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What a Flanker cover art

What a Flanker

By: James Haskell
Narrated by: James Haskell
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Summary

‘I’d like to be remembered as a player who showed that you can be incredibly professional but also a lot of fun - a bit of a tit in the changing room, but the ultimate competitor on the pitch. That should have been the subtitle of this book, really....’

One of rugby’s most ferocious flankers and biggest characters, James Haskell has had an extraordinary, global experience of the game, having played for the Lions, Wasps, England and in New Zealand, France and Japan. After 17 years and with 77 international caps under his sizeable belt, he has a shitload to say about rugby life - from pitch to pub and everywhere in between.

In What a Flanker, Haskell sheds fresh light on the dynamics and the day-to-day of the game. Whether he’s recalling the most brutal team socials; dispelling the myths surrounding New Zealand’s dominance; introducing his Japanese teammates to manscaping or calling out play-acting in the modern game, no subject is off limits.

Side-splittingly funny and ruthlessly honest, What a Flanker delves into the touring, drinking, training, eating and sometimes unconscionable antics of the professional rugby player. It’s an unforgettable listen, even if there are some stories you’d rather forget....

©2020 James Haskell (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"Hilarious, and straight talking but also articulate and insightful - I am just hugely fond of this guy." (Eddie Jones)

"I’d like to be remembered as a player who showed that you can be incredibly professional but also a lot of fun – a bit of a joker in the changing room, but the ultimate competitor on the pitch. That should have been the subtitle of this book, really...." (Rugby World)

What listeners say about What a Flanker

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Not delivered with enthusiasm like the podcast.

Solid content with some laugh out loud moments but Hask's reading does get a bit robotic at times...but he did decide to read it out himself so fair play.

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3 people found this helpful

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Must listen for any rugby fan

Had me laughing every 5 minutes, highly recommend this to anyone who has followed England rugby and Haskell in the last 15 + years 👌🏻

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3 people found this helpful

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brilliant

Great listen, opened my eyes to what the lads that play my sport endure.
highly recommend this to anyone

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1 person found this helpful

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amazing

absolutely loved it and never laughed so much.
thank you and can't wait to listen to Ruck Me

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Inspirational

An honest and heart felt recounter from a true professional and a world class Flanker.

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1 person found this helpful

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Brilliant!

What a legend, laughed more than I ever have listening to a book, can't wait to start his next one!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Funny insight in to professional rugby

Very enjoyable listen, always better when the author narrates too and James clearly has a skill for storytelling. Funny stories as you would expect and a great insight in to rugby at the elite level. Well worth a punt on this even if you aren’t a die hard rugby fan.

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honest story telling

I was looking forward to listening to this and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. honest funny story telling 100% recommended 🤙

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Not a fan of Rugby, but this is a brilliant listen!

Loved this audiobook, James seems like a lovely down to earth guy… normal! Really enjoyed listening to this, it went far too quick

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    2 out of 5 stars

Disgusting Mysoginistic Laddish Louts!!! Horrible

I have listened to many sports memoirs, Bobby Charlton this was not. The intro and first chapter contained graphic recounting of sordid, horrible binge drinking at its most extreme. I know rugby clubs are renowned for work hard and play hard but what went on at wasps was plain disgusting. Graphic descriptions of people inserting bottles of beer up their rear (and the consequant results) isn't my idea of an enjoyable listen! Avoid unless you somehow admire such outdated,ladish 'japes'!

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