The Book

Born in London in 1883 to a Dutch father and a Scottish-Irish mother, Adrian Stoop became one of the greatest names in English rugby. After early days at Rugby School and as a captain of Oxford, his revolutionary leadership led Harlequins to become the greatest club side in the country before the First World War.

As national captain he made the (then unheard of) village of Twickenham an Englishman's castle, synonymous with free-flowing attacking rugby. Stoop also captained England for the first ever game at Twickenham. Fighting in Iraq during the First World War, he was stationed in Basra, Nasirijah and Falujah and won the Military Cross for actions near Ramadi, when he was seriously injured.

Making a full recovery, he was to be widely credited with inventing modern rugby and almost single-handedly restoring national pride in the game he loved.

Adrian Stoop was a man of singular focus and single mindedness. He stamped his authority on the Club and left an indelible mark at Harlequins, and on the game of rugby as a whole.

Quins fan and rugby lover, Ian Cooper has been researching the Stoop story for several years now. This book is the culmination of his research and devotion to the story and was written in close contact with the Stoop family. It is available to buy in good bookstores in the area and would make the perfect present for every Quins, and rugby, supporter.

For more information on how to obtain a copy of the book, please contact Tempus Publishing by email at nhall@tempus-publishing.com or call 01453 883300.