On the eve of one of the most important games of his career, Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas received a warning: The Sun newspaper was going to ‘out’ him as gay.This is the story of two Welsh names bruised, but not beaten, by media speculation: Gareth ‘Alfie’ Thomas,100 caps for Wales, now one of the world’s most prominent gay sportsmen; and his hometown,Bridgend, itself a victim of tabloid intrusion following the deaths ofseveral young residents.Working with Alfie himself, and young people in Bridgend, Robin Soans joins forces with some of the UK’s most exciting theatre companies to tell a great story about sport, politics, secrets, life and learning to be yourself.

As a history, a technical manual, a practical guideline of the rugby scrum, and a great coaching tool for teachers and coaches of all levels, Rugby—The Art of Scrummaging is one of the most comprehensive rugby scrum theses ever assembled and published since the inception of rugby union. Rugby—The Art of Scrummaging contains many ideas and recommendations for coaches that will allow them to produce players who understand the necessary skills, thereby increasing their enjoyment through higher efficiency. That higher efficiency will also make their involvement in the scrum much safer, something that has been at the centre of this project’s focus. For coaches to teach well they have to be properly taught themselves, and the advice of all the scrummaging luminaries associated with this work will help them. Rugby—The Art of Scrummaging also presents many ideas on what might lead to better and safer scrum laws and better officiating. It does not include definitive recommendations on these two subjects, but provides a bank of information that should assist in any future reviews.

Understand the fundamentals of digital marketing and enhance your digital marketing practice with the new edition of this essential guide, now one of the bestselling books in the industry and required reading for more than 100 universities and colleges, including Harvard University and the Chartered Institute of Marketing. The world of digital media is changing at a phenomenal pace. Constantly evolving technologies are transforming not just how we access our information but how we interact and communicate with one another on a global scale. Understanding Digital Marketing is a practical, no-nonsense guide to digital marketing, the rules of new media and understanding the behaviours of the new generation of digital consumers. Thoroughly revised, this fourth edition features more information, fresh examples and case studies, and in-depth insider accounts of the latest developments in the industry from internationally recognized brands and digital marketing campaigns. Clear, informative and entertaining, this book covers key topics such as search marketing, social media, Google, mobile marketing, affiliate marketing, email marketing, performance marketing, customer engagement and digital marketing strategies, making it essential reading for both practitioners and students alike. Online resources include bonus chapters, contributor views, and case studies on Kwik Fit, Battersea Dogs Home and Yves Saint Laurent.

As the commercialization of sport grows, the need for proper regulation increases. In legal terms, sport is part of the entertainment and media industries which are subject to rapid change. This work brings together experts in many fields to analyze these changes and to discuss the implications of issues such as the BSkyB-Manchester United case, civil and criminal actions on the playing field, the "Bosman" ruling, drugs in sport, the legality of boxing and the validity of decisions made by governing bodies. This collection should appeal to students of both sports history and sports sociology.

The bullshit rantings of an old man while backpacking through Ireland, post-rugby tournament and divorce. Not much difference between divorce and rugby, by the by.

Tim Noakes is one of the world’s leading authorities on the science behind sport and a successful sportsman in his own right. Through a lifetime of research, he has developed key scientific concepts in sport that have not only redefined the way elite athletes and teams approach their professions, but challenged conventional global thinking in these areas. In this new and updated edition of Challenging Beliefs, Noakes shares his views on everything from the myths perpetuated by the sports-drink industry to the prevalence of banned substances, the need to make rugby a safer sport and the benefits of a high-protein, low-carb diet. The teams and athletes with whom Noakes has worked make fascinating backdrops to these topics, highlighting the importance of science in sport in human terms. In providing an intimate look at the golden threads running through Noakes’s life and career, this remarkable book reveals the landmark theories and principles generated by one of the greatest minds in the history of sports science.

Blending simple physics with anecdotes from the world of rugby, this informative reference demonstrates how to improve rugby techniques. Tackling, passing, running, and kicking are analyzed from a scientific perspective, incorporating Newton’s Laws, and then discussed in the wider context of the game. This valuable guide will not only instruct but also entertain sports-oriented students of all levels.

Written and endorsed by the RFU coach development team based at Twickenham, this book takes every position in the 15-a-side rugby union team and gives a series of specific drills, practice sessions and tips for coaching players to perform their unique duties. From high-ball drills for full-backs to mauling sessions for the front row, this is the first book that isolates and teaches the skills required of each position on the field. The RFU coach development team, comprised of eight positional coaches, is at the forefront of the worldwide development of coaching best practice. Each drill and session is fully supported by line drawings, photographs and guidance on coaching.

TRACING FOOTBALL’S FAMILY TREE Week in, week out, hundreds of thousands of people enthusiastically risk life, limb and dignity just to play some kind of football; blissfully unaware that they’re playing a game that’s at least as old as the Pyramids and Stonehenge. Graeme Dobson takes the reader on a romp through 5,000 years of extraordinary history as he traces the family tree of all the modern football codes. He identifies a startling array of ancestors, from English school boys all the way back, through Vikings, Greeks and a host of other players, to an ancient Chinese warlord. Along the way he introduces huge professional football leagues, complete with female players and fan clubs that existed 1,000 years ago. Like in any family tree, there are bizarre black sheep and myths to investigate—like, ‘were the first games played with the heads of executed criminals?’ ‘Was soccer invented by the English?’ ‘Did rugby originate when Web Ellis picked the ball up and ran with it during a soccer match?’ ‘Which came first—Australian or Gaelic football?’ and ‘Could a mob of Kiwis really be responsible for rugby league in Australia?’ The answers are both intriguing and unexpected.

The official guide to rugby in North America, revised and updated Rugby For Dummies is the guide to rugby in North America, endorsed by USA Rugby and Rugby Canada, the official regulating bodies for the sport. It gives you a look at how rugby is played, offers strategies for winning, and covers every level of the sport, from high school to college (including women's rugby) to the international leagues. Plus, this new edition addresses changes to the rules of rugby, includes new rugby player bios, and looks at rugby's upcoming return to the Olympic games. Inside you'll find easy-to-understand explanations of rugby rules and positions, plus in-depth lessons on skills, fitness training, and winning techniques. Add in entertaining stories from rugby in North America and around the world, and you've got the definitive book on rugby! Covers every level of the sport Includes the latest rules and information on rugby Discusses rugby's return to the Olympic games Whether you're new to rugby or a scrum veteran, this friendly guide is for you.