Scrum Queens: The Story of Women’s Rugby (Shortlisted for the Sunday Times Sports Book Awards 2023)

**SHORTLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2023**

The first ever book telling the story of women’s rugby, from its origins to today.

‘Donnelly has created a masterpiece’ – Sara Orchard, BBC

‘A vitally important book, bringing to life the rich history of women’s rugby’ – Maggie Alphonsi, Former England Player

‘A much-needed treasure trove of women’s rugby history – insightful, informative and inspiring’ – Sarah Mockford, Rugby World Editor

Comprehensively researched and detailed, Scrum Queens charts the fascinating journey of women’s rugby as well as celebrating the success and heroics of the sport’s top players and teams, from widespread social disapproval to the modern era of Olympic recognition and professionalism.

The book includes:

• All of the major moments in the history of the women’s game from widespread societal disapproval to groundbreaking games during the war, the first World Cup in 1991 and the first appearance at the 2016 Olympics.
• Stories of the pioneers who fought to get the game played in its earliest days, like New Zealand’s Nita Webbe and France’s Henry Fléchon, and the modern-day drivers like England’s Carol Isherwood.
• Specific team successes in the sport such as New Zealand’s dominance, their long-time rivalry with England and the emergence of teams such as Ireland and Fiji.

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