Auckland Author Tackles Controversial Subject: Gays in Rugby

Auckland Author Tackles Controversial Subject of Gays in Rugby

Aucklander Ron Davis’ first novel delves into the taboo subject of gay rugby players.

“Disadvantage Line” tells the tale of a rookie All Black, Ryan Colwell, who meets up with PJ Evans, a member of the 2014 touring British and Irish Lions in a gay bath house just prior to the commencing game of their New Zealand tour. Their identities unknown to each other – until the first test in Christchurch two weeks later – the men indulge in a drunken adventure that drags in a young French boy.

This sneaks up on them at a later point. Meantime the friendship that develops after their Christchurch revelation leads to even greater difficulties not only for themselves, but for the Rugby Union and the All Black sponsors. And when the All Blacks arrive in the UK some months later, media interest in the two threatens to bring the whole house of cards tumbling down.

Davis chose to self-publish on Kindlebooks after finding little interest in his novel from local publishers. He ascribes that failure largely to the diminishing market for the printed book making it harder for first time novelists to get their work accepted by major publishers. The racy and somewhat controversial subject matter of “Disadvantage Line” may also have played a part.

Andrew Rumbles reviewing “Disadvantage Line” in the Express (NZ) of 4 April 2012, said: “And can (Davis) write? Yes...A well crafted thriller...The action does flow well and the plot is well developed.”

Davis styles himself a rugby lover with a vivid imagination. His novel carries the disclaimer that the characters and events in “Disadvantage Line” are fictitious.

He is a one-time broadcaster, lecturer and property developer. For several years he lived on a hobby farm in Coatesville with his dogs and horses. Writing interests date from when he began winning essay prizes at school. He has been working on “Disadvantage Line” for five years.

“Disadvantage Line” can be sampled free on www.kindlebooks.com, and purchased electronically for US$7.95.

ENDS

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