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Open Side: The Official Autobiography
‘A terrific book. No one put their body on the line quite like Sam Warburton.’
Brian O’Driscoll
‘It was an absolute privilege to play against Sam. An inspiring leader with an equally inspiring story to tell.’
Jonny Wilkinson
Sam Warburton OBE was not only a titan of Welsh rugby, but an icon of the game. Having represented his country as a player and team captain at all junior levels, he propelled himself to international attention in 2011 when named as the youngest ever captain of Wales for the Rugby World Cup.
Despite his tender age, Sam’s immense displays for club and country were recognised still further in April 2013, when, at just 24, he was named the Lions' captain for the extraordinary 2013 tour to Australia. Four years later, after a year ‘in the wilderness’, Sam was named Lions’ captain yet again for the historic tour to New Zealand, thereby becoming the first ever Lions Captain never to lose a series in the professional era.
Intelligent, calm, thoughtful – in many ways seemingly the exact opposite of the smash and crash of modern rugby – Warburton’s edge never came with his size, but with his depth of thought, his reading of movement, and his understanding that, to be a uniquely successful leader, one needs to set goals that far exceed the ambitions of even the most ferocious of opponents. In leading other men, and in pitting himself against the world’s best, Warburton was forced repeatedly to push himself to the very edge of his physiological and mental limits, the 21 significant injuries over that period a painful testament to his sacrifice.
Open Side is therefore not simply a chronology of events or a celebration of statistics. Written in a compelling but soul searching style, this is an astoundingly personal book exploring the nature of leadership, the value of self-control, the precision of mindset and of course the future of the game. It is also a deeply personal meditation on the sacrifice of body, the torment of injury and the pain of retirement, a decision Sam was forced to make in July 2018, at just 29 years old.
Never before has a rugby autobiography given such intimate access not only to the realities of the dressing room and the heroes and villains of the modern game, but to the unique mindset required to make someone a genuinely great leader of men.
Brian O’Driscoll
‘It was an absolute privilege to play against Sam. An inspiring leader with an equally inspiring story to tell.’
Jonny Wilkinson
Sam Warburton OBE was not only a titan of Welsh rugby, but an icon of the game. Having represented his country as a player and team captain at all junior levels, he propelled himself to international attention in 2011 when named as the youngest ever captain of Wales for the Rugby World Cup.
Despite his tender age, Sam’s immense displays for club and country were recognised still further in April 2013, when, at just 24, he was named the Lions' captain for the extraordinary 2013 tour to Australia. Four years later, after a year ‘in the wilderness’, Sam was named Lions’ captain yet again for the historic tour to New Zealand, thereby becoming the first ever Lions Captain never to lose a series in the professional era.
Intelligent, calm, thoughtful – in many ways seemingly the exact opposite of the smash and crash of modern rugby – Warburton’s edge never came with his size, but with his depth of thought, his reading of movement, and his understanding that, to be a uniquely successful leader, one needs to set goals that far exceed the ambitions of even the most ferocious of opponents. In leading other men, and in pitting himself against the world’s best, Warburton was forced repeatedly to push himself to the very edge of his physiological and mental limits, the 21 significant injuries over that period a painful testament to his sacrifice.
Open Side is therefore not simply a chronology of events or a celebration of statistics. Written in a compelling but soul searching style, this is an astoundingly personal book exploring the nature of leadership, the value of self-control, the precision of mindset and of course the future of the game. It is also a deeply personal meditation on the sacrifice of body, the torment of injury and the pain of retirement, a decision Sam was forced to make in July 2018, at just 29 years old.
Never before has a rugby autobiography given such intimate access not only to the realities of the dressing room and the heroes and villains of the modern game, but to the unique mindset required to make someone a genuinely great leader of men.
400 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2020
66 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 2, 2019
I don't normally write reviews but I feel obliged this time round.
Being on Goodreads implies you love books, be it reading or as doorstops. What is rarely discussed are the books we hate, the ones we would not touch.
For me, there are two, Sports books and Autobiographical Novels. (I have read one in my life) Needless to say, Openside by Sam Warburton, ticks both those boxes.
I know these boxes are ticked as I am pulling it out of the wrapping paper my girlfriend has lovingly gifted it to me in. She, she does not.
I love breathing almost as much as her and agree to read it straight away, thinking I can get a chapter or two in, then add this "openside" to my ruck of books that are partially read but never finished due to my problem of not liking them.
However my loving partner has played her cards very well.
I love Wales. I love Rugby (To be honest with you, they are usually synonymous). I love leaders. I am therefore a little curious, after all Sam got the captaince when he was what? 22? 23? How do you deal with that pressure? With what is asked of you? Alyn-Wyn, Gethin, surely these players would of been the smarter choice at the time?
I open the book. I close the book. 350 odd pages have gone by, two days of my life and more questions from the answers I read, all in all. I absolutely bloody loved it.
For lots of little reasons and one big one.
The honesty, growing up in the Amman (The Valleys) you are used to rugby boys talking smack and never delivering, but Sam does not, he approaches it from a different angle. He pulls you to one side and is open about his feelings on matters and why he went right when others went left and did it workout or not and why.
I cried more through out this book than anything else I have read. It was a complete mess of emotions, from two boys in New Zealand getting tickets or 2015 knockouts. All of it, Hiraeth through and through. (Google the word).
The dividing of the book between an autobiographical and leadership sections was much appreciated by chaps like myself who are already not an AutoBio fanboy.
Thinks I didn't like, the coordinates at the start of every chapter. I am not a fighter pilot or a five year old. The big dislike is McCaw on the bench, what are you doing with Pocock starting?
Indifference towards the flash forwards, not my cup of tea however It is a good hook at the start of the chapters but I always found my self reading it, arriving at that part and then (basically) skipping over what I had read earlier, which kills the pacing.
My big love of this book is that I never picked it. I would of walked passed it on the shelf in every bookstore and Tescos, never once buying it. Her on the other hand, my other half, she knew I would love it.
I love her, Always have but this book helps me "know" I love her. This book will be used at our wedding as exhibit A, on where it all went wrong. No doubt staying in my Top books forever.
Thank you Mr. Warburton, for the two tours and eight years of service to the Welsh people and Rugby fans everywhere.
Enjoy being a father.
Hiraeth.
Being on Goodreads implies you love books, be it reading or as doorstops. What is rarely discussed are the books we hate, the ones we would not touch.
For me, there are two, Sports books and Autobiographical Novels. (I have read one in my life) Needless to say, Openside by Sam Warburton, ticks both those boxes.
I know these boxes are ticked as I am pulling it out of the wrapping paper my girlfriend has lovingly gifted it to me in. She, she does not.
I love breathing almost as much as her and agree to read it straight away, thinking I can get a chapter or two in, then add this "openside" to my ruck of books that are partially read but never finished due to my problem of not liking them.
However my loving partner has played her cards very well.
I love Wales. I love Rugby (To be honest with you, they are usually synonymous). I love leaders. I am therefore a little curious, after all Sam got the captaince when he was what? 22? 23? How do you deal with that pressure? With what is asked of you? Alyn-Wyn, Gethin, surely these players would of been the smarter choice at the time?
I open the book. I close the book. 350 odd pages have gone by, two days of my life and more questions from the answers I read, all in all. I absolutely bloody loved it.
For lots of little reasons and one big one.
The honesty, growing up in the Amman (The Valleys) you are used to rugby boys talking smack and never delivering, but Sam does not, he approaches it from a different angle. He pulls you to one side and is open about his feelings on matters and why he went right when others went left and did it workout or not and why.
I cried more through out this book than anything else I have read. It was a complete mess of emotions, from two boys in New Zealand getting tickets or 2015 knockouts. All of it, Hiraeth through and through. (Google the word).
The dividing of the book between an autobiographical and leadership sections was much appreciated by chaps like myself who are already not an AutoBio fanboy.
Thinks I didn't like, the coordinates at the start of every chapter. I am not a fighter pilot or a five year old. The big dislike is McCaw on the bench, what are you doing with Pocock starting?
Indifference towards the flash forwards, not my cup of tea however It is a good hook at the start of the chapters but I always found my self reading it, arriving at that part and then (basically) skipping over what I had read earlier, which kills the pacing.
My big love of this book is that I never picked it. I would of walked passed it on the shelf in every bookstore and Tescos, never once buying it. Her on the other hand, my other half, she knew I would love it.
I love her, Always have but this book helps me "know" I love her. This book will be used at our wedding as exhibit A, on where it all went wrong. No doubt staying in my Top books forever.
Thank you Mr. Warburton, for the two tours and eight years of service to the Welsh people and Rugby fans everywhere.
Enjoy being a father.
Hiraeth.
August 22, 2021
I think this is the first sport autobiography I’ve ever read and I’m pleased to say I started off with an excellent one. The main takeaway from this book is the confirmation that Sam is such a genuinely gold-hearted man & the story of his career is a fascinating one. On top of this, the writing style presented is surprisingly poetic and beautiful. If you’re a rugby fan this is a perfect read.
March 13, 2022
Absolutely one of the best books I ever read.
This book gives is us the point of view of one of the protagonists of the main rugby events of the last decade: 2 World Cups, 2 Lions Tours and several Six Nations.
Sam Warburton tells us the story of how he came to be such a great player by committing to be better that the player across him and how he - an introvert - became captain not only of the Welsh Rugby Union, but also of the British and Irish Lions.
A great book about leadership, power of will, and the importance of friends, family (even his dogs), team mates, coaches and support staff in working towards our goals. A must read, even if you aren’t a rugby fan (but I specially if you are one).
This book gives is us the point of view of one of the protagonists of the main rugby events of the last decade: 2 World Cups, 2 Lions Tours and several Six Nations.
Sam Warburton tells us the story of how he came to be such a great player by committing to be better that the player across him and how he - an introvert - became captain not only of the Welsh Rugby Union, but also of the British and Irish Lions.
A great book about leadership, power of will, and the importance of friends, family (even his dogs), team mates, coaches and support staff in working towards our goals. A must read, even if you aren’t a rugby fan (but I specially if you are one).
January 12, 2020
Wow. When I first started reading I thought "I didn't expect him to be this arrogant" but the more you read, the more you understand that it's not arrogance at all. It's the desire, the work rate and the confidence that he knows, from all the hard work that he has put in, that he will be the best 7 in the world - and on his day he was.
As a Welsh man, rugby is in my blood. This 'open' and honest book had me laughing, reminiscing and almost crying. A player plagued with injuries who on his day could turn a game single handedly. He wouldn't be out of place as one of Fagin's boys the amount of ball he nicked every game!
A true player. A warrior. A family man! (And a man who can't walk past security because of all the metal in his body!)
Diolch am bopeth SW7!
As a Welsh man, rugby is in my blood. This 'open' and honest book had me laughing, reminiscing and almost crying. A player plagued with injuries who on his day could turn a game single handedly. He wouldn't be out of place as one of Fagin's boys the amount of ball he nicked every game!
A true player. A warrior. A family man! (And a man who can't walk past security because of all the metal in his body!)
Diolch am bopeth SW7!
October 23, 2022
If you’re a Welsh rugby fan or just a rugby fan in general, I highly recommend. Enjoyed learning the behind the scenes stuff of the Wales and Lions teams. An additional bit I liked was his leadership insights which felt could be applicable to your own life. Also, his thoughts on the modern game of rugby and recommendations for the future. Diolch Sam!
June 26, 2020
Got it for Christmas and read it over a few days. Really enjoyed but I am an admirer of Sam Warburton
and rugby generally.
and rugby generally.
September 28, 2019
Rugby is a heavy contact sport, which is one of the biggest reasons we love to play and watch it. and Sam Warburton knows all about it. The long time Wales and British and Irish lions captain has seen at least 20 injuries, from a tear in the hamstring to having a metal plate place near his eye. Aside from being a terrific captain, Sam is also considered to be one of the best flanker (7) around. Aside from McCaw ofcourse. This book tells his story, and is almost impossible to put down.
October 18, 2019
Open Side is the autobiography of the finest rugby union back row forward that I've seen play (I only ever saw Michael Jones on TV!). It is also one of the most honest sports books I've read. Each chapter deals with a significant part of Sam's career, usually accompanied by an injury. Each chapter closes with Sam's views on an aspect of leadership that he tried to master in his journey to becoming the most effective captain that Wales and the British and Irish Lions ever had.
To read this book or listen to him speak, you get a picture of an intelligent, thinking, bright person, totally dedicated to his family and making a success of his career as a professional rugby player. He does come over as a thoroughly decent young man which I'm sure he is. Watching him in action on the field of play and you'd see a most fearsome flanker who relished every single hit that he made on an opponent. We meet him as a thinking rugby player who managed always to make the right decision even when the battle was at his fiercest. His intervention with the referee at the end of the third Lions test in New Zealand in 2017 was crucial (and correct) and helped the Lions to draw the series. A commentator at the time suggested he should take over the brexit negotiations from those incompetent politicians who couldn't organise a raffle.
At the end of the book the author makes a number of suggestions as to how the game would improve. All are well-thought out and very sensible. Then he muses over his future. He's already made a huge impact as a television pundit and raises ten of thousands through his charity work. What he doesn't want to be, he says, is a Head Coach because of the pressure. On the coaching front he has so much to give to the game it would be a great shame if he wasn't involved with guiding players in some way and perhaps at all levels. A great book about a legendary rugby player.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39.
To read this book or listen to him speak, you get a picture of an intelligent, thinking, bright person, totally dedicated to his family and making a success of his career as a professional rugby player. He does come over as a thoroughly decent young man which I'm sure he is. Watching him in action on the field of play and you'd see a most fearsome flanker who relished every single hit that he made on an opponent. We meet him as a thinking rugby player who managed always to make the right decision even when the battle was at his fiercest. His intervention with the referee at the end of the third Lions test in New Zealand in 2017 was crucial (and correct) and helped the Lions to draw the series. A commentator at the time suggested he should take over the brexit negotiations from those incompetent politicians who couldn't organise a raffle.
At the end of the book the author makes a number of suggestions as to how the game would improve. All are well-thought out and very sensible. Then he muses over his future. He's already made a huge impact as a television pundit and raises ten of thousands through his charity work. What he doesn't want to be, he says, is a Head Coach because of the pressure. On the coaching front he has so much to give to the game it would be a great shame if he wasn't involved with guiding players in some way and perhaps at all levels. A great book about a legendary rugby player.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39.
July 1, 2020
"Rugby's what I did. It was never who I was."
I didn't really know what to expect from this, having never read a sports biography before, but my husband recommended it (having received it as a present from me!)
The book is surprisingly elegantly written: "Police outriders performing their strangely beautiful ballet, leapfrogging each other to hold traffic in the side roads and let us pass. Their lights reflect along the aisle down the middle of the bus: red and blue, red and blue, red and blue."
I have to admit that some of the sections on passages of play sort of passed me by, not being a completely ardent rugby fan.
One very interesting positive is Warburton's reflections on leadership, seven in all, which come at the end of each chapter. I admire his honesty (a feature throughout the book), and there is food for thought for leadership both on and off the sports field.
A rather annoying (to me) feature is a tendency to repetition. A chapter may open with a particular scenario for half a page, then talk about the background to that scenario, before returning to the exact same text, leaving the reader thinking 'Hang on? Haven't I this already?'. I can appreciate why it was used for emphasis, and for you to return the scenario with a new perspective from the knowledge gained in the meantime, but it just got a bit annoying for me.
Warburton comes across as determined (some might see an arrogance there) and very honest writer. As a casual rugby fan, it was a great insight into the gruelling physical aspects, but also the mental training and team spirit needed for the sport.
I didn't really know what to expect from this, having never read a sports biography before, but my husband recommended it (having received it as a present from me!)
The book is surprisingly elegantly written: "Police outriders performing their strangely beautiful ballet, leapfrogging each other to hold traffic in the side roads and let us pass. Their lights reflect along the aisle down the middle of the bus: red and blue, red and blue, red and blue."
I have to admit that some of the sections on passages of play sort of passed me by, not being a completely ardent rugby fan.
One very interesting positive is Warburton's reflections on leadership, seven in all, which come at the end of each chapter. I admire his honesty (a feature throughout the book), and there is food for thought for leadership both on and off the sports field.
A rather annoying (to me) feature is a tendency to repetition. A chapter may open with a particular scenario for half a page, then talk about the background to that scenario, before returning to the exact same text, leaving the reader thinking 'Hang on? Haven't I this already?'. I can appreciate why it was used for emphasis, and for you to return the scenario with a new perspective from the knowledge gained in the meantime, but it just got a bit annoying for me.
Warburton comes across as determined (some might see an arrogance there) and very honest writer. As a casual rugby fan, it was a great insight into the gruelling physical aspects, but also the mental training and team spirit needed for the sport.
August 30, 2023
I'm not a sports person, I don't play or watch any, really. But I met Sam at a meet and greet event a few years back and was really impressed by him, so I thought I'd give this a go. For a good chunk of the book,I was surprised to find I couldn't put it down. Well written, engaging, and interesting. I didn't like the little sections interspersed throughout that talked about leadership, I felt like it was an odd layout, disrupted the flow of the book and it made me feel like I was reading two different books. I also found the coordinates at the start of each chapter annoying. I don't know why. It just felt unnecessary. But I could get over that. It also got a bit repetitive about two thirds of the way through as it just turned into more of a diary, describing play in various matches of Sam's career which I found monotonous and less engaging than the start of the book where he describes other things going on around him more; his thoughts, feelings, interactions with others, his personal life. But on the whole, it was a good book and an interesting read. Definitely worth a go, even if you're not a huge rugby/sports fan.
December 28, 2019
A really good sports autobiography needs to provide more insight into the person, enhances your knowledge of the critical moments in their career, Sam Warburton’s book does this in bucket loads and more. The book is split into 7 chapters, 1 each for critical points in his career and 1 each obviously for the number shirt he wore. At the end of each chapter as well he talks about an element of leadership, which for those of you who are interested in general leadership would be worth reading. This book can inspire you but also teach about the most important things in life, your health and family.
July 4, 2020
As a fairly shy and retiring character I wasn't sure what to expect going in to this.
As Sam touches on though what you see in interviews or snippets of social media isn't the real deal.
A lot of this took me surprise. Sam comes across as supremely confident without becoming arrogant. The comments on not being that commited for the Blues shows the issue we have with the club game in Wales, but it's understandable.
Sam is very honest throughout this. I really enjoyed the Lions elements of the book. Also his vulnerability and how he didn't relish playing and actually accepted retirement very easily.
Very enjoyable read that has sparked my interest for more sport autobiographies.
As Sam touches on though what you see in interviews or snippets of social media isn't the real deal.
A lot of this took me surprise. Sam comes across as supremely confident without becoming arrogant. The comments on not being that commited for the Blues shows the issue we have with the club game in Wales, but it's understandable.
Sam is very honest throughout this. I really enjoyed the Lions elements of the book. Also his vulnerability and how he didn't relish playing and actually accepted retirement very easily.
Very enjoyable read that has sparked my interest for more sport autobiographies.
July 13, 2023
Sams an iconic character in welsh and international rugby. He’s a gentleman he’s calm relaxed reliable what most rugby players actually are in this book he’s educated edgy and shows a phenomenal understanding of the game his amazing ability to make you understand his thinking is what makes this book a must read for any rugby fan . He gives a very intimate interesting and entertaining insight into his two lines tours and talks candidly of his ups and downs in the game and what he put his body through for the game he loves so passionately #irishbookstagrammers #samwarburton #rugbylife #ilovebooks #iloverugby🏉
December 31, 2019
Arguably Wales’ greatest ever captain, clearly a decent bloke, to captain the Lions twice and not lose a series catapults him into the pantheon of all time greats. This autobiography is a bit fragmented, and has the odd stylistic trick of starting the chapter with a story - which is then repeated word for word later on.
Perhaps surprisingly it’s the sections on leadership which are the most interesting.
It’s nice to see him become a thoughtful and articulate pundit. Not many make the leap from great leader to great pundit.
Perhaps surprisingly it’s the sections on leadership which are the most interesting.
It’s nice to see him become a thoughtful and articulate pundit. Not many make the leap from great leader to great pundit.
January 26, 2020
Brilliant.
You don’t need to be a Welsh rugby fan or even a rugby fan to appreciate this book.
Superb insight into the brutality of sport that few see or understand.
What comes across more than anything else in this book is Sam’s sheer bloody minded determination and professionalism. When many others would’ve folded he carried on to the massive detriment to his physical health, and often times his mental wellbeing.
A honest and often times highly emotional account of what it takes to get to the top of your sport and the struggle to stay there.
Well done Sam.
You don’t need to be a Welsh rugby fan or even a rugby fan to appreciate this book.
Superb insight into the brutality of sport that few see or understand.
What comes across more than anything else in this book is Sam’s sheer bloody minded determination and professionalism. When many others would’ve folded he carried on to the massive detriment to his physical health, and often times his mental wellbeing.
A honest and often times highly emotional account of what it takes to get to the top of your sport and the struggle to stay there.
Well done Sam.
June 28, 2020
Absolutely loved this. I started reading this at a time of uncertainty in my own life, when I wanted to take the next step in my own career but wasn’t sure if I could do it. I started reading this book and realised I could relate to so much Of the 7 Ps Sam describes. I’ve always loved wales and always thought a lot of Sam and now I’ve learnt so much about his career and how it made him feel but also a lot about leadership and becoming a better person. Would recommend to any rugby fan and anyone looking to learn about leadership!
April 16, 2020
A great insight into the career of intelligent, calm and thoughtful rugby player who showed professionalism on and off the pitch.
Open Side is also a well written book on leadership as well as the personal physical and mental sacrifice that the world of rugby forced Warburton in the end to retire at young age.
I think he achieved what he wanted in the sport, to be a great World number 7 and added bonus of true leader as Captain of the Lions, twice!
Open Side is also a well written book on leadership as well as the personal physical and mental sacrifice that the world of rugby forced Warburton in the end to retire at young age.
I think he achieved what he wanted in the sport, to be a great World number 7 and added bonus of true leader as Captain of the Lions, twice!
December 15, 2019
Wow! I know very little about rugby, I've never played it & had to ask a friend to tell me about the number 7 role, but I really enjoyed this book. It's full of passion & heart & reads very well. Somewhat ironically the only rugby game I've ever been to was a Lions test back in the 80's sometime, but after reading this book I've a new appreciation for the game.
July 30, 2020
It helps that Sam is one of my all time favourite Rugby players and this book only cemented that feeling. A truly fascinating look into the private life of a genuinely inspirational and incredibly humble man. Refreshingly honest and open, this book was a real page turner that expertly highlighted the incredible highs of Rugby along with the devastating lows. Excellent. Just excellent.
April 25, 2021
Great player, greater leader, great book.
Not only does Sam Warburton explain the physical pain and tribulation of being up there with best 7s in World Rugby, he shows the mental side of the game too.
Incredibly driven, incredibly inspiring and yet also quite sad.
This book has really opened my eyes to professionalism and mentality.
Good read!
Not only does Sam Warburton explain the physical pain and tribulation of being up there with best 7s in World Rugby, he shows the mental side of the game too.
Incredibly driven, incredibly inspiring and yet also quite sad.
This book has really opened my eyes to professionalism and mentality.
Good read!
November 25, 2019
A good rugby autobiography giving a clear insight into Warburton's dedication to the game. For me, however, I would have liked more anecdotes about the people he played with and against. It is a bit too intense and self-oriented.
January 3, 2020
Deeply insightful with some interesting revelations about the life of a professional rugby player. A very worthwhile read even if you have no interest in rugby. One of Whitcoulls’ books of the year.
February 23, 2021
I love to read books about people with talent. I love to learn from them. I really enjoyed the 7 leadership lessons as well as the sharing of the personal challenges he went through in injury and accepting the various captains
Just a little too much rugby for me...
Just a little too much rugby for me...
April 6, 2021
A great read for rugby fans with tips on leadership and character building. It’s interesting to hear how Sam applied the key principles of rugby to aspects of every day life and how a positive attitude and a lot of hard work can have a massive impact.
May 11, 2021
Decent account
Good story and covers the driven nature of the guy to achieve the ultimate goal. Kids should read this to see that not all in life comes easily but life is tough and hard work is needed to achieve
Good story and covers the driven nature of the guy to achieve the ultimate goal. Kids should read this to see that not all in life comes easily but life is tough and hard work is needed to achieve
January 5, 2022
Must read for rugby fans, one of my favorite books of all time. You learn so much about the life of a rugby player but the best part of the book is the leadership tips Sam gives at the end of each chapter.
March 27, 2022
honest and humble
Fantastic insight into what makes a top
Level rugby player. The mental strength and constant physical challenges that are needed and well described by a top level player and a top level human being. Man of the match award for this book . Great read.
Fantastic insight into what makes a top
Level rugby player. The mental strength and constant physical challenges that are needed and well described by a top level player and a top level human being. Man of the match award for this book . Great read.
December 14, 2022
Very enjoyable book. As a mild enjoyer of rugby I thought I’d give this autobiography a go and I was not disappointed. Goes into the right amount of depth about the game both on and off the pitch and the suspense created in the big test matches reallu added to it all. Great read.
May 6, 2024
Nice enough book. A bit too much of a play by play recount of games played but still worth a read. The ghost writer working overtime sometimes on the literary devices though haha. No photos which was a shame for a sports autobiography.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2019
Great insight into the mindset of one of the greatest 7’s the play the game. He was also one of my favourite players to watch!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews