For The Love Of The Game

Grassroots rugby in heartland New Zealand

By Gregor Paul and Gregory Crow

The book "For the Love of the Game" is a celebration of New Zealand grassroots rugby and the people who make it happen. In words and stunning photographs, it tells the story of a great love affair that is pursued in every corner of New Zealand. As one generation succeeds another, children are hooked by the game at school and club level, and families get caught up in helping their kids succeed and in maintaining the reputation of their team or club. In the process, the rugby club often becomes the social hub of the community.

Many of the people responsible for carrying on the traditions of New Zealand rugby are unsung heroes who give up their Saturdays to coach the teams, make the teas, polish the boots, referee the games and ferry the kids around the country. This book tells the story of their lives.

For the Love of the Game takes the reader through the process of training and preparing for the game, fund-raising, the road trip, the great traditional rivalries and the after-match rituals.

About the authors

Gregor Paul is the author of Hard Men Fight Back, The Reign of King Henry and Black Obsession. 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.

Gregory Crow is an award-winning professional photographer currently living in Vancouver, Canada. Born in Wanganui and raised in Ohakune, Nelson and elsewhere, he enjoyed a short and unremarkable rugby career at school, best summed up in his father's words, 'I don't think you're cut out for this, my boy.' His passion for his homeland, rugby and rural New Zealand inspired him to hit the road and create this book. For more information read Gregory's blog http://gcrow.tumblr.com/ 

Specifications: 210 x 280mm landscape 8¼  x 11 in | Cased and jacketed | 160 pages | 125+ photographs

Media and Reviews

	Gregor Paul appeared on the TVNZ Breakfast show talking about "For The Love Of The Game"
	Heartland rugby (3:53) Source: Breakfast  Author Gregor Paul explains why rugby is in this country's DNA.
	you can watch the clip here
	You can also see Gregory on TVNZ Close Up here