The Bull: My Story

by John Hayes

John 'The Bull' Hayes is an Irish rugby legend. Keith Wood calls him a 'rugby giant', Donncha O'Callaghan calls him 'the heart and soul of the team', but Hayes is adored as much for his down-to-earth personality and background as his legendary status on the pitch. The phenomenon that is The Bull grew up in GAA farming heartland and was a late recruit to the game, only picking up a rugby ball at the age of 18. His determination on the pitch and passion for the shirt comes through in many a tale of graft and glory in the front row. Hayes relates his story of over 100 caps for his country, including four Triple Crowns and a glorious Grand Slam in 2009. Two Heineken Cup-winning campaigns gild an incredible career of over 200 games for Munster. This is the story of a giant of a man, and a rugby legend who is of the people.

Genres: Sports, Irish Literature

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2012

Reviews

[Thomas Walker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like rugby and I used to be a prop forward, but sorry, this is as dull as dishwater. He was clearly a professional - as shown by his dodging of any drunken antics and narey a punch-up story. Might be of interest to someone hoping to follow a similar career path (although the game has changed so much since).

[Mdaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest amusing account of a legend of Irish rugby who played for Munster, Ireland and the Lions during a professional career from 1998 to 2012.

[Andy Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's enough of The Bull shines through the ghost writer's efforts to make this a worthwhile insight into the man, but there's nothing new in its pages. John Hayes is a true giant of our sport and the central pillar of the golden decade of Munster and Irish rugby.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read. So honest and true and brought back so many memories from the matches I've attended.