This work is a beautifully-produced, well-researched and entertaining pocket history of the game from its origins to the present day. Rugby Union, League, Aussie Rules and Gaelic football, with reference to American football too - all interspersed with a wealth of facts, records and entertaining snippets and stories.

'A good punch never hurt anybody.'

'Well, the first half was a half of two halves. The first half of that half belonged to England while the second half of the first half belonged to Australia.'

'And he's got an ice-pack on his groin, so it's probably not the old shoulder injury.'