Overview

First published in 1979, this classic study of the development of rugby from folk game to its modern 'Union' and 'League' forms has become a seminal text in sport history. In a new epilogue the authors provide sociological analysis of the major developments in international ruby that have taken place since 1979, with particular attention to the professionalism that was predicted in the first edition of this text. Sports lovers, rugby fans and students of the history and sociology of sport will find it invaluable. Rugby football is descended from winter 'folk games' which were a deeply rooted tradition in pre-industrial Britain. This was the first book to study the development of Rugby from this folk tradition to the game in its modern 'Union' and 'League' forms. The folk forms of football were extremely violent and serious injuries - even death - were a common feature. The game was refined in the public schools who played a crucial role in formulating the rules which required footballers to exercise greater self-control. With the spread of Rugby into the wider society, a national rule-making body, the Rugby Football Union, was founded but class tensions led to the split between Rugby Union and Rugby League. All these important changes are related to changes in the wider structure of British society. The authors examine the changes that led to the professionalisation of Rugby Union as well as the alleged resurgence of violence in the modern game.

Full Product Details

Author:   Kenneth Sheard ,  Eric Dunning (Leicester University, UK) ,  Professor J A Mangan (University of Strathclyde, UK) ,  Eric Dunning
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Edition:   2nd edition
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.620kg
ISBN:  

9780714682907

ISBN 10:   071468290
Pages:   336
Publication Date:   20 December 2004
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Part I: Folk Antecedents and Transitional Forms of Football in the Public Schools 1. The folk antecedents of modern rugby and their decline 2. Football in the early 19th century public schools Part II: The Modernisation of Rugby Football 3. The preconditions for modernization: embourgeoisement and public school reform 4. The incipient modernization of rugby football 5. The 'civilising process' and the formation of the RFU. 6. The democratization of rugby football. 7. Professionalisation and the amateur response. 8. The split. 9. The class structure and the professionalisation of British sport. Part III: The Development of Rugby Football as a Modern Sport 10. The professionalisation of rugby league. 11. Rugby union as a modern sport: bureaucracy, gate-taking clubs and the swansong of amateurism. Conclusion: Sociological Reflections on the Crisis in Modern Sport

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Kenneth Sheard, Eric Dunning

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