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The Only Way I Know: The Autobiography
Brought to you by Penguin.
At the age of 16, a boy amongst men, Andy Farrell made his first-team debut for Wigan Warriors – and became a father for the first time. At 18, he won his first senior international cap. At 21, he won his first Man of Steel Award for the Super League player of the year. He went on to win the Golden Boot award for world player of the year.
All of that on its own would have been enough to make him a sporting legend – and none of it even hinted at the fascinating second chapter of his sporting life, as a rugby union player with Saracens and England, or the third chapter, as a highly successful and beloved union coach. Under his leadership, Ireland have played a brilliant brand of rugby combining precision and freedom, and have been consistently ranked either number 1 or number 2 in the world.
Warm, thoughtful and passionate, Andy Farrell is not just a brilliant rugby he is a fascinating human being. His autobiography brings us back to his childhood in Wigan, when he made a meteoric ascent to the highest levels of rugby league; and to the extraordinary moment when, aged 15, he and his girlfriend Colleen – now his wife – learned they were going to have a baby. He writes about his ambitious attempt to remake himself as a rugby union player in his thirties. He writes about his remarkable relationship with his first child, Owen – who has gone on to become a legend of English rugby – and about the importance of family in his life. And he traces the journey that has led to him become one of rugby's most successful coaches, explaining what he has learned about leadership along the way.
Andy Farrell 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025
At the age of 16, a boy amongst men, Andy Farrell made his first-team debut for Wigan Warriors – and became a father for the first time. At 18, he won his first senior international cap. At 21, he won his first Man of Steel Award for the Super League player of the year. He went on to win the Golden Boot award for world player of the year.
All of that on its own would have been enough to make him a sporting legend – and none of it even hinted at the fascinating second chapter of his sporting life, as a rugby union player with Saracens and England, or the third chapter, as a highly successful and beloved union coach. Under his leadership, Ireland have played a brilliant brand of rugby combining precision and freedom, and have been consistently ranked either number 1 or number 2 in the world.
Warm, thoughtful and passionate, Andy Farrell is not just a brilliant rugby he is a fascinating human being. His autobiography brings us back to his childhood in Wigan, when he made a meteoric ascent to the highest levels of rugby league; and to the extraordinary moment when, aged 15, he and his girlfriend Colleen – now his wife – learned they were going to have a baby. He writes about his ambitious attempt to remake himself as a rugby union player in his thirties. He writes about his remarkable relationship with his first child, Owen – who has gone on to become a legend of English rugby – and about the importance of family in his life. And he traces the journey that has led to him become one of rugby's most successful coaches, explaining what he has learned about leadership along the way.
Andy Farrell 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025
Audible Audio
Published October 16, 2025
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 4, 2025
Loved every bit of this. In true Faz fashion, the last 25% is just references 🤣 but honestly, I didn’t mind — the insight, honesty, and heart throughout were brilliant.
Getting his perspective on the Lions was fascinating, and I knew Caelan Doris was meant to be captain before his injury — such a pity. His reflections on leadership, Ireland’s unity, and inspiring a nation were genuinely moving.
From becoming a dad at 16, his meteoric rise in rugby league to Mack Hansen promising (and following through!) to get Faz’s face tattooed on his thigh, to Finley’s bike vs. cricket line (still gas 😂), it’s packed with heart, humour, and humility.
Bless him, Faz is just so easy to read. You come away with even more respect for the man behind Ireland’s rise. 💚🏉
Getting his perspective on the Lions was fascinating, and I knew Caelan Doris was meant to be captain before his injury — such a pity. His reflections on leadership, Ireland’s unity, and inspiring a nation were genuinely moving.
From becoming a dad at 16, his meteoric rise in rugby league to Mack Hansen promising (and following through!) to get Faz’s face tattooed on his thigh, to Finley’s bike vs. cricket line (still gas 😂), it’s packed with heart, humour, and humility.
Bless him, Faz is just so easy to read. You come away with even more respect for the man behind Ireland’s rise. 💚🏉
November 5, 2025
An amazing insight to a very guarded man, I treating to hear from him in a family sense and a head coach.
November 15, 2025
Pretty good read if you are a rugby fan. Andy Farrell is a winner. His tough mentality is incredible but he manages to be people focused and supportive too.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews