The Grudge

I enjoyed this book enormously. The match is one of my enduring rugby memories, and reading The Grudge it all came flooding back – John InverdaleThe finest book written on the tournament … English has produced an absolutely outstanding work, weaving in the strands of history, politics, sociology, dislike and tactical nous, which makes the game probably the most remarkable ever played in the grand old tournament. The insights provided into the minds and roles of Jim Telfer and Brian Moore are worth the price alone – Stephen Jones * The Times *Superb … a fantastic drama. The Grand Slam match was part of a political world … This is what gave the occasion its power, its glory and its ultimate significance * The Herald *Gripping … Tom English has interviewed all the main protagonists to produce a richly textured picture of the build-up, the day itself and the aftermath * Independent *5 stars. An epic tale of clashing personalities. The Grudge puts you right on the touchline as the English and Scottish teams go to war. – Simon Briggs * Daily Telegraph *English has written a marvellous book, in its way as gripping as that season and the match itself * Scottish Review of Books *A potentially award-winning book. It’s a terrific bit of work, as engaging as the day itself was. – Mick Cleary * Daily Telegraph *A remarkable and compulsive re-enactment over 235 pages of the day Scotland confounded all expectation to win – Paul AckfordA priceless read … quite outstanding – Robert Kitson * The Guardian *If you haven’t bought Tom English’s book about the 1990 match - The Grudge - then do yourself a favour and get it now. It’s terrific – Alex Massie * Spectator *

Tom English was born in Limerick in 1969. He began his career at the Sunday Times and is now chief sports writer for Scotland on Sunday. In 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 he was named Scottish Sports Feature Writer of the Year. He lives in Stirlingshire with his wife and two children.