Rugby Reloaded 178 - The 1981 Springbok tour of the USA, with Professor Derek Catsam

The new 'Rugby Reloaded' talks to Professor Derek Catsam about his new book on the strange, sanction-busting Springbok of the USA in 1981, 'Flashpoint: How a Little-Known Sporting Event Fueled America's Anti-Apartheid Movement'.

Derek’s book tells the story of the interlocking of rugby union politics, apartheid, the Cold War and some inconsequential rugby matches.

Coming straight after the the hugely controversial 1981 test series between the All Blacks and the Springboks, the American tour probably qualifies as one of the strangest events in rugby history.

To discover more about Derek’s work check out his university web page or follow him on Twitter.