Black Obsession
The All Black's quest for World Cup success
By Gregor Paul

To coincide with the commencement of the 2009 Bledisloe Cup Series and with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, Exisle Publishing proudly releases Gregor Paul’s controversial new book Black Obsession. This explosive book examines why it is that the world's greatest Rugby nation continues to fail in their quest for World Cup glory.

Since the first World Cup in 1987, the All Blacks have amassed a winning record that is far superior to any other country. Yet by the time the next World Cup rolls around in 2011, it will be 24 years since the All Blacks have been world champions. How can that be? This very readable book draws some provocative conclusions on why New Zealand no longer produces great leaders and why rugby remains such an important part of the national psyche. Part travel guide, part social history and part self-help manual, it is the ideal book for all those fans who can't help steering conversations towards All Black World Cup failures.

About the Author:
Gregor Paul has been a journalist for more than 12 years and is the author of Hard Men Fight Back (now out of print) and the best-selling The Reign of King Henry. Recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading writers on the national game, he has been the Herald on Sunday’s voice of rugby since its inception in 2004 and is also the editor of Rugby World. Born in Scotland, he lives in Auckland with his wife and three children.

234 x 153mm | paperback | 232pp | photographs

Download 300dpi cover image (459kb)

Also by Gregor Paul: The Reign of King Henry