Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Book review

This is not about high school girls rugby in Wisconsin, but I thought it might be of interest to our blog readers. Perhaps you are trapped in doors by a foot and half of snow and looking to read a good book about rugby. Unfortunately, those books are hard to come by on the shelves of American book stores. Well, I have a solution.

Browsing google books, I found a couple of free books about rugby. I am in the midst of reading "Rugby Union Football" by Philip Christian William Trevor. This book recounts the development of the game of rugby from the erly 1870's to the modern era (circa 1910). Despite the age of this book, it gives a unique perspective on the development of rugby tactics and positions from the lawless early days into a form of rugby that would be Diy recognized today. In addition. The book provides detailed discussions of the tactics of backs, forwards, and key positions, like the full-back. The book also discusses the success and struggles of England, Wales, Ireland. And Scotland, in the chapters discussing the international game.

It may be a little dated, but it is a fun read. It provides an authentic voice for rugby's history and, despite it's age, many of the author's tactical discussions still ring true today. Search for "rugby" on googlebooks, and I am sure this tome will pop up.

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