Belonging: The Autobiography: A Sunday Times bestseller, the fascinating autobiography of the most capped rugby union player of all time

by Alun Wyn Jones

'People think they know him but unless you read this book you will never know the REAL Alun Wyn Jones' – Warren Gatland‘One of the greatest, and seemingly indestructible, players in history' – A Daily Mail Book of the YearBelonging is the story about how the boy from Mumbles became the most capped rugby union player of all time. It is the story of what it takes to become a man who is seen by many as one of the greatest ever Welsh players. What it takes to go from sitting cross-legged on the hall floor at school watching the 1997 Lions tour of South Africa, to being named the 2021 Lions captain.But is it also about perthyn – playing for Wales, working his way through the age grades and club rugby and his regional side. How to earn the right to be there, and what it feels like to make the sacrifices along the way. Feeling the connection to players who have come before, and feeling the ties to the millions in front rooms and pubs across the country, coast to coast. Knowing that deep down you want to belong, as everyone does.From playing on the rain-swept pitches of Swansea to making his test debut against Argentina in Patagonia in 2006; from touring with the Lions in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2021 to dealing with loss and creating a family – Belonging is the autobiography of one of the most compelling figures in world rugby. Told with characteristic honesty, this is his unique personal story of what it takes and what it means to play for your what it means to belong.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2021

Reviews

[Rutger Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

En daar is hij dan, boek 100. Dit jaar haal ik mijn challenge met het boek over een van de giganten van mijn grote passie. Jones is geen onbekende naam, titaan van Wales, de Ospreys en de British & Irish lions. natuurlijk moet ik zijn magisch herstel na een schouder blessure tijdens de Lions tour even benoemen, in een kort aantal weken herstellen van een schouder uit de kom en op het top level het veld weer opduiken? Onwerkelijk. Hoewel ik Murray liever als captain had gezien. Jones verteld ons zijn verhaal in een oprechte manier, verteld veel over spelers met wie hij heeft mogen spelen (zoals mijn grote held, Paul O'Connell) en wat hem heeft gebracht waar hij nu is. Gigant van een man, Wales captain en Lions captain. Enorme aanrader.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, especially to see what it’s like as a rugby player outside of match day. But very repetitive and quite slow.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

My main problem with this autobiography is the narrative style. It's very dry and repetitive. I don't know if that's down to AWJ or his co-author but there are better Welsh rugby biographies out there.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alun Wyn Jones (2021) BELONGING (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Macmillan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars

BorrowBox writes, "Match Day. Closing a hotel room door, down into the team room. Up into a hotel lobby full of supporters in red shirts, of cheers and applause and shouts of good luck... This is where the story of Alun Wyn Jones's journey begins, the story that every child who has dreamt of playing rugby for their country starts with. From the tightness in your stomach to the look on your team-mates’ faces, the adrenaline starting to flow within.
Belonging is the story about how the boy left Mumbles and returned as the most capped rugby player of all time. It is the story of what it takes to become a player who is seen by many as one of the greatest Welsh players there has ever been. What it takes to go from sitting, crossed legged on the hall floor at school, watching the 1997 Lions Tour of South Africa to being named the 2021 Lions Captain. But is it also about perthyn – belonging, playing for Wales, working your way through the age-grades and the club matches and regional sides. What it takes to earn the right to be there, and what it feels like to make the sacrifices along the way. Feeling the bond to the great players not long gone, and feeling the ties to the millions in front rooms and pubs across the hillsides and the valleys, coast to coast. Knowing that deep down you just want to belong, be a part of it, as everyone does. From the rain swept pitches of Swansea to making his test debut against Argentina in Patagonia in 2006, from touring with the Lions in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2021 to losing a parent and building a family, Belonging is the autobiography of one of the most compelling figures in World rugby. Told with unflinching honesty, this is the ultimate story of what it takes and what it means to play for your country: what it means to belong."
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Really really good. I love the Welsh accent!
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[John Grinstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, gentle read providing a fairly candid insight into the mind of Alun Wyn Jones and his dedication to the game of rugby, to Wales, the thrill of Lions rugby and, probably most significantly, the character of Warren Gatland. Although clearly a loving and devoted husband and father, this is about his obsession with rugby. His success almost appears to come as a surprise to him but his single-minded approach, clearly helped by considerable ability, is what comes shining through, not least in his remarkable rehabilitation from injury to make it back onto the Lions tour of South Africa in 2021.

Tom Fordyce appears to have had a welcome light touch here as his presence is never obvious or intrusive. What comes through loud and clear is the voice of the very proud Welshman.

[Claire Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an insight into the man and the rugby. I saw Alun Wyn Jones as ‘Mr Angry’, he even mentions being seen like this in his book, however I never thought that’s who he truly was. The book absolutely backs up my thinking too. I’ve loved every second of this book, a page turner from start to finish, starting with Alun Wyn’s childhood through to dealing with issues as an adult. A brave account of one man’s approach to be the very he can be, on and off the field. I loved it….

[Mat Greener · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for those fans of Wales or lions who have watched the great wins & losses.for most of key matches he details the key moments from his perspective which is very interesting. Gives an insight to the great man.
Definitely a rugby book full of ancedotes & lists of best players but thoughts & facts

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of sports autobiographies can be repetitive. As Alun WYN Jones had such long distinguished career this just ended up a list of matches/ tours
The 2* rating not reflection on him, just the book.

[Gerard Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and honest autobiography- very well constructed around core qualities -Opportunity -Adventure - Balance - Love - Belief

We get a real insight into the character and development of one of the great icons of Welsh Rugby

Brings back many memories over a long career

[Peter Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and interesting autobiography from one of the best Welsh rugby players ever. I really enjoyed it.

[Ellie bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25* rounded down to 3

[R M COTTEY · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dragged out. But a good read all the same . Hell of a career . Strove for perfection and pushed his body to the limit .

[Delyth Donlan-Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I could love him anymore than I already did but here we are