Rugby League in New Zealand: a people’s history
Bridget Williams Books, NZ 2023
Author: Ryan Bodman
$NZ50-60 (approx.)
This is the history of a sport told through its communities.
Rugby League in New Zealand: A People’s History tells the story of a game and its supporters thriving against the odds.
Beginning with the game’s introduction to the country in 1907, Ryan Bodman reveals the deep-rooted connections between rugby league’s development and the evolving cultural fabric of New Zealand.
Inhabitants of blue-collar working-class suburbs, Irish Catholics, K?ngitanga M?ori, Pasifika migrants and West Coast clubs – the people behind the game share accounts of class conflict, prejudice, demographic shifts and industrial upheaval, while emphasising rugby league’s lasting influence on New Zealanders’ lives.
Utilising oral history interviews, rugby league memorabilia and captivating illustrations, Bodman presents an engaging and unique perspective on the cultural significance of sport in New Zealand.
The early animosity faced by rugby league from rugby union’s governing bodies is shown as playing a pivotal role in the sport’s subsequent popularity among marginalised communities across the country.
By questioning the mythic status of rugby union in the nation’s identity, Rugby League in New Zealand highlights how power, politics and people have collectively shaped the nation’s sporting scene.
Endorsements:
‘This is one of the very best books ever produced on the history of sport in New Zealand or on rugby league anywhere.’
Tony Collins, Emeritus Professor of History, De Montfort University, England
‘For those for whom Carlaw Park, the All Golds and the Winfield Cup stir warm memories, and to those to whom these are utter mysteries, Bodman’s book is for you. Contests on the field take us to struggles beyond; struggles for dignity, survival and joy.’
Charlotte Macdonald, Professor of History, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
‘The people, the geographical scope of the book, the comparative experiences between north and south, east and west coast, rural and urban make this book a truly national, and international story.’
Sean Mallon, Senior Curator, Pacific Cultures, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
‘As a great lover of rugby league, it is very refreshing to be able to find a book that documents the game’s historical factors so well.’
Sir Peter Charles Leitch, The Mad Butcher
‘Ryan Bodman’s history of rugby league in New Zealand is a riveting read uncovering class and cultural histories of our other national game.’
Morgan Godfery, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
‘A wonderful insight into the fascinating whakapapa of rugby league in Aotearoa. Rugby League being more than a game is well reflected in this book.’
Andre Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer at Wellington Rugby League
‘In twenty years of researching, writing and teaching sports history this is one of the best books I have ever read.’
Geoff Watson, author and historian
Release date: 29/9/2023
To pre-order click here.
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