BOOK NOW: The First World Champions

The First World Champions:

The Untold Story of the 1937 Springboks in New Zealand

Late in 2011, I stumbled across a story in an old Long Street bookstore about an obscure Springbok rugby tour to New Zealand back in 1937. The success of the team, and the few anecdotes I could initially unearth, inspired in me a spark of interest and a thirst for more knowledge about what was a poorly documented tour. As I tracked down more and more information on the tour, I became increasingly attached its characters and the remarkable lives many of them lived. There then came a moment when it dawned on me that the collection of anecdotes surrounding this largely unknown story had a deeper gravitas and relevance. I simply could not believe, as a South African interested in both history and rugby, that I had not heard this story; so I made the bold decision to tell it.

Testimonials:

Justin Nurse: Founder – Laugh it Off

Michael Charton is an authority and an inspiration. His commanding presence will have you enthralled. He speaks about the 1937 Springboks with a pace and passion that makes you feel like you were one of the green and gold. Never have I felt so proudly patriotic as I did listening to Michael; joyfully reliving one of the greatest ever rugby contests played out before I was even alive.