Rugby

The game of rugby has changed. Scrums take longer, we no longer ruck, and 9s put the ball into the second row. But it's still as intoxicating as ever. Attacking the Space is an illuminating description of how this has happened and where we go next. - Eddie Jones A must-read. Sam's detail and understanding of the game will open...

Power, Money and the Team that Reshaped Rugby How did one of the smallest nations in the world produce the jewel in world rugby's crown? In the professional age, the All Blacks have evolved to become rugby's most marketable asset and a blueprint for building high-performing teams. But as the All Blacks became commercialised, the tug-of-war between performance and making...

We're better off for having these men among us. — Wall Street Journal Before 9/11, the rugby team at West Point learned to bond on a sports field. This is what happened when those 15 young men became leaders in war. Filled with drama, tragedy, and personal transformations, this is the story of a unique brotherhood. It is a story...

All Blacks coaching legend and mentor Mike Cron on what coaching rugby can teach us about life, leadership, and team-building. For the first time, All Blacks coaching great Mike Cron shares stories and rugby philosophy from his incredible coaching career. Mike Cron was an All Blacks coach from 2004 to 2019 over 217 games, more than any other coach or...

Among the best stories in modern British team sport has been the rise of Exeter Chiefs. How, exactly, did an unfashionable rugby team from Devon emerge from obscurity to become the double champions of England and Europe? What makes them tick? What are their secrets? Exe Men is a compelling story of regional pride, fierce rural identity, larger-than-life local heroes,...

Honey, Hunz, Honey Bill, Arneta, Aunty, Whaea, Mum, Nan. From 'town bully' to multiple world champion, single mum, and pioneering TV commentator - Honey Hireme-Smiler's astounding life story is built on so many layers. With one of the most impressive resumes in New Zealand sport, Honey is a four-time World Cup winner who wore the silver fern in league, rugby,...

An All Black's memoir of rugby, dementia, and the hidden cost of success 'The best sports book I have read in decades' - Kevin Norquay, Stuff 'Startlingly honest' - Phil Gifford 'A brilliant read. Bold, brave and honest' - Mike Hosking, Newstalk ZB Carl Hayman, All Black #1000, once the most highly prized player in world rugby and a giant...

The inside story of Ian Foster's All Blacks 'A stunningly honest and insightful account of what it takes to coach the All Blacks.' - Gregor Paul Appointed as head coach in 2019, Ian Foster led the All Blacks through one of the most tumultuous periods of the team's 120-year history. Leading Under Pressure is a fascinating look into the pressure...

Maggie Alphonsi: Winning the Fight chronicles the life of Maggie Alphonsi, a national sporting icon, the face of international women's rugby, and a star player of the England side that won the World Cup in 2014. She is an inspirational and totemic figure who transcends sport. The compelling story of her life makes her achievements even more extraordinary. Hers is...

Beginning in a jail cell and ending in a rugby tournament, the true story of how the most inspiring charm offensive in history brought South Africa together. After being released from prison and winning South Africa's first free election, Nelson Mandela presided over a country still deeply divided by fifty years of apartheid. His plan was ambitious if not far-fetched:...

‘Siya's rise from humble beginnings to lifting that World Cup trophy is the stuff of fairytales.’ MARCUS RASHFORD ‘Siya Kolisi is a warrior on the field and an inspiration off it. This book is an extraordinary reminder of what can be achieved with inner belief and an indefatigable spirit.’ JAY SHETTY 'Siya's story is well documented, and I am so...

The long-awaited book from rugby stars Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall. Rugby megastars James Haskell, Mike Tindall, and Alex Payne get together to discuss the highs and lows of their podcast, friendship, and rugby. Among the key questions answered: What happened when Mike took their shambles of a podcast inside the walls of Windsor Castle to meet the...

The Making of a New Zealand Coaching Legend In the compelling narrative of Steve Hansen: The Legacy, veteran rugby writer Gregor Paul expertly chronicles the life and career of Sir Steve Hansen, one of the most revered coaches in the history of New Zealand rugby. This engrossing exploration details Hansen's journey from his modest beginnings as a policeman in Mosgiel...

Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 'Magnificent' Owen Slot, The Times The 1997 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa is one of the most iconic in rugby history. Written off at home and abroad, Martin Johnson's men were given no hope of success against the world champion Springboks in their own backyard. But a...

WINNER OF RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'A gripping book that brings that unforgettable match back to pulsating life' Daily Mail 'Fans will relish' The Times England have been in four Rugby World Cup finals and only won one of them. In 2003, this team was the one that did it. And this is...

Wayne Barnes, one of the most-experienced international referees in history and a criminal barrister to boot, uniquely lifts the lid on a lifetime of trying to keep the biggest names in the sport on best behaviour. There aren't many people who can say they've been the thirty-first man on the pitch during a World Cup humdinger, Grand Slam decider, or...

Here is an exciting collection of biographies of 50 rugby greats for young fans. It is co-written by Matt Oldfield, the author of Ultimate Football Heroes, and Maggie Alphonsi, former England rugby international and now sports commentator. Perfect reading for the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2025, here are some of sporting heroes, past and present. It includes: Gareth Edwards,...

Eben Etzebeth is the most-capped player in South African Rugby history. A towering lock, whose intelligence, energy and aggression on the pitch is feared, respected and often imitated but never matched, he is the heart and soul of the Springbok team, a key part of their astonishingly successful run that encompasses two consecutive World Cups and a current two-year-stint at...

The most capped All Black in history speaks for the record about his storied career, spanning four World Cups, nine Super Rugby finals and 153 appearances in the black jersey. THE NO. 1 NEW ZEALAND BESTSELLER 'A modern-day Colin Meads' - Steve Hansen 'The ultimate winner' - Scott Robertson 'A legend of the game' - Richie McCaw After making his...

By 1971, no Lions team had ever defeated the All Blacks in a Test series. Since 1904, six Lions sides had travelled to New Zealand, and all had returned home bruised, battered, and beaten. But the 1971 tour party was different. It was full of young, ambitious, and outrageously talented players who would all go on to carve their names...

‘Powerful and thoughtful’ Don McRae, Guardian ‘A fascinating and incredibly honest insight into the pressurised life of an elite athlete, on and off the pitch’ Piers Morgan RAW. REVEALING. REFLECTIVE. The candid autobiography. Danny Cipriani has always been searching for something. On the pitch, it was a line-break or space. A chink of light to dart through. An angle that...

Once hailed as the ‘Bradman of Rugby’, David Campese thrilled spectators both in Australia and overseas with his footloose, crazy-brave style of free running. This book tells the story of his rise from humble beginnings to the very top of a global sport. As a rugby player, David Campese seemed to operate on pure instinct, one that left many a...

Hardcover and jacket gift book which names a best of the best 15-strong line-up of Australian rugby union players. Each Immortal player named is profiled in a dedicated chapter with career stats and multiple action images. There is also a group of honourable mentions and an Immortals Wallaby side. Features 100 photographs and key statistics. The Immortals of Australian Rugby...

A British & Irish Lions tour presents one of the greatest challenges in sport. Rugby is a game that rewards creative expression, toil, teamwork and a never-say-die attitude. It can be joyful, vibrant and beautiful. Equally, it can brutally expose human flaws and frailties, even more so in the hugely pressurised environment of a Lions tour. Every team, no matter...

Desktop Rugby brings the excitement of rugby right to your fingertips. Included is everything you need to play the game: a goal, ball, tee, flag, and mini referee figurine to call that foul. The kit also includes a 32-page book on the history and rules of the game.

By recounting the untold story of the most influential sports campaign in British newspaper history, which turned concussion in professional rugby from a niche issue into front and back page news, Concussed poses the questions all sports lovers need answering as evidence grows linking sports-related concussions to premature deaths and dementia. Written by Sam Peters, the journalist who spearheaded the...

Behind the Silver Fern is a comprehensive history of rugby's most famous yet enigmatic team, the New Zealand All Blacks, told by the men who have had the honour of wearing the iconic black jersey. From the legendary 1905 'Originals' all the way through to the World Cup team of 2019, this unique history of the All Blacks lifts the...

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...

In a unique, touching, and honest memoir, rugby legend Ben Youngs, for the first time, bares it all. Ben Youngs has had a dream career. He was born into rugby royalty and has achieved incredible success with both his family club, Leicester Tigers, and the English national team, for whom he is the most capped player of all time. His...

From superstitions to send-offs, All Black nick-names to on-field battles: Rugby Folklore is a miscellany of stories, quotes, and facts that are part of the fabric of New Zealand rugby. New Zealand has played, celebrated and commemorated rugby like no other country. We took to the game in extraordinary numbers in the late nineteenth century. Rugby was the game for...

According to legend and a cursory look at Google, rugby was created in 1823. When William Webb Ellis allegedly picked up the ball and ran with it, rugby was born. How true this is, we don't know. But what we can almost guarantee is that no matter how the game started, even after just one day of the sport being...

This fully revised book will bring the famous story of the Lions up-to-date and include a comprehensive review of the 'Covid' tour to South Africa in June/July 2021, as well as a preview of the 2025 Tour to take on Australia. Originally written by former Lion, Clem Thomas and continued by his son, Greg, the 2016 and 2020 editions were...

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. 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...

The laws of rugby are as extensive as they are confusing, their nuances and interpretations argued over relentlessly by rugby fans around the world and virtually impenetrable to those who are new to the game. In an effort to provide some much-needed clarity, Paul Williams takes an irreverent, hilarious, and p*ss-taking tour through the labyrinth that is rugby's rule book—or,...

The Immortals of British & Irish Rugby celebrates the greatest players from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland from the last 60-odd years. Rugby writer John Westerby selects his dream team of 15 players in position, then delves into the careers of these true greats. Legendary figures accorded Immortal status include Maro Itoje and Jeremy Guscott (England), Gareth Edwards (Wales), Willie...

A WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 - SPORT 'A mesmerising, unforgettable journey around world rugby.' Donald McRae – Twice Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year ‘Magnificent… hugely intelligent and entertaining.’ Stuart Barnes, Sunday Times ‘Really enjoyed it.’ Will Carling ‘An absolutely marvellous book… Recommended heartily.’ Jonathan Drennan, Sydney Morning Herald CONTRASTING CHARACTERS, COLLIDING CULTURES,...

The English rugby team has been scrummaging its way around the rugby fields of the world since 1871. James Stafford's An Illustrated History of English Rugby takes you on a thrilling journey through a century and a half of glory, failure, mediocrity, and brilliance. Mixing stats and facts with player profiles, match reports, and social history, this book is perfect...

Murrayfield, the Calcutta Cup, March 1990. England vs. Scotland - winner-takes-all for the Five Nations Grand Slam, the biggest prize in northern hemisphere rugby. Will Carling's England are the very embodiment of Margaret Thatcher's Britain - snarling, brutish and all-conquering. Scotland are the underdogs - second-class citizens from a land that's become the testing ground for the most unpopular tax...

Packed with fascinating facts, hilarious anecdotes and jaw-dropping moments from rugby's rich history, this compact compendium is for die-hard supporters and newcomers to the sport alike. Dive into the ultimate collection of rugby knowledge with The Little Book of Rugby Trivia! From the origins of the game to the secrets of the locker room, this little book contains everything you...

From 1997 to 2003, England and Australia battled for domination of the rugby world in one of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever known. In The Men in the Arena, William Hill shortlisted authors Peter Burns and Tom English explore every aspect of the teams' journey to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, telling the story primarily in the...

This is a complete history of the England rugby union team, told by the players themselves. Based on a combination of painstaking research into the early years of the England team through exclusive interviews with a vast array of Test match stars from before the Second World War to the present day, world-renowned rugby writers Stephen Jones and Nick Cain...

This is a complete history of the Welsh rugby union team told by the players themselves. Based on a combination of painstaking research into the early years of the Wales team and interviews with a vast array of Test match players and coaches from the Second World War to the present day, Ross Harries delves to the very heart of...

World in their Hands recounts the remarkable events that led to a group of friends from south-west London staging the inaugural Women's Rugby World Cup in 1991. The tournament was held just 13 years after teams from University College London and King's contested a match that catalysed the growth of the women's game in the UK, and the organisers overcame...

Shortlisted for the 2024 Illustrated Sports Book of the YearLaunched as rugby hit fever pitch at the 2023 World Cup, Remarkable Rugby Grounds is the perfect title for the passionate rugby fan who will be astonished at the worldwide reach of their favourite game. Remarkable Rugby Grounds continues the blend of earlier ‘Remarkables’ by mixing some of the world’s cathedrals...

The ideal gift for rugby fansPairing epic sports photography with articles from The Times and The Sunday Times archive, this volume brings together 100 of the most iconic moments from World Cup history. With striking, full-colour photography, rarely seen archival images and sensational reporting on the action, The Times Rugby World Cup Moments tells the story of one of the...

'A rollicking read and a mighty achievement' - Donald McRae, The Guardian The 1997 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa is one of the most iconic in rugby history. Written off at home and abroad, Martin Johnson's men were given no hope of success against the world champion Springboks in their own backyard. But a combination of brilliant...

The All Blacks have had a brilliant run of brothers in the last decade, with the Barretts, Whitelocks, Saveas, and Franks. However, there have also been many more standouts throughout New Zealand rugby history like the Meads, Whettons, Gears, Bachops, and Brownlies. Jamie Wall writes insightfully, revealing fascinating stories and providing analysis of some of the massive changes that have...

Featuring the thoughts of more than 180 players who have represented Scotland since the very first Test match in 1871 all the way through to the present day, Behind the Thistle gives a unique insight into the drama and emotion of playing for Scotland in that most rarefied of environments: Test match rugby. In this exhaustively researched tome, David Barnes...

Entertaining and Revealing In this frank and inspiring memoir, Neven talks about his early life, and his extraordinary success as a rugby player. A lock and number eight, Neven represented Wellington at a provincial level, before achieving the ultimate in New Zealand rugby—wearing the revered All Black jersey. His contemporaries included Tiny White, Don Clarke, Wilson Whineray, Kelvin Tremain, Colin...

Shortlisted for the Sports Book Awards Autobiography of the Year Maggie Alphonsi: Winning the Fight is not only a national sporting icon, the face of international women's rugby, and star player of the England side that won the World Cup in 2014. She is also an inspirational and totemic figure who transcends sport. The compelling story of her life makes...

Learn all about the players, characters, and teams that shaped rugby and inspired millions. From 19th century innovators to 21st century superstars, the latest book in the Illustrated History of Rugby series examines players who overcame the odds to beat everything from injury and illness to racism and sexism, excelling and thrilling followers of our great game. It also tells...

'An impassioned tour around France which is best enjoyed with a bottle of red ... or two.' - The Sunday Times 'I've known Peter for some years and I'm sure you will enjoy his personal journey to the heart of rugby in this superb country.' - Dan Carter, Former All Black and Rugby World Cup winner 'Bills' wondrous travelogue features...

The Rugby Puzzle Book invites you to put your rugby knowledge to the test with this exciting collection of puzzles, perfect for fans of the sport. Whether you're looking to pass the minutes during half-time or wanting to prove your rugby knowledge is in a league of its own, this book has you covered. As you advance through the pages,...

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 worldwide to stadiums and TVs to watch them play. Over the years, some of the greatest players to ever pick...

Small, skinny and short-sighted . . . and dazzlingly talented. Jimmy Joseph loves rugby. All he dreams about is one day playing for his country in a World Cup, or winning a Test series for the Lions with a last-minute drop-goal. But when he kicks an up-and-under in the schoolyard and accidentally hits the new head of PE, Mr Kane,...

From French rugby's origins in Le Havre, as an English export in the late nineteenth century, to the Catalan coast, acclaimed rugby writer Peter Bills travels the length and breadth of this vast country. He visits not only the big cities but also those regional heartlands of the game such as Toulouse, Bordeaux and Clermont, as well as clubs in...

The Peter Crouch of Rugby, How to Be a Footballer meets Brian Moore's Beware of the Dog SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR The hilarious, must-read memoir from everyone's favourite Celebrity Traitors Faithful - The truth about being a rugby player from the horsey's mouth. This book is not just about how a psychiatrist called Humphrey helped...

In a world where women's sport continues to gain momentum and inspire millions, a captivating book titled Our GameMakers has recently been published. This beautifully crafted hardcover publication delves into the remarkable stories of 52 individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping the global landscape of women's rugby. Our GameMakers is not just a book; it's a thrilling journey...

Winner of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year Award 2023 Winner of the Rugby Book of the Year Award 2023 Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022 A perfect gift for Father's Day 'Powerful, moving' - The Guardian 'A deeply affecting read [...] among the most important ever' - Daily Mail 'So powerful....

The Rugby Almanack is the world's longest-running rugby book of record. It was first published in 1935 to cover the previous season's first-class rugby in New Zealand. Since then, it has been published uninterrupted, apart from two combined issues during World War II. Now in its 89th edition, the 2025 Rugby Almanack records another huge year, including the All Blacks...

Is there always someone else to blame for your failures?Afraid of putting the real work in to achieve your goals?Are you sick of just being average and do you want to start winning? It’s time to drown out self-doubt and the distracting noise of everyday life, to conquer your fears and approach challenges without caution. One of rugby’s most ferocious...

Enthusiasts endlessly debate who the best New Zealand rugby players are across different eras. Respected rugby writer Jamie Wall weighs in with his Immortal All Blacks team. The Immortals of New Zealand Rugby celebrates the greatest players to wear the legendary silver fern-adorned jersey. It takes the Immortals concept made famous elsewhere in the sporting world and applies it to...

Ken Scotland was born on 29 August 1936 within sight of Heriot's Goldenacre ground, which he would go on to grace with great panache and skill several years later. A prodigious talent at fly-half while at school, he was converted into a full-back during the international trials of 1957 and was capped in that position against France at Colombes just...

All the fun of Pavilion’s bestselling Strangest series, now in quiz form! Test your rugby knowledge with this handy quiz book, packed with fun and challenging quiz questions based on the weirdest events from more than a century of rugby history. Quiz categories include: Famous Firsts and Lasts Trophy Cabinet Unexpected Interruptions Men and Women Behaving Badly Political Connections The...

Sean Fitzpatrick played for the best rugby team on the planet, the All Blacks. His aggressive, uncompromising approach made him one of the greatest players ever. Ruthless, devious and compelling to watch, he was a one-man wrecking machine. He was also an inspirational leader. Between 1986 and 1997, he played 128 matches for the All Blacks, 92 of those test...

Fuel your training the smart way. Boost your performance and achieve your body goals with the right recipes and correct nutritional advice from rugby superstar and bestselling author James Haskell, alongside one of the UK's top performance chefs and current England football chef, Omar Meziane. Cooking for Fitness offers: Clear, authoritative advice from James and Omar, the Cooking for Fitness...

'An entertaining and whimsical search for "the soul of Irish rugby"... Peppered with astute observations' - Irish Times Triumphs, Trophies and Troubles has got Irish rugby just right in this the 150th anniversary season of the IRFU' - Willie John McBride FOREWORD by former Ireland fly half Ollie Campbell 'In a world going all too fast, Peter Bills has the...

'A modern classic... Absolutely riveting and frequently moving.' - The Telegraph 'Among the best books ever written on Irish sport.' - Sunday Tribune 'Brilliant... Stand Up and Fight is the definitive account. It captures the essence of what makes Munster rugby and its provincial team so unique.' - Tony Ward, Irish Independent 'A terrific combination of intelligent reportage and open-eyed...

In January 2019, England's Red Roses became the first fully professional women's rugby team in the world, their abiding mission being to win back the Rugby World Cup. After their narrow defeat against New Zealand in 2017, the formidable squad developed a hugely successful game plan that earned them the longest winning streak in rugby union history. Acclaimed sports journalist...