All Shapes & Zebras

‘All Shapes and Zebras (from Treorchy) – an A to Z of Amateur Welsh Rugby’ is a fascinating and humorous alphabetical and photographic journey through our national game.

During the Covid Lockdowns of 2020, English teacher Andrew Hill had the idea of putting his experiences of 15 years playing in the lower levels of Welsh club rugby down in print with 26 short essays of musings and thoughts, not only full of nostalgia and longing for past glories but also with realism and a blunt acceptance of certain uncomfortable truths. Like all sport, amateur Welsh rugby has its ‘Good, Bad and Ugly’ and it’s all documented here.

Somewhere along the way, Andrew enlisted the help of Ian Williams, a rugby photographer who’d been around the game even longer, to help illustrate the journey through amateur Welsh Rugby through the eyes of two people who’ve seen the game at first hand – both on and off the field.

“Andrew and Ian have captured that spirit, ‘hwyl’ and atmosphere within these pages; something that, despite difficult times, will always be an integral part of our national sport…” says former Wales and Llanelli RFC legend Rupert Moon.

Perfect gift

This perfect gift for Welsh rugby fans is available at £14.99 from Riley Sporting Memories in Ystradgynlais, Griffin Books in Penarth, Cover to Cover in Mumbles and the Old Railway Garden Centre in Three Cocks.

You can also get a copy online here for £19.50 which includes postage.

Contact

Ian and Andy can be contacted on Tel: 07733376136 / rileysportsphotography@btinternet.com / Twitter: @allshapedzebras