On 30 October 1963 Newport RFC recorded a historic victory over the Fifth New Zealand All Blacks. It was the only defeat suffered on their 36-match tour. Fifty years on it should be recognised as the finest performance by any team against the mighty All Blacks outside the international arena. But it isn't - until now. The story of how Newport RFC achieved its greatest triumph and why the result should stand above all others is fully explained in a book that also considers the major events that made 1963 one of the most significant years of the post-war era.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 192

The gruesome stories of the hardest and most ruthless – yet incredibly talented – rugby union players since the First World War. In our era of citing commissioners, super-slow-motion replays and trial by social media, some of their actions are hard to believe. These men were totally committed to the sport, and irrespective of size, reputation or opposition, never took a step back on the pitch. And largely free from the confines of the commitments the modern professional game demands, many were as lively off the pitch as they were fiery on it. The ultimate book about the hard men of rugby union, including some of the very toughest and most talented players from all around the world. With profiles of: Paddy Mayne, Brian Lima, Wayne Shelford, Bobby Windsor, Colin Meads, Jerry Collins, Norm Hadley, David Bedell-Sivright, Scott Gibbs, Gérard Cholley, Trevor Brennan, Wade Dooley, Bakkies Botha, Tomás Lavanini, Sébastien Chabal and Weary Dunlop.

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Pages: 192

Dimensions: 140 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 01-11-2020

The increased popularity of rugby union as a spectator sport in the 25 years since it turned professional has thrown a smokescreen over the crisis it faces. A highly physical game has been turned into a dangerous sport by misguidedly trying to match the flow of its great rival, rugby league, and there is a worrying drop in male playing numbers in major nations. Commercialism has been allowed to dominate the game, the English Premiership has severely undermined one of rugby’s greatest success stories - Lions tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia - and the major northern hemisphere rugby countries exert financial power over rugby unions south of the equator. The book recounts the history of rugby union’s early decades as a professional sport and praises the best features of the modern game, especially the expansion of women’s rugby. It also provides a template for solving the sport’s injury crisis.

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Pages: 208

Dimensions: 140 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 15-10-2020

Derek Bevan and Nigel Owens are the only two Welshmen to referee a Rugby World Cup Final and between them, they have officiated in all but one of every Rugby World Cup tournament that’s ever been. In this book, they talk about their World Cup experiences, sharing all the warmth and humour of their many stories and anecdotes.

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Pages: 144

Publication Date: 26-10-2018

The autobiography of Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, Wales, Lions and Barbarians player Matthew Rees, a key member of the Wales team which achieved a Grand Slam at the 2008 Six Nations Championship and the most-capped hooker of all time for the Welsh national side. However, top-fl ight rugby is not all there is to Matthew’s story. He found out who his real father was at age 21, and talks frankly about how he dealt with this bombshell and the impact it had on his relationship with his family. Then at 32, at the peak of his rugby career, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Here he reveals what he went through and how the diagnosis and treatment aff ected him. This is not just another rugby biography. Matthew Rees’ cancer diagnosis hit the headlines, and his battle with and eventual full recovery from the disease means that his story has an awful lot more human interest than the tale of your average rugby player. His is an uplifting, inspirational story which even non-rugby fans will enjoy reading, and which could be of real support for those facing similar circumstances.

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Pages: 176

Publication Date: 19-10-2018

Rugby Union attracts supporters across the world to a sport that is technical, tough and skilful. The game's history is littered with competitive rivalries, outstanding matches and players that have become household names. Here's a chance for fans of the game to test their memory and recollect a famous result or outstanding moment. This book contains questions that will stretch the recollections of the most hardened trivia buff, but also has some easier challenges to make sure it's fun for every type of enthusiast.

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Pages: 128

Publication Date: 17-08-2015

Charting his unlikely route from humble beginnings on a tough Bridgend estate and working on building sites to the top of world rugby as a Grand Slam winner and Test Lion, Lee Byrne's autobiography sheds new light on one of the brightest talents to grace the Welsh game. Byrne talks frankly about the joy of playing at the highest level for Scarlets, ospreys, Wales and the Lions, as well as his off-field antics. He gives an insider's glimpse into Welsh rugby under Warren Gatland and the tactics and psychology employed. He reveals for the first time the true story behind the end of his international career and his struggles with depression following his forced retirement from the game after injury, and discusses his dyslexia, a condition he only recently discovered he has. A rugby memoir unlike others in its remarkable emotional range and its power to make readers laugh but also cry. Byrne's account of the aftermath of Jerry Collins' death makes for particularly moving reading.

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Pages: 192

Publication Date: 23-10-2017

The day the pubs ran dry: 9 - 3



Llanelli Rugby Club defeated the All Blacks on 31st of October 1972. This legendary result has been called one of the top ten moments in rugby history, and possibly one of the greatest rugby upsets ever.

The story of the game is retold in this book and each one on the pitch for Llanelli that day recollects the achievement. There is a chapter also on maestro Carwyn James, the inimitable Ray Gravell, and Max Boyce tells of writing his famous song. This is a book to be treasured by all rugby supporters.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 171

Dimensions: 140 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 30-01-2013

Nigel Owens is one of the best referees in world rugby. But before reaching the highest echelons of the game, he went through a personal crisis and 'came out' as gay - the first to do so in the macho world of professional rugby. His bravery earned him great respect from players, officials and supporters alike.

In this warm, funny and painfully honest autobiography, he speaks frankly about his struggle to accept himself for who he was, leading to attempted suicide, bulimia and steroid addiction. Owens also recounts many amusing incidents from rugby matches, foreign trips and his off-field career as an entertainer.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 221

Dimensions: 140 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 30-01-2013