The Best Book of Rugby Facts and Stats Ever! - Softcover

Bath, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1858687551 ISBN 13: 9781858687551

Publisher: Carlton Books Ltd, 1999

Synopsis

Rare Book

About this title

Review

This is no doubt among the first of many rugby union books which will find their way on to the market in time for the 1999 World Cup being hosted by Wales. It is certainly packed full of statistical information ranging from the histories of the major union-playing nations to a chronological look at the evolution of the sport. In a well laid-out format, it also looks at the most famous players to have graced rugby union, some of the best coaches and clubs, as well as great matches and stadiums. Relive, for example, the epic 1973 clash between the Barbarians and New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park, the highlight of which was that memorable early try scored by Gareth Edwards after the ball had passed through seven pairs of hands in a length-of-the-field move. There is also a fascinating statistics section which contains the past winners of all major domestic and international competitions and leagues. Unfortunately, the publication does not quite live up to its boastful title of The Best Book of Rugby Facts & Stats Ever as there are some obvious--and embarrassing--inaccuracies. You don't get past the contents before noticing the first glaring error, "Test Great Rugby Clubs". "Test" should presumably have read "The". And it is not easy to miss in the "Famous Players" section, the reference to South Africa full-back Andre Joubert "now being in his 1930s"! Strangely enough, Richard Bath admits in his introduction that there will be errors, which suggests that maybe it was hurriedly put together. It is a shame because this is an easy-to-read publication that, mistakes apart, whets the appetite ahead of the World Cup. --Martine Hunter

Edition details

• Publisher: Carlton Books Ltd
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1858687551
• ISBN 13: 9781858687551
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352