Around the World in 80 Minutes

A WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 - SPORT 'A mesmerising, unforgettable journey around world rugby. ' Donald McRae Twice Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Magnificent hugely intelligent and entertaining. Stuart Barnes, Sunday Times Really enjoyed it. Will Carling An absolutely marvellous book Recommended heartily. Jonathan Drennan, Sydney Morning Herald CONTRASTING CHARACTERS, COLLIDING CULTURES, THE SAME OVAL-SHAPED BALL. A JOURNEY TO FIND THE RUGBYS MOST REMARKABLE PEOPLE, TEAMS AND PLACES. What makes rugby special? Which individuals and teams have defined the modern game? Around the World in 80 Minutes charts the golden era of global rugby union between 1973 and 2023 and goes in search of the sports most influential trailblazers. Robert Kitson, the Guardians long-time rugby union correspondent, assesses the games current health, tracks down the battered gladiators of yesteryear and asks some pertinent questions. Does rugby retain its old rugged charm? What does its future look like? And what, ultimately, constitutes rugby greatness? Observant, amusing and thought-provoking, the journey takes in some of the game's more prominent names including David Campese, Brian ODriscoll, Maggie Alphonsi, Sean Fitzpatrick, Eddie Jones and Sir Clive Woodward to reflect on rugbys intangible shared joy. Millions of fans continue to find rugby maddeningly irresistible and endlessly compelling. This book is for them, and for anyone else wondering where the appeal lies.