Reviews

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 ‘Tokkie Smith and the Colour of Rugby’ seeks to redress some of the perceived injustices done to this enigmatic and charismatic South African, who the a uthor claims was one of the key architects of the Hong Kong Sevens as we know it. Full review

-  James Fitzgerald, International rugby journalist  

The book is an invaluable guide to the history of rugby, and business, in Hong Kong 

Read the full article:

How an enlightened rogue helped create the Hong Kong Sevens and bring world rugby into the light

- Tim Noonan, South China Morning Post, Rugby journalist

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was good to see you mention the Canadian rugby involvement on two occasions. The first was very hush-hush at the time - but we all knew about Ro Hindson's second when Rugby World had a colour photo of him in action! 

Tokkie's tour to South Africa was a bit of a gamble in dangerous times and It cost him dearly. He loved his rugby and its atmosphere and his vision was ahead of the time.

- Doug Sturrock, Canadian rugby author and historian

While this book is essentially about Tokkie Smith and his contribution to rugby union in Asia and the world, it is about much more. 

It is about the fight against the elitist rugby bodies and their double standards, it is about the stranglehold of world rugby’s governing body, it is about Hong Kong in the colonial era, and above all it is about the birth of one of the biggest and most exciting events on the international rugby calendar – the Hong Kong Sevens.

-  Martin Tiffany, Fijian rugby journalist

Just finished reading the book. I can’t express how emotional I got  finding out so much I didn’t know about my brother and how beautifully you explained it. Our whole family were anti-apartheid and taking the tour to South Africa was rebellious and brave. It makes me proud to read that about him.

Thank you again for your beautiful powerful emotionally moving description of Tokkie. It would definitely have tears rolling down his cheeks as it has mine. 

- Beth Narain, Tokkie's sister

Extracts from comments by Tokkie's  colleagues:

• In rugby terms Tokkie was my hero, totally dedicated  to the cause with enthusiasm and spirit which could not be dampened. He is still a hero with his foundation work for the Sevens. You have captured that so well - but you have also captured Tokkie’s personality magnificently such that those of us who knew and loved him can  benefit again from his memory.
• Thank you and congratulations! Dad just phoned me to say that he thought the book was wonderful. He has been gushing about it in an e-mail. Wonderful stuff...thanks very much to you and well done.
• Your excellent book arrived today and I really do congratulate you on a masterly portrayal of dear Tokkie. You have captured the man perfectly from beginning to end and you exposed the inevitable politics. Tokkie Smith was a dear friend. Well done John.  A great read and thank you.
• Just finished reading it – very enjoyable, and most informative, congratulations!