Product Description

The laws of the game made simple -- for players, referees, coaches and spectators -- in this international bestselling guide to rugby union, now in its fifth edition and fully updated to include all the latest international law changes from 2004. This is a book packed full of useful information and advice on how the modern game is played. Now all players, novice referees and school coaches seeking to understand more about the rules and regulations can find an answer to their various questions. Featuring all key areas in the game, including: The intricacies of the offside rule / Foul play and dangerous play / Rucks and mauls / Throwing in at the line-outs / Regulations regarding the scoring of points / The advantage law Written in a user-friendly style, with over 60 practical illustrations, you can't afford to be without this definitive reference book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6853 in Books
• Published on: 2005-02-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Review
'The perfect companion for any keen rugby player' Daily Express 'Displays a sharp wit' Daily Telegraph

About the Author
Derek Robinson writes for the Rugby Football Union and the International Rugby Football Board. He is the author of Rugby: A Referee's Guide and eleven novels, the best of which, Goshawk Squadron, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

Customer Reviews

Mental Fitnes Training for Rugby Players
Derek Robinson has achieved a great deal in this book, setting out in plain English the complex laws of rugby union, and unlike many books on the laws it is a good read, blending dry facts with humour.

This book should be mandatory reading for anyone who plays rugby, because not only does it tell what you CAN'T do, it also sets out the leeway and loopholes that you can use too.

Published in 2002, it includes the 2001 revisions, so it is also reasonably up to date. Highly recommended.

Perfect guide to Rugby Union.
This is a first rate guide to Rugby union. I have tried on and off over the years to watch the game on TV, but although the commentators and action replays showed what was occuring on the field, I just couldn't take it in. This excellent book boils it all down and shows with the aid of diagrams exactly what is supposed to be happening. I got this book a couple of weeks ago, And last weekend, I watched two Games on Sky and it was as if the blinkers had come off I understood pretty much everything that was going on. Another useful tool to use with this I find, is when the six nations are on, you are able to get the referees microphone feed on BBCi.

The only way the book and a real live game of rugby differ and cause some confusion is when the players are doing things and getting away with it. That is to say when they are breaking the laws of the game and not being found out, but I wouldn't have known they were in the wrong had I not read this book. Maybe some of the players should get this book too.

This book has taken me from knowing nothing at all about the game (and having tried to learn in the past). To being able to watch and really enjoy a great sport. I have Mr Robinson to thank for that, and I will be forever thankful.

Brilliant for player, supporter or beginner!
A marvellous book for anyone interested in rugby; Derek Robinson explains the rules clearly and simply, but in enough depth to help understand the game. As a player (scrumhalf at that) I found the book very useful for the little rules which I didn't know, and the larger ones which seem to change every season!

I highly recommend this book.