R Is for Rugby

Book excerpt: R is for Rugby: An Alphabet Book takes readers on a learning adventure through the alphabet to explore this incredible game. Each letter offers an opportunity to discover positions, tactics, and terminology that will make even non-ruggers want to lace up their boots With more than 2.3 million players in over 100 countries across six continents, rugby is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is also the fastest growing team sport for children ages six through twelve in the United States according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Its variant, rugby 7s, is set to make its eagerly awaited debut at the 2016 Olympic Games. R is for Rugby: An Alphabet Book is written by three-time Rugby World Cup veteran and USA National Team player Mike Petri. Mike has over 50 test caps for the USA and has featured for the Newport Gwent Dragons as well as the invitational, prestigious Barbarians squad. Outside of his competitive rugby, he is a high school math and science teacher as well as a varsity rugby coach at Xavier High School in New York City.