We had the pleasure of reading two Y Lolfa titles during a recent holiday. The experience was quite enlightening as Hard Men of Rugby by Luke Upton and Saving Rugby Union: The Price of Professionalism by Ross Reyburn provided different perspectives on the game of rugby.
Upton’s work focused on the strength and toughness of 20 rugby standouts, while Reyburn focuses on a number of crises facing rugby union. Reading them in tandem offered some unique, often conflicting, views.
Upton profiles the hardest players in the history of rugby, offering solid snapshots of their careers, characteristics, and accomplishments. Each is under 10 pages, offering the reader something that is easily accessible and enjoyable. Upton’s talent as a writer comes through in this text and the enjoyment we experienced with Absolutely Huge is replicated here. Nigel Owens offers up a great foreword that sets the stage for a great rugby history lesson.
This history includes much of the 1900s and details the work of rugby stars on and off the field. All would be remembered for their sporting talent, but some found recognition as war heroes, stuntmen, and even actors. Our favorite part of the book were the crazy nicknames, like the Chiropractor, Car Crash, the Widow Maker, and the Ayatollah, and the stories behind them.
Reyburn handles the biggest controversies facing rugby union with great vigor and clarity, offering the reader both history and a range of perspectives. This title also offers a brilliant foreword; this one comes from Willie John McBride.
The focus of this title is the 25 years since the game turned professional and the mismanagement that followed. Issues that are addressed include an injury crisis, the union vs. league rivalry, the rise of concussions, and the loss of values and common sense. The changes in the game have left many feeling that a great disservice has been done.
Reading these two in tandem gives rugby fans a delightful experience, one that would make a wonderful gift during the holiday season. And that is why the brilliance continues at Y Lolfa.
