Once, rugby was something that was played mainly on converted paddocks and multi-purpose fields. The only players who got to travel were those who made the All Blacks, and great as that experience was, it was also likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Today, professionalism has meant that players have opportunities beyond the dreams of 'the old boys'. New Zealand rugby players are in great demand the world over. Many secure lucrative contracts with overseas teams. Rugby Nomads contains the stories of dozens of such players and coaches. People such as Brendan Laney (Scotland), Alex Wyllie (Argentina), John Kirwan (Italy), Josh Kronfeld (England), Alan Whetton (Japan), and Jeremy Paul (Australia), and men playing in countries less strongly associated with rugby: China, Romania, Georgia, the Basque country. The players speak of their experiences adapting to a new culture, in some cases having to learn a new language, of establishing themselves in a new rugby environment, and of leaving the familiar behind.