Rugby

Press, 2 September 1980, Page 25

Rugby

’The most complete and authoritative book on the game yet written,” states the dust cover on . "Rugby,” a , new book on the sport by John Hopkins of the London “Sunday Times.” (Published by Cassell New Zealand.) This might seem an ambitious claim to make about a book which numbers less than 200 pages. But if it is judged on the quality of both content and presentation it could well take a lot of beating. For a start John Hopkins is an extremely gifted writer. He is especially at home when delving into rugby history and he uses this talent well in his assemblage of five great rugby men. Two New Zealanders are on his list: Colin Meads, as might be ex--pected, and the famed Otago coach, Vic Cavanagh, who died just a few weeks ago. There is a strong suspicion that it is character, as much as footballing prowess, that has influenced Hopkins in his choices. The book certainly lacks, nothing in the way of authority. There is a most impressive collection of contributors,- New Zealanders Meads, the late Jack Gleeson, Wilson Whineray and, inevitably, Chris Laidlaw being among them. There is also a very good coaching section, nine of the world’s great players offering hints and advice in addition to basic instruction. Meads features again here, telling what it takes to be a champion lock. The excellence' of the written word is supported by the quality of the illustrations and the lay-out. It might just have to be the most complete and authoritative book on rugby ever written.