Down and Under

Despite a disappointing performance by England, the thirteenth Rugby League World Cup wasn't all bad. Far from it. For one thing, the whole affair was staged in Australia, thereby allowing rugby league's best-selling author, journalist and broadcaster Dave Hadfield to gather material for this, his latest book. The result is Down & Under, Hadfield's eagerly-awaited follow-up to Up & Over, in which a walk through the rugby league towns of Northern England was chronicled. This time, Hadfield turns his attentions to the glamorous world of Australian footy and - unless your name is Ron Hill - the outcome is as witty, illuminating and downright enjoyable as you would expect. Whether he's travelling from Brisbane to Sydney, or from Melbourne to Townsville, Hadfield's legendary wit, wisdom and wanderlust is unleashed on the land of Ned Kelly and Wally Lewis.