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Confessions of a Rugby Mercenary Paperback – International Edition, May 19, 2009
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length272 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherEbury Press
- Publication dateMay 19, 2009
- Dimensions5 x 0.56 x 7.81 inches
- ISBN-100091930685
- ISBN-13978-0091930684
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Product details
- Publisher : Ebury Press (May 19, 2009)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 272 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0091930685
- ISBN-13 : 978-0091930684
- Item Weight : 6.7 ounces
- Dimensions : 5 x 0.56 x 7.81 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,021,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #10,598 in Sports Biographies (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2016Really enjoyed the book, very well written and a great insight into French rugby, very funny to. Well worth the money.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2011A surprising and eye-opening book, and a must read for any amateur rugby player or fan, past or present, or even for any sports enthusiast who wants to a peek behind the scenes of the not-so-glorious life of a professional rugby-man.
Veteran John Daniell keeps it real while recounting his last season in the top French League as a foreign professional rugby player: his experience as a "middle-of-the-pack" rugby player (ie not a superstar) is fascinating if not a little bit cynical. Through his words we get a better idea of what the real life of most rugby pros is like, those who aren't superstars but have to fight for their contracts and look after themselves and their career, moving from club to club, ie "the mercenaries".
We get a real look at life at a club of slightly lower standing, where each week is make-or-break for everyone involved. And as a foreigner playing in France, Daniell also shares his perception of the French rugby culture, which, despite its paradoxes and other peculiarities, it is clear he has grown to love and respect.
All in all, this book offers a realistic peak at what a pro rugby career is like in this new age of professional rugby.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2013Real interesting read, as it provides great insight to the game from a professional perspective. More so it really demonstrates the competitive nature and shed light on the overlooked game in France. We'll written and really takes you behind the scenes of professional rugby in France. This read actually made me take note to the great rugby in France.
Top reviews from other countries
- S. MitchellReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2009
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, and a very good read for anyone interested in rugby
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'!
- Dave SReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 18, 2009
4.0 out of 5 stars Rugby the hard way
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
- R. W. PolkinghorneReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2013
3.0 out of 5 stars It's OK
Perfectly readable and quite interesting if you are really into Rugby Union as played in France. The inside view of the clubs is interesting, but now of course dated.
- Donald McReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A Few Years Old Now But Still Has A Lot To Say
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.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 29, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book that gives a unique insight into the mindset ...
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.