Rugby Was F***ing Better When - A Guide to the Modern Game

Paul Williams

Publisher: Polaris

Summary

According to legend and a cursory look at Google, rugby was created in 1823. When William Webb Ellis allegedly picked up the ball, and ran with it, rugby was born. How true this is, we don't know. But what we can almost guarantee is that no matter how the game started, even after just one day of the sport being invented, some people will have said that it was better in the f***ing old days.
As progressive as rugby has become (both on and off the field) many feel that rugby 'yesterday' was better than rugby today. But do the stats back this up? Do the ill-informed opinions of the book's author back that up? This book examines various aspects of the game, and judges whether rugby's best days are behind, or ahead of it.
Let the debate commence . . .
Hilarious, off-beat and (surprisingly) insightful, this is the perfect gift for rugby fans all around the world.

Available since: 09/04/2025.

Print length: 192 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Astonishing Survival Stories...

Phoenix MacLeod

Dive into this edge-of-your-seat world of survival where courage and resilience overcome the impossible. These are The Greatest Survival Stories Ever Lived!
What drives someone to push beyond limits when all seems lost?
• Can you imagine surviving without supplies in a small boat adrift on the Pacific Ocean for 14 months?
• Could you find your way through a Peruvian jungle after falling two miles from the sky—without a parachute?
• How might you survive the relentless battle against nature and captors while being forced to walk in the heat of the Sahara Desert?
Inside, you will discover 9 astonishing stories of survivors who defied the odds, showcasing unmatched bravery, physical stamina, and mental resilience. What would YOU do to survive these survival scenarios?
● James Riley's ingenious methods of helping his crew survive being shipwrecked, enslaved, and then forced to walk the Sahara Desert - turning a landscape of peril into a stage for human tenacity and ingenuity.
● The story of Ernest Shackleton’s incredible leadership in Antarctica that turned his shipwrecked crew’s despair into hope despite the icy wilderness.
● The prowess of the human heart is exemplified in the incredible story of Louis Zamperini’s survival of his B-24’s disastrous crash and several Japanese POW camps.
● A gripping account of the heroic efforts of the tenacious, brave rescuers of 13 boys of a Thai soccer team who were trapped in a flooded cavern.
Plus several other true accounts that show us how we might also triumph over nature's fury, maintain hope amid despair, and refuse to yield before our time.
Are you ready to be inspired, to feel the rush of adrenaline, and to immerse yourself in vivid accounts of extraordinary courage and indomitable spirit?
It's time to absorb these pages as your own unforgettable adventure begins today. To learn how these extraordinary people survived their harrowing ordeals, open this book and start reading right now!

Show book

Inspirational Baseball Stories...

Finn Manning

Inspire Your Child with Amazing Stories of Baseball Legends!
Does your child love baseball? Want them to learn valuable lessons from some of the greatest baseball players ever? This audiobook is packed with real stories about baseball heroes who never gave up and achieved their dreams!
"Inspirational Baseball Stories for Young Readers" is full of fun and easy stories about famous baseball players like Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, and other legends. Each chapter teaches important lessons about teamwork, courage, and not giving up.
Inside, your child will discover:Stories about brave players like the boy with one hand who became a great pitcher.How Jackie Robinson changed baseball forever by breaking the color barrier.The story of Babe Ruth, who went from a troubled kid to a baseball star.How girls played professional baseball during World War II when the men went to fight.And many more stories of players who never gave up!
Why This Audiobook?
This audiobook isn’t just about baseball—it’s about courage, teamwork, and chasing dreams. Each story shows how real people faced challenges and found success by staying strong. Your child will be inspired to keep going, believe in themselves, and reach for their own goals, no matter what.
Whether they love baseball or just enjoy exciting stories, this audiobook will encourage them to dream big and never give up.
Help your child learn about perseverance, teamwork, and chasing their dreams. Click "Add to Cart" now and inspire your child to become their best!

Show book

When Friday Comes - Football...

James Montague

'Passionate and moving and provides further evidence of the universality of football' Jonathan Wilson, FourFourTwo 
 
The definitive story of the Middle East's unstoppable rise to football superpower, and the road to the Qatar World Cup 
 
When James Montague first began covering football in the Middle East two decades ago, people asked him what future there could possibly be for the beautiful game in one of the most volatile regions in the world. In the years that followed, it would become one of the biggest stories in global sport, from the from revolutionary ultras of the Arab Spring and the takeover of some of the world's biggest clubs by the Emirati super rich, to Qatar's controversial journey towards hosting the 2022 World Cup finals. 
 
The only Western journalist covering the story on the ground from the very beginning, James Montague tells the definitive tale of the region's rise to ultimate power player in the global game in a fully revised and updated edition. Travelling to every country in the Middle East and meeting fans, players, workers and campaigners, he paints an unforgettable picture of football in a controversial, vibrant and surprising new world.

Show book

Champions' Playbook - Strategies...

Zane Ryder

Success in any sport begins with the right mindset. The journey to becoming a champion is not just about physical prowess but also about cultivating a mental framework that supports peak performance. A champion’s mindset is characterized by resilience, confidence, and an unwavering belief in their ability to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face. 
Developing mental toughness is essential for overcoming setbacks and staying focused on long-term goals. Athletes with a strong mindset view obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities to grow. They embrace adversity as a chance to learn, adapt, and improve. This resilience is often built through consistent practice, reflection, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable situations. Champions do not fear failure; they use it as fuel to push forward. 
Another critical aspect of the champion's mindset is confidence. Confidence is not arrogance but a deep trust in one’s preparation, skills, and ability to perform under pressure. This self-assurance often comes from thorough preparation and relentless dedication to honing one’s craft. Visualization techniques can also enhance confidence. Many top athletes use mental imagery to see themselves succeeding, whether it’s scoring a goal, hitting a perfect shot, or executing a flawless play. This mental rehearsal strengthens their belief in their ability to achieve their goals.

Show book

The Magpies Quiz Book - 1000...

Mart Matthews

How much do you really know about the club you love? You can find out by exploring the 1,000 questions set out in 100 categories that make up this Newcastle United Quiz Book.
It's not often that books on football make reference to Catch-22, Bob Dylan, Queen Victoria, the Boat Race, Monty Python, EastEnders, LA Confidential, the Beatles and the Likely Lads, but this one does!
Try these for size:
1. When Newcastle United reached successive FA Cup finals in 1998 and 1999, which club did they knock out of the competition in both seasons?
2. Although Newcastle United came out on the wrong end of those two magnificent 4-3 encounters with Liverpool at Anfield in the mid-90s, their contribution will always be remembered. Who scored for them in both games?
3. Which three successive Newcastle United managers had all won the European Cup/Champions League as players?

Show book

Arctic Sven Finding Ki - A True...

Loren J. Chassels

Loren J. Chassels felt stuck, working two demanding jobs as an EMT and a Full-time high school teacher. Burned out and overwhelmed, he decided to take a life-changing journey—hiking the entire 2,190+ mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, Loren set out to challenge himself physically and mentally. As he trekked through the ever-changing landscapes, from lush forests to snow-capped peaks, he found a sense of inner harmony that had been missing from his life. Loren's story is one of personal growth and self-discovery. He shares the joys and difficulties of life on the trail, from the beauty of communing with nature to the physical toll of hiking long distances. Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of fellow hikers and draws inspiration from the trail's legendary thru-hikers. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking for an uplifting tale of finding one's true path, Loren's journey on the Appalachian Trail will leave you inspired to seek your own adventure.

Show book