Authors who write sports novels have a fine line to walk. The sports scenes must feel authentic to those who participate in the sport, yet readers not involved with the sport must be able to follow the plotline through those pages without feeling left out. Further, the plot needs to sweep the reader into the story as fully as in any other novel. The author of this novel has been a rugby player, coach and referee, but given it’s his first novel, he’s perhaps a little too close to the sport. The actual rugby game scenes, and there are plenty, use all the jargon and moves, making it less than relatable to the non-rugby enthusiast. Sure, there’s a glossary and rugby primer at the end, but who will read it before they dive into the book? Even so, the plot ticks right along, and the subplot involving a beloved grandfather struggling with dementia is well blended with the action. The writing is ideal for reluctant readers, and the scene where the protagonist and antagonist lay down their antipathy, is very well done. Definitely recommended for those familiar with rugby, and will be a good read for those open to learning more about the sport, too. I certainly hope Mike Levitt writes more sports books for young readers.