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Rugby Rivals: My Top 10 Players

by Martyn Williams

In his 15-year career as one of the most popular figures in Welsh rugby, Martyn Williams has played against some of the giants of the sport. Known as 'Nugget' to the fans, Martyn has captained his country on many occasions and was a key player in two Welsh Grand Slam-winning campaigns. In Rugby Rivals he picks his personal top ten players from all the world rugby stars he's ever played against. From Martin Johnson and Shane Williams to Jonah Lomu and Richie McCaw he gives an insight into what makes them tick and reveals what they are really like off the pitch. Rugby Rivals is a compelling read that will provoke debate among rugby fans and provide a great starting point to anyone interested in the game.

Rugby Rivals: My Top 10 Players (Quick Reads Ser.)

by Martyn Williams

In his 15-year career as one of the most popular figures in Welsh rugby, Martyn Williams has played against some of the giants of the sport. Known as ‘Nugget’ to the fans, Martyn has captained his country on many occasions and was a key player in two Welsh Grand Slam-winning campaigns.In Rugby Rivals he picks his personal top ten players from all the world rugby stars he’s ever played against. From Martin Johnson and Shane Williams to Jonah Lomu and Richie McCaw he gives an insight into what makes them tick and reveals what they are really like off the pitch. Rugby Rivals is a compelling read that will provoke debate among rugby fans and provide a great starting point to anyone interested in the game.Author InformationKnown as “Nugget”, Martyn Williams is one of the most popular figures in the rugby world. He first made his name as a young flanker for his home-town club Pontypridd in the mid-1990s.For the past 15 years has been a major player in the Welsh squad. He has featured in two Grand Slam-winning campaigns and was named Player of the Six Nations in 2005. He has captained his country on many occasions and has been on three British Lions tours, to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. After leaving Pontypridd in 1999, he joined Cardiff Blues and has been with the club ever since. In 2010 he was granted a testimonial.

Rugby Rivals: My Top 10 Players (Quick Reads)

by Martyn Williams

In his 15-year career as one of the most popular figures in Welsh rugby, Martyn Williams has played against some of the giants of the sport. Known as ‘Nugget’ to the fans, Martyn has captained his country on many occasions and was a key player in two Welsh Grand Slam-winning campaigns.In Rugby Rivals he picks his personal top ten players from all the world rugby stars he’s ever played against. From Martin Johnson and Shane Williams to Jonah Lomu and Richie McCaw he gives an insight into what makes them tick and reveals what they are really like off the pitch. Rugby Rivals is a compelling read that will provoke debate among rugby fans and provide a great starting point to anyone interested in the game.Author InformationKnown as “Nugget”, Martyn Williams is one of the most popular figures in the rugby world. He first made his name as a young flanker for his home-town club Pontypridd in the mid-1990s.For the past 15 years has been a major player in the Welsh squad. He has featured in two Grand Slam-winning campaigns and was named Player of the Six Nations in 2005. He has captained his country on many occasions and has been on three British Lions tours, to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. After leaving Pontypridd in 1999, he joined Cardiff Blues and has been with the club ever since. In 2010 he was granted a testimonial.

Rugby Rookies (Lorimer Sports Stories)

by Mike Levitt

Highlighting rugby, the fastest growing sport in America, this book tackles the issue of girls playing full-contact sports. Maddy and her friends are a small town group determined to form a girls' junior rugby team while they navigate learning both the rules of the game and the rules set out by the school board. The adults are concerned about the girls' safety and even Maddy worries that she is too small for the rough game. But the persistence of the diverse group of girls wins the day and the book becomes a celebration of the empowerment and self-esteem young girls get from participating in sports. Distributed in the U.S by Lerner Publishing Group

Rugby Skills, Tactics and Rules (Expanded and Revised)

by Tony Williams Frank Bunce

A comprehensive, action-packed guide to playing rugby. Rugby is the fastest-growing contact sport in North America. This hard-hitting game, long popular at college campuses, is now being played at high schools and community parks. The new edition of the best-selling Rugby Skills, Tactics and Rules presents the latest information on all aspects of the game, along with an updated list of useful addresses. The book also features exciting images from the 2007 World Cup, including expert captions that describe the very latest skills and tactics used at the highest level. Features include: All the tactics and skills of the game at every level -- for beginners, experienced players and coaches Over 150 color photographs with captions explaining player positions and strategies Basic and specialized skills Coaching, including training, team patterns and motivation The rules and laws of the game, including playing field dimensions Fascinating trivia and amusing stories from around the world. Complete with glossary, a rules section, updated addresses and websites, this book has everything a player, coach or fan needs to enjoy the game.

Rugby Union Basics In A Day For Dummies (In A Day For Dummies)

by Greg Growden Nick Cain

If you get a big kick out of rugby but still feel you could sharpen up your knowledge of the game, Rugby Rules in a Day For Dummies is for you. Inside you'll find easy-to-understand advice on the basic rules of the game, pitch positions, and tactics. In less than a day, readers will find all they need to know to get understand the sport of rugby: Features an in-depth look at Laws that form the beautiful game Covers all the reader will need to know about talking tactics Is perfect for anyone looking at swatting up on rugby

Rugby Union For Dummies

by Greg Growden Nick Cain

If you're new to the sport or you feel you could sharpen up your knowledge of the game, this 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. In addition, you get a grounding in the local, national and international reaches of Rugby Union Rugby Union For Dummies 3rd Edition:Features an in-depth and up-to-date look at the Laws that form the beautiful gameCovers all you will need to know about talking tactics and is perfect for anyone looking at swatting up on rugby for the World Cup and beyondAdvises on all you will need to know to get stuck in and playContains a new chapter on sevens as the sport will be a demonstration sport at London 2012 and a full sport at Rio 2016

Rugby Union For Dummies

by Greg Growden

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

Rugby Union and Globalization

by John Harris

In 1995 rugby union finally became a professional sport following more than a century as an amateur game. Thisbook offers a critical analysis of the sport in the professional era and assesses the relationship between the local and the global in contemporary rugby union. "

Rugby Union and Globalization: An Odd-Shaped World (Global Culture and Sport Series)

by J. Harris

In 1995 rugby union finally became a professional sport following more than a century as an amateur game. This book offers a critical analysis of the sport in the professional era and assesses the relationship between the local and the global in contemporary rugby union.

Rugby Union and Professionalisation: Elite Player Perspectives (Routledge Research in Sport, Culture and Society)

by Mike Rayner

The game of rugby has changed significantly in the course of its history. In the early part of the 19th century it evolved from a folk game played by the working class to a recreational activity for public schoolboys. From the 1820s rugby represented an opportunity for gentlemen to demonstrate physical prowess and masculinity and in more recent times it has developed into an activity that reflects the changing attitudes towards professional sport. For the most part of the last one hundred years, rugby union became an important international sport that represented the nationalistic ideals of a number of countries. However, a number of developments, including the increasing influence of a business ethos within sport during the latter decades of the twentieth century, exposed rugby union to the realities of commercialism and all the factors associated with it, especially the demands of a more diverse spectating public. Drawing on interview material with forty-eight elite level rugby union players from England, Wales, Scotland, France, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia who participated in elite level rugby union either before, in the overlapping period or after the declaration of professionalism, this book traces the evolution of attitudes towards professionalism from a players’ perspective and develops a critical review of the impact that professionalism has had upon the sport of rugby union. Rugby Union and Professionalisation: Elite Player Perspectives is fascinating reading for all students and scholars with an interest in rugby union, sport history, sport policy, sport management and the sociology of sport.

Rugby Union for Dummies

by Greg Growden Nick Cain

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.

Rugby in Global Perspective: Playing on the Periphery (Routledge Focus on Sport, Culture and Society)

by John Harris Nicholas Wise

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.

Rugby's Great Split: Class, Culture and the Origins of Rugby League Football

by Tony Collins

Since it’s first publication, Rugby’s Great Split has established itself as a classic in the field of sport history. Drawing on an unprecedented range of sources, this deeply researched and highly readable book traces the social, cultural and economic divisions that led, in 1895, to schism in the game of rugby and the creation of rugby league, the sport of England’s northern working class. Tony Collins’ analysis challenges many of the conventional assumptions about this key event in rugby history – about class conflict, amateurism in sport, the North-South divide, violence on the pitch, the development of mass spectator sport and the rise of football. This new edition is expanded to cover parallel events in Australia and New Zealand, and to address the key question of rugby league’s failure to establish itself in Wales. Rugby’s Great Split is a benchmark text in the history of rugby, and an absorbing case study of wider issues – issues of class, gender, regional and national identity, and the impact of the commercialization and recent professionalization of rugby league. This insightful text is for anyone interested in Britain’s social history or in the emergence of modern sport, it is vital reading.

Rugby, Resistance and Politics: How Dan Qeqe Helped Shape the History of Port Elizabeth

by Buntu Siwisa

Buntu Swisa has written a vivid biography of Dan Qeqe, the legendary sportsman, powerbroker and pioneer of black rugby and the liberation of sport. His book examines the complex and questionable relationships that Qeqe had with the enemies of non-racial sport, which cemented his power base. Siwisa tells the story of Qeqe’s life and times and at the same time has written a social and political biography of Port Elizabeth—a people’s history of Port Elizabeth. As much as Qeqe was a local legend, his achievements had national repercussions and, indeed, continue to this day. Print editions not for sale in Sub Saharan Africa.

Rugby, Soccer and Irish Society: 1921-1990 (Routledge Research in Sports History)

by Conor Murray

This book is the first academic all-island history of either rugby union or association football, two of the three most popular male sporting pastimes in Ireland, across the seven decades that followed the political partition of that country between 1920 and 1922.It moves beyond the occasionally simplistic explanations of the development of Irish sport that have focused on political and sectarian divisions, and goes deeper into the social, cultural and geographical dynamics of the island of Ireland to explain why certain people have played certain games in certain places. Drawing on historical and archival sources as well as cutting-edge geographical information systems, the book brings to life the spatial trends in each game’s administrative development and geographical distribution, that have not normally been a feature of many previous histories of Irish sport. The book also examines first-and-second-hand accounts of athletes and administrators involved in rugby and football during that period, to explore what it meant to represent a province or country at these crucial moments in Irish history and compares the Irish experience of both sports with experiences in other comparable countries.Shining important new light on the interactions between Irish rugby and football and the political, social, economic and cultural trends of Ireland in the twentieth century, this book is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in the history of sport, Ireland or the UK.

Rugby: 47 Years of Fun with the BBC

by Ian Robertson

Ian Robertson joined the BBC during the golden age of radio broadcasting and was given a crash course in the art of sports commentary from some of the greatest names ever to sit behind a microphone: Cliff Morgan and Peter Bromley, Bryon Butler and John Arlott. Almost half a century after being introduced to the rugby airwaves by his inspiring mentor Bill McLaren, the former Scotland fly-half looks back on the most eventful of careers, during which he covered nine British and Irish Lions tours and eight World Cups, including the 2003 tournament that saw England life the Webb Ellis Trophy and "Robbo" pick up awards for his spine-tingling description of Jonny Wilkinson's decisive drop goal.He reflects on his playing days, his role in guiding Cambridge University to a long spell of Varsity Match supremacy and his relationships with some of the union code's most celebrated figures, including Sir Clive Woodward and Jonah Lomu. He also writes vividly and hilariously of his experiences as a horse racing enthusiast, his meetings with some of the world's legendary golfers and his dealings with a stellar cast of sporting outsiders, from Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor to Nelson Mandela. It is a hugely entertaining story that begins in a bygone rugby age, yet has much to say about the game in the here and now.

Rugby: Battling for England in the Professional Era

by Rob Andrew

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.

Rugby: Battling for England in the Professional Era

by Rob Andrew

'An excellent read' - Rugby WorldRob 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.

Rugby: Battling for England in the Professional Era

by Rob Andrew

An exclusive look at England Rugby from a former player with a unique perspective.Nobody has spent as much time in the front line of rugby union's first's two dramatic decades of professionalism - as a player, coach and administrator (blazer) - as Rob Andrew, or taken as much flak; all this in the wake of one of the most distinguished and successful of England rugby playing careers.From the collapse of amateurism at the 'Lomu' World Cup in 1995 to England's disastrous showing as hosts at the 2015 tournament, Rob Andrew offers a unique insider's account of the headline-grabbing events that saw England rugby scale the greatest heights by winning the 2003 World Cup, before sinking to even greater depths, with the sacking of coaches Andy Robinson, Brian Aston, Martin Johnson and Stuart Lancaster; the traumas of the global tournament in New Zealand in 2011, which Andrew describes as the 'worst year in the history of the RFU'; and the painful ignominy of becoming the first host nation ever to fail to make the knock-out stages of a World Cup. Rob Andrew has strong views on the managerial and governance decisions made at key moments during his time at Twickenham; on the increasingly difficult challenges faced by the sport as different nations and stakeholders pursued different agendas; on the crucial importance of the need for enlightened and modern-styled management across the sporting landscape as commercial pressures put traditional structures under ever greater strain. Most importantly, Andrew gives his views on the individuals who took those far-reaching decisions that impacted so negatively on the national side as it tried to compete on the world stage. Rob Andrew examines in detail the successes and failures of English Rugby in the professional era. Analysing the contributing factors to both winning and losing, and looking forwards to how England can learn from all of this and build to be the best team in the world.(P)2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Rugby: The Brave, the Bruised and the Brilliant

by Brian Levison

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 fête in Wales. Along with barely believable stories about the game's hardest men, including the French coach Jean 'le Sultan' Sébédio, 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.

Rugby: The Brave, the Bruised and the Brilliant

by Brian Levison

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 fête in Wales. Along with barely believable stories about the game's hardest men, including the French coach Jean 'le Sultan' Sébédio, 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.

Rugby: The Perfect Gift for Rugby Fans

by Ian Robertson

Ian Robertson joined the BBC during the golden age of radio broadcasting and was given a crash course in the art of sports commentary from some of the greatest names ever to sit behind a microphone: Cliff Morgan and Peter Bromley, Bryon Butler and John Arlott. Almost half a century after being introduced to the rugby airwaves by his inspiring mentor Bill McLaren, the former Scotland fly-half looks back on the most eventful of careers, during which he covered nine British and Irish Lions tours and eight World Cups, including the 2003 tournament that saw England life the Webb Ellis Trophy and "Robbo" pick up awards for his spine-tingling description of Jonny Wilkinson's decisive drop goal.He reflects on his playing days, his role in guiding Cambridge University to a long spell of Varsity Match supremacy and his relationships with some of the union code's most celebrated figures, including Sir Clive Woodward and Jonah Lomu. He also writes vividly and hilariously of his experiences as a horse racing enthusiast, his meetings with some of the world's legendary golfers and his dealings with a stellar cast of sporting outsiders, from Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor to Nelson Mandela. It is a hugely entertaining story that begins in a bygone rugby age, yet has much to say about the game in the here and now.

Rugby’s Funniest Jokes

by Jim Chumley

Why is a successful rugby team like a lingerie shop? It has a wide variety of cups and plenty of support. Some might say there’s nothing funny about cauliflower ears and scrums, but this little book begs to differ. Packed with rib-tickling jokes, Rugby’s Funniest Jokes is perfect for any fan of the sport with the odd-shaped ball.

Rugby’s Funniest Jokes

by Jim Chumley

Why is a successful rugby team like a lingerie shop? It has a wide variety of cups and plenty of support. Some might say there’s nothing funny about cauliflower ears and scrums, but this little book begs to differ. Packed with rib-tickling jokes, Rugby’s Funniest Jokes is perfect for any fan of the sport with the odd-shaped ball.

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