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Confessions of a Rugby Mercenary Paperback – International Edition, May 19, 2009

by John Daniell (Author)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 121 ratings
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In 1996, when Rugby Union turned pro, John emigrated to France where he played for a decade in top competitions. Now, in confessions both shocking and funny, he lifts the lid on the dark world of the journeyman player, taking us behind the scenes and onto the field.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Ebury Press
  4. Publication date
    May 19, 2009
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 0.56 x 7.81 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0091930685
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0091930684
  8. See all details
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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 ‏ : ‎ 6.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.56 x 7.81 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 121 ratings

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John Daniell

John Daniell

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
121 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Captain
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2016
Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed the book, very well written and a great insight into French rugby, very funny to. Well worth the money.
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The Phrench Dude
4.0 out of 5 stars An honest look at life as a professional rugby player
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2011
Verified Purchase
A 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.
3 people found this helpful
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ahmad bahrami
4.0 out of 5 stars What to know what professional rugby is like....
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2013
Real 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.
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Top reviews from other countries

S. Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, and a very good read for anyone interested in rugby
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2009
Verified Purchase
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'!
6 people found this helpful
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Dave S
4.0 out of 5 stars Rugby the hard way
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 18, 2009
Verified Purchase
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
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R. W. Polkinghorne
3.0 out of 5 stars It's OK
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2013
Verified Purchase
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.
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Donald Mc
5.0 out of 5 stars A Few Years Old Now But Still Has A Lot To Say
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
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.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book that gives a unique insight into the mindset ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
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.
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