Red against white, Celts confronting Saxons, the Dragons versus St George. Those terms convey the historic rivalry of England and Wales. Think of that rivalry and rugby contests – rugby union that is – will primarily feature. If only rugby union comes to mind, it is worth reconsidering. Although not as well known as its counterpart with matches at Twickenham and Cardiff Arms Park, English and Welsh rugby league players sustained a professional series that enlivened British rugby from 1908 until rugby union finally jettisoned amateurism and became an open sport in 1995. That long-running series may have been less well-known, but the outcome of those matches mattered just as much to the professional players involved.

The story of that rugby rivalry has been left largely untold. This book aims to rectify that and – by drawing on the times, the matches, the drama, and personalities – bring that story to life. It is a tale of passion and endeavour overshadowed by constant restrictions by the rugby union authorities which forced the Welsh team to play the majority of their international matches in England. Professional rugby league constantly raised issues which the authorities had to address. They found it necessary to change the way the game was being played on occasion. Some of the alterations to the rules were very important for the sport and these are covered in some detail.

Throughout the series, there were far fewer Welsh professional players than those available to the England selectors. However, the Dragons were able to include some iconic rugby league figures over the years. Short biographies of some of them are included. This well illustrated book also contains a statistical section with all the results, teams and scorers plus a summary of each nation’s players and their appearances. 

It is an intriguing tale that will interest all rugby fans – union and league – and sports fans in general.

The author, Graham Williams, has written widely about both rugby league and union.