Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #428886 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-10
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Synopsis
Rupert Moon's tale has more to it than tries and tackles. As a youngster he struggled academically, loath to waste time with lessons whilst there was a ball outside waiting to be kicked. He came from a family who were passionate about the game of rugby union, and their involvement with the local club at Walsall and its players fired the imagination of a gangly, cumbersome kid. His is a story of belonging and of finding a place where rugby was the very lifeblood of the community. It is also the story of a player whose burgeoning celebrity status threatened to dwarf his many achievements on the fields of play. Away from the mud and glory, Rupert explores the side of rugby the fans seldom see. Alongside a trail of humorous anecdotes, he recalls the drinking sprees, tours, endless training, backstabbing, media exploitation, professionalism, club politics, coaches, comebacks and enduring friendships. This is the story of a man who took his rugby seriously without ever taking himself so. Told with honesty and candour and imbued with his infectious love of life, "Full Moon" is a tale for rugby fans, sports fans and fans of eccentrics wherever they are.

Customer Reviews

great read for anyone interested in sport
This is a great read for anyone interested in sport, let alone rugby, let alone Welsh rugby. The mechanics of how a young lad reaches the top of his chosen sport is laid bare, along with what it means to those around him, particularly his family. Moon's personality shines from the pages, making the book a delight to read: top marks to David Roach for telling Moon's story - and capturing the man - so well.
The style is breathless - there's an awful lot to tell. Besides the anecdotes and observations on those he has played with and against, Moon is honest about his own failings, no big-head he. But he's also confident about his strengths and assesses what he brought to the game, especially at the international level. The section on how he came to play for Wales rather than his native England is exceptional, and food for thought on the question of the relevance of the UK, and what it means to be English or indeed Welsh. Perhaps most of all though, the book evokes Welsh rugby and Wales itself wonderfully well. The authors clearly love the place, its people and culture. And I'm off to visit Stradey Park.

Full Moon shines bright
Rupert's book is one of the few books written by retired Welsh Rugby players not to express bitterness at all involved in the game (including fans) and to attempt to ridicule former colleagues. Throughout the book his unhibited delight at the game of Rugby and the other aspects of his very full life is obvious to all. Although he was born in Walsall, Rupert is far more of a credit to Wales and its national game than many of his playing contemporaries, many of whom have written books merely in order to cash in on sensationalist claims which betray fellow players. In short, Rupert's great achievements on and off the pitch are well reflected in this book. Well done Rup!