For the Love of the Game is a celebration of New Zealand grassroots rugby and the people who make it happen. In words and stunning photographs, it tells the story of a great love affair that is pursued in every corner of New Zealand. As one generation succeeds another, children are hooked by the game at school and club level, and families get caught up in helping their kids succeed and in maintaining the reputation of their team or club. In the process, the rugby club often becomes the social hub of the community.

Many of the people responsible for carrying on the traditions of New Zealand rugby are unsung heroes who give up their Saturdays to coach the teams, make the teas, polish the boots, referee the games and ferry the kids around the country. This book tells the story of their lives. For the Love of the Game takes the reader through the process of training and preparing for the game, fund-raising, the road trip, the great traditional rivalries and the after-match rituals.

Author Biography

Gregor Paul is the author of Hard Men Fight Back, The Reign of King Henry and Black Obsession. Recognised as one of New Zealand's leading writers on the national game, he has been the Herald on Sunday's voice of rugby since its inception in 2004 and is also the editor of Rugby World. Born in Scotland, he lives in Auckland with his wife and three children. Gregory Crow is a New Zealand-born professional photographer currently living in Vancouver, Canada. Born and raised in heartland New Zealand, he grew up playing and loving rugby.