Confessions of a Rugby Mercenary

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.

Really enjoyed the book, very well written and a great insight into French rugby, very funny to. Well worth the money.

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.

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.

This is an interesting snippet of the life of a professional rugby player - not one of the headline makers, but one of the new breed of journeymen players who have enough skill and talent to play top-flight rugby at whichever club is willing to pay them for it. John Daniell was a New Zealander who found himself playing in France for a succession of clubs. This book tells the tale of his last season of professional rugby at Montpellier. The narrative is based around the match reports of the season. These are probably the least interesting part of the book and could have been pulled from any newspaper. What is better is Daniell's own ruminations on the key issues of the day - the violence of professional rugby, especially in France, the job security and salary discussions that professional players must take part in, the importance of European competition, the threat of young players coming through, the decisions that have to be taken when a career is coming to an end.

I have both the kindle and paperback formats of this book! Read it about 3 times now over the past few years As it is such a brilliant read! A great insight into a mediocre professional player who was able to make a living playing the game he once loved! This book opened my eyes to the small budget clubs (at the time Montpellier) and how they operate!

A well written book by an author who, having been brought up in the hotbed of rugby during the amateur days, has an excellent perspective on the evolving mindset of the professional rugby player.

This book gives some interesting insights into the professional world of rugby, and, while it concerns a subject that is not top of my "to investigate" list, is well written enough to be highly entertaining as well. Highly recommended for anyone, a must for rugby-lovers.