“Rugby is a game that’s constant. If you are not growing with it, you get left behind.”
Rugby is a sport of grit, passion and legendary moments – and all of the best rugby books capture that spirit perfectly. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, an aspiring player, or just love a good sports story, there’s a treasure trove of rugby books to read that offer insight, inspiration and incredible tales from the pitch. Here at What We Reading, we’ve hauled together some of our favourite books about rugby, covering everything from rugby biographies of legendary players to rugby coaching manuals that break down the game’s most enduring tactics. Whether you’re interested in the history of rugby, the greatest rugby matches ever played, or behind-the-scenes stories from some of the sport’s biggest names, these books have something for everyone!
The Test: My Autobiography – Brian O’Driscoll
First up on our list of the best Rugby books is Brian O’Driscoll’s autobiography, The Test. A legendary Irish centre and former captain of Leinster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, O’Driscoll takes readers through his journey from a young prodigy to becoming one of the most respected figures within rugby union.
The Test offers behind-the-scenes stories from his career, including iconic Six Nations victories, World Cup heartbreaks and intense Lions tours. O’Driscoll also delves into the physical and mental demands of professional rugby, the highs of lifting silverware and the lows of both injuries and crushing defeats. His honest, self-reflective writing helps make this one of the finest rugby autobiographies for fans of the sport.
Total Rugby – Jim Greenwood
A must-read for coaches, players and rugby enthusiasts, Total Rugby by Jim Greenwood is one of the best rugby coaching books ever written. As relevant today as the day of its first publishing, this book provides an essential guide to playing and coaching rugby at an elite level.
Greenwood, a former Scotland international and renowned coach, emphasises a dynamic, all-inclusive style of play, where every player contributes to both attacking and defending. His insights into tactics, skill development and team cohesion make this book a staple for those looking to master rugby strategy. Covering everything from rugby drills to set-piece execution, Total Rugby is a classic for coaches and players at all levels looking to further their understanding of the game.
The Oval World: A Global History Of Rugby – Tony Collins
For those looking for the ultimate history of rugby, The Oval World by Tony Collins is an essential read. This book provides detailed and engaging accounts of rugby’s evolution, from its origins in nineteenth-century England to cementing its status as one of the world’s most popular sports. Collins explores how rugby union and rugby league developed separately, the sport’s role in social and political movements, and its expansion across countries such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France and beyond. He also delves into the impact of professionalism, class divisions and key historical moments that shaped the game we know today.
With its well-researched insights and fascinating storytelling, The Oval World is one of the best rugby books for history lovers. Whether you’re a veteran fan or a newcomer to the sport, this book offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at rugby’s incredible history.
Rassie: Stories Of Life And Rugby – Rassie Erasmus
A fascinating deep dive into the mind of rugby’s most innovative and controversial coaches, Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby goes beyond the tactics of the mastermind behind South Africa’s 2019 World Cup win, and explores the highs and lows of his career as both a player and a coach.
Erasmus opens up about his playing days with the Springboks, his transition into coaching, and the challenges of transforming South African rugby amid political and societal pressures. He provides a candid, unflinching perspective on leadership, game strategy and the emotional journey of guiding a team to the top of the world, making this one of the most fascinating biographies for anyone interested in rugby strategy, behind-the-scenes insights and powerful leadership lessons.
This Is Your Everest: The Lions, The Springboks & The Epic Tour Of 1997 – Tom English & Peter Burns
One of the most gripping rugby history books, This is Your Everest chronicles the legendary 1997 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, a series that became one of the most brutal and infamous in the sport’s history.
Authors Tom English and Peter Burns take readers deep into the heart of the Lions’ journey, from their gruelling training camps to the ferocious test matches against a powerful South African side still riding the high of their iconic 1995 World Cup victory. Featuring first-hand accounts from players and coaches, the book captures the physical and emotional toll of the series, as well as the underdog spirit that ultimately defined the Lions’ historic triumph.
Winning! – Clive Woodward
In Winning!, Clive Woodward, former coach of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning team, shares his unique philosophy on leadership, team-building, and what it takes to win at the highest level of sport. This insightful coaching book offers a detailed look at the strategies and mindset that helped catapult England to rugby glory.
Woodward emphasises to readers the importance of preparation, focus and the mental side of rugby, detailing how he transformed England’s squad into a team of champions. The book is also an invaluable resource on the challenges of managing elite-level athletes, creating a winning environment and making tactical decisions during crucial moments. Perfect for rugby coaches, players and anyone interested in the mental and strategic aspects of the game, Winning! provides a rare look inside the mind of one of the sport’s greatest coaches.
Rugby Revealed: Reaching Your Rugby Potential – Gavin Hickie & Eilidh Donaldson
For players looking to unlock their full potential, Rugby Revealed by Gavin Hickie and Eilidh Donaldson is an essential guide to have on your bookshelves. This book provides a practical and insightful approach to improving your skills, fitness and mindset, equipping you with the tools needed to elevate your game.
Written by experienced coaches, this book breaks down the key components of rugby performance – from technical skills to mental preparation. It includes a sweeping range of training drills, fitness plans, and advice on tactical thinking, all designed to help players develop a holistic understanding of the game.
Behind The Silver Fern: The Players Speak – Tony Johnson & Lynn McConnell
For fans of rugby history and insider stories, Tony Johnson and Lynn McConnell’s Behind the Silver Fern presents a rare and intimate look at New Zealand’s legendary All Blacks. Weaving personal accounts from the players themselves, it charts the most revealing details about the players and their journeys, triumphs and challenges both on and off the field.
Through candid interviews, the book reveals the mentality, commitment and sacrifices needed to wear the iconic Silver Fern. From World Cup glory to crushing defeats, the players offer a unique perspective on what it means to be a part of the All Blacks legacy. This is more than just another rugby book; it is a window into the lives of some of the world’s most elite players and their relentless drive for greatness.
Fringes: Life On The Edge Of Professional Rugby – Ben Mercer
Fringes by Ben Mercer takes readers into the often-overlooked world of professional rugby players who live in the shadows of superstardom. As a player on the periphery of elite rugby, Mercer offers an honest and raw account of what it is like to be on the fringes of professional rugby – far from the fame and glory of the top-tier stars but still deeply committed to the game.
Through personal experiences and honest reflections, Mercer explores the mental and emotional costs of pursuing a rugby career, the ups and downs of life as a professional athlete, and the unpredictability of being on the fine margins. This biography is a compelling, real-world look at the sacrifices, struggles and camaraderie that comes with being a rugby player, offering a unique perspective that few fans ever see.
Check Out The Most Powerful Sports Autobiographies
Legacy: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life – James Kerr
In Legacy, author James Kerr takes the principles that have shaped New Zealand’s All Blacks into one of the most successful sports teams in history and applies them to the world of business and life. Drawing on lessons from rugby and insights from some of the All Blacks’ greatest players, Kerr explores how values like humility, leadership and resilience can all help individuals and organisations achieve excellence.
The book is brimming with practical advice, offering actionable strategies for constructing a winning mindset and cultivating a culture of high performance – both on and off the pitch. From fostering strong relationships to embracing challenges, Kerr demonstrates how the All Blacks’ philosophies can be translated into success in any endeavour.
Check Out The Best Sports Books From 2023
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).