Publisher's Synopsis
Rugby in Lancashire is more than a game - it's a heritage, a battleground of pride, and a mirror to the region's industrial and social evolution. In this rich and meticulously researched volume, David M. Gough takes readers on a journey from the muddy pitches of 19th-century factory towns to the electric atmosphere of modern stadiums, unearthing the stories, rivalries, and personalities that made Lancashire the beating heart of English rugby.
From the formation of historic clubs like Manchester RFC and Sale Sharks, to the fierce Roses clashes with Yorkshire and the trailblazing rise of women's rugby in the region, this book reveals how a sport shaped - and was shaped by - the people of Lancashire. With profiles of legendary players, insights into rulemaking and governance, and a celebration of grassroots passion, this is both a definitive history and a love letter to rugby's red rose roots.
Whether you're a lifelong supporter, a curious newcomer, or a student of sport and culture, A Concise History and Cultural Impact of Rugby in Lancashire offers a powerful exploration of how local pride became a national legacy.
