The Boys of Winter cover art

The Boys of Winter

The Perfect Rugby Book for Father's Day

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The Boys of Winter

By: Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot
Narrated by: Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot, Paul Thornley
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About this listen

 England have been in four Rugby World Cup finals and only won one of them. In 2003, this team was the one that did it. And this is their story.

The image of Jonny Wilkinson's last-minute winning drop goal is etched deep into the nation's consciousness - everyone knows where they were during that iconic moment on the 22nd November 2003. Twenty years on, with their achievement still unmatched, the affection and respect this band of brothers command is as great as ever. There is still no modern player as beloved as Jonny Wilkinson, no captain as celebrated and respected as Martin Johnson, and no coach as revered as Sir Clive Woodward. And there is no one with the aura and drive of Lawrence Dallaglio.

In The Boys of Winter, Dallaglio and writer Owen Slot tell the inside story of England's triumphant 2003 Rugby World Cup through interviews with those involved, revealing how the team planned it and executed it; the iconic memories as well as the unseen moment.

But what has become of those heroes of our youth? This book also tells the story of how the tournament has shaped the lives of those involved, for better or worse. For many it was the pinnacle, for some a missed opportunity and for others a curse from which they never recovered.

- Reveals how the team planned and executed the 2003 Rugby World Cup win

- Takes you inside the dressing room and onto the pitch for this historic moment

- Uncovers for the first time the impact of the achievement on the players

- Explores why this success has never been repeated

This is the definitive account of a legendary sporting moment and an examination of the costs of our dreams.

The audiobook features exclusive content with Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot. ©2023 Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot (P)2023 Bonnier Books UK Europe Great Britain Rugby Sports England Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant
I massively enjoyed this book. As an passionate rugby supporter it was a great insight into our greatest sporting achievement. Thank you Lawrence.

A Gem of a Book

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As a rugby fan, really enjoyed this book.
Major question at the end that the RFU need to answer!
Why aren’t any of the ONLY England World Cup winners involved with the English RFU today!

A good read and listen

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To hear from the different players and coaches of what it took to get to the summit of the sport is fascinating. But the cost of getting there and then the subsequent complete mismanagement by the RFU post World Cup final of the players, the team and indeed the sport itself is shameful.

A great listen.

A world cup win but at what cost

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Eye opening to get different perspectives from the squad and coaches!

Highlights what a truly special group of players they were

Very good

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Decent concept, reasonably well told, with genuine new insights on the players and staff which can be told now that there are no reasons to hold back.

But way more than that, it's men talking about dealing with adversity, demons, insecurity, pressure, failure and mental health. I got more learning about that, than anything else.

Far more than being rugby heroes, these are self reflective and intelligent men being honest and vulnerable. Suddenly the common man can relate to the stories and lessons. Inspiring, well done.

One of the questions they ask themselves is, was winning a good thing. I think it is; because they won, people are interested in their story, and that can be used to promote honest communication between fellas in everyday life.

This isn't just a rugby book

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