enable the reader to find particular types of move, such as moves to run from the left or right side of the pitch, from a scrum or line-out or through a particular channel in the opposition's defence.

Johnny Sexton - the man who pulled the strings for the Lions - gives an intimate insight into the rugby life in Becoming a Lion. With three Heineken Cups and one British and Irish Lions tour victory under his belt, Johnny Sexton is by some distance the leading fly-half in the northern hemisphere. Over the course of the Lions' first victorious Test series in sixteen years, Sexton was the man pulling the strings. His try in the third test was the decisive blow, and his joyous celebrations after scoring were echoed in homes across Britain and Ireland. Becoming a Lion is an intimate portrait of life at the highest levels of the professional game - at Leinster, with Ireland, and on tour with the Lions. 'Bracing and fascinating in equal measure' Malachy Clerkin, Irish Times 'Riveting ... Opens a remarkable window into the stresses, hurts and insecurities of a professional life in rugby' Vincent Hogan, Irish Independent 'Captures all the jagged edges that make Sexton one of Irish sport's most compelling characters' Sunday Times 'Sets a great benchmark for sports autobiographies, given that it is so honest' Matt Cooper, Today FM 'Engrossing' Rugby World Ireland 'If you crave an insight into the life of a professional rugby player ... Becoming a Lion is a must' Donal Lenihan, Irish Examiner 'Intensely revealing' Irish Daily Mail

Rugby Football was the first volume in the successful nine-part series on Sports and Pastimes that was written for the Isthmian Library between 1896 and 1901. It was also one of the first rugby books to be written after members of the Rugby Football Union became bitterly divided over a proposal to pay match expenses to players. During 1896, the R.F.U. split and two new rugby codes were born; the strictly amateur code of Rugby Union and the more professionally inclined code of Rugby League. Bertram Fletcher Robinson was a supporter of amateurism in sport and he felt that the time was ripe to chart the birth of Rugby Union as a distinct branch of Rugby Football. During the 1890s, The Times newspaper described Fletcher Robinson as a household name within rugby circles . Robinson played as a Forward alongside many international players for both the Cambridge University Rugby Football Club 1st XV and the Combined Oxford & Cambridge University Rugby Football Club XV. According to his obituary in the Daily Express newspaper, he would have been capped for England but for an accident. Hence he was well qualified to write an anecdotal account of the origin of Rugby Union. Rugby Football details the laws, training techniques and tactics that were specific to Rugby Union during its nascent period. It also reviews the development of Rugby Union in British educational institutions and as a global international sport. Rugby Football includes contributions from several other historical rugby figures: Frank Mitchell (Cambridge University & England), Richard Henry Burdon Cattell (Oxford University, Blackheath, Moseley, Barbarians, Midland Counties & England), Charles James Nicol Fleming (Oxford University & Scotland), Gregor MacGregor (Cambridge University, Barbarians & Scotland) and Henry Barrington Tristram (Oxford University & England).

'Extraordinary . . . great fun' Barry Egan, Irish Sunday Independent 'A wonderful story . . . vivid and comprehensive.' Stephen Jones, Sunday Times ''Throughout it all though there is a feeling of warmth for the sport and for others. Above all there is a sense of achievement . . . Best was never one of the glamour boys, but he deserves star billing.' Daily Telegraph Rory Best is widely-regarded as one of Ireland's greatest ever captains. Entrusted by Joe Schmidt to lead the side that looked on the wane following the 2015 World Cup, Best's inspirational leadership skills and abrasive qualities proved to be the foundation stones for the most successful period in Ireland's history. His first year in charge saw Ireland complete a hat-trick of victories against the southern hemisphere 'Big Three', including leading his side to a first ever victory over world champions New Zealand in Chicago, a feat that etched Best's place in Irish sporting folklore and ended the All Blacks' record-winning streak of 18 Test victories. Ireland's annus mirabilis under Best's captaincy would come in 2018 however, when he led the side to only their third Grand Slam title, culminating with a famous victory over England at Twickenham, and a record-breaking run of 12 successive Test victories. When he stepped down as Ireland captain at the age of 37 following the World Cup in Japan, his fourth tournament, history will no doubt also judge Best to be one of their greatest forwards. A hugely-popular figure across the game, Best finished his career as Ireland's most capped forward, behind only Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara in the all-time records, and also made over 200 appearances for his province Ulster.

Of jy nou vir Bitterfontein, die Blou Bulle of die Bokke speel, rugby bly ’n spel met baie snaakse situasies, op en van die veld. Daar's nie nog 'n sport waaruit soveel stories uit die skrum van die lewe gehaak word nie. Boots en brannewyn is 'n lekker ontspanboek wat o.a. vertel van Morrie Zimerman se gatvol raak vir hoekskoppies; Ferdie Bergh se helderblou Springbok-kouse; die ref wat die Bokke teregwys dat 'die Engelse julle darem nou lekker donner'; 'n boerbok wat 'n Villagers-man buite aksie stel; en Bob Skinstad se 'noodgebed' voor 'n wedstryd. Daar is ook heelwat staaltjies oor legendes soos Oom Boy Louw, Dok Craven, Oubaas Mark en Colin Meads, oor breiers en refs en die manewales van die Kiwis, Aussies en die Ses Nasies-manne. 'n Lekker-lag boek vir rugby-liefhebbers.

Authorative, comprehensive, all encompassing and the last word on the history of the British & Irish Lions - this book is essential reading for dedicated followers of the team that best represents the spirit of rugby and is THE ONLY OFFICIAL LIONS HISTORY This fully revised and updated edition includes a full review of the 2017 Tour to New Zealand and a preview of the 2021 Tour to South Africa Over 130 years of Lions rugby is chronicled in this authoritative and lavishly illustrated book which was originally written by Clem Thomas, (Lion #386), up to the 1993 Tour and then carried on by his son Greg and renowned rugby writer, Rob Cole. With over 500 pages of content and over 400 illustrations, including photographs, paintings, scrapbooks & memorabilia, the book is simply the most comprehensive and thorough re-telling of Lions' history - Each tour is covered in wonderful detail. This edition also carries a foreword by Lions Chairman, Jason Leonard #644 and there is a 75 page statistics section that includes: the score and team makeup of every Test played by the Lions, full lists of every Lion by A-Z and by order of appearance (from #1 Jack Anderton to #835 Finn Russell), records against each country, appearances, points, tries and so much more.

Determined, dedicated, and dogmatic, Martyn Williams is the inspiring number seven lynchpin who has steered club and country to victory in inimitable style. In his action-packed autobiography, he writes about his love for the sport he has made his own. Starting out with hometown team Pontypridd, he made his Wales debut at just 20 and won the Welsh league title with Pontypridd the following year, repeating the feat in his first season after joining Cardiff, whom he went on to captain for three years. Twice a British Lion, his finest hour came as the award-winning role in Wales' Six Nations championship Grand Slam of 2005. But there is far more to Martyn than his seemingly smooth career path from valleys rugby to international stardom. He speaks candidly about the double personal tragedies of losing both his mother and brother to cancer and of the challenges of combining his sports commitments with being a husband and father to his two children. Full of surprises, he also reveals his passion for both American football and soccer. A diehard Liverpool fan, he was a talented center-half himself in his teenage years. He speaks about the controversial departure of Mike Ruddock as coach of the national team, the drinking culture in Welsh rugby in the early years of professionalism, the infamous Battle of Brive, and why he turned down the chance to captain Wales at the 2003 World Cup. He also gives his views on the influx of southern hemisphere coaches like Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, plus the lowdown on how he prepares and trains and what really goes on in the dressing room. With coverage of 2008 RBS Six Nations and revealing portraits of his teammates and opponents, this honest, witty, informative, and entertaining autobiography is a must for fans and any sports lover.

The Authors of this Rugby Manual are respected professional associates. I have previously discussed the introduction of the Mechanics of Physics into Rugby through Bio-Science Technology with them. They have gone one-step further and compiled this informative Techno-Bio-Science 15-man Rugby Manual and envisage the contents of these manuals IE Upgraded Technical Proficiencies, Tackling Techniques, Tactics and Strategies will become pre-requisites to achieve a professional status, be it as a player or coach at a senior level.
This Rugby Manual is very well written, defined and fully illustrated. Implementing the factual dynamics of integrating Techno-Bio-Science promoting a new mode of Smart Rugby. A Pre-Requisite for winning ways.
Continuing on the same theme Bert, Margo & Team have designed an Elite Fitness Program in a Computerised Excel Somatograph Format, (can be purchased separately), depicting and analyzing Personal Fitness Assessment, in my opinion a very useful tool to have in your possession.
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Originally published in 1928, this is a wonderfully comprehensive look at 'rugger'. It includes personal reminiscences of some of the top players from the 1900s and goes on to offer a complete training and tactics guide. Illustrated throughout with photographs and diagrams, the book still has much practical advice to offer the modern rugby enthusiast, as well as the historical interest. Many of these earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.