Rugby: A Player's Guide to the Laws

The only way the book and a real live game of rugby differ and cause some confusion is when the players are doing things and getting away with it. That is to say when they are breaking the laws of the game and not being found out, but I wouldn't have known they were in the wrong had I not read this book. Maybe some of the players should get this book too.

This book has taken me from knowing nothing at all about the game (and having tried to learn in the past). To being able to watch and really enjoy a great sport. I have Mr Robinson to thank for that, and I will be forever thankful.


Clear Exposition   February 18, 2005
Nick Grant (BRISTOL United Kingdom)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This new edition has again taken a good understanding of the game a further step further forward for the intelligent supporter. Despite being described as the Player's Guide, it works just as well for the observer. Robinson's gift in this book has been to turn the complex into the simple and clear. He explains the laws of the game as they apply to many different situations on the pitch as all part of a single proposition - the importance of keeping behind the ball! Referees now largely direct and shape the game and the new changes both in law and policy this season on the tackle zone are made clear and easy to understand. For the observer who needs to know more than the TV commentator can ever tell him, this book is first rate, bang up to date and full of insight into tactics and game plans. It's a revelation which helps explain the inexplicable, and reveals the basic simplicity of the game, while showing clearly and with excellent humour, illustrations and candour what is really going on in any given game.


Mental Fitnes Training for Rugby Players   June 25, 2003
james close (UK)
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

Derek Robinson has achieved a great deal in this book, setting out in plain English the complex laws of rugby union, and unlike many books on the laws it is a good read, blending dry facts with humour.

This book should be mandatory reading for anyone who plays rugby, because not only does it tell what you CAN'T do, it also sets out the leeway and loopholes that you can use too.

Published in 2002, it includes the 2001 revisions, so it is also reasonably up to date. Highly recommended.


Brilliant for player, supporter or beginner!   October 2, 2000
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

A marvellous book for anyone interested in rugby; Derek Robinson explains the rules clearly and simply, but in enough depth to help understand the game. As a player (scrumhalf at that) I found the book very useful for the little rules which I didn't know, and the larger ones which seem to change every season!

I highly recommend this book.