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WINNER OF THE CROSS SPORTS BOOK AWARDS RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR

The revelatory autobiography of a rugby colossus: Paul O'Connell.

There has never been a rugby player quite like Paul O'Connell. He is synonymous with passion, heart and determination; but he is also the thinking man's rugby player, a legendary student of the game.

As the heartbeat of Munster, British and Irish Lions captain in 2009, and captain of the first Ireland team to defend a Six Nations championship, O'Connell has emerged as perhaps the most beloved of the golden generation of Irish rugby players. In an autobiography as intense as its author, he tells the story of his remarkable career.

'O'Connell's book tells you how it all happened' David Walsh, Sunday Times

'O'Connell has emptied the tank here' Hilary A. White, Irish Independent

'The intense physicality of his rugby upbringing is an abiding theme . . . along with humour, the craic and an extensive knowledge of how teams work' Paul Hayward, Daily Telegraph

'I found The Battle entrancing' Stephen Jones, Sunday Times

'Revelatory . . . Unflinchingly charts his personal evolution' Keith Duggan, Irish Times