Behind the Rose: Playing Rugby for England

This is a complete history of the England rugby union team, told by the players themselves. It combines research into the early years of the team with exclusive interviews with Test match stars from before the Second World War to the present day. The book paints a unique and compelling picture of the English international rugby union experience, etched in blood, sweat, and tears. It explores the trials and tribulations behind the scenes, the glory, the drama, and the honor on the field, and the heart-warming tales of friendship and humor off it. It is a must-have for all supporters who have ever dreamed of walking the hallowed corridors of Twickenham as a Test match player.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Polaris Publishing Limited

This is a complete history of the England rugby union team, told by the players themselves. Based on extensive research into the early years of the England team, including exclusive interviews with Test match stars from before the Second World War to the present day, renowned rugby writers Stephen Jones and Nick Cain delve into the very heart of the English international rugby union experience. They paint a unique and utterly compelling picture of the game in the only words that can truly do so: the players' own. This is the definitive story of English Test match rugby, a story etched in blood, sweat, and tears; a story of great joy and heart-breaking sorrow; a story of sacrifice, agony, endeavour, and triumph.

Behind the Rose lifts the lid on what it is to play for England. It explores the trials and tribulations behind the scenes, the glory, the drama, and the honour on the field, as well as the heart-warming tales of friendship and humour off it. This book is a must-have for all supporters who have ever dreamed of walking the hallowed corridors of Twickenham as a Test match player, preparing themselves for battle in the changing rooms and then marching out to that field of dreams with the deafening roar of the crowd in their ears and the red rose emblazoned on their chest.

The early years of the England rugby union team were marked by a series of challenges and setbacks. The team was formed in 1871, but it took several decades for it to establish itself as a competitive force. In the early 1900s, England faced a period of decline, with the team struggling to win matches and attract top players. However, in the 1920s, under the leadership of captain Billy Webb, England began to turn things around. The team adopted a more aggressive playing style, and they started to win matches against some of the top rugby nations in the world.

One of the key players in the revival of English rugby was forward Billy Webb. Webb was a powerful and aggressive player who was known for his tackling and his ability to break through opposing lines. He was also a skilled passer and a great leader, and he helped to inspire his teammates to play with passion and determination.

Another important player in the early years of English rugby was fullback Harry Robinson. Robinson was a fast and elusive player who was known for his speed and his ability to score tries. He was also a skilled kicker, and he helped to secure many important victories for England.

In the 1930s, England continued to improve, and they became one of the top rugby nations in the world. The team was led by players such as Bill Beaumont, who was known for his strong leadership and his ability to inspire his teammates. England also had a talented squad of players, including forwards such as George Lowe and Jack Clifford, and backs such as Harry Watson and Billy Whelan.

During the Second World War, rugby was suspended in England, but the team continued to train and play matches behind closed doors. After the war, England resumed its international rugby career, and they quickly established themselves as a dominant force. The team was led by players such as Tom Richards, who was known for his skill and his ability to inspire his teammates. England also had a talented squad of players, including forwards such as Geoff Evans and John Pullin, and backs such as Bill Beaumont and Harry Robinson.

In the 1950s, England continued to dominate international rugby, and they won the Rugby World Cup in 1953. The team was led by players such as John Carling, who was known for his strong leadership and his ability to inspire his teammates. England also had a talented squad of players, including forwards such as Tonyref Evans and John Eales, and backs such as Bill Beaumont and Harry Robinson.

In the 1960s, England faced a period of decline, with the team struggling to win matches and attract top players. However, in the 1970s, under the leadership of captain Martin Johnson, England began to turn things around. The team adopted a more attacking playing style, and they started to win matches against some of the top rugby nations in the world.

One of the key players in the revival of English rugby in the 1970s was fly-half Jonny Wilkinson. Wilkinson was a talented and versatile player who was known for his accuracy and his ability to score tries. He was also a skilled passer and a great leader, and he helped to inspire his teammates to play with passion and determination.

Another important player in the 1970s was fullback Mike Catt. Catt was a fast and elusive player who was known for his speed and his ability to score tries. He was also a skilled kicker, and he helped to secure many important victories for England.

In the 1980s, England continued to improve, and they became one of the top rugby nations in the world. The team was led by players such as Rob Andrew, who was known for his strong leadership and his ability to inspire his teammates. England also had a talented squad of players, including forwards such as Martin Johnson and Jeff Probyn, and backs such as Mike Catt and Rob Andrew.

In the 1990s, England faced a period of decline, with the team struggling to win matches and attract top players. However, in the 2000s, under the leadership of captain Jonny Wilkinson, England began to turn things around. The team adopted a more attacking playing style, and they started to win matches against some of the top rugby nations in the world.

One of the key players in the revival of English rugby in the 2000s was fly-half Matt Dawson. Dawson was a talented and versatile player who was known for his accuracy and his ability to score tries. He was also a skilled passer and a great leader, and he helped to inspire his teammates to play with passion and determination.

Another important player in the 2000s was fullback Will Greenwood. Greenwood was a fast and elusive player who was known for his speed and his ability to score tries. He was also a skilled kicker, and he helped to secure many important victories for England.

In the 2010s, England continued to improve, and they became one of the top rugby nations in the world. The team was led by players such as Owen Farrell, who was known for his strong leadership and his ability to inspire his teammates. England also had a talented squad of players, including forwards such as Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes, and backs such as George Ford and Jonathan Joseph.

In conclusion, the history of the England rugby union team is a story of resilience, determination, and success. The team has faced many challenges and setbacks throughout its history, but it has always managed to overcome them and emerge as a dominant force in international rugby. The players who have played for England have contributed to the team's success, and they have played with passion, determination, and skill. The team's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of rugby players, and it will always be remembered as one of the greatest rugby teams in the world.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913538217
Edition number: 150th Anniversary Edition