Customer Reviews

Rugby for Dummies

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I received my copy of Rugby for Dummies this past friday, and have learned a great deal already.

I have recently become interested in learning about Rugby, and finding this book was a godsend. The authors talk about the game and equipment in terms that someone with no prior knowledge can easily digest. They resist the over-usage of jargon and where they do use jargon, they explain what they are talking about in a way that doesn't leave the reader sitting there scratching his/her head.

I plan to continue my exploration of the world of Rugby, and Rugby For Dummies has become my chief reference.

Kudos to the authors!

The authors know their rugby. They are both life-long players and have spent years coaching as well as analyzing (and broadcasting) national and international rugby games in the U.S. But they wear their experience and expertise with ease. Nothing is taken for granted -- absolute beginners will be walked through the basics with clear and effective writing. And yet, the book manages to be full of nuance and expert advice so that crotchety, old vets and in-their-prime, active players will learn much from it as well. The authors do more than convey the nuts and bolts of playing -- they give a sense of the texture of the rugby life (as many will tell you, as important an aspect of the game as on-field play). Thanks guys.

"Rugby for Dummies" contains a lot of very valuable information on what is the greatest team sport on the planet. The authors are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and it would be a hard man who didn't read through this book and not long to try playing.

My complaint about "Rugby for Dummies" has to do not with the authors, but with the editing and layout. It is the same complaint I would make about many of the books in the "for Dummies" series. My view is that for this book to be the truly canonical intro to rugby, it needs better graphics (including colour photos), a reduced word total (less repetition), and clearer page layouts.

As it happens, a competitor book, "Rugby Skills, Tactics, and Rules" has all of those things WIRED: great lay-out, concise, and a great collection of photos (so you get a real sense of the game in action). To me, the Ultimate Intro to Rugby Book would combine the strengths of both of these books: some of the detail and personal touches of "Rugby for Dummies", with the straightforwardness and visual appeal of "Rugby Skills".

More broadly, let me say to all those wishing to learn to play rugby, and who have never played before, that here's what you should do:

1.) Read through this book, and the "Rugby Skills, Tactics, and Rules" book I mentioned;

2.) Get Setanta Sports on your cable or satellite. It's an Irish station which broadcasts a lot of top-quality rugby matches from around the world. Many of them are on very late or early morning, so be prepared to Tivo them. Watch the games closely to get a feel for what's happening;

3.) Contact whatever rugby clubs are in your area, and ask them when their games are, and whether they have a team for newbies (usually clubs will sponsor a variety of teams in different leagues: a premier squad, a first division squad, a second division squad, and so on. The lowest squad is a less-competitive situation, where the emphasis is on learning the game, having fun, etc.).

I should mention here that rugby clubs are not like soccer or baseball teams. There is a strong social aspect to rugby which just doesn't really exist in other sports; it is probably the closest thing we have now to what our granddads had when they went to the Legion or the Elks Lodge (or, come to think of it, enlisting to fight in World War II). So what I'm saying is, that there is a very good chance that your local rugby club will be thrilled that you are interested in learning to play, and will welcome you with open arms. Pop around to a few of the games, or club functions, to see which one you most click with, and then...you can go from there.

In the off-season (spring and summer), most clubs will hold two-hand-touch scrimmages twice a week just to keep in game shape, and that is a good way to get acquainted with all the movement on the pitch. But even if the season has started, still pop around and start going to the games. If nothing else, you will start to make friends and get a feel for the game just by watching. And most rugby clubs are totally fine allowing newbies and even strangers to participate in their practices.

When it comes time to buying gear, you'll probably have to zip around online to find stuff. I find the Canterbury stuff overall the best. But the good thing is that all you really need to start playing is cleats and a cup. You can get pads, but they are all very thin, and I almost wonder if their value is psychological more than anything.

Anyway, good luck on your rugby adventures, and send me an email if you have any questions.

I hope this review helped someone.

The book was very informative. The book is great for all people, from those who don't know anything about rugby to those just looking for spare bits of information. The authors did a great job with their style as well, making the reader feel as if they were having a discussion with the authors, and giving the reader confidence in his/her rugby ability. It covers all areas of the game, from the rules, to techniques, to training, to the public world of rugby. I recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn anything about the sport

I have re-read this book four times now, and I have to say that I've gotten something more out of it each time. It is well written by two men who know the game from the grassroots level up to the international without making presumptions or patronizing the reader. It kept me entertained and educated throughout. Definately worth the time and money from the greenest of rookies to the wylie vets.

I bought this book just a couple of months ago and I must say, it is definately worth the money you're paying for it. I just started to play rugby this January, and as a beginner, I was searching for a book that would not only explain the rules of rugby, but that would also explain everything else about rugby to me: where the sport orginated, which professional teams exist, what kind of risk is involved in it, what important events in rugby history are, how to use specific tactics and techniques, and all that kind of stuff. With "Rugby for Dummies" I've found this book! It explains all that and much more in an easy to read style and with a bunch of illustrations... it's actually just perfect for everyone who is interested in playing rugby or who already started to play but who still needs all the basic information about his new sport... Without any doubt, I highly recommend this product :)

as a beginner who thought he knew what was going on on the field (until i read this) this is a very simple, readable beginners guide, covering all aspects of the game - rules, training, tactics, positions - that i continue to dip into from time to time two year after reading it for the first time.... highly recommended

I am new to the world of Rugby. This book was great. It really breaks down a sport that, to me, looked like a bunch of men running in to each other. I have a much better idea of the game and it's history because of this book.

This book gives anyone new to the sport everything they need to know to not only follow the game if watching television but get involved as well if they are looking for a new athletic career (no matter the age).

A very interesting book with very clear explanations and a full comprehensible vocabulary. I am not an english speaking man, but I can understand almost the whole of the text withouth effort. And this although it is a technical mate. I recommend it to everybody with interest in rugby.