Rugby for Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback)) [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

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.