Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #246427 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

Synopsis
Written by acclaimed rugby league historian, Robert Gate, "Rugby League Lions" presents the complete and only record of every test match played by Great Britain. Supported by comprehensive statistics and over 200 photographs and illustrations, many of which have never previously been published, this book details the highs and lows of each and every game - from the first contest against New Zealand at Headingley on 25 January 1908 to Great Britain's final match, again against the Kiwis, at Wigan on 10 November 2007. In 2007, the Rugby Football League decided to abandon Great Britain as its flagship representative side. "Rugby League Lions" captures the spirit of the players in the red, white and blue and provides the definitive record of the national team through its entire 100 years of existence.

Customer Reviews

Great book, shame about the intro
These are the sort of books which Rugby League is crying out for. It not only lists and summarises every GB test, but also gives just the right amount of detail about the match itself. I have had many memories rekindled by looking back over the the details of the matches I have watched or attended, and the choice of photographs is also very good.

So why only four stars and not five? Well, my gripe is the author's introduction. Rather than a positive introduction to a great history book, it serves more as a personal attack on why the RFL have been wrong to split GB into the home nations. Add to this some negative comments about choosing Aussie coaches and non-British players, and you have a downbeat tone before even reaching the first page. I just feel there is a time and a place for this type of opinion, and as this will undoubtedly be the standard work on the subject, I feel the author could have chosen his words a little more carefully.