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A Very Tall Story
- Narrated by: Martin Bayfield
- Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
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Summary
A hilarious and, at times, moving and soul-searching account of rugby union’s rollercoaster days in the 1990s, told through the eyes of a player who saw it all as the sport lurched shambolically from the crazy final days of amateurism into the professional era.
Martin Bayfield has a story to tell. Indeed, some might describe it as a very tall story. Standing at 6ft 10ins, the former England and British and Irish Lions second row remains one of the tallest players ever to have played international rugby, and his immense physical stature made him one of the most destructive forwards in the world game. He played for England during one of the most successful eras in English rugby, winning two Grand Slams alongside legendary players such as Will Carling, Jeremy Guscott, Brian Moore and Rory Underwood.
His international heyday came at a seminal moment for rugby union when, almost overnight, it was transformed from a noble minority sport to a celebrity event, with stories appearing on the front pages of the British tabloids. Now Bayfield is ready to reveal the inside story of that rip-roaring decade that changed forever the face of English rugby. The book provides an emotional link between the generations, so that today’s fans can reconnect with rugby's soul. Renowned as one of rugby's best and most entertaining storytellers, the former policeman and Hagrid's body double has written a brilliant and very funny love letter to a sport that continues to inspire and entertain millions.
What listeners say about A Very Tall Story
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- June28
- 18-09-22
A damn good Tall Story
A most enjoyable listen. Not only is Martin Bayfield a thoroughly decent individual he is also a genuinely modest fellow who has nothing to prove.Easy to listen to and above all else very entertaining with some very
constructive and pertinent observations.
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- FatNorthernBloke
- 08-12-22
Enjoyable read
I really enjoyed Martin’s story, more so in that he also narrated it too. He bridges the end of the old amateur code of rugby with the birth of the professional era. Great insights what it was like to reach the pinnacle of playing international rugby for England whilst holding down a career in the police. Great stories too on working on the Harry Potter films. Warmth & humour shine throughout.
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- James Clifford
- 04-04-24
brilliant run through of an outstanding rugby players career
Fascinating warts and all story of Martin Bayfield... life's and career up and downs
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- Anonymous User
- 13-11-22
Great listening and brings back many memories.
It's always a joy listening to the author narrate. Bayf is an excellent story teller. I'd like to hear the stories that couldn't be included!
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- Andy D.
- 08-07-23
Great listen
Great story and well narrated by Martin. I got all choked about his daughter though. The tale of Wade Dooley is classic & hilarious
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- KF
- 13-10-22
Enjoyable, honest and sincere.
Really enjoyed this audio book. Martin does tell his story very well and I am sure has kept a few confidences along the way.
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- P O DWYER
- 17-12-22
Well told story about the Olden days
Well told and read by a skilled storyteller about the time when you played and had another job for a living.
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- Nick B-H
- 25-01-23
A nostalgic set of stories
My introduction to rugby coincided with this era of English (and world) rugby in which there was room for both chicanery and chivalry on a rugby pitch. You could fight your opposition and then drink with him in the bar afterwards with no concerns if it spilling over. An era in which you had a job as well as played for your country - and then it became professional with all the positives (and some negatives) that that brings. A great time, well described and narrated by a memorable man.
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- kevin quartley
- 08-02-24
I feel like I know the Man 👨 🏉
A great book with heart felt stories, behind the scene stories every rugby fan would love to hear. Lots of shenanigans 🤪 that you'd expect. Exceptionally well read by Martin Bayfield too.
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- Lewis
- 24-09-22
No better Rugby read
Taken Rugby biographies to a new level. The most candid, humble and new insight read for me .
Loved it
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