No Borders: Playing Rugby for Ireland

by Tom English

Fully updated to include Ireland's historic victory over the All Blacks and their 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam.

From Jack Kyle's immortals to Brian O'Driscoll's golden generation, this is the story of Irish rugby told in the players' words.

Celebrated rugby writer Tom English embarks on a pilgrimage through the four provinces to reveal the fascinating and illuminating story of playing test rugby in the emerald green of Ireland - all the glory of victory, all the pain of defeat, and all the craic behind the scenes.But this is more than just a nostalgic look back through the years, it is a searing portrait of the effects of politics and religion on Irish sport, a story of great schisms and volatile divisions, but also as story of the profound unity, passionate friendships and the bonds of a brotherhood.

With exclusive new interview material with a host of Ireland rugby greats, No Borders unveils the compelling truth of what it means to play for Ireland at Lansdowne Road, Croke Park and around the world. This is the ultimate history of Irish rugby - told, definitively, by the men who have been there and done it.

583 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Tom English (born 8 March 1991) is an Australian rugby union footballer who plays as a centre or wing for the Melbourne Rebels.

English is a former Australia Sevens representative. In 2011, he was named at inside centre for Sydney University in the final of the Shute Shield. The side was to be captained by Rebels flanker Tim Davidson.

In late 2012 English joined the Melbourne Rebels Extended Playing Squad. He stayed with the Rebels into 2013 and was named on the bench to play the Western Force in Round 1 and ACT Brumbies for Round 2 but didn't play. He made his Super Rugby debut when he replaced inside centre Rory Sidey against the Reds in Round 4. Seven weeks later he started on the right wing and played 58 minutes before being replaced by Lachlan Mitchell.

In 2014, English faced competition for a place in the Rebels centres from Mitch Inman and New Zealand import Tamati Ellison.

In May 2014 English was invited to train with the Wallaby squad preparing for series against France.

Reviews

[Rutger Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastisch! Geschreven door middel van interviews met verschillende spelers door de groei van het team heen. Verhalen van grootheden als Jack Kyle, Jamie Heaslip, Paul O'connell brengen hey tot leven. In BOD we trust

[Ciaran Mcgrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of Irish rugby from WWII onwards, ending with the 2015 Six Nations Championship win. The early sections of the book proved the most interesting, at least for me, with all sorts of insights into the ups and downs that Irish rugby went through as Ireland and Northern Ireland changed over the decades. From the Grand Slam in 1948 to the could-have-been of 1972 to the Declan Kidney slam of 2009, there’s a lot to be said of every era. In terms of flaws, the focus on the Ireland team alone sometimes robs the ongoing story of some context, and the latter part of the book feels like it rushes over what was a fascinating era. Still, the chance to hear from the players and coaches themselves just what they experienced makes this a must-read for rugby fans. Here’s hoping for an expanded version in the future, or maybe a section volume in a few decades.

[Thomas Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. Can’t wait for the year of domestic travel to end so I can get to a game.

[Tim Tat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series of 'Playing Rugby for'. Tom English is an accomplished rugby writer and made a great selection of quotes by players in the turmoil of what is Irish rugby. I would have liked to read a little more about 'the Troubles' but I can understand the emphasis is more on the positive of the oval game on the Emerald Island.

[Harry Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

No quarter given

A really good insight to the pre and post thoughts of the game. The little things that spur a player to top level performance. The honesty of former and current players and coaching staff.

[Rob Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of rugby in Ireland from (just about) pre-War until today from the players who lived it. Some fascinating insights into how politics and religion effected the sport during The Troubles. Plenty of interesting stores about the behind the scenes stuff you wouldn't hear about. The part of the book that covers the modern era turns into a bit of a BOD love fest so if you're an avowed Munster supporter you may get sick but I loved it.

[T H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written account of Irish Rugby especially of the professional era

[Pearse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really really good and insightful on the journey of the Irish team, especially considering the context of the current team.