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What a Flanker: The funniest sports biography you’ll ever read
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ‘Hilarious, and straight talking but also articulate and insightful – I am just hugely fond of this guy’
–Eddie Jones ‘James what a flanker, what a book’
–Rugby World ‘I’d like to be remembered as a player who showed that you can be incredibly professional but also a lot of fun – a bit of a joker in the changing room, but the ultimate competitor on the pitch. That should have been the subtitle of this book, really…’ One of rugby’s most ferocious flankers and biggest characters, James Haskell has had an extraordinary, global experience of the game, having played for the Wasps, Northampton and England, and in New Zealand, France and Japan. After seventeen years and with 77 international caps under his sizeable belt, he has a shitload to say about rugby life – from pitch to pub and everywhere in between. In What A Flanker , Haskell sheds fresh light on the dynamics and the day-to-day of the game. Whether he’s recalling the most brutal team socials; dispelling the myths surrounding New Zealand’s dominance; introducing his Japanese teammates to manscaping or calling out play-acting in the modern game, no subject is off limits.
Side-splittingly funny and ruthlessly honest, What A Flanker delves into the touring, drinking, training, eating and sometimes unconscionable antics of the professional rugby player. It’s an unforgettable read, even if there are some stories you’d rather forget… [ in the author biography and on p.22 of this book, it is stated in error that the House of Rugby podcast is now known as The Good, The Bad and The Rugby. The House of Rugby podcast continues and The Good, The Bad and The Rugby is a separate podcast.]
–Eddie Jones ‘James what a flanker, what a book’
–Rugby World ‘I’d like to be remembered as a player who showed that you can be incredibly professional but also a lot of fun – a bit of a joker in the changing room, but the ultimate competitor on the pitch. That should have been the subtitle of this book, really…’ One of rugby’s most ferocious flankers and biggest characters, James Haskell has had an extraordinary, global experience of the game, having played for the Wasps, Northampton and England, and in New Zealand, France and Japan. After seventeen years and with 77 international caps under his sizeable belt, he has a shitload to say about rugby life – from pitch to pub and everywhere in between. In What A Flanker , Haskell sheds fresh light on the dynamics and the day-to-day of the game. Whether he’s recalling the most brutal team socials; dispelling the myths surrounding New Zealand’s dominance; introducing his Japanese teammates to manscaping or calling out play-acting in the modern game, no subject is off limits.
Side-splittingly funny and ruthlessly honest, What A Flanker delves into the touring, drinking, training, eating and sometimes unconscionable antics of the professional rugby player. It’s an unforgettable read, even if there are some stories you’d rather forget… [ in the author biography and on p.22 of this book, it is stated in error that the House of Rugby podcast is now known as The Good, The Bad and The Rugby. The House of Rugby podcast continues and The Good, The Bad and The Rugby is a separate podcast.]
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2020
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395 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
October 20, 2021
James Haskell. Not a personality that I’ve ever warmed to really. On the back of Joe Marler’s book, I decided to delve into Haskell’s to see what sort of person he actually is. I’ve watched him represent England and I’ve seen him in the infamous Celebrity Jungle, but neither made me like him. There seemed to be a level of arrogance lingering and so I hoped his autobiography would confirm this or make me change my opinion of him.
Some of the stories told by Joe Marler are also recounted by James Haskell, albeit through a different set of eyes and a different perspective.
Some are typical rugby crazy behaviour - drinking games, wind-ups, close calls, cavemen trying to be alpha male, poor old Jack Nowell being forever known as Fire Pussy and the hierarchy system of professional rugby players.
It’s stupid to even try and compare Haskell and Marler. Marler grew up as the fat gobby kid who was good with his fists. Haskell had a public schoolboy education and had ‘staff’ growing up, so very different backgrounds.
It was clear I needed to judge Haskell’s book without comparison.
I liked the way he split his chapters into clear sections and although he named a good number of players/coaches/managers, he also used some discretion when recounting more ‘disturbing’ stories and some people remained nameless.
James gets the point across well that being a professional rugby player means pain, and a lot of pain. He quite rightly questions the long-term impact such a physical game will have on players and discusses the brain-related conditions already turning up in players not necessarily all that old from probable numerous concussions plus the consequences of so many fractures, torn ligaments, dislocations and surgical procedures players go through.
The book has a good balance of typical rugby high jinks which would undoubtedly be classed as bullying in the workplace now and discussing the need for change as the new players coming through the academies are fitter, faster and stronger than ever before. There’s a good point made between the provision of training for the physicality of the sport and the need for better mental health care to be as integral as sports nutrition and team building.
The sport has indeed changed so much since it turned professional and it’s imperative to change along with it to protect the bodies and minds of the players who literally put their bodies on the line for their job, which is, after all, just a game.
Well-written and thought-provoking; did I change my opinion of James Haskell? Well, not exactly. It’s clear even as a teenager he had his head up his backside and thought he was cock of the walk and I think he’s learned some humility but still carries that cockiness as part of his personality trait. He is quite arrogant and outspoken but his desire to see better care for players is commendable and I enjoyed his perspective on many of the same stories told by Joe Marler.
That said, I admire James Haskell for being a straight-talker, which is a trait I personally have and much prefer, and he was clearly appreciated by many players and Eddie Jones.
My main criticism would be his continued use of comparing events/people to TV films/characters.
Another good read, though probably only for people familiar with rugby and especially the rugby social behaviour that happens; not for those with a weak-stomach!
January 22, 2022
Not a big Rugby man but this is a nice insight in to the turbulent life of a professional sportsman.
October 4, 2020
Big into Hask. Very funny and insightful. I saw Rory Best the day after the incident.
December 4, 2021
Hilarious and a good insight in to the scandals, events and going’s on in club and national rugby. Overall, surprisingly good read and inspirational in the importance of diversification for professional sports people
September 8, 2021
I should start by saying that I’m not actually a fan of rugby and don’t fully understand the sport, so not everyone should be put off by my low rating but for me there were a lot sport talk and names mentioned that I don’t really know, there were some funny and interesting stories in there but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to keep me hooked.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2023
First and foremost, this is a brutally honest and great fun book that lays bare the social aspects of professional rugby. For anyone who is or has ever been a member of a rugby club, been on tour and/or attended a rugby social, it’s refreshing to read stories which make you realise that you were never that far removed from elite professionals.
Despite presenting himself as some sort of tortured genius who could save modern rugby if only people wouldn’t treat him with contempt, Haskell does not come across particularly well in this book. His commentary suggests a teetotal philosopher who abhors violence, yet his stories show him boasting of being the quickest to down a pint, adept at mocking people for their looks and proud of punching a prop unconscious.
An example of his mismatched thoughts and actions are demonstrated through him, in the first few pages, seemingly regretting his schoolboy actions of secretly filming a girl and a rugby friend in a bedroom. Cut to a few years and a few dozen pages later and he is relishing a tale involving setting up a camera and laptop in a car to film a practical joke by him and a rugby friend involving an unsuspecting American girl. Lesson not learnt.
That said, you can’t deny Haskell’s infectious sense of fun and humour. Whatever you might think of the man, don’t let it spoil your enjoyment of this excellent insight into some key moments and aspects of professional rugby at the highest levels.
Oh, and for the record, Haskell is one of the greatest flankers England has ever seen.
Despite presenting himself as some sort of tortured genius who could save modern rugby if only people wouldn’t treat him with contempt, Haskell does not come across particularly well in this book. His commentary suggests a teetotal philosopher who abhors violence, yet his stories show him boasting of being the quickest to down a pint, adept at mocking people for their looks and proud of punching a prop unconscious.
An example of his mismatched thoughts and actions are demonstrated through him, in the first few pages, seemingly regretting his schoolboy actions of secretly filming a girl and a rugby friend in a bedroom. Cut to a few years and a few dozen pages later and he is relishing a tale involving setting up a camera and laptop in a car to film a practical joke by him and a rugby friend involving an unsuspecting American girl. Lesson not learnt.
That said, you can’t deny Haskell’s infectious sense of fun and humour. Whatever you might think of the man, don’t let it spoil your enjoyment of this excellent insight into some key moments and aspects of professional rugby at the highest levels.
Oh, and for the record, Haskell is one of the greatest flankers England has ever seen.
November 11, 2020
Incredibly funny. I love to read books about player who are legends (in Haskell's case, in his own way..) and most of them write their biographies in a complete serious note. This doesn't count for what a wanker... I mean flanker. The book starts off with stories while being wasted, with them almost killing the great Rory Best while doing so. Towards blowing the 2015 world cup to his retirement. And now the guys wants to be a dj? For gods sake. I loved this book, and If you have any interest in rugby, this is a must read.
January 4, 2021
Great read! Very well written and full with great stories. The nice thing is that didn't force the book to be in chronological order. It's just devided in subjects he wanted to tell about and then sums up a whole lot of funny, interesting, rough and awkward experiences.
February 7, 2021
Have always like James Haskell but this book reinforces that further. A down to earth look at rugby and his life. Very funny but thought provoking at the same time. Looking forward to another one.
July 17, 2022
Hilarious, insightful and honest. I read this on holiday and it was the perfect read. 4 stars because he does repeat himself a fair bit, but as a rugby fan I thoroughly enjoyed the insider info 👀
March 17, 2023
Incredible to read Hask’s story and honestly shocking to hear how he was treated by management and the RFU at times. Thoughtful and entertaining read.
November 28, 2024
Honest and hilarious
January 4, 2021
A comical book, interspersed with moments of shock and awe. A great recount of a player who has played amongst the transition of amateurism into professionalism and who will undoubtedly continue to entertain.
June 26, 2021
A fun read however if, like me, you've been listening to Hask on his various podcasts over the last few years you might recognise a good number of the stories!
March 27, 2023
As the author points out this is not an autobiography with the usual linear form starting with his birth and progressing to the current day. Instead think of it a series of essays centring on aspects of the game, how they have affected him, together with masses of personal anecdotes. There are serious points made but overall, the style is that of tall tales and reminiscences over a few beers. A little self-indulgent at times perhaps, but for me it worked well with barely a dull moment.
He starts with the need for team socials, the male bonding and creating a ‘band of brothers’ ethos needed for a physical and at times brutal sport. If you already think of rugby players as posh, meathead hooligans then this section is not going to change your mind, but I did find it very funny, though not the kind of thing to be included in a Netflix behind the scenes documentary. He says that university rugby societies are much worse, them having disgusting initiation rites, though perhaps he protests too much.
The chapters following recount various bawdy and silly exploits, nicknames and pranks together with some serious observations. So, expect to hear about training with its macho posturing, fights and aggression. Preparation for playing the game, the togetherness, the jokes to pass the time and that bastard who skims most of the crunchy bit of the trays of apple crumble. There is also the negative side as players have to cope with injury layoffs, with near constant pain at times and the prospect of life changing damage to their bodies by the time they retire. In both codes of rugby the players have got bigger, faster and through professionalism much fitter. Add to this the better playing surfaces, mud baths are rarely seen these days, the collisions are testing bodies to their absolute limits.
Although top level rugby players can be well paid, their earnings are nowhere near those of footballers and other top earners in individual sports like golf or tennis. This means that retirement still needs to be carefully planned, something the author has done. He tells of the piss-taking he received when he created a personal web site, but I expect more will follow suit. He now has a ‘portfolio’ career turning his hand to writing, DJing, TV and radio appearances (including I’m a Celebrity) after dinner speaking and a rugby podcast ‘The Good The Bad and The Rugby.’
He also recognises that it is important to step out of the comfort zone and broaden one’s horizons. This led to him playing in France, Japan and New Zealand as well as England, though Wales was considered a step too far. These provide a wealth of life experiences and anecdotes for his public speaking career. The one about a calendar shoot in Paris is hilarious, but I won’t spoil it here.
He starts with the need for team socials, the male bonding and creating a ‘band of brothers’ ethos needed for a physical and at times brutal sport. If you already think of rugby players as posh, meathead hooligans then this section is not going to change your mind, but I did find it very funny, though not the kind of thing to be included in a Netflix behind the scenes documentary. He says that university rugby societies are much worse, them having disgusting initiation rites, though perhaps he protests too much.
The chapters following recount various bawdy and silly exploits, nicknames and pranks together with some serious observations. So, expect to hear about training with its macho posturing, fights and aggression. Preparation for playing the game, the togetherness, the jokes to pass the time and that bastard who skims most of the crunchy bit of the trays of apple crumble. There is also the negative side as players have to cope with injury layoffs, with near constant pain at times and the prospect of life changing damage to their bodies by the time they retire. In both codes of rugby the players have got bigger, faster and through professionalism much fitter. Add to this the better playing surfaces, mud baths are rarely seen these days, the collisions are testing bodies to their absolute limits.
Although top level rugby players can be well paid, their earnings are nowhere near those of footballers and other top earners in individual sports like golf or tennis. This means that retirement still needs to be carefully planned, something the author has done. He tells of the piss-taking he received when he created a personal web site, but I expect more will follow suit. He now has a ‘portfolio’ career turning his hand to writing, DJing, TV and radio appearances (including I’m a Celebrity) after dinner speaking and a rugby podcast ‘The Good The Bad and The Rugby.’
He also recognises that it is important to step out of the comfort zone and broaden one’s horizons. This led to him playing in France, Japan and New Zealand as well as England, though Wales was considered a step too far. These provide a wealth of life experiences and anecdotes for his public speaking career. The one about a calendar shoot in Paris is hilarious, but I won’t spoil it here.
March 23, 2025
It's a long time since I laughed out loud in the train
Where to start with this review? First up, I liked JH (not overly familiar, just saving typing - eventually) from his podcasts and the live show. For some reason the MMA thing didn't appeal, but I had to read this book.
It is without doubt one of the funniest books I've ever read and I appreciate that memoirs can always be a specific source of such tales. I don't read many bio's as I prefer fiction, but this was well worth the time invested.
What a full life lived so far is all I can say. And if you think JH is a bit of a knob, reading this might not change your mind but you will at least laugh and understand something of rugby culture.
There are so many quotes I want to include, that I'm going to, so save yourself time and spoilers and just buy the damn book. They might feel taken out of context but once you open the book, you'll get it. From the cutting, filthy to comebacks. Here goes...
saying it looks like the council cut your hair is apparently a step too far in New Zealand
‘Mate, your teeth are so yellow when you smile, cars slow down and your missus looks like she was set on fire and was put out with a hammer.’ Strong, I will admit, but if you are going to go back, then I operate a full scorched- earth policy.
‘But that’s not the case. I’m a good accountant. And I pay £ 80 to watch England play at Twickenham, so I’m allowed to give my opinion.’ ‘Yes, mate, you can have an opinion, but you don’t have to share it directly with me.’
most of the space you find on a rugby field these days is between a forward’s ears
Luckily, my roomie eventually decided to have a shower and while he was in the bathroom, I lifted his bed up, removed four or five slats and lobbed them out of the window (we were 30 floors up, but I didn’t want him to be able to get them back), before jumping back onto my bed, sticking my headphones on and pretending to be asleep. When he finally emerged, he practically ran across the room, due to the amazing night’s sleep he was going to have on his oversized bed. He actually did a Superman dive onto what he thought was comfort heaven and went straight through the middle of the bed.
There are so many more but my clipboard melted as I tried to copy my saved notes.
Where to start with this review? First up, I liked JH (not overly familiar, just saving typing - eventually) from his podcasts and the live show. For some reason the MMA thing didn't appeal, but I had to read this book.
It is without doubt one of the funniest books I've ever read and I appreciate that memoirs can always be a specific source of such tales. I don't read many bio's as I prefer fiction, but this was well worth the time invested.
What a full life lived so far is all I can say. And if you think JH is a bit of a knob, reading this might not change your mind but you will at least laugh and understand something of rugby culture.
There are so many quotes I want to include, that I'm going to, so save yourself time and spoilers and just buy the damn book. They might feel taken out of context but once you open the book, you'll get it. From the cutting, filthy to comebacks. Here goes...
saying it looks like the council cut your hair is apparently a step too far in New Zealand
‘Mate, your teeth are so yellow when you smile, cars slow down and your missus looks like she was set on fire and was put out with a hammer.’ Strong, I will admit, but if you are going to go back, then I operate a full scorched- earth policy.
‘But that’s not the case. I’m a good accountant. And I pay £ 80 to watch England play at Twickenham, so I’m allowed to give my opinion.’ ‘Yes, mate, you can have an opinion, but you don’t have to share it directly with me.’
most of the space you find on a rugby field these days is between a forward’s ears
Luckily, my roomie eventually decided to have a shower and while he was in the bathroom, I lifted his bed up, removed four or five slats and lobbed them out of the window (we were 30 floors up, but I didn’t want him to be able to get them back), before jumping back onto my bed, sticking my headphones on and pretending to be asleep. When he finally emerged, he practically ran across the room, due to the amazing night’s sleep he was going to have on his oversized bed. He actually did a Superman dive onto what he thought was comfort heaven and went straight through the middle of the bed.
There are so many more but my clipboard melted as I tried to copy my saved notes.
July 2, 2021
Dit boek kwam bijna tegelijkertijd uit met Loos Head van Joe Marler en wordt vaak vergeleken. Beide zijn voorwaartsen, speelden vanaf 2012 samen voor Engeland én zijn ‘een beetje apart’. James Haskell speelde voor Wasps, in Frankrijk, Japan en Nieuw-Zeeland, keerde terug bij Wasps en beëindigde zijn loopbaan bij de Northampton Saint. Bovendien behaalde hij 77 caps voor Engeland en tourde met The Lions in 2017 in Nieuw-Zeeland. Buiten zijn rugby carrière werd hij bekend door zijn huwelijk met presentatrice Cloë Madeley, zijn deelname aan de realityserie ‘I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! en natuurlijk als één van de drie presentatoren van de podcast ‘The Good, The Bad and The Rugby.
Na het lezen van Marler komt Haskell een beetje moeilijk op gang. Het verhaal van de bierklysma is natuurlijk fantastisch maar de voorbeelden van ‘Team Socials Gone Wrong’ zijn door het veelvuldige ‘maar ik noem geen namen’ wat saai. Daarna komt het boek overigens wel lekker op gang. Haskell is een typisch moderne rugbyer, die door alles te geven zijn droom verwezenlijkt en met weemoed de verhalen over het ‘amateurtijdperk’ aanhoort. Toen kon alles, nu leven de profs alleen voor de volgende wedstrijd. Maar spelers zijn ook meer met hun imago bezig, met hun toekomst na hun vrij korte profcarrière, met entrepeneurschap en scocial media. Vooral het aspect social media krijgt veel aandacht in James’ boek. Aan de ene kant roemt hij de mogelijkheden maar tegelijkertijd ziet hij de valkuilen. Zelf is hij een paar keer goed door het slijk gegaan en als je zo vaak de media zoekt, want dat doet hij ook, dan kan je zeker met de Britse roddelpers ervan uitgaan dat je gezocht wordt. Persoonlijk vond ik hem daar een beetje drammerig over doen en had ik graag meer gelezen over zijn uitstapjes naar het buitenland. Haskell was bijvoorbeeld de eerste Britse speler die voor een Super Rugby franchise speelde, de Highlanders en een pionier in Japan.
Al met al zeker de moeite waard, juist omdat de ‘oude’ biografieën zo vaak alleen over rugby gaan, terwijl Haskell inzicht geeft hoe de moderne prof omgaat met de druk, de aandacht en de zelfopoffering.
Na het lezen van Marler komt Haskell een beetje moeilijk op gang. Het verhaal van de bierklysma is natuurlijk fantastisch maar de voorbeelden van ‘Team Socials Gone Wrong’ zijn door het veelvuldige ‘maar ik noem geen namen’ wat saai. Daarna komt het boek overigens wel lekker op gang. Haskell is een typisch moderne rugbyer, die door alles te geven zijn droom verwezenlijkt en met weemoed de verhalen over het ‘amateurtijdperk’ aanhoort. Toen kon alles, nu leven de profs alleen voor de volgende wedstrijd. Maar spelers zijn ook meer met hun imago bezig, met hun toekomst na hun vrij korte profcarrière, met entrepeneurschap en scocial media. Vooral het aspect social media krijgt veel aandacht in James’ boek. Aan de ene kant roemt hij de mogelijkheden maar tegelijkertijd ziet hij de valkuilen. Zelf is hij een paar keer goed door het slijk gegaan en als je zo vaak de media zoekt, want dat doet hij ook, dan kan je zeker met de Britse roddelpers ervan uitgaan dat je gezocht wordt. Persoonlijk vond ik hem daar een beetje drammerig over doen en had ik graag meer gelezen over zijn uitstapjes naar het buitenland. Haskell was bijvoorbeeld de eerste Britse speler die voor een Super Rugby franchise speelde, de Highlanders en een pionier in Japan.
Al met al zeker de moeite waard, juist omdat de ‘oude’ biografieën zo vaak alleen over rugby gaan, terwijl Haskell inzicht geeft hoe de moderne prof omgaat met de druk, de aandacht en de zelfopoffering.
April 27, 2022
I read the reviews and was expecting an enjoyable read, full of anecdotes, lots of fun stories and an insight into the life of a top rugby player, on the whole I wasn’t disappointed.
The first chapter gave a false impression, it was an account of some stupid antics that I thought was setting the scene for the rest of the book and I wasn’t sure I wanted to carry on but I found it improved the more the book progressed. I’ve read other books written by top sportsmen, especially by rugby players and cricketers, that are more about rowdy behaviour, stupidity and drunkenness dressed up as an excuse for building team spirit and this book seemed to be going down that path, however Haskell’s commitment to his sport became more and more obvious the further I got into it.
The book does jump around a bit chronologically but he does cover his time in rugby from his early days at a top boarding school through to retirement and his accounts of the different teams he played for and the friends (and enemies) he made along the way are interesting and entertaining.
If you are a rugby enthusiast don’t expect lots of data and facts, it is far more a personal account of his sporting career, his total dedication to rugby, the ups and downs of a long career and the sometimes funny, sometimes disgusting and sometimes ridiculous antics on the way.
The first chapter gave a false impression, it was an account of some stupid antics that I thought was setting the scene for the rest of the book and I wasn’t sure I wanted to carry on but I found it improved the more the book progressed. I’ve read other books written by top sportsmen, especially by rugby players and cricketers, that are more about rowdy behaviour, stupidity and drunkenness dressed up as an excuse for building team spirit and this book seemed to be going down that path, however Haskell’s commitment to his sport became more and more obvious the further I got into it.
The book does jump around a bit chronologically but he does cover his time in rugby from his early days at a top boarding school through to retirement and his accounts of the different teams he played for and the friends (and enemies) he made along the way are interesting and entertaining.
If you are a rugby enthusiast don’t expect lots of data and facts, it is far more a personal account of his sporting career, his total dedication to rugby, the ups and downs of a long career and the sometimes funny, sometimes disgusting and sometimes ridiculous antics on the way.
January 21, 2021
I have read quite a few rugby autobiographies and they always follow the same pattern & a very formulaic. This is not one of those books.
James hits you hard from the very first chapter, this is a book for anyone who has played rugby at any level and tells you how it really is. The core element of the book is the bond between team mates on & off the pitch and the extreme lengths he pushed himself to achieve his potential. A pioneer who left the comfort zone of the Premiership to play all round the world to improve his game and learn from the best. There is an insight into the politics of the game and how ludicrous & naive the rugby authorities still manage the sport, which makes you wonder how it still thriving.
Ultimately this is about James the character, love him or hate him, he tells the most amusing stories of team mates, rugby socials and situations which I believe could only happen to him. A cracking read for anyone loves rugby or wants the truth about what goes on tour, mainly a load of blokes doing dumb stuff whilst drunk and winding each other up for years afterwards!
James hits you hard from the very first chapter, this is a book for anyone who has played rugby at any level and tells you how it really is. The core element of the book is the bond between team mates on & off the pitch and the extreme lengths he pushed himself to achieve his potential. A pioneer who left the comfort zone of the Premiership to play all round the world to improve his game and learn from the best. There is an insight into the politics of the game and how ludicrous & naive the rugby authorities still manage the sport, which makes you wonder how it still thriving.
Ultimately this is about James the character, love him or hate him, he tells the most amusing stories of team mates, rugby socials and situations which I believe could only happen to him. A cracking read for anyone loves rugby or wants the truth about what goes on tour, mainly a load of blokes doing dumb stuff whilst drunk and winding each other up for years afterwards!
February 20, 2021
I was not too impressed with the first part of the book lots of laddish stories of typical rugby club escapades. Perhaps it is my age viewing these things from a different perspective. The other part of the book dealing with coaches, players, presures of tours and being a professional player were very interesting. The loyalty to a club and having to make difficult decissions about his career against a lot of advice from friends made the challenge of going abroad and proving himself against the best players not an easy choice to make but it turned out to be a good move. The difficulties of dealing with the press and online abuse gives an indication of the pressures professional players are under. Also the dilema of what to do when the rugby stops and how that is being dealt with. There were lots of amusing stories along the way and it is no wonder the press followed him closely as it was a good way to get a good story even if some of the facts were not exactly correct. All in all an interesting read.
March 3, 2021
Loved it! This book is a funny read. Every page is entertaining and I genuinely laughed out loud on a number of occasions. I will admit there are some parts where the men/overgrown children described did some truly questionable acts which challenged my decision to buy the book - 'The rope' was a definite 'WTF am I reading?' moment. However, not to be discouraged, I brushed it off, embraced the absurdity and enjoyed the giggles (and dick references! 🍆)
You don't need to be a diehard rugby fan to enjoy this book. I am by no means a huge rah rah fan. Truth be told I had to Google James Haksall as I had no idea who the bloke is. I'm glad I took the plunge as this book tells the story of a rugby players life using hilarious stories. It gave me a new insight into professional sports and changed my opinion of the players and the weird little word they operate in.
Give it a go.
(Thanks Hask for the entertainment.)
You don't need to be a diehard rugby fan to enjoy this book. I am by no means a huge rah rah fan. Truth be told I had to Google James Haksall as I had no idea who the bloke is. I'm glad I took the plunge as this book tells the story of a rugby players life using hilarious stories. It gave me a new insight into professional sports and changed my opinion of the players and the weird little word they operate in.
Give it a go.
(Thanks Hask for the entertainment.)
November 11, 2021
The fact that it took me so long to read this book is absolutely no reflection on the quality of this book. That it took so long for me to read this is entirely my fault.
At times I found myself laughing out loud for minutes on end. At other times I had a tear in my eye. Then a few pages later my jaw would be clenched with rage.
James takes a seriously deep dive in to club and international rugby in, and for, England form the early days of this century, and for anyone who knows their (English) rugby history there is not a lot to be joyful for between 2006 and 2016. As a died in the wool England fan I finished reading this book with the certainty that I had been right all along, that no matter what the press said, that the players did there very level best. At all times. The same cannot be said for the various managers, coaches and RFU officials over that time.
If you love rugby then read this book.
At times I found myself laughing out loud for minutes on end. At other times I had a tear in my eye. Then a few pages later my jaw would be clenched with rage.
James takes a seriously deep dive in to club and international rugby in, and for, England form the early days of this century, and for anyone who knows their (English) rugby history there is not a lot to be joyful for between 2006 and 2016. As a died in the wool England fan I finished reading this book with the certainty that I had been right all along, that no matter what the press said, that the players did there very level best. At all times. The same cannot be said for the various managers, coaches and RFU officials over that time.
If you love rugby then read this book.
August 23, 2021
A surprisingly good read.
After recently reading a very poor Auto Biography from a Rock Legend, I think my expectations weren’t great going into this book. Thankfully James Haskell delivered more than expected. James is frank and honest through the book and covers all aspects of his Rugby career and how the sport has shaped his life and experiences.
The book is a great blend of humour and the more serious aspects of the sport. James has struck a great balance in a free-flowing biography that provides an insight into the life of a Rugby Legend (yes, I’m talking about thatwflanker James Haskell) as well as shedding a new light on English rugby (not being English myself).
Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a Review Copy
After recently reading a very poor Auto Biography from a Rock Legend, I think my expectations weren’t great going into this book. Thankfully James Haskell delivered more than expected. James is frank and honest through the book and covers all aspects of his Rugby career and how the sport has shaped his life and experiences.
The book is a great blend of humour and the more serious aspects of the sport. James has struck a great balance in a free-flowing biography that provides an insight into the life of a Rugby Legend (yes, I’m talking about that
Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a Review Copy
January 20, 2023
Very insightful and raw detail on haskells pov as a professional rugby player for over 12years. Loved hearing the many transitions he faced throughout his career; from “the good old days” and the recently new professional era to the modern day professional player of today. As well as the different ways in which professionals train and act in different countries.
Despite his bravado and outgoing personality he was a real professional and took his craft seriously and was always trying to be the best version of himself for his job. He is Very ‘pro’ players in the sense that he fights a lot for players rights and welfare, within all his teams and for all players against the English rfu. Loved it.
Despite his bravado and outgoing personality he was a real professional and took his craft seriously and was always trying to be the best version of himself for his job. He is Very ‘pro’ players in the sense that he fights a lot for players rights and welfare, within all his teams and for all players against the English rfu. Loved it.
July 14, 2024
I'm no rugby expert but I do enjoy a sports biography and this is a good one.
I didn't really know who Haskell was before I started reading it and the fact it held my attention shows what a good read it is.
I'm sure a more hardcore rugby fan would probably want more detail on what goes on on the pitch but this was perfect for me. It starts off with all the 'lads on tour' boozing type tales typical of a lot of sports biographies but after the first few chapters becomes a bit more serious.
I picked it up in my local Wetherspoon's pub while I was waiting for my food so it was completely by fluke that I started reading it. The book was on the shelf next to my table. What luck that I found it.
Good fun.
I didn't really know who Haskell was before I started reading it and the fact it held my attention shows what a good read it is.
I'm sure a more hardcore rugby fan would probably want more detail on what goes on on the pitch but this was perfect for me. It starts off with all the 'lads on tour' boozing type tales typical of a lot of sports biographies but after the first few chapters becomes a bit more serious.
I picked it up in my local Wetherspoon's pub while I was waiting for my food so it was completely by fluke that I started reading it. The book was on the shelf next to my table. What luck that I found it.
Good fun.
September 18, 2021
Buy this plucking book, you cart.
I love this book as it's full of Rugby antidote funnies stories. I busted out laughing reading James crazy adventures both on the field and off for his team Wasp and England squad.
I live 30 minutes walk from Twickenham Statum and occasionally pop down to see my team Harlequin and have seen James a few times on the pitch and he is amazing to watch.
But the book itself is well written and enriched with lots of stories and definitely a must have for any rugby fan.
I am looking forward to his 2nd book, Ruck Me, out on the 11th of November 2021.
Best wishes.
I love this book as it's full of Rugby antidote funnies stories. I busted out laughing reading James crazy adventures both on the field and off for his team Wasp and England squad.
I live 30 minutes walk from Twickenham Statum and occasionally pop down to see my team Harlequin and have seen James a few times on the pitch and he is amazing to watch.
But the book itself is well written and enriched with lots of stories and definitely a must have for any rugby fan.
I am looking forward to his 2nd book, Ruck Me, out on the 11th of November 2021.
Best wishes.
November 1, 2020
A great character in the world of rugby. You learn a lot about what hides beneath in this book and thats good to see. A hard worker both on and off the pitch. Some hysterical stories (some of which you'll have heard before if a fan of his podcasts) and rarely throws anyone under the bus (top bloke!) I think the book lends itself to a future one with even more honest stories that may have been too soon to talk about in this one. A great stocking filler which will have you laughing from start to end.
January 18, 2021
James has written a very honest autobiography, which I feel doesn’t happen as often as we may think or like.
I do listen to his podcasts so a lot of the stories were not new to me but he adds a spin on a lot of them.
I found the nature of his relationships with a lot of the coaches very interesting and the travels he had playing around the world. There still aren’t many players in the UK who have played in as many places that he has.
I am sure he will be just as successful in life after rugby and wish him all the luck with it.
I do listen to his podcasts so a lot of the stories were not new to me but he adds a spin on a lot of them.
I found the nature of his relationships with a lot of the coaches very interesting and the travels he had playing around the world. There still aren’t many players in the UK who have played in as many places that he has.
I am sure he will be just as successful in life after rugby and wish him all the luck with it.
January 29, 2021
Outstanding.
The opening chapter left me thinking “what’s this about” but as you get into the book it becomes harder to put down.
The genuine ‘laugh out loud’ moments come thick and fast, there is a good thread of humour running through the book. James Haskell comes across as a bit of a rogue in the sense that although a team sport participant he did things his way.
His many achievements are self deprecatingly included but he should be remembered not only as a great player but a bit of a pioneer.
Great book and I hope just the first instalment.
The opening chapter left me thinking “what’s this about” but as you get into the book it becomes harder to put down.
The genuine ‘laugh out loud’ moments come thick and fast, there is a good thread of humour running through the book. James Haskell comes across as a bit of a rogue in the sense that although a team sport participant he did things his way.
His many achievements are self deprecatingly included but he should be remembered not only as a great player but a bit of a pioneer.
Great book and I hope just the first instalment.
December 12, 2020
I’m not a rugby fan, and picked this up on a whim.
It’s engaging, and there are plenty of fascinating anecdotes and stories.
I struggled a lot with the rugby talk, and I think not having that knowledge marred my experience of the book, but it’s refreshing to see a memoir with no punches pulled.
There are plenty of elements to inspire young readers, and I came away from the book with a good, positive feeling.
It’s engaging, and there are plenty of fascinating anecdotes and stories.
I struggled a lot with the rugby talk, and I think not having that knowledge marred my experience of the book, but it’s refreshing to see a memoir with no punches pulled.
There are plenty of elements to inspire young readers, and I came away from the book with a good, positive feeling.
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