Rugby: the ideal Christmas library

Anthology of the Blues, Richard Escot (Solar Editions, 37 euros)

Under the still variegated pen of Richard Escot, the history of the XV of France, of its heroes and its finest hours, of its changes of style over the ages and of its most memorable third halves, now has its box.

A reference book thanks to the encyclopedic knowledge of its author.

And as the literature is not enough to tell more than a century of tricolor rugby, male and female (which brings a real plus), the imposing work is completed with statistics, match sheets, results.

All complemented by fascinating interviews with some big names in the oval ball.

To know everything, and a little more, about blue mythology.

Essential.

Solar Blues Anthology

Rugby in chorus, Guilhem Herbert (Amphora Edition, 29.95 euros)

We salute the originality of this beautiful book, subtitled hymns and men, travel in the country of Ovalie.

For the twelve major nations, the author tells the story of the anthem, gives the floor to a music education director to analyze its rhythm.

And multiplies the testimonies of the players, for anecdotes in shambles teeming with anecdotes.

Indispensable for all children of the homeland.

Thirteen ways to beat All Blacks, Olivier Villepreux (Solar Editions, 29.90 euros)

The XV of France has beaten the mythical New Zealand thirteen times in its history.

Olivier Villepreux looks back on these thirteen days of glory, from the first, February 27, 1954, to the last, November 20, 2021, passing, of course, by Bastille Day, this July 14, 1979 when the Blues of Jean-Pierre Rives win with the All Blacks.

The story, the tactics, the composition of the team and the testimony of a hero allow you to fully immerse yourself in each of these monuments.

Farewell Champions Talent Sport

Farewell champions, Anthony Tallieu (Talent Sport Edition, 20.90 euros)

What could be more emotional than lifting Brennus' shield on the night of his last match?

Not much to believe the thirteen players thus entered into legend since the advent of the professional era.

From the Toulouse pillar Claude Portolan, in 1996, to Guilhem Guirado, last June, via Fabien Galthié or Jonny Wilkinson, they tell Anthony Tallieu about this immense happiness but also the strength of character they had to show throughout their career. before bowing out on this consecration.

Memoirs of old-fashioned rugby, Serge Collinet (Editions Passiflore, 16 euros)

We laugh a lot and we are often moved when reading this account of the author's rugby years, from his first crampons to his farewell to this oval ball that he cherishes so much.

Former PUC player, Serge Collinet recounts with verve the pre-matches, the little fights and the great joys.

Not to mention the unforgettable and hilarious third half memories.

For all those who are nostalgic for rugby before.

We close the book with a touch of nostalgia, in mourning for those crazy years, when friendship took the place of viaticum.

Memories of old-fashioned rugby.

Editions Passiflore

The official dictionary of Stade Toulousain, Olivier Villepreux (Hugo Sport Edition, 29.95 euros)

From André Abadie, pillar then coach of the Stadium, to Zézette, the affectionate nickname given by the Toulouse team to their unbeatable team in the 1920s, the dictionary lists all those who fed the red and black legend.

Match sheets from the finals, historical testimonials, statistics and a few anecdotes complete this reference work for Stade Toulousain supporters.

The official dictionary of Stade Toulousain Hugo Sport

A history of Sevens, Antoine Duval (Editions Au vent des îles, 23 euros)

An encyclopedic document on rugby 7, from its origins to today.

Exhaustive.

With facts, anecdotes, results.

All embellished with photos and, above all, interviews with major players in the discipline, French and foreign, of this discipline which has obtained Olympic recognition.

A Bible that will delight enthusiasts.

The curious will find an answer to all their questions.

The dream catcher Editions Equateur

"The dream catcher", Daniel Herrero (Équateurs Editions, 18 euros)

With his beard and white hair, his eternal red headband, Daniel is an emblematic character of French rugby.

His rich and flowery verb allowed him to be known and recognized beyond the world of ovaly.

Passionate about words and encounters, the former player and coach of Rugby Club Toulonnais has published several successful books.

In his latest book,

, he shares, with his warm fervor, his love of the world and the places he has known.

From Norway to Greece, from the Amazon to his native Provence.

An exotic and refreshing travel diary.

Like Daniel Herrero.

Exciting.

Guilhem Guirado, Fall, get up, always (Solar Editions, 19.90 euros)

The title of his autobiography sets the tone.

A few months after having put an end to his long and rock career by raising the shield of Brennus again, this time with Montpellier, the ex-captain of the Blues and hooker of Perpignan then Toulon tells how he knew how to overcome the adversity to complete a course of which he can be justifiably proud.