Wearing an All Black jersey is still the dream of many a Kiwi boy but in Nicholas Sheppard's new novel Broken Play, a talented young player's sexuality might derail his career. These days homosexuality may not be illegal, but it's seldom discussed much in male-dominated sports like rugby. In Broken Play, 23 year old Alec has the skills and determination to be a top All Black. But he's conflicted because he feels he has to suppress - even deny - his sexuality. Lynn Freeman talks to novelist Nicholas Sheppard about the place of sexuality in modern sport.