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Open Side
- The Official Autobiography
- Narrated by: Thomas Hunt
- Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
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Summary
Sam Warburton OBE was not only a titan of Welsh rugby but an icon of the game. Having represented his country as a player and team captain at all junior levels, he propelled himself to international attention in 2011 when named as the youngest ever captain of Wales for the Rugby World Cup.
Despite his tender age, Sam's immense displays for club and country were recognised still further in April 2013, when, at just 24, he was named the Lions' captain for the extraordinary 2013 tour to Australia. Four years later, after a year in the wilderness, Sam was named Lions captain yet again for the historic tour to New Zealand, thereby becoming the first ever Lions Captain never to lose a series in the professional era.
Intelligent, calm, thoughtful, in many ways seemingly the exact opposite of the smash and crash of modern rugby, Warburton's edge never came with his size but with his depth of thought, his reading of movement, and his understanding that, to be a uniquely successful leader, one needs to set goals that far exceed the ambitions of even the most ferocious of opponents. In leading other men, and in pitting himself against the world's best, Warburton was forced repeatedly to push himself to the very edge of his physiological and mental limits, the 21 significant operations over that period a painful testament to his sacrifice.
Open Side is therefore not simply a chronology of events or a celebration of statistics. Written in a compelling but soul searching style, this is an astoundingly personal book exploring the nature of leadership, the value of self-control, the precision of mind-set and of course the future of the game. It is also a deeply personal meditation on the sacrifice of body, the torment of injury and the pain of retirement, a decision Sam was forced to make in July 2018, at just 29 years old.
Never before has a rugby autobiography given such intimate access not only to the realities of the dressing room and the heroes and villains of the modern game but to the unique mind-set required to make someone a genuinely great leader of men.
Critic reviews
"A terrific book. No one put their body on the line quite like Sam Warburton." (Brian O’Driscoll)
"It was an absolute privilege to play against Sam. An inspiring leader with an equally inspiring story to tell." (Jonny Wilkinson)
"I'm so accustomed to doing these rugby/football book serialisations and most of the time am left somewhat underwhelmed. But from start to finish I feel Warburton really delivers. Really candid, takes you inside the dressing room, behind the scenes anecdotes few know about and nicely written in chatty fashion." (Head of Sport, WalesOnline)
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What listeners say about Open Side
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- Anonymous User
- 16-01-21
Great listen that could do with a rugby narrator
I don't think the narrator is a rugby fan. Lots of mispronounced names in this.
Still, the book is a really good listen and gives really interesting insight into some of the biggest rugby moments of the last decade.
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- Neil B.
- 17-05-21
very inspiring book
realy enjoyed this book and learned alot about what it takes to be a pro rugby player along with some stuff to take back to my grassroots club
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- Anonymous User
- 25-01-23
True Legend
After watching him through my youth years and then senior years, you get it. He is an inspiration to any young player, whatever the nationality. Book is brilliant, Narrator isn't the best but regardless.
I was hooked listening to what I would say one of the best number 7's to ever play the game. True Welsh Rugby Legend.
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- Chris
- 15-01-20
Really good book.
A real insight into the player, listened to Kieren Reads before this and Sam Warburton's was a million miles better than that.
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- Mr EWEN
- 12-01-20
Awesome
loved the story but can't help feeling some of the passion and expressive content didn't come shining through at me. found the narrator a bit monotone to be honest especially when expressing the life work of a true great of the modern game. being picky I guess as I understand how busy Sam must be. proper book mind!
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- David Evans
- 05-12-19
amazing
just an amazing insight to the life of a pro player, the ups and downs they have to go through just for us to watch the game we love
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- Steve
- 14-04-22
great read
Not just the biography of one of the greats of the modern era but thought provoking about leadership, the pressures of playing at the top level as well as the challenges facing the future of the modern game. A compelling listen.
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- JezzaV
- 23-01-20
Fantastic
This is not your usual autobiography. This book should be read by anyone aspiring to be a leader in any profession. Absolutely outstanding.
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- Claire & Rob
- 05-09-20
Very very good. Will listen to it agsin
Loved it. From start to finish was amazing and full on in everything he said
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- Anonymous User
- 17-03-21
a must for any rugby / sport fan.
great insight to how it all fits together and talks about skills that can be used in everyday life not just rugby. great book.
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