Bomb: My Autobiography

by Adam Jones

In rugby, there are the Flash Harrys and the Glory the fly-halves who run, kick and dazzle; the scrum-halves who nip and dart; the wingers who step and glide. These are the players who get the crowd on their feet, who set stadiums abuzz.But they only get to do these things because other, less glorified figures do all of the donkey work. Adam Jones is one such figure. And for a decade he was one of the world's best.On many occasions when George North or Shane Williams were careering under the posts to score a try, and the crowd was engulfed in rapturous joy, Adam Jones would be hauling himself up from the turf, spitting blood and mud, and massaging his aching neck. He hadn't scored the try; but more often than not it was his graft and strength which had made it.This is the story of 'Bomb': the self-effacing manual labourer from the Swansea Valley who traded laying paving slabs for running out in some of the world's most imposing sporting citadels. He rose to the pinnacle of his sport, winning virtually everything there was to be Grand Slams, Six Nations Championships, Lions tours, Pro12 titles.In a nation of rugby heroes, Adam Jones has become a legend. Only six Welshmen can say they've won three Grand Slams. He is one of not just as a bit-part player, but as the beating heart of the most successful squad in Welsh rugby history. His was one of the first names on the team sheet. He was - literally and metaphorically - the cornerstone of this Welsh side.In his autobiography, Jones reveals exactly what goes on in the murky depths of the front the tricks, the techniques, the physical and psychological warfare; and the mental fortitude it takes to endure in one of the hardest positions, in one of the world's toughest contact sports.

Genres: Autobiography, Sports

384 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 2015

About the author

Adam Jones, aka 'Bomb', won 95 caps for Wales and is the most decorated prop in Welsh rugby history. He is one of a very select group of Welshmen who have won three Grand Slams, and was also selected for two tours with the British & Irish Lions.

Reviews

[Rutger Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voordat mijn grote (prop) held Joe Marler in mijn leven kwam, was er Adam Jones, of Bomb. De grote vriendelijke reus in de scrum van het nationale team van Wales, en een onmisbaar gezicht in de eerste rij van de Ospreys. Dit is een van de meest open en eerlijke rugbyboeken die ik tot nu toe heb mogen lezen, bomb verteld een heel eerlijk en emotioneel verhaal over zijn rugby carrière en wat "the jersey" met hem heeft gedaan, en hoe moeilijk het was om afscheid te nemen hiervan. Bomb verteld een (herkenbaar) eerlijk verhaal over hoe het is om te spelen op de eerste rij, wat de verwachtingen zijn, en zijn eeuwigdurende strijd met gewicht. Maar verteld ook vrolijk over de prachtige avonturen die hij heeft beleefd als hij weer eens met een pint of 10 teveel ergens in het buitenland in een kroeg stond, of wat er voor avonturen er gebeuren tijdens de derde helft (wat ook erg herkenbaar is overigens).

[Mat Greener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corner stone of 3 Welsh Grand Slams

This memoir goes through ups and downs of an integral member of 3 Welsh Grand slams as well as the anguish of being taken off early and being dropped!. I have read over 10 memoirs of players from that era & this is up there with the best. There is a slightly different perspective on events like Mike Ruddock. The book goes up to signing for harlequins.

[Dai Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, when you read a "ghost written" autobiography, you feel that the subject of the book is talking to you, in a conversational way, in their own voice, then the author has achieved a remarkable, difficult and finely balanced aspiration. Ross Harries has managed to do this in an exceptional way, delivering a beautifully honed account of, and insight into, the life and times of this iconic welsh rugby player. I have read countless biographies and autobiographies - many of sportsmen (and rugby players in particular), but few, if any, have engaged me as much, and given me as much enjoyment as this one. He avoids the cliched format that frequently characterizes sports biographies and as a result has produced a delightful, engrossing read, with just the right amount of humour, pathos, banter and seriousness that I feel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, whether rugby lovers or not. And for rugby fans and aficionados it is an absolute gem.

[Neil Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is great to hear about the secrets of the scrum from the perspective of one of the finest tight heads there has ever been. I take my hat of to Adam Jones or "Bomb". Without the benefits of a higher education he has written a great autobiography - it is subjective of course but fair in many ways particular when he deals with the huge surprise of being dropped by Wales after a hugely successful Lions tour in Australia. He outlines the problems he has had with his weight, his love of food, particular the chocolate run as a carbo load before big games. He does not naturally warm to training but has worked hard when necessary to achieve 10 fine years at the top which included 3 grand slams with Wales and two Lions tours. He summarises the grand slams very well, giving a feel of what happened without writing verbosely. I learnt a huge amount about the trickery that takes place at scrum time but I am sure Bomb has only shared a few secrets, most remaining hidden hopefully to be shared with future Welsh tight heads. I recommend this to the rugby connoisseur, it is well paced, concise and tells Bombs story, the successes and the disappointments.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half of book: 5 stars
Last half of book: 3 stars
I first want to give a HUGE shoutout to Ross Harries, who is credited with "assistance in writing this book." The way the book is structured, it appears Mr. Harries must have taken hundreds or thousands of hours of interviews and recordings and turned them into clear, organized stories and chapters. He did an incredible job.
I enjoyed the first half of Bomb more than the second half because the first half contained a much higher percentage of stories off the pitch. The second half turned into a play-by-play of match after match after match, with very little to break it up. So, it was more like reading a bunch of lively magazine write-ups than the story of Adam Jones.
I am glad I read it; I am proud of my Welsh heritage and loved the references to places in my family history, just because they happened to be from the same area as Adam Jones. Ospreys are my team, as they were his for so long.
I wish Mr. Jones at least as much success as a coach as he had as a player.

[Matthew Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

My step son loved to see Adam and Duncan Jones propping for Wales. The "hair bear" twins, although not related, were certainly a sight to see. Adam's autobiography depicts his rugby mad upbringing in a remote valley, playing for his local club and gradually realising what a special talent he was. Just as most political careers end in failure so many sports ones end with the bitterness of rejection, in this case when Warren Gatland drops him from the Welsh squad. A great book by a great character

[Tom Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Compelling Read

A really involving read even if you aren't knowledgeable about rugby. I enjoyed how I felt more was there on the matchdays and how, when looking back at the end of his international career there was no obvious malice or resentment. Adam explains himself really well throughout the book and I recommend it, especially if you've got any interest in sport.

[paul leverett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Honest excellent read good luck to a great player for his future!
Good luck with coaching in sure he will be greatest that also!!
A true gent!

[karl offers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiration

The book has it all humour ,heartbreak and above all honesty. Adam will be an inspiration to many up and coming tightheads.

[Brad Aldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for any one who is a fan of the front row. I certainly learned a lot about the pressures and truth behind being a high level prop. Adam Jones is an absolute legend.

[Phil Altimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very open book, giving you the back story to one of the games greats

[Ian Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. Phenomenally good. I'm surprised he didn't chin Warren Gatland tbh. Fantastic read.

[Jeff Howells · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Christmas present (and signed copy!) a fairly run of the mill 'autobiography' (i.e. It's heavily ghosted) of a top rugby player. Adam Jones is almost a throwback to an earlier age, he comes across as almost too laid back for staying at the top of professional rugby. But stay at the top he did, gaining 100 Test caps for Wales & the Lions. There's no doubt his international career ended messily (and the events surrounding this bookend his story). That being said he doesn't really name names, or settle scores. There are a few decent anecdotes and it's a brisk read but nothing earth shattering.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read lots of rugby autobiographies (especially Welsh rugby ones) and I have to say that this is one of the best I've read. It's honest, funny, enlightening and interesting (and I'm not an Ospreys supporter!) and I think his account probably comes closest to the truth about some particular events of behind-the-scenes team Wales that we're all familiar with by now.

Adam's book is well worth a read for any rugby fan (but particularly Welsh rugby fans.)

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam seems a laid back well respected player. This book gave a great insight into the rugby union game. Plenty of blood, sweat and tears. There were lots of stories to make me laugh too.

As a rugby league fan, it was nice to get a look into the scrum of the union boys, so to speak.

I rate this book 9/10

Thank you Bookbridgr and headline for allowing me to review xx
My blog is at https://thereadingshed.wordpress.com/

[Pat Stearman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another insight into the workings of the world of Welsh rugby. Good reading.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always admired Bomb as a player, so his autobiography was a must. Well written. I now know a little more about the player and a lot more about rugby.

[Dale Flower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought it was great. More often than not, I'd find myself giggling to some of the stories.