An Illustrated History of Rugby Rebels, Role Models and Giant Killers

Learn all about the players, characters and teams that shaped rugby and inspired millions. From 19th century innovators to 21st century superstars, the latest book in the Illustrated History of Rugby series examines players who overcame the odds to beat everything from injury and illness to racism and sexism to excel and thrill followers of our great game.

It also tells the stories of giant killing teams who shocked the world and took the scalps of heavily favoured opponents. From the Tonga team that beat Australia in the 1973 to the 'Miracle in Brighton' which saw Japan topple the mighty Springboks, James Stafford and Raluca Moldovan bring to life some of the most thrilling moments in rugby history.



James Stafford is the founder of cult rugby website The East Terrace. He has written on rugby for national newspapers, websites, match programmes and magazines in the UK and Ireland. He is author of the An Illustrated History of Rugby series from Polaris Publishing and also wrote the bestselling children's book How Wales Beat the Mighty All Blacks. In 2017, Stafford's collection of short comics, 'The Sorrowful Putto of Prague' (Truchlivý amoret pražský), was published to critical acclaim in the Czech Republic – even drawing praise from Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson. He lives in Prague.