Rugby Union for Dummies

by Nick Cain, Greg Growden

If you're new to the sport or you feel you could sharpen up your knowledge of the game, this guide is for you. Inside you'll find easy-to-understand advice on the basic rules and pitch positions, plus in-depth lessons on ball skills, fitness training, and techniques to outwit your opponents - all illustrated with entertaining stories from British and International rugby's back pages. In addition, you get a grounding in the local, national and international reaches of Rugby Union  Rugby Union For Dummies 3rd Edition :

Genres: Sports

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Pete daPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been watching the 6 Nations since the competition was just the 5 Nations. In all that time, I've been thoroughly entertained, while so much of the game has remained a complete mystery to me.
Ahead of this season's 6 Nations (2012) I thought it a good idea to learn a little bit about the rudiments, tactics, laws and player positions. Rugby Union was never played at any school I attended, so the game with the wobbly ball only came into my life through t.v. coverage. Yet after so many years I still cannot tell a blind-side flanker from a tight-head prop.
Anyone who is as befuddled with Rugby Union should quite enjoy Nick Cain's efforts to explain all.
The meat in 'Rugby Union for Dummies' is in Part II, especially Chapter 4 which explains the positions on the pitch and Chapter 5 the laws of the game. The book has a very broad content and not all was of interest to me, such as the sections on coaching and training. For the study of statistics involving club or international teams, this book does not deliver due to lack of space, but overall there is plenty for the novice to tackle.
I now know that offside can happen anywhere on the pitch and unlike football/soccer it's the backs and wingers who score tries and the forwards who are involved in gory battle to win the ball. I am now equipped and ready to take up the mantle of arm-chair referee.

[Linnea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written basics of the game, main rules, and positions. Since the edition I read was already a bit old, some of the information was already out of date (not the author's fault, obviously), and the parts about the players and teams to watch also felt not-too-interesting due to that. Still, good basics and informative pictures and diagrams.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great overview of the game but quite simplistic and basic in parts

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book so I could learn the basics of Rugby Union. Six Nations Rugby has started and I wanted to understand the calls made on the pitch. Plus, I was keen to impress my husband by knowing more than he thinks I do. Being American, I am at a strict disadvantage, but I do love the action of the game so felt it was time to learn properly.

As a spectator's learning guide this was not bad, but not great. It was lengthy and could have done with a good edit to cut down the size. Removing all uses of phrases like, "this is explained in greater detail later in this chapter", would have been wise. It was annoying after reading it for 20th time. There were a number of inconsistencies and even conflicting information. I consulted my husband to decode the meaning behind some of it but it just wasn't clear. I know the game can be complex but some of the information seemed misleading to me.

Not that this is a bad book. I expect it would serve well if you want to learn about the vast history, play rugby, coach, or be a referee. That's not what I was after so far more information than I needed. It did reference a short 10-page booklet called Instant Rugby offered by the RFU. That is my next stop.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

as a beginners guide it covered all the basics however I need something with more of the rules so my next move is to get the Rugby union rulebook. a good overview but I need something a bit more technical