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The Test: My Autobiography
This is the long-awaited autobiography of the greatest rugby player of our time: Brian O'Driscoll. Since 1999, when he made his international debut, there has been no greater player in world rugby than Brian O'Driscoll. In 2010 Rugby World magazine named him its world player of the decade - and since then the legend has only grown. Now, at the end of his amazing career - which culminated in fairy-tale fashion with Ireland's victory in the 2014 Six Nations championship - he tells his own story. Honest, gritty and thoughtful, Brian O'Driscoll's Autobiography is not just an essential sports book. It is an essential book about family, friends, hard work, courage and imagination. "An amazing career. There will only ever be one BOD". (Dan Carter). "A thoroughly enjoyable read ...After reading The Test I warmed even more to O'Driscoll as a player and a man. He stood for a new ethos in Irish sport that refused to accept mediocrity or glorious failure". (Fergal Keane, Irish Times). "O'Driscoll's honesty ...takes the reader to a place they simply have not been before". (Vincent Hogan, Irish Independent).
408 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 11, 2026
6.4/10
The Test is Brian O'Driscoll's full autobiography and details his journey through rugby from a boy to a retiring legend of the game. Sports autobiographies are always going to tend to be formulaic and somewhat similar, and the personality and anecdotes are what makes these books. In some ways, this book wholly delivered on giving an insight into O'Driscoll's life and his struggles and stories along the way. From the many injuries he faced to the loss of his best friend Barry Twomey, as well as a few interesting stories like Kanye West getting him into a nightclub and the time he was arrested in New York for violence he didn't commit. When described like this, the autobiography sounds like a constantly engaging and fun read. However, although Alan English writes well enough, there is a lack of character and substance in the lines of the book and as a reader I rarely felt Brian's true perspective on what he talks about.
Much of the book is made up of O'Driscoll reporting on matches, which, although is potentially needed, isn't particularly fun to read as it repeats on and on through the book - big Heineken Cup game, big Six Nations game. The book is 400 pages long and while not at all a slog to get through, a lot of it is your standard and unispiring talk of mundane events of which all really feels the same. On the other hand, O'Driscoll structures the book well and the book gives me an appreciation for the man more. Even if there isn't overwhelming personality on every line, he comes across as a genuinely top man who speaks about his achievments and successes in a very nuanced, humble way throughout. For me, the really interesting parts of these books were when O'Driscoll mentions his relationship with the media and with teamates, which more than shows the experience of O'Driscoll, but shows the life of a rugby player well. Overall, this autobiography isn't a chore to read unlike some, and gives some good insight into Brian O'Driscolls experiences along his rugby journey, but on the whole probably not enough insight into the man himself.
The Test is Brian O'Driscoll's full autobiography and details his journey through rugby from a boy to a retiring legend of the game. Sports autobiographies are always going to tend to be formulaic and somewhat similar, and the personality and anecdotes are what makes these books. In some ways, this book wholly delivered on giving an insight into O'Driscoll's life and his struggles and stories along the way. From the many injuries he faced to the loss of his best friend Barry Twomey, as well as a few interesting stories like Kanye West getting him into a nightclub and the time he was arrested in New York for violence he didn't commit. When described like this, the autobiography sounds like a constantly engaging and fun read. However, although Alan English writes well enough, there is a lack of character and substance in the lines of the book and as a reader I rarely felt Brian's true perspective on what he talks about.
Much of the book is made up of O'Driscoll reporting on matches, which, although is potentially needed, isn't particularly fun to read as it repeats on and on through the book - big Heineken Cup game, big Six Nations game. The book is 400 pages long and while not at all a slog to get through, a lot of it is your standard and unispiring talk of mundane events of which all really feels the same. On the other hand, O'Driscoll structures the book well and the book gives me an appreciation for the man more. Even if there isn't overwhelming personality on every line, he comes across as a genuinely top man who speaks about his achievments and successes in a very nuanced, humble way throughout. For me, the really interesting parts of these books were when O'Driscoll mentions his relationship with the media and with teamates, which more than shows the experience of O'Driscoll, but shows the life of a rugby player well. Overall, this autobiography isn't a chore to read unlike some, and gives some good insight into Brian O'Driscolls experiences along his rugby journey, but on the whole probably not enough insight into the man himself.
November 20, 2019
I don't read many sports memoirs and found this one more interesting for early years and incidentals, like getting falsely arrested in New York, rather than the account of matches. Avid rugby fans may rate the book higher. I did feel that we were expected to know all about the rules, personalities and tensions, which someone who lived and breathed the sport would but occasional viewers would not.
The author has not much to say to anyone outside his sport and has made no plans (that we can see) for after his career, unlike most jockeys, who want to keep working with horses. For instance, the author finds Bono sitting behind him and says hi when Bono congratulates him on a game. "Well what do you say to Bono?" he asks us and says nothing. I can think of many things to say to Bono, starting with liking his music, asking what he's recording now, how his wife's charity is helping kids, whether Bono attends rugby matches or...
Similarly the photos, which are excellent sports photos by pro photographers, are not by the author nor is there one without the author. I am sure it was tough to select from the great photo files available but apart from a couple of family snaps, we don't see any other interests. The language is simple and straightforward and the player early decides he is not going to get himself badly hurt, yet by continuing to put rugby first, that is exactly what happens after not too many years.
Sports players are entertainers and need to bear in mind that they have a short shelf life in that role. I am sure this rugby captain can be proud of playing for Ireland, and I hope he has a good rest of his life.
This is an unbiased review.
The author has not much to say to anyone outside his sport and has made no plans (that we can see) for after his career, unlike most jockeys, who want to keep working with horses. For instance, the author finds Bono sitting behind him and says hi when Bono congratulates him on a game. "Well what do you say to Bono?" he asks us and says nothing. I can think of many things to say to Bono, starting with liking his music, asking what he's recording now, how his wife's charity is helping kids, whether Bono attends rugby matches or...
Similarly the photos, which are excellent sports photos by pro photographers, are not by the author nor is there one without the author. I am sure it was tough to select from the great photo files available but apart from a couple of family snaps, we don't see any other interests. The language is simple and straightforward and the player early decides he is not going to get himself badly hurt, yet by continuing to put rugby first, that is exactly what happens after not too many years.
Sports players are entertainers and need to bear in mind that they have a short shelf life in that role. I am sure this rugby captain can be proud of playing for Ireland, and I hope he has a good rest of his life.
This is an unbiased review.
April 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
It was good to hear about his early career, how he fought through all the inuries and personal tests he had to overcome.
You felt you were sitting listening to Brian chat.
Well worth a read for any rugby fan.
It was good to hear about his early career, how he fought through all the inuries and personal tests he had to overcome.
You felt you were sitting listening to Brian chat.
Well worth a read for any rugby fan.
March 10, 2016
Not perfect, but filled with moments of charm.
This is the first sports autobiography I have ever read, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I am a huge rugby fan and as much a fan of Brian O'Driscoll as any English person can be. You definitely need a good knowledge of not just rugby, but particularly Irish rugby, to fully enjoy this book: everyone and his uncle is given a nickname, which can leave you a little lost if, like me, you're more an an observer of Irish rugby than a die-hard fan. It was also easy to lose track of which competition he was talking about at any given time, but, again, I'm not knowledgeable of the game outside of international test rugby and the English premiership. The book was largely made up of blow-by-blow accounts of games from BOD's perspective, which, while obviously relevant, I feel I could have read in a match report.
But there are truly charming moments here, too. It's refreshing to see the person behind the legend, from press gaffes and touching moments with his family to much sadder times, including the loss of his best friend. What I really, really loved about this book is how honest Brian is throughout. After serious injury, his confidence takes a knock. After losing his best friend, he goes to a dark place. He talks frankly about his fear of losing the captaincy, about his friendship/rivalries (often both, at the same time) with other rugby superstars. Yes, there were a lot of 'match reports', but the book never felt boring.
This is the first sports autobiography I have ever read, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I am a huge rugby fan and as much a fan of Brian O'Driscoll as any English person can be. You definitely need a good knowledge of not just rugby, but particularly Irish rugby, to fully enjoy this book: everyone and his uncle is given a nickname, which can leave you a little lost if, like me, you're more an an observer of Irish rugby than a die-hard fan. It was also easy to lose track of which competition he was talking about at any given time, but, again, I'm not knowledgeable of the game outside of international test rugby and the English premiership. The book was largely made up of blow-by-blow accounts of games from BOD's perspective, which, while obviously relevant, I feel I could have read in a match report.
But there are truly charming moments here, too. It's refreshing to see the person behind the legend, from press gaffes and touching moments with his family to much sadder times, including the loss of his best friend. What I really, really loved about this book is how honest Brian is throughout. After serious injury, his confidence takes a knock. After losing his best friend, he goes to a dark place. He talks frankly about his fear of losing the captaincy, about his friendship/rivalries (often both, at the same time) with other rugby superstars. Yes, there were a lot of 'match reports', but the book never felt boring.
November 2, 2014
unfortunately I found no substance in this read, rather it was like a diary from one match to the next. I was hoping to get to know more about Brian O'Driscoll rather than a running commentary on games from school to finish. No insight into management both provincial & international, nor teammates or opponents. He has little in way of either positive or negative comments on the many personalities he has come across. Lions tour to New Zealand was no more than a few pages. Nothing about what happened in the dressing room at half time in the Heineken Cup final against Northampton. When writing this he obviously was thinking of a future broadcasting career, and didn't want to rock the boat. Maybe I was expecting too much when I compare it to Agassi or Keane autobiographies, but then he doesn't have the same hardship as they may have had. Having said all this as a rugby fan I enjoyed the read but learnt nothing about the real BOD. Duff
June 8, 2021
BOD has retired for many moons now, but every now and then some clip showing some of his best moments will pop up on my Instagram timeline or something, as some sort of reminder to show just how extremely good he was. This book give us the insight in his life in rugby, his will and just raw talent. BOD is truly the best player in the last +/- 100 years. Aside from this, terrific book, it's great to read about my favorite players, and how they worked as a team.
September 16, 2020
A pleasant read, but superficial and without any deep thoughts on anything much including the many controversies. Confirms the general rule that, with a few exceptions (Richie McCaw, Brian Moore, David Kirk) the better the player, the poorer the autobiography. The worst remain David Campese, Michael Jones and Jonah Lomu
November 3, 2014
Hilariously awful for about 50 pages & then slow torture
July 14, 2021
Mostly surface level but that's what you get with most pro sports lives possibly ... still ... the best rugby player the world has ever seen so I'd read it all day long!!
January 23, 2019
This man is the greatest rugby player I have seen. I am biased, being Irish, but seeing him take teams apart at times was extraordinary and his leadership of Leinster and Ireland was second to none!
Loved reading about his career and his views on incidents, like the Lions tour to New Zealand.
A solid read.
Loved reading about his career and his views on incidents, like the Lions tour to New Zealand.
A solid read.
June 20, 2023
Great insight into the life and career of one of the greatest Irish rugby players to play the game. Insight into brians life gives you an appreciation for the highs and lows of professional sport, but also an insight into the tough and rigorous season as a rugby player in the northern hemisphere.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend to any rugby fan.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend to any rugby fan.
December 14, 2024
I went into this book thinking it would be a run of the mill autobiography, and to some extents it is, however in others it is fascinating, Brian is not afraid to lay open his feelings and reactions to events that go on, and this i think is what makes the book, it makes the subject feel more human
June 19, 2025
Another sports autobiography audiobook - no longer hate Irish/Leinster rugby ffs, sexton and bod’s books have got me. Some nice stories and enjoyed his unique takes/insights into big games he’s been involved in. Some nice anecdotes away from rugby. Very enjoyable and engaging.
November 16, 2017
great book
January 2, 2019
One of my favorite rugby players of all time. Great book on his life.
December 16, 2019
Decent read but I think a lot of the key controversies were kept out :(
January 7, 2021
A very pleasant and easy read. No massive revelations or controversy but a way of getting to know a national icon a little better.
January 19, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Full of love and emotion about the greatest sport in the world.
Read
June 18, 2021chronological autobiog
fairly mundane
but good inside info into irish rugby
fairly mundane
but good inside info into irish rugby
July 6, 2021
Read this just after reading O Connell’s book and this read more like a match report with less insight. Was still a lot of fun to read about games I remember watching/being at
September 27, 2021
A great read and insight into the life and incredible career of my favourite rugby player, BOD
December 14, 2021
Quite engaging!
Read
April 14, 2023*audiobook
November 7, 2023
Great sports memoir
January 15, 2025
Loved him as a player but found his book, or at least the first half of it, of little to no interest
Just a chronology of events with not a lot of insight
Shame. He should have got some help.
Just a chronology of events with not a lot of insight
Shame. He should have got some help.
August 23, 2025
Greatest player from the Northern Hemisphere. Read this a fair few times.
September 2, 2015
With the World Cup shortly to begin in England, I thought I'd get into the zone by reading the autobiography of undoubtedly one of our best players for the past fifteen years.
Prior to the book’s publication, there had been much talk about the changing of the ghost writer - from Paul Kimmage to Alan English. After finishing the book (while I lay on my bed nursing a hangover), I couldn’t help but wish I'd read a complete version of the former’s effort.
There's no doubt that O'Driscoll comes across as a very dedicated, committed and gifted rugby player, whose vision and work rate marks him out as one of our greatest sports talents. However, apart from this, we don’t really learn much more about him. The book is full of lengthy descriptions of matches, accompanied by a very light sprinkling of O’Driscoll’s own views. All in all, I don’t feel I learned much about the guy. What really drove him to keep going, even when he had serious injuries and was advised by some to retire? WHAT DID he really think of some of the Munster lads he played with for Ireland, especially Paul O’Connell? What was the reason for his not getting on too well with Declan Kidney? He teases us every now and then with hints and short statements about such things, but we never really get to the heart of the matter. The book is mainly just surface.
I realise that protecting the O'Driscoll brand was essential and that due to his involvement in the media and the value of sponsorship deals, we weren’t going to get much in the way of shocking revelations or controversial opinions. But still, commercial reasons aside, I think we as readers deserved a little more.
I imagine that Kimmage would have produced a more interesting and in-depth account of O’Driscoll’s life and career but unfortunately, the closed-off and squeaky-clean professional was probably having none of it. Spilling the beans just isn’t really worth it when you have a positive profile to maintain.
This is an enjoyable read if you like to learn about rugby plays and are happy with being provided with a basic sketch of O’Driscoll’s career, but other than that, it offers little.
Prior to the book’s publication, there had been much talk about the changing of the ghost writer - from Paul Kimmage to Alan English. After finishing the book (while I lay on my bed nursing a hangover), I couldn’t help but wish I'd read a complete version of the former’s effort.
There's no doubt that O'Driscoll comes across as a very dedicated, committed and gifted rugby player, whose vision and work rate marks him out as one of our greatest sports talents. However, apart from this, we don’t really learn much more about him. The book is full of lengthy descriptions of matches, accompanied by a very light sprinkling of O’Driscoll’s own views. All in all, I don’t feel I learned much about the guy. What really drove him to keep going, even when he had serious injuries and was advised by some to retire? WHAT DID he really think of some of the Munster lads he played with for Ireland, especially Paul O’Connell? What was the reason for his not getting on too well with Declan Kidney? He teases us every now and then with hints and short statements about such things, but we never really get to the heart of the matter. The book is mainly just surface.
I realise that protecting the O'Driscoll brand was essential and that due to his involvement in the media and the value of sponsorship deals, we weren’t going to get much in the way of shocking revelations or controversial opinions. But still, commercial reasons aside, I think we as readers deserved a little more.
I imagine that Kimmage would have produced a more interesting and in-depth account of O’Driscoll’s life and career but unfortunately, the closed-off and squeaky-clean professional was probably having none of it. Spilling the beans just isn’t really worth it when you have a positive profile to maintain.
This is an enjoyable read if you like to learn about rugby plays and are happy with being provided with a basic sketch of O’Driscoll’s career, but other than that, it offers little.
Read
November 7, 2016Brian O'Driscoll will be remembered as one of the all time greats of British rugby and his brilliance with the ball and strength in defence was frustrating as a Welsh fan but heroic when watching the lions. The memory of the spike tackle in the first new Zealand test still grates at what could have been with that leadership and touch of magic in the centre.
This is a book for rugby fans as the majority of it is stories of individual games and the camaraderie of rugby friendships and rivalries. It lacks the revelations of Brian Moore's beware of the dog ,the brutal honesty of Gareth Thomas's Pride but what comes out is that O'Driscoll seems a genuinely nice bloke. He copes with some personal issues, most poignantly the loss to suicide of a close friend, and I enjoyed the struggles with an aging body. At the end I came out admiring an astonishing talent, and enjoying a good rugby book although I doubt anyone who doesn't love rugby will find much to encourage them to pick it up.
This is a book for rugby fans as the majority of it is stories of individual games and the camaraderie of rugby friendships and rivalries. It lacks the revelations of Brian Moore's beware of the dog ,the brutal honesty of Gareth Thomas's Pride but what comes out is that O'Driscoll seems a genuinely nice bloke. He copes with some personal issues, most poignantly the loss to suicide of a close friend, and I enjoyed the struggles with an aging body. At the end I came out admiring an astonishing talent, and enjoying a good rugby book although I doubt anyone who doesn't love rugby will find much to encourage them to pick it up.
April 7, 2015
I don't really like autobiographies much but I felt I had to read this one. The good thing was that I knew and remembered most of the episodes that he recounted and the matches he played in. The problem was that with such a long career there were a LOT of games for Leinster, The Lions and Ireland and - frankly - after a while they became a bit of a blur. I liked his analysis of Leinster's coaches over the years, and the three Heineken cup wins. He does not really say a bad word about anyone - but then again in an autobiography hardly anyone else does either. So he's no different there.
I think it's an OK account of a long and illustrious rugby career but it does not tell me very much about the guy behind the facade. He does seem like quite a balanced individual - but in fairness if he was a raving psycho he'd hardly tell us. Just another readable autobiography then...
I think it's an OK account of a long and illustrious rugby career but it does not tell me very much about the guy behind the facade. He does seem like quite a balanced individual - but in fairness if he was a raving psycho he'd hardly tell us. Just another readable autobiography then...
September 10, 2016
Loved this book. Combined a walk down memory lane with a sense of humour and a true insight in the great man and what makes him tick! There were so many matches mentioned that I was at or at least watched.
With so many happy and some sad memories and experiences, mot many rugby players with match BOD, one of the greatest players to ever wear an Ireland or Leinster shirt, thanks for the memories Brian!
With so many happy and some sad memories and experiences, mot many rugby players with match BOD, one of the greatest players to ever wear an Ireland or Leinster shirt, thanks for the memories Brian!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews