Confessions of a Rugby Mercenary
£11.80£15.20 (-22%)
John Daniell is a rubgy mercenary. A brutal word for an often brutal game.
In 1996, when Rugby Union turned professional, John emigrated to France where he played for a decade in top competitions. His team ricocheted between fear and ecstasy, as they battled to save the club from relegation and their careers from the scrap heap.
Now he lifts the lid on the dark world of the journeyman player, where losing a home game is considered a crime, coaches and club owners will do anything to win, and agents ruthlessly manipulate players.
His compelling confessions are both shocking and funny, taking you behind the scenes, onto the field and into the very heart of the scrum.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Ebury Press (2 April 2009) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 272 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0091930685 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0091930684 |
| Dimensions | 12.7 x 1.42 x 19.84 cm |
by buyer
great read, super quick delivery. The only fault was that there was a 50p sticker was left on the cover. So i went from views of a bargain to feeling a little cheated, barring that service was great.
The book is a good insight to how rugby changed ( from one mans eyes in France )to professionalism and what the game still means for the ‘ real ‘ supporter. Funny and Truth related stories.
by P O DWYER
One of the best rugby books there is. Brutally honest. More background on the author outside of Rugby would be required to get it to a 5.
by pablo
This book gives some interesting insights into the professional world of rugby, and, while it concerns a subject that is not top of my “to investigate” list, is well written enough to be highly entertaining as well. Highly recommended for anyone, a must for rugby-lovers.
by S. Mitchell
I came to this book after reading one or two of the reviews on Amazon. It’s a ‘five star read’ as far as I am concerned, and I think that all who follow rugby in whatever capacity will find it both entertaining and informative.
The fact that John Daniell is writing mostly in the capacity of someone who plied his trade as a professional rugby player in France should put no-one off. In fact should you be an avid supporter of any of the UK rugby teams, the fact that his points of reference are within the French set-up allows interesting comparison with the game in England in particular. It is enjoyable to compare the teams he has played for in France, particularly, Perpignan and Montpellier and play the game of spotting their equivalent in English rugby: could Montpellier be a bit like Bristol, without the scenery to match perhaps?
Anyway so far as this ‘Glos’ supporter is concerned, I finished the book in just a few sittings , and that’s a rare event for me. So: in summary: Buy it, Read it and ‘enjoy’!
by Amazon Customer
Excellent book that gives a unique insight into the mindset of both French rugby and the modern professional. Daniell is an honest and eloquent writer, and you find empathy with even his darker confessions (eye-gouging). All in all, thoroughly recommended.
by Donald Mc
I’ve now read this book at least four times and it never loses its interest. Most rugby memoirs you will read seem frightened to offend anyone and while Daniell doesn’t actually insult or risk defaming anyone, he does talk plainly. If you want a good and very readable account of the life of a jobbing professional rugby player you will enjoy this. If you’ve wondered about the peculiarities of the French game you will enjoy it. Thoroughly and unreservedly recommended.
by Dave S
I’ve read quite few player books but this is by far the best . I’m sure all that Austin wrote in his book was true but had the feel of “ME” book and not an angle on rugby I wanted. John gives a trenchman’s story on the game not the glam end. I’d recommend this book if looking for a realist view of an everyday players life in rugby
by Kevin Hughes
I have both the kindle and paperback formats of this book! Read it about 3 times now over the past few years As it is such a brilliant read! A great insight into a mediocre professional player who was able to make a living playing the game he once loved! This book opened my eyes to the small budget clubs (at the time Montpellier) and how they operate!