Rugby Academy

Dive into the world of rugby in this action-packed, globe-trotting sports adventure from top-selling author Tom Palmer.

Borderlands First XV have their sights set on becoming the best school rugby team in the world. But while the boys focus on their matches, many of their parents are serving overseas in the armed forces, and everyone is worried as conflict grows in the Central Asian Republic.

New pupil Woody is a footballer by nature and must decide if he's prepared to give rugby his all. Rory feels like he's losing his focus, distracted by thoughts of his parents in danger. And Owen finds himself a t the centre when conflict breaks out within the team. With so many hurdles to face along the way, how far will they get in the rigorous schools' tournament?

“"A good book that I really enjoyed reading ... I like this because it is very exciting but there is a lot of humour too" -- Reader Review, Teen Titles”

"A good book that I really enjoyed reading … I like this because it is very exciting but there is a lot of humour too" – Reader Review, Teen Titles

"Written with sensitivity and insight, and illustrated by David Shephard, this book comes packed with drama, suspense, some real-life issues, and all the excitement – and ups and downs – of sporting action and shared team spirit. A brilliant book for rugby fans, adrenaline addicts and reluctant readers…" – Lancashire Evening Post

"The dilemmas the characters face are well defined and the reader will be drawn into their decision-making in this pacy story with sport and loyalty at its heart" – Parents in Touch

"Palmer is a first class story teller … there’s light and shade in his stories and I thought it was excellent that the ‘baddies’ in these stories aren’t cartoon villains but complex characters in their own right" – The Letterpress Project

"Will resonate with anyone who has played a team sport … Skilful storytelling makes Rugby Academy an exciting read, even for non-sports fans, and will appeal to readers with a wide range of interests" – BookTrust

Tom Palmer was a reluctant reader as a child and credits articles about football with getting him into reading. He is now the multi-award-winning author of many books for young readers, including the Young Quills Award winner After the War and FCBG Children's Book Award winners Armistice Runner and D-Day Dog. In 2019 Tom was awarded the National Literacy Trust's Ruth Rendell Award in recognition of his significant contribution to literacy work in the UK.

Celebrate the buzz of the Rugby World cup with this action-packed, globe-trotting rugby adventure from top-selling author Tom Palmer.. Borderlands School's First XV have their sights set on becoming the best school rugby team in the world. But while the boys focus on their matches, many of their parents are serving overseas in the armed forces. New pupil Woody is a footballer by nature and must decide if he's prepared to give rugby his all. Rory feels like he's losing his focus, distracted by thoughts of his parents in danger. Meanwhile, Owen finds himself at the centre when conflict breaks out within the team. With so many hurdles to face along the way, how far will they get in the rigorous schools' tournament?

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.