Widely considered to be one of the finest yearbooks in world rugby, the unrivalled 'bible' of the South African game has definitively chronicled rugby in this country for over four decades. The latest issue, edited by Duane Heath and Eddie Grieb, raises the bar yet again with a host of previously unpublished facts and figures that will settle any pub or braai-side argument.

“The SA Rugby Annual has become essential reading for every player, coach, manager, administrator, sponsor, agent and fan,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) at a launch of the Annual in Cape Town earlier today.

The 2012 edition breaks new ground by reaching the shelves almost a month earlier than ever before, making it the perfect Christmas stocking-filler for any rugby-mad child, parent or grandparent – practically any sports lover who wants to know anything about South African rugby but who didn’t know where to go looking for the answer.

The 2012 SA Rugby Annual records the more than 200 first-class matches involving South African teams in 2011, as well as the detailed biographies of each and every one of the more than 750 players who appeared in those matches – for whom the book therefore doubles as an invaluable keepsake to be passed down to children and grandchildren.

The world's oldest provincial competition – the Absa Currie Cup – provided a fairy tale finish to the year for the MTN Golden Lions, who romped home for their first title since 1999, and the 2012 SA Rugby Annual recognises the effect this match had on fans across the country.

The Annual publishes a unique list of all 898 men who have played in the biggest provincial match in South African rugby since the first final was held in 1939. The Annual also lists every player who has captained a team in an Absa Currie Cup final as well as their winning records.

The 2012 SA Rugby Annual paints an unbeatable picture of a dramatic year in South African rugby but also records the sport's rich history with its comprehensive records section, which includes the career details of all 830 players to have worn the Springbok jersey since 1891 – from the very first, Benjamin Duff, to the newest Bok, Gerhard Mostert.

And just when you thought the 2012 SA Rugby Annual couldn't chronicle the Springbok saga in any more detail, it lists the details of each and every one of the 743 matches the men in green and gold have played over the past 120 years – all 404 Test matches and 339 overseas tour games.

But the Annual doesn't only cover the Springboks and the Absa Currie Cup – inside its packed 480 pages you'll find detailed tournament reviews of everything from Vodacom Super Rugby and the Vodacom Cup to the FNB Varsity Cup, Coca-Cola Craven Week, HSBC Sevens World Series, National Club Championships and even the SA Women's IRB Nations Cup campaign.

SA Rugby Annual 2012
Edited by Duane Heath & Eddie Grieb
Published by SARU & MWP Media
480 pages
RRP: R195
ISBN: 978-0-620-50685-4