By Ryan Bodman. Published by Bridget Williams Books, 2023. (NZD 60). Reviewed by Tony Eyre

Growing up in Auckland in the 1960s, I played 7-aside rugby at primary school and the 15-aside game at secondary level. Rugby union, that is, not rugby league, for league was largely non-existent in the schools. As a result, I knew little about this team game of 13 players with its “V “design jersey, apart from an Auckland venue called Carlaw Park, and an annual premier trophy competition that rolled off your tongue — the Roope Rooster.

However, this incredibly well-researched 350-page history of the game, with extensive notes and treasure trove of black-and-white and colour photographs, has certainly filled the gaps in my knowledge and appreciation of the game which had its early roots firmly grounded in working class communities — the freezing workers, watersiders and coalminers — as well as the marginalised like Māori and Irish Catholics, and later migrant Pasifika communities.

Widely covered in the book is the prejudice, hostility and deliberate obstruction from the rugby union hierarchy that hindered the early growth and development of league, especially in schools.

The book explores how the modern game has become an industry ruled by the big money of the corporates at the expense of the grassroots club game built on community inclusiveness.

I highly recommend this book to any sports lover, especially those fans of the game played with the oval ball.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 291 April 2024: 31