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The Battle
The revelatory autobiography of a rugby colossus: Paul O'Connell. WINNER OF THE CROSS SPORTS BOOK AWARDS RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR
There has never been a rugby player quite like Paul O'Connell. He is synonymous with passion, heart and determination; but he is also the thinking man's rugby player, a legendary student of the game.
As the heartbeat of Munster, British and Irish Lions captain in 2009, and captain of the first Ireland team to defend a Six Nations championship, O'Connell has emerged as perhaps the most beloved of the golden generation of Irish rugby players. In an autobiography as intense as its author, he tells the story of his remarkable career.
There has never been a rugby player quite like Paul O'Connell. He is synonymous with passion, heart and determination; but he is also the thinking man's rugby player, a legendary student of the game.
As the heartbeat of Munster, British and Irish Lions captain in 2009, and captain of the first Ireland team to defend a Six Nations championship, O'Connell has emerged as perhaps the most beloved of the golden generation of Irish rugby players. In an autobiography as intense as its author, he tells the story of his remarkable career.
418 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 1, 2017
Interesting enough, a bit repetitive in regards to his drive, fitness, introspection. It lacks anecdotes about former players and managers which might have livened it up a bit. Even great Munster and Ireland victories and terrible defeats are barely covered
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July 15, 2020Im getting there nearly finished, but at the same time im reading This is going to hurt be Adam Kay
November 18, 2016
Paul 'Paulie' O'Connell is one of the legends of modern rugby - recognised by players of every race and creed. I've seen him play many times, for Munster and Ireland, and even said hello to him a few times. No need to say that I bought the book the day it came out - and I've enjoyed every last page. His passion shines out from the pages, way more than in, say, Brian O'Driscoll's autobiography. Some great insights into his way of thinking and fierce combative spirit. Really enjoyable, and worth every penny. Thanks for your service, Paulie. You will be missed for many's the year.
March 5, 2019
Not normally a fan of the sporting autobiography, I found this a fascinating insight in to what drove this high performance athlete.
September 14, 2017
A very interesting read by a humble and determined guy. I admired his no-nonsense approach. The most surprising thing was that some of the more significant games in his Munster and Ireland career are skipped over with a sentence or two. There might be quite a lot of build up to the game and then straight into "after the game I reflected on...". You might have to read a few lines to figure out whether it had been won or lost. There's an expectation I think of a certain amount of knowledge about the games he references so he doesn't go into detail. This allows the book to zip along at a nice quick pace and he doesn't get bogged down in match reports. Some hilarious moments too, particularly when talking about his time with Peter "Claw" Clohessy. It comes across as a very honest read.
January 9, 2018
This is a remarkably honest book by a remarkably honest man.
Anyone picking up The Battle looking for an insider blow-by-blow account of Munster and Ireland's great victories and harrowing defeats would be better off buying the DVDs or spending a day or so on YouTube, because this is not what Paulie gives us. What he does give is that rarer and infinitely more valuable insight into the mind of a man who doubted his own talent at almost every turn, while the rest of us could only watch on in blessed wonder from the stands.
Alan English may have added a little polish but this is a superb and privileged insight into the mind of a good man, a great athlete and one who encapsulates the indomitable spirit of family, club, province and country.
Anyone picking up The Battle looking for an insider blow-by-blow account of Munster and Ireland's great victories and harrowing defeats would be better off buying the DVDs or spending a day or so on YouTube, because this is not what Paulie gives us. What he does give is that rarer and infinitely more valuable insight into the mind of a man who doubted his own talent at almost every turn, while the rest of us could only watch on in blessed wonder from the stands.
Alan English may have added a little polish but this is a superb and privileged insight into the mind of a good man, a great athlete and one who encapsulates the indomitable spirit of family, club, province and country.
July 5, 2020
Hardgoing. I found this book to be a battle to read and complete. The book doesn't flow, and often jumps about as if a thought/memory occurs and needs to be stated at that moment. This results in an almost staccato presentation for the reader and does get a bit confusing, particularly when the inserted anecdote uses nicknames/people not either not previously mentioned or not in the current piece that is being diverted from. Its almost like reading a diary.
That said POC clearly has had his battles, and these present as mental more than physical - there may be something in that for others to identify with, but it doesn't make for interesting reading.
That said POC clearly has had his battles, and these present as mental more than physical - there may be something in that for others to identify with, but it doesn't make for interesting reading.
April 25, 2019
A remarkable honest insight in the life of the giant of Irish rugby, and my favorite player. Before the untimely end of his career due to a hamstring injury in France(which he describes from his point of view at the start the book) , Paul "psycho" O'Connell was one of the greatest leaders on the pitch, and one of the most driven players on and off the field. In this book he tells us of how he started with Munster, joined the Irish rugby force, and how the game became larger than life. This is a must read if you love rugby, sports, or if you want to read about a modern viking.
October 3, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. Paul talks a lot about the challenges he faced such as returning from injury, being captain and setling his nerves before games. I liked how he spoke about the different coaching of the managers and coaches he's had. Also it was nice getting an insight into an era of rugby where I was following it and later in the book to hear his experiences of games I remember watching. Overall it's a very honest depiction of Paul's career.
March 4, 2025
I'm rating this a five as I love Paul O'Connell and all the great achievement he did for Ireland rugby. One of the greatest players, certainly in Irish history but perhaps in world history. A very humble great leader. I didn't like how he'd brush aside the scores of each 6 Nation match and not give a full account of the big games. Much of it was his own self doubt, despite being one of the GOATS, which really made him personable. Yet in the end, it was a great recap of rugby on the professional circuit and being a team captain for Munster, Ireland and The Lions.
The Battle.....Five Stars
The Battle.....Five Stars
February 16, 2019
I'm not normally one for biographies, but I was given this one and I love rugby so I gave it a go. I wish I would have read this one with a pen in hand and some sticky notes. While the book is a bit disjointed at times, this book is full of hard one words of wisdom that anyone can take and apply to their own lives, but especially to a team sport. My rugby team is going to be getting lots of quotes thrown at them once I have a chance to flip through this and find the nuggets again .
February 28, 2021
Really interesting look into what it took for POC to become one of the best second rows ever and the evolution of his approach to mental health + preparation. Find it challenged me to really think about what my goals are and how I am going to get there by setting targets as he did before he got on his first lions tour. Is also packed with really good quotes and ideas he picked up over the years. Great read for any Rugby fan!
June 4, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. It taught me a powerful lesson in never giving in and that injuries don’t define you - never say never. I particularly enjoyed his personal anecdotes in the last 50 pages of the book as they gave me an insight into his mind and motivation.
The other key takeaways were:
1. You’re mind is your biggest enemy.
2. Anyone can make it, you just have to believe in yourself.
3. Strength development is also about injury prevention - bulletproofing your body.
The other key takeaways were:
1. You’re mind is your biggest enemy.
2. Anyone can make it, you just have to believe in yourself.
3. Strength development is also about injury prevention - bulletproofing your body.
November 7, 2023
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book. It gives a very good idea of what it’s like to be a professional rugby player, especially one as talented and good at Paul O’Connell.
At the same time, I have less interest in Munster than I would have if he had played for Leinster!! His experiences with Ireland and The Lions were more interesting.
All in all it was a solid rather than spectacular book but did speak about many matches which I remember. This is definitely an added bonus!
At the same time, I have less interest in Munster than I would have if he had played for Leinster!! His experiences with Ireland and The Lions were more interesting.
All in all it was a solid rather than spectacular book but did speak about many matches which I remember. This is definitely an added bonus!
September 2, 2017
Nice, easy, interesting read. Very motivational, of course. Definitely one of those lessons that effort and attitude are more important than talent. Switches to more of a "Dear Diary" style towards the end which I don't think appealed to me as much as the first two thirds of the book, but regardless I still found it enjoyable.
June 9, 2019
POC is a uniquely driven, hard and uncompromising man. But not being Irish and thus not having full understanding of all the references he makes the book can become a bit of a boring read I'm afraid.
For a proper Munsterman it must be a brilliant read. As a Dutch Munster supporter I'm afraid it isn't.
For a proper Munsterman it must be a brilliant read. As a Dutch Munster supporter I'm afraid it isn't.
July 19, 2019
Munster Read
Five stars, for lovers of rugby, Paul talks candidly about his highs and lows of his career throughout the book. As a Munster fan some of the matches paul spoke about,brought back memories of where I was for them. Paul also talks about the psychological side as well as the physical aspect of what it takes to compete at the highest levels of sport.
Five stars, for lovers of rugby, Paul talks candidly about his highs and lows of his career throughout the book. As a Munster fan some of the matches paul spoke about,brought back memories of where I was for them. Paul also talks about the psychological side as well as the physical aspect of what it takes to compete at the highest levels of sport.
May 2, 2020
A warrior of the pro game
A good read, particularly the first half of the book when he outlined his unusual path into the pro ranks. This book is a good illustration of how the pro game has developed from its infancy years. The rough edges he speaks of in the early 2000s may have been smoothed out now, but it's not necessarily for the good of the game.
A good read, particularly the first half of the book when he outlined his unusual path into the pro ranks. This book is a good illustration of how the pro game has developed from its infancy years. The rough edges he speaks of in the early 2000s may have been smoothed out now, but it's not necessarily for the good of the game.
February 8, 2022
Not a disappointment
Paul O'Connell as a Munster fan is somewhat of a cult hero and as a rugby player someone I've looked up to. After a slow start this book tells the story of the man behind the myth and lays bare all the insecurities he had about his ability and the constant battle to be good enough. Fascinating read and well worth a read for any fan of sports in general.
Paul O'Connell as a Munster fan is somewhat of a cult hero and as a rugby player someone I've looked up to. After a slow start this book tells the story of the man behind the myth and lays bare all the insecurities he had about his ability and the constant battle to be good enough. Fascinating read and well worth a read for any fan of sports in general.
August 1, 2021
Great Insight
Great Insight into the Modern Game of Rugby showing what it takes physically and mentally to succeed in the game.
Written with humility a must read for fans of Munster,Ireland and rugby
Great Insight into the Modern Game of Rugby showing what it takes physically and mentally to succeed in the game.
Written with humility a must read for fans of Munster,Ireland and rugby
November 10, 2017
I expected more still a good read
November 16, 2017
Very good book on on a great sports man
August 5, 2018
My favourite rugby autobiography. Beautifully written by one of the greatest rugby players of all time. Compelling and honest. A must read for anybody who loves the game of rugby. Superb!
December 29, 2018
A very good sports book, dragged a little towards the end. Highlights what is required and the pressures of being at the top of your sport.
June 18, 2019
Not a bad bio of a great rugby player. Tells about his injuries and struggles without descending into pity.
January 29, 2021
Very hard to stay focused on this book but I managed to finish it was expecting a lot more from it to be honest.
September 17, 2021
The.book talks about Paul’s journey in sport, from humble beginnings to representing his country at the Rugby World Cup, enjoyed it!
November 28, 2021
Decent in spots but a bit patchy
August 8, 2022
An average enough book about an extraordinary career.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews