Openside: My Journey to the Rugby World Cup

by David Pocock

Based on his spectacular rise and his incredible talent and drive, this book is David's insight into the world of Rugby. From his early days growing up in Zimbabwe, immigrating to Australia and playing for the Australian Schoolboys, his debut with Western Australia's The Force, to his call up to the Wallabies, he has won many honours in many games and is held in great esteem by fans and peers alike.

In My Journey To The Rugby World Cup, David shares the life and times of a professional rugby player. It includes key tournaments in Rugby throughout 2011: Super Rugby, Tri-Nations, Bledisloe, as well as the highlight of the Rugby calendar the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2011

Reviews

[Wayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

David should stick to rugby and leave his opinion to those who know better. Having worked in the NT building schools and medical centres I have witnessed 1st hand the plight they face. Pococks bleating is nothing less than window dressing. Banging on about a date does nothing for these people. His whining is all about him.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best books I have ever read, one of my favourites. Reading how Pocock overcame the political struggle in Zimbabwe to then end up playing for Australia in the Rugby World Cup. As an openside flanker myself I have been motivated and inspired by how he has overcome barriers especially in his Rugby career. He is one of my favourite Rugby players, a hero, an idol and certainly someone I aspire to be like. Not only as an athlete but also his compassion and work with his charity 80/20 vision and his strive to raise awareness in equality of all people, regardless of race, background, religion and gender.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, reading about his childhood and laughing at his antics growing up. Although at times in the book I have found David to have quite some anger at the political issues in Zimbabwe it has helped me understand whats its like to live under those circumstance a little better, and also his love of his organization helping others. . As a rugby fan, I enjoyed the rugby parts even better!

[Edward Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemingly more akin to cricket's "captain's diary" given its penchant for relating to notable events on the ARU calendar than a traditional biography. But i think with an unrecognised publisher and Pocock's slightly unique view of the world makes the editing process almost non-existent so it has a truthful autobiographical feel to it which is nice.

[Lisa Hampshire]

Nice background to a young man who makes me proud to be Australian. His activism, his commitment to rugby, his proud declaration of moral principles makes him a special person.