Overview

The autobiography of legendary rugby player Robin McBryde. On his retirement he reveals in this volume various aspects of his career and experience coaching the Welsh team. An English translation by the author of the first major biography of Robin McBryde.

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9780862439927

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Reviews

This is a straightforward chronological account of his 'story so far' -- from his early days in Menai Bridge and Mold to his three seasons with Swansea, coming to fruition at Llanelli and so leading to Welsh caps and his Lions selection. He embraced professionalism late in his career, and he includes anecdotes of his job as an electricity board linesman until 2001. With captaincy and increasing prosperity at Llanelli, he became a full-time player in 2001. His career flourished in his 30s, the England game of 2001 being his first selected cap which he regards as the real start of his international career, 7 years after his first cap. It is reflected in 37 caps in 12 years at the top. The early years saw quick success and an early cap against Figi in 1994, despite spending much of his time as a substitute at Swansea with Gavin Jenkins as hooker. Then came disagreements with coaches, especially Mike Ruddock and Kevin Bowring, born of frustration with several other hookers on the scene -- particularly Barry Williams Humphreys and Gavin Jenkins. Injuries also plagued his playing time with long periods out of the game. Selected for the 2001 Lions, he played two warm-up games, and then had to come home after the first test without playing that game. Neck and groin problems were the main causes. Along with other contemporary autobiographers, he had much faith in Steve Hansen and Scott Johnson but little time for Graham Henry. With Mike Ruddock's appointment it was back to the bench for the 2005 Grand Slam season, his highlight being his benefit year with Llanelli. A picture emerges of a passionate Welshman -- a proud sword-bearer at the Gorsedd -- naive and immature in his early years but strong, willing to learn and to develop into a leader and captain. His later chapters as coach show him prepared to innovate and learn from All Black methods, and the book ends after the World Cup. Geoff Edwards It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council

REVIEWS An extremely readable book about the career of a man who has reached the highest pinnacle in one of the hardest positions on the rugby field. bbc.co.uk; Those fearing it might only appeal to rugby supporters should note that this book is essentially about success as the prize of sheer commitment. Y Cymro; A giant of a man, a gentlemean... an ambassador for his country and his language who wears his Welshness as a badge of pride around the world. Ray Gravelle

Author Information

Robin McBryde, as the Welsh team's Forwards Coach, will have a very high profile during the worldwide-televised Rugby World Cup, autumn 2007. The original Welsh autobiography, Y Cymro Cryfa is a bestseller in the Welsh market. As a former captain of Llanelli, he has a particularly strong fanbase around Swansea and Llanelli. His status as rugby player and celebrity is international.

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