Brotherhood

When West Point Rugby Went to War

By: Martin Pengelly, H.R. McMaster - Introduction by

Narrated by: Alex Mortensen

Before 9/11, the rugby team at West Point learned to bond on a sports field. This is what happened when those fifteen young men became leaders in war.

Filled with drama, tragedy, and personal transformations, this is the story of a unique brotherhood. It is a story of American rugby and a story of the U.S. Army created through intimate portraits of men shaped by West Point's motto: "Duty, Honor, Country."

Some of the players deployed to Afganistan and Iraq, some to Europe. Some became infantry, others became fliers. Some saw action, some did not. One gave his life on a street in Baghdad when his convoy was hit with an IED. Two died away from the battlefield but no less tragically.

Journalist Martin Pengelly, a former rugby player himself, was given extraordinary access to tell this story, a story of a brutal sport and even more brutal warfare.

©2023 Martin Pengelly; Introduction copyright 2023 by H. R. McMaster (P)2024 Tantor

Dissapointed

I absolutely hated the way the story was narrated and highly disappointed. I could not finish the book as a result of this

The wrenching, heartbreaking story.

The narrator. He’s distractingly terrible. He mispronounces, Rugby terms, military terms, and street names. He over-eeeeenunciates. And. Pauses. At. Odd. Places. Great book, terrible narrator. This book deserves better. The book itself is EXCEPTIONALLY great-- an amazing history of a tight-knit rugby brotherhood as they go from callow, idealistic youth to men facing the brutal realities of war. This is a nuanced portrayal of these brave young men in a world that has become more dangerous than they could have imagined. it strikes a fine balance, too: enough rugby for rugby nerds but not too much for the uninitiated, not too much military jargon for the non-military reader and no political editorializing. It focuses on the human stories of some some very exceptional brave young men. I cannot recommend this book enough, notwithstanding the narrator.

Funny and poignant

As somebody who is an Air Force veteran, as well as an army nurse, and also a former rugby player. This was a book that hit very close to home. It’s extremely well written, and I highly recommend it.

The story of hero’s

Wonderful stories of the soldiers who helped make the world a better place. Captain Jim Gurbisz was a hero who was loved by his soldiers and remembered by anyone who crossed paths in his life.

Rent Free

Martin Pengelly is an amazing storyteller! I already loved Rugby, having served alongside James Gurbisz and seeing his love and passion for the game. Seeing how it wasn't just a sport, but a part of his being and his identity made me love Rugb. I hadn't paid it too much attention since those days back in OIF/OEF waching him and the Top Flite team play between missions or on missions if there was down time... Someone alwayse had a ball.
That Hooker made a team out of us and we are still Brothers today. James and Rugby live rent free in our hearts.