After the Final Whistle: The First Rugby World Cup and the First World War - Paperback

by Stephen Cooper (Author), Jason OBE Leonard (Author)

A story of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of rugby through the chaos of World War I.

When Britain's empire went to war in August 1914, rugby players were the first to volunteer, leading from the front and paying a disproportionate price. After four long years, their war game was over, and it was time to play rugby again.

In 1919, a grateful Mother Country hosted a rugby tournament for the King's Cup at Twickenham Stadium. This is the story of rugby's journey through World War I to its first World Cup, and how those values endure today. Discover the extraordinary contributions of rugby soldiers and the origins of the Rugby World Cup in this moving account by Stephen Cooper and Jason Leonard. Perfect for readers interested in:

• Sports history
• Military history
• Biographies of athletes

Author Biography

Stephen Cooper has played and coached rugby for more than 40 years. After Cambridge, he worked in advertising. His book The Final Whistle won Rugby Book of the Year 2013 and was shortlisted for The Times Sports Book of the Year. Jason Leonard is an English former rugby union prop forward.