The All Whites

Formed as Newton Volunteers in 1873, just two years after the founding of the Rugby Football Union, Newton Abbot Rugby Club has had an interesting and varied history. This highly illustrated book traces the development of the club, from the early days, when the rules were lax and ‘anything goes’ seemed to be the order of the day, to today’s organised and formalised game, and from when rugby was a male-only preserve to today’s era which includes girls, ladies and youth teams. Among the highlights are the hosting of three All Black touring teams, who spoke of the town’s ‘wonderful hospitality’, as well as one from South Africa and one from Australia. Development was not always peaceful, and the book describes arguments aplenty: disputed match results leading to walk-outs and boycotts; internal disagreements about selection decisions; and the ‘great rumpus’ caused by a brief flirtation with rugby league. But it weathered these storms, as well as two World Wars, to become the strong, vibrant club it is today at the core of its community.