Praise for the first edition:

"The definitive book on the history of rugby in South Africa. From the very first match to the World Cup triumph in Tokyo, Winch explores the story of the game using deep research and passionate narrative.... For anyone interested in rugby and its place in South African life, this is essential reading." —Tony Collins, De Montfort University

"Wide-ranging, balanced, informed, and eminently readable." —Albert Grundlingh, Stellenbosch University

"This book sets the standard against which all others will be measured as historians continue to research and rewrite South Africa's sport history in order to deal with the unfinished business of the past and its meaning for the nation today." —Hendrik Snyders, National Museum, Bloemfontein

Pitched against the backdrop of South Africa’s thrilling 2023 World Cup win, this second edition of World Champions includes two new chapters, updates throughout the book, and an expanded index. Jonty Winch traces the complicated history of South African rugby from its establishment in the Cape in 1879 through the 2023 championship. As he explores key events and questions entrenched narratives, Winch opens a compelling window on colonialism, apartheid, and the evolution of South African society.