Carps: The Rugby World Cup's Father: The Biography of John Kendall-Carpenter

John Kendall-Carpenter was a remarkable man who captained the England rugby team in the 1950s, launched a career in education, and played a prominent role in the first Rugby World Cup. He was instrumental in getting the first World Cup in 1987 off the ground and threw himself into the planning of the next World Cup, but sadly died just a year before it started in 1991. He is still a legend in Cornwall.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

John Kendall-Carpenter was a truly exceptional individual who led the England rugby team during the early 1950s, widely recognized as one of the most intelligent and strategically skilled players in the world. Simultaneously, he embarked on a remarkable career in education, holding the position of headmaster at three renowned public schools and playing a significant role in negotiations with the Labour Government in the 1970s to safeguard the independence of the education sector. Additionally, his unwavering dedication and passion played a pivotal role in the inception of the first Rugby World Cup in 1987. As the President of the Rugby Union in 1980, he was elected as England's representative on the International Rugby Board, where he tirelessly defended the amateur code against the growing pressures of professionalism. His unwavering commitment to international rugby and his understanding of the commercial potential of the World Cup laid the foundation for the tournament's success.

Kendall-Carpenter's enthusiasm and energy were instrumental in kickstarting the first World Cup in 1987 and paved the way for the professionalization of the sport. He dedicated himself to the planning of the next World Cup, but tragically passed away just a year before its commencement in 1991. John Kendall-Carpenter's remarkable life encompassed not only his achievements in rugby but also his friendships and connections in various fields, including education, theater, politics, and literature. He remains a legendary figure in Cornwall, his adopted home, and his biography will captivate rugby enthusiasts, sports enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolution of rugby from its humble origins in English public schools to the global sporting phenomenon it is today.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398107601