Phil Bennett

The former Wales and Lions rugby captain has travelled the world watching rugby and talking about the game since his retirement in 1978. There is no more authoritative voice in rugby union today and Bennett's book tackles a host of issues dominating the sport in the modern era.


Such is the esteem in which the ex-Wales and Lions captain is held, it's no wonder his frank opinions and hard-hitting appraisal of the sport he lives and breathes continue to have as much impact now as they did when he was the world's premier fly-half in his seventies heyday.


On a global level he has strong views on professional rugby and the rise of the Heineken Cup and the positive affect it has had on the European game. In his book Bennett is scathing of the Welsh rugby administrators, poor standards of coaching and the failure to embrace new ideas.


This makes a fascinating contrast with Bennett's career as a player in the seventies - the `golden era' of Welsh rugby - when the likes of Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies and JPR Williams would dazzle the public with their breathtaking skills and scintillating tries. Bennett recalls how opportunism on the field was matched by bonhomie and revelry off it in the amateur days when pints took preference over practice.


As well as chapters that highlight Bennett's favourite fifteen players of all time and his legends of the game, the paperback brings us up to date with his view of Wales' performances in the 2003 Six Nations Championship and the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.