This is a cheap and cheerful guide to playing and/or watching rugby, written by someone who is clearly in love with oval-ball sports.

Union is the main ingredient of the book--part of the wide-ranging Activators series--which gives tips on how to play rugby.

There are plenty of diagrams to help explain the various rules and laws, a couple of quizzes to tackle and some interesting rugby facts to keep you on your toes.

The 10 commandments of attacking are, in particular, an entertaining read. This book is clearly aimed at the younger generation (there are plenty of references to mini-rugby), though adults could also find it useful--if only as a refresher--particularly as its release coincided with World Cup year.

Certainly for anyone who knows very little about the game but wants to find out more, this is a good starting point.

The 13- a-side code is not forgotten--the final chapter runs the rule over rugby league and how it varies to union--while a glossary clarifies all the technical terms. And the book finishes off with some useful information on how to extend your rugby knowledge, with details of relevant Internet sites, books, magazines and addresses.

This is perfect for youngsters hoping to take up the game of rugby union. --Martine Hunter