SAINTS AND HEATHENS

Historic tour shapes Australian football

Book includes 8 page insert of images, in addition to other sketches in the text.

Posted 26 Jun 2013, 10:12am
Paul Kennedy chats to author Sean Fagan about his new book on the British and Irish Lion’s first Australian tour in 1888.
abc Source: ABC News | Duration: 3min 47sec
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-26/historic-tour-shapes-australian-football/4781396

More media & interviews:
http://books.slatterymedia.com/store/viewItem/the-first-lions-of-rugby

Sean Fagan of SaintsAndHeathens.com
has published three history books.

THE FIRST LIONS OF RUGBY

The first British Lions & their barnstorming Rugby & Aussie rules playing tour of Australia of 1888.

“…a rare sporting story that holds interest for fans of rugby and fans of Australian football.”
— The Age, Melbourne

“Superbly written and brilliantly researched, ‘The First Lions of Rugby’ is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of rugby, rugby league and AFL. It is simply the best book about a football tour ever-written.”
— Tony Collins, rugby codes author & historian

BUY NOW

THE captivating story of the first British Lions and their history-making tour of Australia and New Zealand. An epic eight month, 54-games expedition of high drama and adventure in the era of Sherlock Holmes, Jules Verne and Jack the Ripper.

Unsanctioned, organised by private speculators, the team assembled in the face of draconian rules against professionalism and zealous officials determined to throttle the playing career of anyone preparing to take part (and, in one cruel case, doing exactly that).

The tour and the treatment of the players, many of whom were from clubs in Yorkshire and Lancashire, was the trigger that opened a rift so wide, that it led to the founding of rugby league.

Travelling by steam-powered ships and trains, horse-drawn carriages accompanied by brass bands and vast crowds, feted and banqueted at every turn; they were 22 young footballers who knew how to enjoy life, and who could handle a horse and shoot a rifle as well as they played rugby.

In often torrid battles they met the best rugby teams of NSW, Queensland and New Zealand. Claims the team were involved in match-fixing and excessive drinking were raised in newspapers.

They then turned their prodigious football talents to Australian Rules, taking on the top clubs of Melbourne & Adelaide (including five now AFL clubs), and stepping into the middle of a ‘code war’ for national ascendancy. Could they master the Australian game?

Amidst it all the first Lions were to suffer personal torment and sorrow. Two of the party later committed suicide, another died alone, a victim of alcoholism; sad postscripts in the wake of a shocking tragedy during the tour – so cataclysmic and so heartbreaking, it is a wonder the men could go on at all.

But they did…and in time gained pride of place as having been both trail-blazers and visionaries, a stoic lot who overcame adversity to lay down the foundation of a wonderful sporting tradition – the rare but special event of a British Lions tour.

Renowned rugby codes historian Sean Fagan tells a thrilling story in these pages – one that is based on hundreds of hours of research of archives in Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain, during which he meticulously uncovered the lost tale of a band of rugby missionaries of so long ago.

“Fagan’s book sheds light on a fascinating and controversial tour. It is entertaining, beautifully written & meticulously researched. You certainly won’t be disappointed.”
— Lesley Smith, ‘The Yorker’ (Journal of the Melbourne Cricket Club Library)

“This new, enthralling and most complete account of the first rugby tour of Australia by a British team will entrance and enthrall … A rattling good yarn.”
— Spiro Zavos, The Sydney Morning Herald

BUY NOW

The First Lions of Rugby by Sean Fagan.
Paperback 304 pages plus 8 pages of glossy b&w photos/drawings; match results table, post tour timeline 1888-1914; 1888-written guides to playing rules of rugby & Aust rules.
Published by Slattery Media 2013. ISBN 978-0-9875002-7-4. Order from book shops/websites in Australia.
Download at Apple iTunes
Ordering from UK, North America or NZ try Abebooks
Ordering from New Zealand try The Nile

THE RUGBY REBELLION

'The Rugby Rebellion' (aka Pioneers of Rugby League)...

“Its revelation is fascinating.”
— The Sydney Morning Herald

“It is superbly researched and a very interesting read – in years to come it will be considered a classic.”
— Peter Sharpham, author ‘The First Wallabies’

‘The Rugby Rebellion‘ (re-titled as ‘Pioneers of Rugby League‘) is now in its final print run – don’t miss out!

The Rugby Rebellion (first & second editions)

A now iconic book acclaimed by fans, media and historians of both rugby codes.

It is a history book, but the story it tells reads and unfolds with the pace and intrigue of a mystery and suspense novel.

In a revealing and entertaining way it retraces how rugby became so popular and successful in Australia, that the game itself came to be fought over in a dramatic and bitter battle on and off the field between League and Union for the loyalty of players and fans, culminating with revolutionary matches between the Kangaroos and the Wallabies.

Featuring original newspaper clippings from match reports, re-live game action from a century ago. This 2nd edition also includes bonus section with new articles, records and stats.

It is a thrilling tale – of an uprising by footy-playing working class blokes, dismayed they were not getting a `fair go’ from those who ran their game, and the outcome of that anger.

These stunning events of a century ago forever changed Australia’s sporting winters.

“Revelations of biblical proportions for rugby (league and union) tragics – continually springing surprises in the style of a real-life thriller.”
— The Illawarra Mercury

BUY NOW

The Rugby Rebellion by Sean Fagan.
Paperback 432 pages, b&w photos throughout, bonus statistics/tables & extra articles.
Pioneers of Rugby League (The Rugby Rebellion) is available to order via book shops >>> distributed by Dennis Jones & Associates – refer ISBN 9780975756300.
Search at Abebooks for new or used copies from Australian sellers.
UK published edition available via London League Publications

THE MASTER – THE LIFE & TIMES
OF DALLY MESSENGER

The Master - The Life and Times of Dally Messenger — The Master – The Life and Times of Dally Messenger

“A very worthwhile read.”
— Inside Sport

Dally Messenger was an Australian sporting superstar in the early years of the 20th century – a rugby league immortal, rugby union champion, and the most popular sporting personality of his era.

The Master

He represented the Kangaroos in rugby league, the Wallabies in rugby union, and also played for New Zealand in the 13-man code.

Thousands of fans in Australia, England and Wales flocked to footy grounds when he was playing, and he his still revered as an icon in both codes to this very day.

The son of a professional rower, Messenger led the push for footballers to be allowed to fairly share in the financial profits of the game.

The Master is a popular and authoritative account of the life and times of a superlative sportsman, a tribute to a footballer without peer, and an inspiring story for all those who would marvel at this sporting excellence and outstanding achievements.

“An engrossing tale.”
— The Daily Telegraph, Sydney

Paperback 396 pages, 8 page insert of glossy b&w photos, career statistics, longest drop & place kicks. Published by Hachette Australia 2007. ISBN: 9780733622007.
Order from book shops/websites in Australia, or download via Apple iTunes store or Amazon Kindle
Search at Abebooks for new or used copies.

Info previously also at RL1908.com & sfaganweb.com

FOOTBALL IN AUSTRALIA (TIMELINE)

A timeline of Rugby and general football history in Australia
Compilation & text © Sean Fagan – 2013

1829: Sydney newspapers record soldiers of NSW Rum Corps playing football on the parade ground at George’s Square Barracks (now Wynyard Park).

1832: large groups of Sydney youths reported by local press to be “eagerly engaged in playing at football on Hyde Park”.

1840: first Sydney report of folk football game played as part of a holiday celebrations (tradition continues in cities & towns across the colonies until the late 1860s).

1847: Rugby football is played regularly by schoolboys at Christ’s College in Bishopsbourne, Tasmania.

1855: In the wake of the 1854 Eureka Rebellion in the Victorian goldfields, a 13-aside Rugby-style game is played in Castlemaine between British “soldiers of the 12th and 40th Regiments and an equal number of ‘diggers’.”

1858: games ostensibly under Rugby rules are played by footballers in South Yarra (where a football club is in existence) and elsewhere in Melbourne, including schools/colleges.

1858: Rugby School old-boy Tom Wills in Melbourne writes letter to Bell’s Life in Victoria calling for a football club to be formed and drawing up of a code of laws.

1859: in Victoria the Melbourne FC is founded, followed by other clubs (incl. Geelong, Castlemaine & St Kilda), each adopting its own rules for football.

1860: first football club in Adelaide, South Australia, founded (unknown playing rules).

1860: clubs meet in Melbourne and agree on laws of the game, resolving they be called “The Victorian Football Rules” (Melbourne, St Kilda, South Yarra, Richmond, Scotch College, University, Williamstown, Collingwood & Boroondara; Geelong also assented to the rules).

1863: students at Sydney University commence playing in-house Rugby games.

1865: the Sydney FC and a football team under the Australian Cricket Club are founded, joining the University as the city’s three clubs.

1866: Brisbane FC is founded, the first club in Queensland; Melbourne rules are initially adopted, but over ensuing years club evolves own rules.

1874: Rugby clubs in Sydney meet to form “Southern Rugby Football Union” (now NSWRU); founding clubs Wallaroo, King’s School, Newington College, Goulburn, Waratah, Balmain, North Shore, Sydney University & Camden College (Redfern) / non-affiliated: St Leonards, Bathurst, Mudgee & Maitland.

1876: Brisbane’s 2nd and 3rd football clubs are founded (Rangers FC & Bonnet Rouge FC) ; both adopt Rugby laws, but soon introduce local variations.

1876: first Rugby game in South Australia is played by members of Woodville FC (dividing into two teams).

1877: Melbourne and country clubs meet and resolve to form Victorian Football Association (Victorian rules / Australian football).

1877: clubs meet in Adelaide to form South Australian Football Association, adopting Victorian rules (with some modifications).

1877: matches played in Sydney between Waratah club and Carlton FC (Melbourne) under Rugby laws and then Victorian rules.

1878: Waratah and Carlton meet again in games under each other’s playing rules, this time in Melbourne.

1878: Rugby matches start being played in Western Australia at the Bishop’s Collegiate School (Hale School) in Perth.

1879: clubs under the Tasmanian Football Association play trial games in Hobart under Rugby, “soccer”, local rules and Victorian; the latter code is subsequently adopted (with some modifications).

1880: clubs in Brisbane and Ipswich meet to form Queensland Football Association, adopting Victorian rules, but also passing a vote to play Rugby every 4th Saturday.

1880: Sydney’s first English Football Association (aka “soccer” or “British Association”) game is played at Parramatta between Wanderers FC and King’s School.

1880: meeting in Sydney results in forming the New South Wales Football Association to play Victorian rules and establishing the Sydney and East Sydney clubs.

1881: Melbourne Cricket Club’s “Wanderers” Rugby team play the British Navy’s “Detached Squadron” at the MCG.

1882: Western Australia’s first four football clubs are founded in Perth (three adopt Rugby, one Victorian rules).

1882: the QFA and NSWRU negotiate for a Queensland team to play in Sydney under Rugby rules, including two games vs NSW (now recognised as first NSW Waratahs vs Qld Reds games).

1882: NSW team makes first Rugby tour of New Zealand.

1882 NSW Rugby football team (NZ tour)

1883: NSW Rugby team visits Queensland for the first time; afterwards the QFA re-forms as exclusively Victorian rules body, followed by the founding of the Northern RFU (now QRU).

1884: English football (“soccer”) commences in Melbourne; NSW vs Victoria played at East Melbourne Cricket Ground.

1884: the Anglo-Queensland Football Association (“soccer”) is founded in Brisbane.

1884: South Australia’s first Rugby club is founded in Adelaide.

1884: New Zealand Rugby team makes first visit to NSW.

1885: clubs in Perth and Fremantle meet to agree on rules and form West Australian Football Association (adopting Victorian rules).

1888: Victoria’s first Rugby club is founded in Melbourne.

1888: first British Lions tour Australia, playing Rugby (NSW, QLD & VIC) and Victorian rules (NSW, VIC & SA).

1889: first Rugby game between Victoria and NSW is played (at the SCG).

1891: first Rugby 7s tournament held, in Rockhampton, Queensland.

1893: West Australian Rugby Union founded by clubs in Perth, Fremantle and gold field towns.

1894: NSW Rugby team travels to Melbourne for the first time, meeting Victoria in two games.

1895: NSWRU introduces annual City vs Country game.

1896: Queensland make their first Rugby tour to New Zealand.

1896: clubs in Perth and Fremantle begin playing “British Association” (“soccer”).

1897: in Melbourne clubs breakaway from the VFA, establishing the VFL (Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fitzroy, Geelong, Melbourne, South Melbourne & St. Kilda). [Now AFL]

1899: first combined Australian Rugby team plays four Tests against the visiting British Lions in Sydney and Brisbane; the tourists also play NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

1900: NSWRU (via MRU) disbands all existing clubs in Sydney (except University), replacing them with “district scheme” dividing the city into Balmain, Norths, Wests, Easts, Souths, Newtown & Glebe (subsequent boundary adjustments create Manly, St George & Sydney). [Now Shute Shield]

1901: in Sydney new/re-formed Rugby clubs establish a rebel competition unaffiliated to the NSWRU, and is later named the City and Suburban Competition (“Subbies”).

1903: first Rugby international between Australia and New Zealand played (Sydney).

1904: third British Lions tour of Australia.

1905: Australian Rugby team makes first overseas tour with visit to New Zealand.

1907: NSW Rugby team sails to Perth for a 4-game tour that includes two matches against Western Australia.

1907: NSW v New Zealand Rugby game at the SCG draws 52,000 spectators – the largest crowd to any football contest in Australia and any Rugby match in the world.

1908: rugby league commences in Sydney & Newcastle (NSWRL), and in Brisbane (QRL); teams in the Sydney premiership: Glebe, Newtown, South Sydney, Balmain, Eastern Suburbs, Western Suburbs, North Sydney, Newcastle & Cumberland. [Now NRL]

1908: fourth British Lions tour of Australia.

1908: the NSWRL and VFL commence discussions in Melbourne to merge rugby league and Australian rules.

1908: the Australian Wallabies play matches against Victoria and Western Australia at the start of their tour to the British Isles and North America.

1908/09: in the UK the Wallabies defeat England, are beaten by Wales, while Ireland and Scotland decline to play them, claiming the team’s 3s per day allowance is professionalism; the Australians also defeat Cornwall (for Great Britain) to claim the gold medal at the London Olympic Games.

1908/09: the Kangaroos undertake a 45-match tour of England and Wales; after the final game many of the players sign contracts to join English rugby league clubs.

1909: Melbourne Rugby clubs’ Dewar Shield competition established (Melbourne, East Melb., Sth Melb., St Kilda & University).

1909: Sydney and Melbourne Universities meet in first inter-varsity Rugby game (played in Melbourne).

1909: nearly half of the 31-man Wallabies touring team given life bans by the NSWRU after accepting lucrative money offers to play in a four game “Kangaroos v Wallabies” series under rugby league rules in Sydney; eight go on to have significant careers in the rival code.