Writer John Carlin was inspired to write Playing the Enemy from his relationship with South African leader Nelson Mandela. The story centers on the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was significant for South Africa, because it was the nation’s first time competing. It was also the first large scale sporting event to be held in the country after apartheid ended. Nelson Mandela’s presentation of the Webb Ellis Cup to the captain of South African team was a high profile step towards racial reconciliation. Carlin’s book showed how a nation can begin to heal from past wounds, and it was eventually turned into a movie by Clint Eastwood called Invictus staring Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman. 

~ Jennifer Jones

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