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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Ball games > Rugby football > Rugby Union
Warren Gatland's In the Line of Fire is the ultimate chronicle of
this summer's remarkable Lions tour to New Zealand - home of the
fearsome All Blacks, the double world champions - which culminated
in an historic and nerve-shredding series draw. The book is the
Head Coach's wonderfully candid and vibrant record of the withering
ferocity, the turbulent peaks and troughs, the triumphs and
despairs, of one of sport's toughest challenges. It gives rugby
fans an unparalleled front-row seat with the squad and coaching
team during every facet of preparing for and executing a successful
tour on the opposite side of the planet, recounting intriguing
details on everything from pre-tour planning and strategy, to
on-tour experiences, analysis and decision-making. It all adds up
to a thrillingly definitive exposition and post-mortem of a
mind-blowing six weeks in the cauldron which forged the mighty All
Blacks.
'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.
'Rugby is great for the soul,' he writes, 'but terrible for the
body.' Rugby hurts. It demands mental resilience and resistance to
pain. It explores character, beyond a capacity to endure
punishment. Dylan Hartley, one of England's most successful
captains, tells a story of hard men and harsh truths. From the
sixteen-year-old Kiwi who travelled alone to England, to the winner
of ninety-seven international caps, he describes with brutal
clarity the sport's increasing demand on players and the toll it
takes on their mental health, as well as the untimely injury that
shattered his dreams of leading England in the 2019 World Cup. The
Hurt is rugby in the raw, a unique insight into the price of
sporting obsession. 'Few have had more twists and turns in a pro
rugby career' Robert Kitson, Guardian 'Anyone who cares about the
game, in which he won 97 caps for England and played 250 times for
Northampton, should read Hartley's book' Don McRae, Guardian
What is the state of rugby? Is the game on the brink of expansion?
Or is it on the brink of implosion? No game has undergone so
traumatic a transformation since the turn of the century. The last
of the major sports to embrace professionalism, rugby was propelled
on a trajectory that has twisted its cumbersome frame to the limit
in a drama compelling and appalling to behold. After a hundred
years defying the future, rugby now shudders with the turmoil of
its sudden leap into the modern world, attaining heights hitherto
undreamed of, even as the strains - financial, political, social
and medical - threaten to tear it apart. With a global focus (and a
particular lens on Australasian and South African rugby), Unholy
Union is a fascinating and in-depth analysis of the sport,
examining the journey so far and speculating on where it will go
next. It is irreverent and provocative, asking uncomfortable
questions of rugby, but imbued throughout with affection for a game
that integrates all human life, as beautiful as it is ugly, as in
love with itself as it is terrified. Sports enter periods that make
or break them. Rugby is in one now . . .
Stories from on and off the pitch by two legendary Welsh Rugby
World Cup referees. -- Welsh Books Council
Fully updated to contain Sir Ian McGeechan's reflections on the
2017 Lions tour to New Zealand. 2017 saw the latest contest between
the British Lions and New Zealand - the ultimate rugby clash
between the northern and southern hemisphere. Ian McGeechan is the
'Ultimate Lion', and no one could have done more than McGeechan to
promote the magic of the Lions. McGeechan played for the Lions in
their unbeaten 1974 tour of South Africa, and again in the 1977
tour of New Zealand. Subsequently he has been the head coach on
four Lions tours. In this unique and fascinating book which
celebrates the immensity of rugby at the top level, Ian McGeechan
uses his own coaching notes to provide his special insight and
background into what it means to be a Lion. By looking at various
themes such as selection, how to create the right environment and
how to build the players into what he describes as 'Test-match
animals' the reader learns how some of the most successful Lions
tours in history were built. Writing always with passion for his
various themes it is easy to see how he inspired his players to
extraordinary physical endeavour. Rich in anecdote as well as
facts, McGeechan brings to life many of the rugby legends with whom
he played or coached - including Gareth Edwards, Gavin Hastings,
Martin Johnson and Paul O'Connell amongst others. Hugely readable
The Lions: When the Going Gets Tough splendidly conveys the massive
excitement that is generated whenever there is a Lions tour.
As player, manager, and pundit, Donal Lenihan has seen it all in
the world of rugby - and done much of it too. A victorious captain
of Munster Junior and Senior Schools, he went on to skipper the
Ireland team at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in
1987 and was a fixture in the second row for over a decade, winning
two Triple Crowns and three Five Nations championships. Selected
for three British & Irish Lions tours, he was famous for
skippering the unbeaten side nicknamed 'Donal's Doughnuts', before
taking charge of both Ireland and the Lions as manager. From such a
stellar position at the heart of the rugby world, Donal Lenihan has
a wealth of stories to tell from both on and off the pitch, from
raucous antics on tour to the sometimes difficult fellowship of
players in a time of Troubles. He delves deeply into Cork and
Munster culture and the influence on his career of his family. And
as a much-respected analyst, Donal is also not short on voicing his
opinion on the rights and wrongs of the modern game, and how the
transition from the amateur to the professional era has affected
the heart and soul of rugby. Full of wit, insight and emotional
sincerity, this is a rugby book for the ages by a sporting great.
Throughout the history of rugby union, a select few players have
stood out above the rest. Bringing together 50 of the finest, this
book reveals the fearless scrum-halves, tricky wingers, explosive
centres and powerful props that have lit up the game, celebrating
their achievements and controversially ranking them in order of
greatness. Is the might of Jonah Lomu preferred to the vision of
David Campese? Who was more influential, Jonny or Johnno? Which
hemisphere has produced the most superstars? And most importantly,
who will be named the greatest player of all time? Passionately
argued, provocative, and sure to trigger lively debate, this book
is a must-read for rugby fans everywhere. Published in time for the
Six Nations 2016 and fully updated following the 2015 Rugby World
Cup, hosted in England.
'An excellent read' - Rugby World Rob Andrew is one of the key
figures in modern rugby history: an outstanding international who
won three Grand Slams with England and toured twice with the
British and Irish Lions, he also played a central role in the
game's professional revolution with his trailblazing work at
Newcastle. During a long spell on Tyneside, he led the team to a
Premiership title at the first opportunity, brought European action
to the north-east and gave the young Jonny Wilkinson his break in
big-time union by fast-tracking him into the side straight out of
school. What happened off the field was equally eventful. Rob
produced 'The Andrew Report' - the most radical of blueprints for
the future of English rugby - and then, over the course of a decade
as one of Twickenham's top administrators, found himself grappling
with the extreme challenges of running a game repeatedly blown off
course by the winds of change. He did not merely have a ringside
seat as one of the world's major sports went through its greatest
upheaval in a century: more often than not, he was in the ring
itself.
Jonny Wilkinson's impact on global sport has been extraordinary.
Yet Jonny has faced a battle all his life to achieve success and,
crucially, happiness. A crippling fear of failure, the targets he
set himself and a string of injuries have caused Jonny to question
his attitude to life. In this startling new book, Jonny opens up
for the very first time, revealing his darkest moments and
explaining in a practical way the steps and techniques he has taken
to ensure success in all aspects of his life. He still wants to be
the best, but he now enjoys the journey. With never-before-told
stories from his life and rugby career punctuated with
questionnaires sent to a wide range of well-known sports people,
this book will act as a powerful inspiration for anyone wanting to
bring to the field of play--be it business, personal, or sport--the
very best they have to offer.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder meets I May Destroy You, this dark YA
thriller will have your heart in your mouth from the very first
page! "Gina Blaxill weaves together a dark and engrossing tale that
will grip readers from start to finish." Ann Sei Lin, author of
Rebel Skies. "Brilliantly twisty and intense!" Kat Ellis, author of
Wicked Little Deeds. "It asks us to look at ourselves. You won't be
able to put it down until the tense final pages let you go." Bryony
Pearce, author of Little Rumours. Tragedy hits a teenage New Year's
party . . . When Alana's best friend is found drowned in a pool,
the forensic reports discover date-rape drug GHB in her blood. GHB
from a drink Alana knows was meant for her. Despite the swirling
rumours, the suspected group of boys seem untouchable. To
investigate, Alana allows herself to be pulled into their
glittering orbit. But among shifting alliances, changing alibis and
buried secrets, can she pinpoint which of the boys is responsible
before she becomes their next target? Perfect for fans of Holly
Jackson, Karen McManus and Chelsea Pitcher. From the Carnegie
nominated author, Gina Blaxill. A bold feminist read with a pacy
thriller plot that YA fans will love. Carnegie-nominated author
Gina Blaxill looks head on at privilege, bias and sexual assault in
a way that will resonate with Young Adults today. Perfect for fans
of Holly Jackson, Karen McManus and Chelsea Pitcher.
WINNER OF THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019 'Brutally
honest . . . A moving, candid tale of a coach taking the plunge
with a rugby ball as his only buoyancy aid' DAILY EXPRESS 'An
engrossing account of a remarkable story' EVENING STANDARD 'An
excellent read covering a brilliant journey' Sir Clive Woodward It
is late summer 2013. Ben Ryan, a red-haired, 40-something,
spectacle-wearing Englishman, is given 20 minutes to decide whether
he wants to coach Fiji's rugby sevens team, with the aim of taking
them to the nation's first-ever Olympic medal. He has never been to
Fiji. There has been no discussion of contracts or salary. But he
knows that no one plays rugby like the men from these isolated
Pacific islands, just as no one plays football like the kids from
the Brazilian favelas, or no one runs as fast as the boys and girls
from Jamaica's boondocks. He knows too that no other rugby nation
has so little - no money and no resources, only basic equipment and
a long, sad history of losing its most gifted players to richer,
greedier nations. Ryan says yes. And with that simple word he sets
in motion an extraordinary journey that will encompass witchdoctors
and rugby-obsessed prime ministers, sun-smeared dawns and
devastating cyclones, intense friendships and bitter rows, phone
taps and wild nationwide parties. It will end in Rio with a
performance that not only wins Olympic gold but reaches fresh
heights for rugby union and makes Ben and his 12 players living
legends back home.
During the six years of a brutal global war - from the battlefields
of Europe, to the deserts of North Africa, the jungles of the Asia
and even in Prisoner of War camps - rugby union continued to be
played wherever and whenever possible by the servicemen of Britain
and her Allies from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa,
Dedicated to 'all those in rugby who did - and who didn't - make it
through those troubled times', War Games is a comprehensive and
highly illustrated commemoration, packed with stories and
statistics that for the first time chronicles the history of rugby
- the men and the matches, from `scratch' to international - during
the Second World War. Starting with the short-lived 'infant' season
of 1939-40 and ending with the `Victory' series of internationals
in 1945-6, and including the hugely successful New Zealand
Expeditionary Force (NZEF) 'Kiwi' tour of 1946, War Games details
all the major rugby contests and the hundreds of players including:
Bleddyn Williams, Prince Alex Obolensky, Bill McLaren, Wilf
Wooller, Blair Mayne, Sir Tasker Watkins, Ralph Sampson, Gus
Risman, Willie Davies, Les Manfield, Charlie Saxton, Fred Allen and
Jim Sherratt. Essential and entertaining reading for followers of
rugby and military historians alike, respected rugby authors Howard
Evans and Phil Atkinson tell the tale - meticulously and with great
affection for the game they love - of those men who played for fun
but who, on too many occasions, lost more than a rugby game.
This is the incredible story of Brian 'Stack' Stevens, born in a
remote former mining area of Cornwall with no sporting background,
yet found he had an exceptional talent for rugby. When still a
teenager, he was playing against established international players
but, with Penzance being cut off from the rugby mainstream, he
would have very little recognition for a decade. At twenty-eight,
following some outstanding county matches for Cornwall, he was at
last given an England trial. He won twenty-five full international
caps for England over the next six years, including famous wins
over the top southern hemisphere teams; he also scored the winning
try against the All Blacks in Auckland and represented the British
Lions in New Zealand. He was under constant pressure from his
father, who needed him at home on the farm, and this prevented him
going on a second Lions tour. He temporarily signed for Harlequins
to the dismay of his local club Penzance & Newlyn, and had to
travel overnight to London for England training and Harlequins
matches by hitching a lift on a broccoli lorry to Covent Garden and
then back again afterwards. Stack is still very much a favoured son
throughout Cornwall, where the locals see him as 'one of their
own'. He continued to run the farm after his father died, and
became an England selector when he finally stopped playing. In
recent years he has suffered from a serious neurological condition
but as ever he continues to battle against the odds. This book has
been written with the full cooperation of Brian and his family by
someone who played with him, and who remains a friend.
In his book, Niall Breslin speaks openly about living with
depression and anxiety, and his crippling journey to finally
acknowledging 'Jeffrey' - the name he chose for it - years after he
took the decision to conceal his growing mental health issues from
the world, at age 15. Told with raw honesty, it is a story of the
demons that lay beneath outward success, and how they impacted on
his career in sports and later music, as he coped with a condition
that at times seemed hell bent on wrecking everything in its wake.
It is also the story of a road to reconciliation with brokenness -
beginning after a massive panic attack before a live TV appearance
in 2012 - leading to brighter horizons. Me and My Mate Jeffrey is
an essential book for anyone who knows what it is to feel alone,
and who doesn't know how to ask for help - or anyone who wants to
better understand that journey.
"Voices from the Back of the Bus" provides a rare behind-the-scenes
look at international rugby at the height of a golden period.
Recounted with genuine warmth and much humor, over a hundred
players recall the scrapes, the games, the laughs, the glory, and
the gritty reality of the pre-professional game. Packed with true
rugby tales from the days when men played purely for the love of
the game and of their nation, and multimillion-pound contracts and
sponsorship deals were unheard of, this refreshing, revealing, and
often hilarious collection will inspire sports fans of all
generations.
It is estimated that the First World War claimed the lives of
40,000 Welshmen, all of them heroes whose sacrifice is honoured by
a grateful nation. 'Call them to remembrance', which includes 120
illustrations and maps, tells the stories of 13 Welsh heroes who
shared the common bond of having worn the famous red jersey of the
Welsh international rugby team. Gwyn Prescott's sensitive and
fascinating book, the product of over ten year's research and
study, recovers the memory of these thirteen multi-talented and
courageous Welshmen who gave their lives in the Great War of
1914-18, detailing their playing and military careers. Amongst
their stories are the leading amateur golfer in Wales who
represented Newport at five sports; the Cambridge choral scholar
who gave up his job in India to volunteer for the Army; the flying
Cardiff winger who impressed Lloyd George; and the "lion-hearted"
hero of the famous Welsh victory over New Zealand in 1905.
Front Up, Rise Up is the story of Connacht's remarkable journey to
becoming the 2016 Pro12 champions. The story goes inside the
dressing-room, takes in their unscheduled, week-long, bonding trek
to Siberia and back for a European Challenge Cup game, and all the
key twists and turns along the way. It brings us the characters in
this Band of Brothers, from the locals such as captain John Muldoon
from Portumna to their iconic fans' favourite Bundee Aki - who like
their talismanic coach Pat Lam is a Kiwi from Auckland of Samoan
descent - and their Nigerian-born and Dublin-raised match-winner
Niyi Adeolokun. The story takes in the province's troubled
professional history, which had them on the brink of extinction as
a professional entity in 2003 and led to Connacht and their
supporters marching to the IRFU offices in a successful bid to keep
them afloat. It covers their dethroning of the champions Glasgow in
the Sportsground in Galway and their stunning performance in the
final against Leinster in Edinburgh. In more than two decades of
professional rugby, there has been no story quite like it.
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