World in their Hands: The Story of the First Women's Rugby World Cup

World in Their Hands is a book that recounts the remarkable events that led to a group of friends from south-west London staging the inaugural Womens Rugby World Cup in 1991. It celebrates female achievement in the face of adversity and how those women, their peers, and others in the generations before them reshaped the idea of what it means to be a woman.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Polaris Publishing Limited

World in Their Hands: The Remarkable Story of the Inaugural Womens Rugby World Cup

In 1991, a group of friends from south-west London embarked on a remarkable journey that would ultimately lead to the staging of the inaugural Womens Rugby World Cup. Titled "World in Their Hands," this captivating book recounts the series of events that brought this historic tournament to life. The tournament, held just 13 years after teams from University College London and Kings contested a match that marked the beginning of the growth of womens rugby in the UK, faced numerous challenges before, during, and after the World Cup. These challenges, ranging from ingrained misogyny to motherhood, a recession, the Gulf War, and the collapse of the Soviet Union, provide a fitting framework for a book that celebrates the remarkable achievements of women in the face of adversity.

While "World in Their Hands" is primarily a story about womens rugby, it possesses a rare crossover appeal. It is not just the account of a group of inspirational women who battled institutional misogyny to organize a groundbreaking Womens Rugby World Cup. It is also a captivating and relatable tale of how these women, along with their peers and those in the generations before them, reshaped the concept of what it means to be a woman. On muddy rugby pitches, they found acceptance and friendship, breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms.

At a time when the mens game was grappling with issues of professionalism and apartheid, these women emerged as a breath of fresh air. Their achievements, spanning three decades, deserve to be recognized and celebrated by a wider audience. "World in Their Hands" serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the indomitable spirit of women in sports. It is a story that inspires and empowers, reminding us that gender should never be a barrier to success and that women can achieve greatness on the field and in life.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 241 x 161 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913538934