''If there is one thing we have gained recently is time. Here are my top rugby related books that I would highly recommend picking up during lockdown. In no particular order….

Francois Pienaar - Rainbow Warrior

Though I could argue each of these books are my favourite, Rainbow Warrior is actually my favourite.

It’s set against the backdrop of apartheid, RWC 95, Mandela, Lomu, the emergence of professional rugby and the influence of the Packers and Murdoch’s of this world.

His tales of rugby at RAU and then Transvaal are legendary. The huge names and characters he casually interacts with are stories unto themselves. This would be my top recommendation if you had to pick one. For some reason out of print currently.

Buy Rainbow Warrior

Ben Ryan - Sevens Heaven

This is a very honest account of managing upwards as well as downward. The team's aim was the modest feat of reaching the Olympics and gaining their first ever medal. We all know how that ended.

A lot of focus on environment, welfare and putting the player first. Really enjoyable book with some personal insight to boot.

Buy Sevens Heaven

Vasco Uva - Hoje e por Portugal

With a preface by IRB Coach of the Year 2007 Nominee Tomaz Morais , this is a diary about Portugal’s qualification and subsequent foray into RWC 2007. Still the only one Portugal have ever qualified for. With a fully amateur side Vasco captained his country at the highest level including against the All Blacks in a momentous game I was lucky enough to be at. A game where the Kiwi and French fans got up to applaud Portugal’s only try of the game. One for the purists/nauses. Vasco is now a member of the Rugby Centurions Club.

Lots of clichés to recycle about the lessons learned along the way and how we can adapt them to today’s current events etc etc . To be honest for me this was a great read because I was there for a lot of it.

Buy Hoje e por Portugal (Portuguese language)

Jake White - In Black and White

This book was my first corporate gift I received and the first I read from the rugby management side. Some of the tough years he documents include his difficult upbringing and realising he’d never wear a provincial or Springbok blazer.

It makes for a controversial read in places as South African rugby has its own political nuances. The selection issues he faces combined with the oversight and scrutiny he was under is just unbelievable.

Buy In Black and White

Ben Mercer - Fringes: Life on the edge of professional rugby

Ben Mercer isn’t just a former rugby player for a mix of British and French teams, he’s a writer too with an English degree as well. The result is a really authentic account of how lower league teams are staffed and run themselves. For example, the demands on the players, staff and community when you don't have millions to spend or a huge fan base.

What’s different about Ben’s book is it’s not all about World Cup glory. It’s about the real issues facing players including mental health. Beyond that though, the first person narrative takes the reader through some really interesting insights such as the life of a player and contract negotiations. I’d highly recommend giving Fringes a read too.

Buy Fringes

Lawrence Dallaglio - It's In The Blood

There’s no introduction needed when you mention Lawrence Dallaglio. The former England captain shares his insights into the European Cup, Premiership and The Grand Slam. Lawrence’s story is interesting because he was never the cliched poster boy growing up or even when he was grown up. It didn’t seem to stop reaching the pinnacles of success.

What’s refreshing is that Lawrence doesn’t hold back with his writing style. There’s no reading between the lines, everything quite literally is an open book."

Buy It's In The Blood

What rugby books do you recommend? Contact us via info@oldpriorians.com and we'll publish your recommendations on the website!