Peter McKenna launches 'Rugby Explained' book sponsored by Bank of Ireland

World Cup fever was clearly in the air today at Bank of Ireland Group Head Office as Micheal O'Muircheartaigh and Brent Pope marked the launch of Peter McKenna's new book, "Rugby Explained". This exciting new book aims to demystify rugby for both new and experienced followers of the sport at a time when rugby in Ireland is experiencing unprecedented support and interest.

Rugby Explained has been written by former Leinster and Ireland player, Peter McKenna, who enjoyed a successful professional rugby career between 1999 and 2003. Not satisfied with merely playing the game to a professional level, Peter was a co-founder of the Irish Rugby Union Players' Association (IRUPA) and although a qualified solicitor in his own practice, McKenna Durcan, he is also a regular co-commentator for Setanta Sports Channel and will be featuring as part of their team in their upcoming Rugby World Cup coverage. "I wrote Rugby Explained, because I recognised that there are very few books on the market which gave amateur players and supporters both a basic and strategic insight into the game which was made available to me as a professional player. The book explains why teams do what they do when they do it and was written for those both new and old to the game, who are looking to increase their knowledge of the sport."

The book is a unique reference guide that takes a comprehensive look at the various aspects of this wonderful sport and explains the basics as well as the intricacies of rugby in an easy to understand manner. It covers the main laws of the game, the origins of the sport and player positions but it also rolls up its sleeves and addresses the more technical aspects of rugby such as the difference between rucks and mauls, the different defensive patterns employed by teams, how scrums and lineouts work, and more.

Bank of Ireland, who are sponsoring this exciting new publication are certainly imposing their stamp on rugby within Ireland as, in addition to sponsoring Rugby Explained, they are also strong supporters of provincial rugby. Speaking at the launch, Richie Boucher, CEO Retail Financial Services Bank of Ireland added,

"We're delighted at Bank of Ireland to be sponsors of Rugby Explained and are confident that it will make a huge contribution to the understanding of the sport, and at the same time bring with it a greater appreciation and enjoyment of the game. As sponsors of three of the Irish inter-provincial teams, we have witnessed unprecedented growth in this magnificent game in Ireland, which we are sure is set to continue over the coming years."

As we enter the final moments of the countdown to the World Cup, and the whole of Ireland waits with keen anticipation, this book could not have come at a better time. Rugby Explained answers those basic and technical questions that supporters of the game have wanted to ask. It is an easy read and suitable for all members of the family who would like to know more about this increasingly complex sport.

Rugby explained is published by Blackwater Press and is currently available from Easons and all good bookstores nationwide

ENDS.

Date: Friday 7th September 2007

For further information please contact:

Gillian Barry
Tel:(01) 4031452 or 087 9975630

John O'Connor (Folens)
Tel:086 2569681

Mary Brennan, Bank of Ireland
Tel:(01) 6043838