Pudsey-based sports pournalist James Oddy has been hard at work again.
His new book, Blue and Amber Voices: Stories from Leeds Rugby League, is out today and provides a collection of first-hand accounts from some of the greatest players to ever pull on the famous blue and amber kit of Leeds rugby league club.
Spanning multiple generations and eras, the book charts the ups and downs of one of rugby league’s great clubs. Relive the glory days of the 1960s and 70s with Alan Smith, the big-spending 80s with Gary Schofield, the promise of the 90s with Francis Cummins, the domination of the 2000s with Jamie Peacock and consider the future of the game with Caitlin Beevers.
With a plethora of candid and revealing interviews from some of the most explosive and entertaining players of the last 50 years from both the UK and down under, Blue and Amber Voices offers an array of stories and insight rarely seen previously.
James Oddy said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to put this together. Rugby League has been a part of my life for 25 years, and Leeds along with it. I love the sport, club and city. Featuring new interviews with Great Britain, New Zealand and Australian internationals, cult favourites, and new stars of the women’s game, it’s a reflection on one of the worlds greatest rugby clubs.”
James has written both nationally and internationally about sport, culture and film for such publications as Four Four Two, Rugby League Express, Prospect and Little White Lies. His 2017 rugby league biography, True Professional: The Clive Sullivan Story, was named among The Guardian‘s sports books of the year and was the basis for an acclaimed documentary in 2021.
Book launches
Blue and Amber voices, is out today (Monday, 29 April).
- Philip Howard Books Ltd. – 47 Street Lane, Roundhay LS8 1AP. Book launch Saturday, 4 May from 2pm. Meet Garry Schofield along with author James Oddy at the signing. Call 0113 225 9797 to reserve your copy.
- Waterstones Book Shop – 93-97 Albion Street Leeds Ls1 5AP. Book launch Tuesday, 7 May from 6.30pm. Details here.
- Truman Books – 95 Town Street, Farsley LS28 5HX. Book launch Wednesday 29 May. Doors open 6.30pm event starts 6:45pm. James Oddy will talk about his latest publication. Grab your tickets here.
Sponsored content
