Chalkie White

Leicester Tigers Legend

Martin Whitcombe, Peter Wheeler, David Matthews , Martin Johnson

$76.95 $65.52

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

St David's Press
25 September 2025

Biography: sport; Postwar 20th century history, from c 1945 to c 2000; Social & cultural history; Sports training & coaching; Rugby Union

Herbert Victor 'Chalkie' White revolutionised rugby and transformed the Leicester Tigers into the most successful club in England, leading the team to an unprecedented three consecutive RFU cup victories from 1979 to 1981.

Considered the best head coach England never had, White was controversially overlooked for the top job in the early 1980s, but continued to influence the development of the game as the RFU's Technical Director.

This long-awaited first biography of Leicester's legendary coach, written by former Tigers forward, Martin Whitcombe, provides a fascinating insight into the life and career of a true rugby visionary who inspired numerous future England and Lions internationals as well as generations of rugby coaches.

Thoroughly researched - based on over 80 interviews with Chalkie's family and friends, his former players, pupils, fellow coaches and rugby administrators - this heavily illustrated biography is packed with insightful anecdotes and stories from those whose lives were influenced by the non-nonsense, focussed, yet genial Cumbrian who regularly reminded his players: ""Let others tell you how good you are. I'll tell you how to be better.""

By: Martin Whitcombe
Preface by: David Matthews
Afterword by: Martin Johnson
Foreword by: Peter Wheeler
Imprint: St David's Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 170mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 555g
ISBN: 9781904609278
ISBN 10: 1904609279
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 25 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Martin Whitcombe enjoyed a successful rugby union career with Leicester Tigers, Sale, Natal Sharks and England B.

Reviews for Chalkie White: Leicester Tigers Legend

""An enthralling and long-overdue life story of the pioneering Leicester Tigers coach, who was quite simply light years ahead of his time - a terrific book."" Stuart Farmer, Official Historian, Leicester Tigers ""Chalkie' White left an incredible legacy for those that followed to aspire to."" Martin Johnson ""An exceptional man - serious, philosophical and a deep thinker - 'Chalkie' was dedicated to the game of rugby ... His influence was enormous."" Peter Wheeler ""A very intelligent, knowledgeable and hard-working man, Chalkie was a rugby visionary who set the highest standards in everything he did.""David Matthews