First World War Rugby And The First World Cup

As Rugby World Cup fever grips the capital, author Stephen Cooper will be visiting The National Archives to tell the story behind his new book 'After the Final Whistle: The First Rugby World Cup'.

When Britain’s Empire went to war in August 1914, rugby players were among the first men to volunteer. Leading from the front, they paid a high price. After four long years, Armistice came and it was time to play rugby again. In 1919, Twickenham saw the crowning of the first ever rugby world champions.

Hear award-winning author Stephen Cooper tell the story behind his new book, 'After the Final Whistle: The First Rugby World Cup and The First World War'.

Stephen is also the winner of Rugby Book of the Year 2013 with his previous First World War sporting work, 'The Final Whistle: The Great War in Fifteen Players'