Jason Leonard

Leonard's story starts as rugby started -- in the amateur era, when the Cockney Carpenter played for Barking and Saracens, in the days before multi-million pound sponsorship deals. His big break came when he was invited to join the England squad for their tour to Argentina in 1990; he has since been capped a world-record 114 times. In his autobiography, Leonard provides a compelling insight into life with England and the British Lions, as well as the domestic game through his time at Saracens and Harlequins. Once told that he would never walk again after undergoing life-saving surgery on his neck, Leonard describes the torment he went through during this period -- both physical and financial -- and how he fought against all the odds to re-establish himself on the international stage. With a world-record 114 Test caps, three Lions tours and a career in rugby union spanning two decades, there is no more experienced player in the modern game.
Leonard has plenty to tell about the people he has met during his career -- Rob Andrew, Will Carling, Lawrence Dallaglio, Brian Moore, Dick Best and Clive Woodward all feature -- and with nicknames like 'The Fun Bus' and 'The Scourge of the Barking Barmaids' the stories are as colourful and controversial as the man himself. All is revealed in this fascinating portrait of an English rugby legend -- which also includes a detailed insider's account of England's 2003 World Cup victory and the reasons behind his decision to retire from the international arena.