CHILL-OUT SUNDAY THE ELLIS RUGBY – ALL BLACKS ALL GOLDS BY JOHN HAYES BOOK REVIEW.

The Ellis Rugby book preview. All Blacks All Golds: John Hayes (Author), An inspiring sporting story of vision, courage & tragedy.

All Blacks All Golds: John Hayes (Author)

John Hayes won the New Zealand Society of Authors Best First Nonfiction Award in 1995 for his biography of Tom Fyfe, Piercing the Clouds. He first came in to contact with Football in the Waikato, and recalls as a youngster playing curtain raisers to matches in Hamilton that included the All Blacks Bob Scott and Ron Jarden. At University, Rugby League won out and he represented New Zealand Universities in each of the three inaugural ‘Tests’ against Australian Universities in 1969. He was awarded a University Blue the same year.

The author’s involvement with the All Golds began in 1984 when, following in the footsteps of Albert Baskiville, he organised the first New Zealand Universities tour of England and France. Then, while president of New Zealand Universities he interested other League nations in playing for a Students World Cup, and together with Bud Lisle and Barry Michell hosted the inaugural event in Auckland in 1986, New Zealand winning. In 1990 the New Zealand Rugby Football League honoured him with its Distinguished Service Award. He has a Masters Degree (Hons) in Political Science from the University of Auckland and taught history prior to his appointment to the Office of Ombudsmen in Christchurch.

Here’s the All Blacks All Golds: John Hayes (Author): Book Preview –

1907: A team of New Zealand rugby players – destined to become known as the `All Golds’ – embarks upon a five-month tour of England and Wales. Reviled by the rugby union establishment, both at home and abroad, the tourists are men ahead of their time. Led by the remarkable Albert Henry Baskiville and including such now legendary figures as Dally Messenger, Lance Todd and George Smith, this party of true international sporting pioneers was about to change the world of rugby forever.

In this, the first UK edition of an outstanding literary work previously published only in New Zealand, JOHN HAYNES charts the history of that tour and tells the fascinating and, ultimately, heartbreaking story of a group of trail-blazers who wished only to pit themselves against the best, whether professional or amateur.

Where to buy?

Available from Amazon to VIEW. Also, why not take a look at our New Zealand Rugby Shirt Vintage All Blacks, Polo or T-Shirt. Or our New Zealand Rugby League Shirt Vintage Style, Polo or T-Shirt.