This one's for the younger fans...

While the world’s collective eyes are currently glued on the World Cup in New Zealand, a little gem landed on my desk.

We recently gave away copies of the book ‘Play Rugby’ (‘Speel Rugby’ in Afrikaans) and I had the privilege to review a copy.

For me the difference, and beauty, of this book is that it is aimed at the younger generation… in essence, the future of the game.

Targeting children at a young age, in a language they understand and a format they can associate with it, it fills an important gap in the market.

It ‘educates’ these young, absorbing minds about the game of rugby union… at a time when one of the world’s biggest global showpieces, the Rugby World Cup, is in full swing.

Starring ‘Bokkie’, the South African Rugby Union’s popular 3D animated mascot, the book virtually brings to life the joys of playing rugby safely from a young age.

You can even forgive them for the few factual errors that slipped through. Those are not important.

The appeal of this book is in its simplicity – the fact that you can learn about the basics of the game, get information on your heroes (yes, those currently playing at the World Cup in New Zealand like John Smit, Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, Schalk Burger, Fourie du Preez, Victor Matfield, etc), find out how to warm up and be healthy players (including eating healthy); along with uncomplicated instructions on how to kick, catch, pass and tackle.

And all this in a language that youngsters understand.

Remember, the book is available in English and Afrikaans.

There is so much more – how the field works, what happens behind the scenes, (simplified) laws, competitions, teams, etc.

And it even includes rugby for girls – yes, they also play the game!

As books go, this is very affordable, at only R119.95 and is also a good ‘reference manual’.

It also features action photographs, Bokkie cartoons, activities, quizzes and a DVD containing SARU’s Bokkie animations and a 10 minute clip showing how Bokkie was created.

‘Play Rugby‘ (Speel Rugby) is written by Andy Colquhoun, General Manager of Corporate Affairs SARU.

The introduction is written by legendary and record-breaking Springbok captain John Smit.

The book is available at all leading bookshops and is a good gift for a family member or even your own child.

Play Rugby
(ISBN: 9781775781493)
Recommended Retail Price: R119.95

Speel Rugby
(ISBN: 9781775782711)
Recommended Retail Price: R119.95

By Jan de Koning