The Winter Game: Rediscovering the Passion of Rugby

by ToddR.Nicholls (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2006

  $3.27

  Rugby has been central to the life of New Zealander Todd Nicholls and, indeed, to that of his country. After the advent of professionalism, however, it appeared to him that the essence and uniqueness of the game had been lost. It was now all about money and entertainment rather than the manly endeavour it had once been. In an effort to discover whether the spirit that made the game great still existed, Todd embarked on a two-year odyssey over both hemispheres that saw him not only rediscover his passion but also uncover why the sport had changed. During his journey, Todd examines the state of the game in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the European continent and in Britain and Ireland, and he provides a blistering appraisal of the issues facing rugby today. Including interviews with past and present rugby giants such as Brian O'Driscoll, Tana Umaga, Sir Clive Woodward, Graham Henry, Lawrence Dallaglio, Richard McCaw, Willie John McBride, Colin Meads, Jack Kyle, Sean Fitzpatrick, Gavin Hastings, Justin Marshall, Dan Carter and Martyn Williams, The Winter Game is for anyone who cares about rugby.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2005

  $9.41

  Beginning with England's triumphant World Cup win in November 2003 and culminating with the Lions Tour of New Zealand, Nicholls examines the sport at each level in the major countries in which it is played. Elsewhere in the book, the author covers the origins, aims and achievements of both the Super 12 and the Tri-Nations; assesses the background of the Zurich Premiership and how this competition fits into the world rugby calendar; interviews members of the 2005 Six Nations squads to ask their opinions on rugby's current burning issues; reviews the state of the game in post-Apartheid South Africa; and concludes by examining whether or not rugby is in a healthier position now than it was when it was an amateur sport. Meticulously researched and breathtaking in scope, The Winter Game takes the reader on an exhilarating journey around the world of rugby over the past 18 months and predicts what direction the game will take from here on in.