Winner of the Telegraph Children's Sports Book of the Year Award, 2021
Written by Ospreys, Gloucester, Perpignan, Wales and British & Irish Lions star, James Hook, with acclaimed author, David Brayley, Chasing a Rugby Dream: Kick-Off is the first in a fantastic new series of middle-grade novels that combine amazing characters and great rugby drama with insights and tips for young, aspiring players.
Praise for Chasing a Rugby Dream: Kick-Off:
‘The perfect book for any parent to read with their kids. I absolutely loved it!’ – Sam Warburton, Wales and the British & Irish Lions
‘James Hook has nailed it. A book packed with positive messages – what young rugby fans have been waiting for’ – Alan Pearey, Rugby World
‘Jimmy Joseph is one to watch. Kick Off does what is says on the cover: kicks off a great new series about a young rugby player’s life on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to read more’ – Tom Palmer, award-winning children’s author
‘A great read, brilliantly written. It teaches lessons about rugby, both on and off the field’ – Leigh Halfpenny, Wales and the British & Irish Lions
‘I read this with my rugby-mad son and we both enjoyed it immensely – it really is a book for all ages’ – Shane Williams, Wales and the British & Irish Lions
‘A great read. The perfect book to encourage kids to follow their rugby dreams’ – Tommy Bowe, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions
‘This book is a go-to every night before bed with my rugby-adoring sons. A great read for young and old’ – Greig Laidlaw, Scotland and the British & Irish Lions
‘Loved this book! It’s so good, even I might have struggled to get into this school team!’ – Mike Phillips, Wales and the British & Irish Lions
‘Smashing stereotypes, this brilliant book is worth more than a bonus point. Moving and magnificent, as well as one of the most exciting and confidence-inspiring stories I’ve read. Guaranteed to be a grand slam series; essential reading for rugby fans whatever your age’ – Scott Evans, The Reader Teacher and #PrimarySchoolBookClub
About the book
Small, skinny and short-sighted . . . and dazzlingly talented.
Jimmy Joseph loves rugby. All he dreams about is one day playing for his country in a World Cup, or winning a Test series for the Lions with a last-minute drop-goal. But when he kicks an up-and-under in the schoolyard and accidentally hits the new head of PE, Mr Kane, on the head, he makes a powerful enemy.
Jimmy and his best friends – Manu, Matt and Kitty – try to prove their worth on the rugby field, but to no avail. Mr Kane has it out for them, and he’s being helped by team captain Mike Green, well known as the school bully.
Can Jimmy and his friends overcome the tyranny of Mr Kane and help Mike see the error of his ways? Or will the combination of bullying, pressure and dirty tactics derail the friends’ rugby careers before they have even begun?
An epic new rugby series begins here!
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