The Final Whistle is the story of 15 men killed in the Great War. All played rugby for one London club; none lived to hear the final whistle. Rugby brought them together; rugby led the rush to war. They came from Britain and the Empire to fight in every theatre and service, among them a poet, playwright and perfumer. Some were decorated and died heroically; others fought and fell quietly. Together their stories paint a portrait in miniature of the entire War.

The author Stephen Cooper, has lived in Putney for over eighteen years after a three year stint in New York, and has played and coached rugby for over 40 years, including heading the youth rugby at Rosslyn Park for many years. After Cambridge, he worked in advertising and now runs a military charity.

The Times British Sports Book of the Year to be decided by an online vote. Voting closes June 7th and can be done at www.britishsportsbookawards.co.uk/vote-for-the-times-sports-book-of-the-year/

Rosslyn Park RFC 1909-1910 team

The Final Whistle plays tribute to the pivotal role rugby played in the Great War by following the poignant stories of fifteen men who played for Rosslyn Park, London. They came from diverse backgrounds, with players from Australia, Ceylon, Wales and South Africa, but they were united by their love of the game and their courage in the face of war.

The royalties from the book are being split between two charities close to Stephen's heart:
"The Rosslyn Park Injury Trust helps young sports people who have suffered life-changing injuries. Prostate Cancer UK works to educate men about the cancer which claimed Andy Ripley, one of the club’s greatest players, in 2010."

Stephen Cooper will be talking as part of the Wandsworth Heritage Festival The Final Whistle by Stephen Cooper Putney Library, 5-7 Disraeli Rd, SW15 2DR Wednesday 12th June from 6:30pm

May 30, 2013