KIERAN READ: TRIBUTE TO A GREAT EIGHT David Bateman, 2015. HB, colour photos, 176pp. Price: $39.99 ISBN: 978-1-86953-918-4.

In an era of some of the greatest All Blacks the game of rugby has ever seen, Kieran Read counts as one of the best. Stepping up to the role of captain in the absence of the legendary Richie McCaw, Read exhibits a rare blend of leadership, fearlessness and outstanding skills and game smarts on the paddock, and is hugely popular with players, coaches and administrators alike. A tribute to this world-class number eight for his fans in New Zealand and around the world. (Not an official biography.)