Boots 'n all (by Andy Haden)

• 1983 edition,  247 pages
• Published by Rugby Press Ltd
• Hardcover with dust jacket,  black boards
• Condition: Good plus, some shelf wear wear to dust jacket.

 

 Illustrated with black and white and colour photos.  Index included.

Traditionally, rugby has been a game in which the amateur players have silently accepted the rigid demands of their coaches and the decisions of administrators while leaving the criticism to critics.

Andy Haden is one of a modern breed of footballer who has not only challenged this situation but worked strenuously to turn it around, to the greater enlightenment of players, coaches and administrators.

Haden declined to follow the trend of most retiring famous personalities by publishing a biography or autobiography.  Instead, he has presented his impressions of the system under which they all played, lifting more than a few lids in the process.

He describes the incidents and controversies in which he has been involved, conceding there have been a startling number, while exploring the political and social aspects of the fascinating game of rugby.

This is one of the most enlightening, outspokern and thought-provoking books ever written on the game, a must for all rugby buffs.

Lavishly illustrated, it throws the spotlight on most of the outstanding personalities of the past decade.