Pass The Pigs Bladder

Pass the Pig’s Bladder celebrates the bicentenary of the game of rugby football in 2023.

An essential read for any rugby fan and the perfect Christmas gift, the book spans the history of the game with chapters on rugby and politics, the Barbarians, the British and Irish Lions, wheelchair rugby, women’s rugby, rugby locations around the world and how the centenary was marked in 1923

With forewords by HRH The Princess Royal and Sir Gareth Edwards CBE, the lively content provides fascinating interviews, quotes and insights from a wide range of current and former players and coaches including JPR Williams, Sean Fitzpatrick and Lawrence Dallaglio.

This 360-page illustrated publication digs deep with those featured sharing their own experiences of what the game means to them, both on and off the pitch, from their rugby beginnings to their career highlights and the many enduring friendships made along the way.

Follow the history of the game from its creation by schoolboy William Webb Ellis on The Close at Rugby School, when during a game of football he caught the ball and then, against the rules, started to run with it, to the global and inclusive sport it has become today.

‘If William Webb Ellis had seen recent matches like Harlequins against Bristol and also the Rugby Championship game between the All Blacks and South Africa (both autumn 2021) he would have said “That’s fantastic”. I think he would be relatively happy he decided to pick up that ball and run with it!’ Sean Fitzpatrick

Contributors to the book include: Maggie Alphonsi, Mike Brown, Gill Burns, David Campese, Lawrence Dallaglio, Sean Fitzpatrick, Mike Ford, Kylie Grimes, Paul Gustard, Simon Halliday, Rob Howley, Sarah Hunter, Ruaridh Jackson, Martin Johnson, Michael Lynagh, Heyneke Meyer, Bob Norster, David Pickering, Dave Pond, Gordon Reid, Matthew Robinson, Stuart Robinson, James Simpson-Daniel, Paul Thornburn, Paul Wallace, Jonny Wilkinson and JPR Williams.

“I found it a fascinating and most enjoyable read, interspersing essays on significant events in both the life of Rugby School and the development of rugby football, alongside short biographies of many internationals from across the Home Nations who played in the past 50 years.  An excellent way to record and celebrate the 200 years since William Webb Ellis caught the ball and, against the rules, started to run with it.” Nigel Gillingham OBE, RFU President