Product Description

Dublin boy Brian O'Driscoll is an internationally admired rugby player and an Irish hero. Educated at Blackrock College, the alma mater of many Irish greats, his ambition was always to represent his country.Capped three times for Ireland Schools in 1996, O'Driscoll was on his way, and had soon represented Ireland at under-19 level - where he helped his country win the IRB under-19 World Championship - before progressing through the under-21 ranks and finally realising his dream, representing his beloved Ireland at senior level. Making his debut against Australia at the tender age of 20 - before he'd even made his senior club debut for Leinster - O'Driscoll went on to establish himself as one of the top outside centres in the game.Made captain of his country in 2003, O'Driscoll's phenomenal record includes consecutive triple crowns in 2006 and 2007 - as well as one in his first year as skipper - and the RBS Six Nations player of the tournament for 2006 and 2007.Honoured with a call-up to the British and Irish Lions 2001 tour of Australia, he played in all three tests, before his exemplary leadership skills and bravery saw him achieve the ultimate accolade for a home nations' player: captaining the Lions for their 2005 tour of New Zealand. It was a role that would be cut all too short for O'Driscoll as his tour lasted barely a minute in a storm of acrimony and agony, his shoulder dislocated after a dangerous tackle.Nicknamed BOD by the Croke Park faithful - and in BOD they certainly do trust - Brian O'Driscoll is a true colossus of the game. This is the definitive portrait of the Irish legend.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #308428 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

About the Author
MARCUS STEAD is a freelance news and sportswriter. He contributes to a wide range of a range of printed and web-based sporting publications, and is the author of Arise Sir Frankie Dettori.

Customer Reviews

Ok bit I wouldn't rush our to buy it
There is no doubt this man opitomises the ideal professional rugby player and this does come across in this book. Unfortunatley that is about the only thing that does.

I felt that this book was just full of match reports relating to Ireland and Leinster. You don't get to know the true man and it doesn't come across that he had a huge amount of input in the book.

There is however an excellent section about the ilfated Lions Tour which had me engrosed but that was about it.

I think this might be a good read for all Ireland and Leinster supports out there who can relate to some of the games that are talked about but I would say there a lot more interesting rugby auto biogrophies out there.

Thoroughly good read, one for all rugby fans!
This book was an enjoyable read from start to finish for me. Brian O'Driscoll epitomises everything a modern professional player should be and this really comes across in the book. His attitude is spot on and at long last he's being rewarded with some silverware.
The new, paperback version includes an excellent update telling the story of Ireland's Six Nations triumph of 2009, and there's also a good section on the ill-fated Lions tour of 2005.
My only criticism is that there are perhaps too many match reports in there, but don't let that put you off; If you're a big fan of Ireland, Leinster or both, this book is a must-have!

Great story, great book!
Brian O'Driscoll is the greatest outside centre in world rugby and his story is superbly told.
I thought there were a few too many match reports in parts but as a rugby fan, I really enjoyed re-living so many happy memories.
This book isn't for everyone, and the casual rugby fan might not appreciate it that much. However, if you love your rugby and want to know how one of the all-time greats goes about his business, this book is DEFINITELY for you!