The rugby union has undergone immense change in the past two
decades--introducing a World Cup, accepting professionalism, and
creating a global market in players. This resource covers all of the
great matches, teams, and players while also placing them in the context
of the social, political, and economic changes which have affected the
course of rugby's development. International in scope, this history
includes not only Britain and France but also the great rugby powers of
the southern hemisphere and other successful rugby nations, such as
Argentina, Fiji, and Japan. Rich in anecdotes--including the story of
why 1895 is the most important date in both the rugby union and rugby
league history, allegations of devil worship at a Welsh rugby club, the
game's contribution to the Cuban Revolution, and why the most fearsome
of all New Zealand forwards was also a proficient knitter--this
reference is a must-read for any fan of the oval ball.