The Immortals of Australian Rugby Union by Gordon Bray

Reviewed by Richard Tutin

Across Australia many private schools have an elite squad of sporting students called the First XV. This group is made up of the most promising players of Rugby Union and who, it is thought, will go on to achieve greater things in the sport.

It is from this nursery that many of the greats of the game have been found and nurtured as they combine their football talents with the glory of being a member of one of the Super Rugby teams or better still representing Australia as one of the Wallabies.

Since fifteen players are needed to make up a team it is no accident then that The Immortals of Australian Rugby Union consists of fifteen core chapters with each one being devoted to a player whose on-field prowess and ongoing commitment to the game stood out from the rest.

This book is the seventh in the “Immortals” series published by Gelding Street Press. The guernsey for selecting the immortals for the title went to long-time and respected Rugby Union commentator Gordon Bray. His knowledge of the game and its players shows through this work. Along with the fifteen immortals, he also had to select an Honourable Mention list as well as an All-Time Wallaby Team. This would not have been an easy task given the deep talent pool he could draw on.

Some easily stand out such as Mark Ella, David Campese, Nick Farr-Jones and George Gregan. Others may not be familiar to many readers, but their stories and achievements have also contributed to the strength and status of the game.

Along with the text there are over 100 photographs along with key statistics that help fill out the picture of each player. The well-presented format of the book allows the reader to quickly look up their favourite player or check out the array of player talent at their leisure. It is also a good reference for those ongoing discussions and arguments about the game or matches as well as providing material for trivia questions.

The Immortals of Australian Rugby Union is a good addition to the recorded history of the game and its players. By bringing together the best of the best in one volume it offers a great snapshot of Australian Rugby Union from its beginnings to the present time. It also, through the players’ stories, shows the ways in which the game has changed and developed over the years. It is not often known that the elite players were regarded as amateurs rather than professionals as late as 1996. This indicates the traditional thinking that needed to change before the game could progress into the business it is today.

This book is a wonderful addition to the library of those who have a great affection for the game and the players who have made their mark at the highest level.

Gordon Bray was renowned throughout Australia as the ‘Voice of Rugby’ for over four decades. He is one of the sport’s longest serving commentators having started with the ABC in 1969. He is the author and editor of seven books on Rugby Union including From the Ruck and The Australian Rugby Companion. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2005 for his services to the game.

The Immortals of Australian Rugby Union

by Gordon Bray

(2024)

Gelding Street Press

ISBN 978 192266 203 3

$39.99; 200pp

 

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