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Patrick
Casey and Richard Hale - For College, Club & Country -
A History of Clifton Rugby Football Club
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Title: For College, Club & Country - A History of Clifton
Rugby Football Club
Authors: Patrick Casey and Richard Hale
Publication Date: 1st November 2009
Pages: 310
Size: 246x189
RRP £13.99 and $24.95
ISBN 9781904312758
A comprehensive history of the oldest surviving rugby club in Bristol.
Founded in 1872 by Masters and former pupils of Clifton College, its roots go
back to Rugby School itself. This all started with www.cliftonrfchistory.co.uk
which has now become the largest rugby club history website in the world.
Out on November 1st 2009.
Book Review by Robin Leggett (Bookbag)
Clifton Rugby Football Club can proudly trace its history
back to the very emergence of the sport of rugby union and is the 20th oldest
rugby union club in England. But this is more than a historical account of one
of rugby's proudest clubs. Partly because it has remained very much a local
side (while neighbours Bristol and Bath have gone on to be bigger hitters in
the national game) it provides an account of a community during the war years,
particularly the Great War.
The idea for this book emerged from an addition to the club's web site and its
structure is more a selection of profiles, of individuals, families and
matches, than a narrative account. The first chapter on the emergence of the
club, and of rugby as a sport, is fascinating. The authors then profile the
lives of players who lost their lives in both World Wars including not only
the bare facts of these brave young men, but also details of the campaigns in
which they lost their lives and sometimes with personal detail from the
families themselves.
While some chapters are perhaps only of interest to those with close
associations to the club, anyone with an interest in rugby history will be
enthralled by this book. But it also offers a moving and touching tribute to
those who fought in the two World Wars, as well as providing valuable social
history of a community. The early team pictures in particular are highly
evocative of a lost age.
Endorsements
Clifton
is a name that resonates through my sporting life, from playing
for the school, and then playing the odd game both for and
against the club, to being a long-standing member.
It's
fascinating to read the wealth of stories associated with people involved
at Clifton over the years and this is an invaluable record of the
contributions they have made both to the game, and on the wider playing
field of life. John
Inverdale, BBC Television Presenter.
This book
combines an intriguing history of a club with direct links to the foundation
of rugby football with a moving record of dedication and commitment from
members of Clifton RFC who served in the two world wars. It affirms my
view of the important role sport has to play in society and I commend this
book as a ‘must read’ to all generations. Phil
Davies , Former Welsh Captain and current Manager of the National Academy
for the Welsh RFU.
This book
provides not only a record of the history of Clifton RFC, but captures many
important records of the dedication of people from the West Country who have
shown a commitment to their club and country, whether through their sport,
military, civil or business service. Simply fascinating.
Karen Morgan OBE, DL, Patron Feet of Green.
I feel rugby
clubs provide a vital role in their community and the relationship between
club and society can be seen in this history of Clifton RFC. It provides an
emotional and factual account of the players and families who gave so much
for club and country through an era spanning the two world wars. As the
former head coach at Bristol FC I am most aware of the close historic links
with Clifton and this book captures the spirit of what it means to be a club
member. Richard Hill, Former
Captain of England and Head Coach of Bristol Rugby.
The
official launch of the book took place at a dinner just before the Clifton v
Richmond game played on 31st October 2009. At the dinner were former Clifton
and England players Colin McFadyean and Steve Richards. Guest of honour was
the grandson of one of the founders of the club Admiral Sir James Fuller
Eberle.
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The
Rugby History Society