What a Flanker

By: James Haskell

Narrated by: James Haskell

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's 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....

©2020 James Haskell (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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)

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.

Hask ya Flanker!

Absolute champion of a book! Recommend to rugby players who love a good banter. Definitely not for backs.

Brittliant book by an equally brilliant hask

Funny and easy listen. Lovely bloke.
If youre into rugby you should definitely listen to this book

Well worth the purchase

Loved it.
A black and white insight into professional rugby
Humorous, brutally honest and authentic

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.

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

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.

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 👌🏻

Inspirational

An honest and heart felt recounter from a true professional and a world class Flanker.

Great insight

Really easy and enjoyable listen. James Haskell is a good narrator and puts great charm into his stories. Can't wait for his next book.

What a legend

Really insightful and brilliantly done. I think I actually had to go to the loo as I laughed so hard on a number of occasions
Do not stop being brilliant Mr Haskell

Brilliantly Funny

Brilliantly funny and could relate as my husband is an ex rugby player. Loved you as a player and you did not disappoint with your rugby stories and banter. 5 star read.

much better than expected

not ordinarily an biography lover but having been entertained by James on his various podcasts I thought I'd give it a go. Great content and lots of laughs while providing a real insight into the life of a professional rugby player. Very able to recommend

Good fun

A good easy listen. Lots of funny stories and good to see a guy who is comfortable being himself. Great read.

At the risk of sounding like a super fan flanker

What a book, expertly, humerusly, eloquently, read.
Only exceed by the story, told by one of the hardest working and undrated (by the media and pundits) players in any rugby shirt.
This is in my opinion a must read for any rugby fan.

Never judge a book by it's start

I started to listen to this book and thought how did it get such good reviews. But as the book went on it became better and better and very insightful to such an extent that I found it compulsive listening.
He's had an amazing life and some great experiences to book.
Oi Hask… Well done! a great book