Rugby for Dummies. 2nd ed.

John Walker is a professor of Spanish at Queen’s University.

Rugby for Dummies (fully revised and updated, 2nd edition) is a mine of information, comprehensive in its coverage, suitable for novices and veterans, spectators and players, males and females. All three authors are not only experts in their field, but savvy exponents of the various media (print, radio, television, etc.). Brown and Guthrie provide the North American perspective, whilst the Australian Growden is a world-renowned sportswriter and commentator.

Rugby for Dummies can be read from cover to cover, or used as a companion or reference book for easy access and consultation, for dipping into and cross-referencing. It is divided into six parts. Part 1, “Rugby: Roots, Boots, and All,” is composed of three chapters, covering the origins and history of the game, with a basic overview (field, scoring, timekeeping, etc.). Part 2, “Getting Down and Dirty,” is made up of nine chapters dealing with various aspects of the game such as the positions, the laws, fundamentals (kicking, running, tackling, scoring, lining up, tactics, and teamwork), and the importance of training. Part 3, “Welcome to the Oval Planet,” is divided into four chapters describing key competitions like the World Cup, the international calendar, and North American rugby, as well as competitions for amateurs and professionals, high schools and colleges, and men and women. Part 4, “Coaching and Refereeing,” has three chapters devoted to administration: coaching, officiating, certification, management, and the key role of the game referee. Part 5, “Following the Game: The Informed Fan,” deals with the promotion and marketing of rugby through television, magazines, newspapers, internet, etc. Part 6, “The Part of Tens,” has three lists: the ten best players in North America — Canadian fans will recognize Gareth Rees, Al Charron, and Mike James; ten best rugby moments at home and abroad; and ten odd facts and quirky news items. This informative and entertaining volume is rounded out by two useful appendices: a list of all test matches played by Canada and USA; and a 13-page glossary of rugby terms.

Rugby for Dummies is an attractive guide, enhanced by illustrations, photographs, cartoon drawings, figures, insets, and icons, that makes a valuable contribution to the increasingly popular sport in North America, and is both pleasing to fans and instructive to players and officials alike.