Hardback Published by World's Work 1980. 1st edition. In very good condition with non priceclipped DJ and no inscriptions.
A small Stuttafords Book shop Cape Town Stamp at base of title pageBritish Lions 1980 is a vivid account by The Sunday Times rugby correspondent John Hopkins of the controversial tour of South Africa by the British Isles touring party. Organised in secrecy and announced to an accompaniment of criticism from all over the world, the tour threatened the Moscow Olympics even before the USSR's intervention in Afghanisan and has cast a cloud over the Commonwealth Games of 1982, which the black African nations may now shun.
Hopkins Chronicles the agonising way the decision to tour was made following the visit of the South African Barbarians to Britain in 1979; the International Championship which preceded it and bore so strongly on the captaincy and the choice of Lions to travel to South Africa; and the experience of players and officials on the tour. His highly observant reporting includes interviews with Dr. Danie Craven, South Africa's "Mr Rugby"; Alan Paton, the author of Cry the Beloved Country; Naas Botha, the Springbok's amazing kicker; Bishop Tutu, the controversial black religious leader; as well as players in the touring party.
The book is illustrated with a lavish selection of photos by David Rogers, and contains in its appendices the most comprehensive statistical record ever compiled of a Lions Tour. This last section edited by rugby statistician Michael Nimmo, makes British Lions 1980 a volume that every rugby enthusiast, as well as those interested in the problems of South Africa, will wish to read and keep
Contents
Lions who went in hope and returned with dignity
How the decision to tour was made
Picking the pride of British rugby
An uproar disturbs the Springbok camp
Avisionary voice in a troubled land
Test for Supermen and a miracle try
Among the Bushmen of the Caprivi Zipfel
Three Lions in the turmoil of the tour
Rabble rouser and patron saint.
Taking the medicine from Doc Craven
Emergency Ward- an Irish injection
Great Gatsbys gathered in song
Day by day by day a chapter of accidents
A charismatic Springbok brought down at last
Match Reports
The Lions: International Board Caps
The Lions: Previous Tours
The Lions in South Africa
Index.
