A Belfast author known for his love for Manchester United has penned a brilliant new book charting the history of Irish rugby.
John White has swapped the round ball for an oval one in his latest publication, entitled ‘Rucks, Mauls and Dirty Balls’.
It is John’s third rugby book, and features comment from some legendary names including Willie John McBride, Ollie Campbell and Tony Ward.
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John, who is founder of Carryduff Manchester United Supporters’ Club, has written over 20 books on his beloved Red Devils, but he admits his third rugby instalment was an enjoyable process.
“I had written two Rugby Union books prior to this book – The Six Nations Miscellany and A Miscellany of Rugby’s World Cup, and always wanted to write one specifically about Ireland,” he said.
“I used to love watching the Barbarians play in the early 1970s and will never forget Gareth Edwards’ magnificent try for the Baa-Baas against the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park on January 27, 1973 and Cliff Morgan’s famous commentary is legendary.
“It took me 16 months to write the book since beginning it in June 2023. A lot has happened in Irish Rugby since then with the team’s disappointment at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Johnny Sexton’s decision to retire, Ireland’s 2024 Six Nations triumph, Ireland’s recent Tour of South Africa, not to mention Ireland reclaiming the No.1 ranked team in the world status once again.”
He added: “Legends of the sport have been very kind to support me and endorse my book with a quote. Ollie Campbell wrote the superb foreword to it whilst other contributors are Willie Anderson, Trevor Ringland, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Michael Kiernan, Richard Milliken, Tony Ward and the Lion King himself, Willie John McBride.
“Rory Best also said a few nice words about my book but unfortunately the book went to print before it could be included in it.”
Former Ulster and Ireland captain Best’s words perfectly sum up what fans can expect from the book. He said: “John’s book is a wonderful mixture of biographies of Ireland rugby Legends, Five and Six Nations Championship triumphs, Triple Crown successes, Grand Slam glories, coaches’ records, players’ debuts, memorable games, records against opponents, Irish Lions and so much more.”
John delves into what it takes and means to be an Ireland rugby player, and offers an insight into some of the figures and legends who have donned the famous green jersey.
He added: “What does it mean to a player to wear the famous green jersey of Ireland? Is it just a trophy for him to hang on the wall his living room, a trinket, a sweaty shirt with grass stains splattered over it as it is encased in a picture frame to show off to his friends and family as if to say, ‘I did my bit for my country against an opposing nation’?
“Many players have worn the green jersey for the first time in their careers. Too many wannabee Ireland Legends, to use the words of Tom Cruise in Top Gun, crashed and burned on their debut. Just being given your international debut for Ireland is not in my opinion an embodiment of you being an Irish international rugby union player.
“For me, I want an Irish player who is willing to put his life on the line in the service of his country. If I was a member of the backroom staff of Andy Farrell’s side, I would remind the players what it meant to the fans to play for Ireland.”
John hopes his new book resonates with sports fans, just like a number of his previous releases have done.
He said: “I love writing about Sport no matter what the Sport is and along with Rugby Union, I have written books about Manchester United, Liverpool, Glasgow Celtic, Glasgow Rangers, the Premier League, Golf, Darts, Formula One, Olympic Games, Tennis, Snooker, Horseracing, Darts, Cricket, Moto GP, Tour de France, Gaelic Football and Hurling.
“Away from Sport, I wrote: Kicking Through The Troubles – How Manchester United Helped To Save A Divided Community, The RMS Titanic Miscellany and The Only Fools and Horses Quiz Book.”
John’s book can be purchased from his publisher – Hero Books, Dublin by emailing [email protected] or from Amazon
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