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A Very Tall Story

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A Very Tall Story

By: Martin Bayfield
Narrated by: Martin Bayfield
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About this listen

 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. Rugby Sports Funny Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking England
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Great story and well narrated by Martin. I got all choked about his daughter though. The tale of Wade Dooley is classic & hilarious

Great listen

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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.

A nostalgic set of stories

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Interesting look back and look to the future for rugby Union. A good listen with a lot of laughs

Hugely enjoyable

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Great book, loved that it was narrated by Mr Bayfield. Some very interesting points made in the closing chapter about the state of the game. really funny antidotes throughout. This book confirmed what I thought, Martin Bayfield is a good bloke 👍

loved every second of the book

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love listening to old tales from the amateur era. Bayfs story telling ability makes these stories come to life

excellent

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