Phil Bennett by Phil Bennett

Phil Bennett by Phil Bennett

The former Wales and Lions rugby captain has travelled the world watching rugby and talking about the game since his retirement in 1978. There is no more authoritative voice in rugby union today and Bennett’s book tackles a host of issues dominating the sport in the modern era. Such is the esteem in which the ex-Wales and Lions captain is held, it's no wonder his frank opinions and hard-hitting appraisal of the sport he lives and breathes continue to have as much impact now as they did when he was the world's premier fly-half in his seventies heyday. On a global level he has strong views on professional rugby and the rise of the Heineken Cup and the positive affect it has had on the European game. In his book Bennett is scathing of the Welsh rugby administrators, poor standards of coaching and the failure to embrace new ideas. This makes a fascinating contrast with Bennett's career as a player in the seventies – the `golden era’ of Welsh rugby – when the likes of Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies and JPR Williams would dazzle the public with their breathtaking skills and scintillating tries. Bennett recalls how opportunism on the field was matched by bonhomie and revelry off it in the amateur days when pints took preference over practice. As well as chapters that highlight Bennett’s favourite fifteen players of all time and his legends of the game, the paperback brings us up to date with his view of Wales’ performances in the 2003 Six Nations Championship and the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

'An interesting read' (five stars) – Rugby World

`Unmissable for those who care for the soul of the world game’ – Independent

Phil Bennett was born in October 1948. He played for Llanelli, gained the first of his 29 caps for Wales in 1973, and twice toured with the British Lions, including captaining the side to New Zealand. He also led Wales to a Grand Slam in 1978 before his retirement. He continues to work as an expert summariser on BBC TV, as a popular after-dinner speaker and has a column in the Sunday Mirror.
Graham Thomas is a rugby journalist who works for BBC Sport.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780007162550
ISBN 10	0007162553
Title	Phil Bennett
Author	Phil Bennett
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	HarperCollins Publishers
Year published	2004-03-01
Number of pages	368
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.