AS the build up to the big day gathers pace, The Offside Line is here to help out with our recommendation of five books – all available to buy at our online shop – which can be the perfect gift for your rugby loving friends and family this Christmas.
For the kids:
1. Chasing a Rugby Dream: Kick-off
Click HERE to buy.
Written by Ospreys, Gloucester, Perpignan, Wales and British & Irish Lions star, James Hook, with acclaimed author, David Brayley, this is the first in a fantastic new series of middle-grade novels that combine amazing characters and great rugby drama with insights and tips for young, aspiring players. ‘The perfect book for any parent to read with their kids.’
James Hook’s unusual new career path inspires kids to ‘Chase a Rugby Dream’
For the sentimentalists:
2. Dark Blue Blood – Scottish Rugby in the Black & White Era
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Scottish rugby has a glorious history, great players, great games, great memories. The game has been photographed all the way along its journey, and it is those photos that author Steve Finan found in dusty newspaper and magazine archives, and various other collections — photos not seen for 40 or 50 years.
‘Dark Blue Blood’ is a black and white book which should be read all over
For the modernists:
3. Exe Men: The Extraordinary Rise of the Exeter Chiefs
Click HERE to buy.
The inside story of the fairytale success of Exeter Chiefs, the club from the lower leagues who broke into the English Premiership and not only survived against all expectations, but has gone on to become one of the most dominant club teams in world rugby. Written by The Guardian’s Robert Kitson.
Story of the ‘Exe Men’ points the way to making professional rugby work
For the purists:
4. Ken Scotland – The Autobiography
Click HERE to buy.
Ken Scotland has finally decided to tell his story and has created a rich and powerful testimony to his life and rugby career, throwing new light on his own achievements as well as providing fresh insight into the great players of his era. This autobiography is as fascinating as it is evocative of a time and a game long past, and is a must-read for rugby fans of all generations.
Ken Scotland: an unlikely revolutionary who embodies the spirit of rugby
For the anoraks:
5. Scottish Rugby 101
Click HERE to buy.
A compendium of fascinating facts, quotes, stats, stories, personalities and trivia, compiled by Pete Burns. Perfect for all fans of Scottish rugby.
Gavin Blackburn column: My solution to Scotland’s player pathway problem