This book explores each of the defining rugby era, from the dominant England teams of the 1950s, the legendary Welsh sides of the 1960s and 70s, the sudden, extraordinary successes of Scotland and Ireland, the growth of Australian rugby and the traditional powerhouses of New Zealand and South Africa. As well as the exhilarating and often eventful British & Irish Lions tours to the Southern Hemisphere. Peter Bills, a respected rugby writer with over 30 years experience of the game, offers a fresh and informed insight into this much loved sport, revealing the joy and camaraderie that runs throughout the game as well as the tumultuous changes the sport has had to undergo since it was hauled into professionalism at the end of the 20th century. Presented decade-by-decade and packed with exclusive contributions by leading players and coaches - including Sir Anthony O'Reilly, Colin Meads, Gareth Edwards, David Campese, Francois Pienaar, Sir Clive Woodward, Ian McGeechan and Martin Johnson - this beautiful illustrated book, containing over 150 photographs, captures the highs and lows of rugby union through a stylishly written, anecdote-packed text by one of the sport's leading authorities.