I love old rugby books !
This one is an early coaching and training book written by Jerome J.Rahilly, captain of London Irish Rugby F. C., published in 1904.
Fifteen chapters... but only one illustration except this fine cover... I- History of the Game. II- The Style of Play. III- The Player. IV- Full Back. V- Threequarters. VI- Half Backs. VII- Forwards. VIII- The Captain. IX- Kicking. X- Passing. XI- Training for Football. XII- The Referee. XIII- Rules. XIV- List of Winners. XV- The Game in Other Countries.
Lot of technical stuff but also interesting dietary recommendations for rugby players..."Tea : consists of eggs, fish or poultry, toast or crust of bread. The crumb should always be toasted and the crust eaten stale, not new. Watercress is allowed, but very little if any butter" or "Spirit drinking I do not believe in, but beer does no harm, if taken at regular times, and with meals. It is indiscriminate or excessive drinking at odd times that does the mischief with the footballer".
