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What a Flanker
- Narrated by: James Haskell
- Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Sports
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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....
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)
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What listeners say about What a Flanker
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Ross Smith
- 05-10-20
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.
3 people found this helpful
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- Ed ashwell
- 03-10-20
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 👌🏻
2 people found this helpful
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- Malcolm Gibbs
- 17-10-20
Inspirational
An honest and heart felt recounter from a true professional and a world class Flanker.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 29-06-22
What a fun, frank story
James, i have never laughed so much listening to a book! Really great insight into you and your life so far through your Rugby Career.
Laughing out loud on a packed commuter train whilst listening to this is not good luck though.
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- Mr. M. A. Gardiner
- 01-06-22
brilliant
what an amazing insight into one of the true characters of the sport. beautifully read by the man himself
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- Ross Tregembo
- 31-05-22
Hask is a Legend!
Hask is an absolute legend and that’s coming from a Welsh man. It’s read by the man himself which always makes an audio book a better listen. It made me laugh out loud, sad he’s not playing rugby anymore, angry at some of the bad treatment he received, happy that he’s doing so well with his life after rugby. Brilliant listen. Highly recommended.
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- Steve Hughes
- 10-05-22
loved it, funny from the start
Great behind the scenes look st being a rugby player and full of stories you couldn't even think would be true. Loved the fact that Haskell narrated it, makes it all the more engaging.
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- Sebastian
- 29-04-22
A must read!
This book allowed me to connect with the old rugby days of my youth. It’s taught me lessons, made me laugh, think and grow. It also provided me comfort when feeling lost and at an extreme low.
Thank you James.
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- Luis de Goni-Parks
- 08-04-22
Great.
Insightful and honest. Had me laughing out loud in parts. Doesn't hold back tells it as it was, warts and all.
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- Amazon Customer
- 26-03-22
Very Entertaining
Very Entertaining and great insight into to a professional rugby career (and what a career!). Thanks James.
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- Anonymous User
- 04-10-21
Do yourself a favour!
A rugby autobiography like no other. A real 'behind the scenes'!! Absolute Legend! Hilariously funny!
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- Anonymous User
- 23-09-21
Love it
Laughed a lot!! Anyone who is a rugby fan should definitely have a listen. Whether you are a Haskell fan or not you will definitely hear some of the great stories about professional rugby, his playing days days and also importantly get his side of the stories and drama the media loved to dramatise! Cracking book. Well done Hask 👍🏽
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- Black Arrow
- 02-09-21
Laugh out loud funny
Being a fan of James podcast I purchased a copy of his book in audio format. Fantastic fun and highly recommended even to those not interested in Rugby.
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- Kindle Customer
- 10-02-21
What I needed
Being an American rugby enthusiast and referee I feel that despite myself never touching the success of James Haskell, this book looks at the person not just the professional. I can relate to the story and struggles he faced when approaching retirement. I am a military veteran and knowing when to hang it up and when to keep pushing was a struggle, as was for Mr. Haskell it seems. What to do next, how to cope with what comes next. I loved the book and it spoke to me on several levels. I highly recommend this to anyone that likes rugby or anyone making transitions in their careers.
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- Fred
- 14-01-21
Hask ya Flanker!
Absolute champion of a book! Recommend to rugby players who love a good banter. Definitely not for backs.
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- eric hansen
- 04-01-21
Brittliant book by an equally brilliant hask
Funny and easy listen. Lovely bloke.
If youre into rugby you should definitely listen to this book
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- Ajm
- 02-11-20
Well worth the purchase
Loved it.
A black and white insight into professional rugby
Humorous, brutally honest and authentic
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- jeremy kunkes
- 04-10-20
Rugby players must read
Haskell's rugby and life tales keep you entertained for the complete listen. If you enjoy the podcast James Haskell host and is apart of you will enjoy the listen. Some of Haskell's stories brought me back to university and my rugby experience and found some of the stories relatable.
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- Anonymous User
- 03-10-20
Haskell, you legend
Amazing story. Thank you for sharing your journey. I hope you and the boys will be in SA next year for the B&I Lions Tour