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The Boys of Winter

The Perfect Rugby Book for Father's Day

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The Boys of Winter

By: Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot
Narrated by: Lawrence Dallaglio, Owen Slot, Paul Thornley
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About this listen

 England have been in four Rugby World Cup finals and only won one of them. In 2003, this team was the one that did it. And this is their story.

The image of Jonny Wilkinson's last-minute winning drop goal is etched deep into the nation's consciousness - everyone knows where they were during that iconic moment on the 22nd November 2003. Twenty years on, with their achievement still unmatched, the affection and respect this band of brothers command is as great as ever. There is still no modern player as beloved as Jonny Wilkinson, no captain as celebrated and respected as Martin Johnson, and no coach as revered as Sir Clive Woodward. And there is no one with the aura and drive of Lawrence Dallaglio.

In The Boys of Winter, Dallaglio and writer Owen Slot tell the inside story of England's triumphant 2003 Rugby World Cup through interviews with those involved, revealing how the team planned it and executed it; the iconic memories as well as the unseen moment.

But what has become of those heroes of our youth? This book also tells the story of how the tournament has shaped the lives of those involved, for better or worse. For many it was the pinnacle, for some a missed opportunity and for others a curse from which they never recovered.

- Reveals how the team planned and executed the 2003 Rugby World Cup win

- Takes you inside the dressing room and onto the pitch for this historic moment

- Uncovers for the first time the impact of the achievement on the players

- Explores why this success has never been repeated

This is the definitive account of a legendary sporting moment and an examination of the costs of our dreams.

The audiobook features exclusive content with Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot. ©2023 Lawrence Dallaglio and Owen Slot (P)2023 Bonnier Books UK Europe Great Britain Rugby Sports England Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant  
I massively enjoyed this book. As an passionate rugby supporter it was a great insight into our greatest sporting achievement. Thank you Lawrence.

A Gem of a Book

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Decent concept, reasonably well told, with genuine new insights on the players and staff which can be told now that there are no reasons to hold back.

But way more than that, it's men talking about dealing with adversity, demons, insecurity, pressure, failure and mental health. I got more learning about that, than anything else.

Far more than being rugby heroes, these are self reflective and intelligent men being honest and vulnerable. Suddenly the common man can relate to the stories and lessons. Inspiring, well done.

One of the questions they ask themselves is, was winning a good thing. I think it is; because they won, people are interested in their story, and that can be used to promote honest communication between fellas in everyday life.

This isn't just a rugby book

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To hear from the different players and coaches of what it took to get to the summit of the sport is fascinating. But the cost of getting there and then the subsequent complete mismanagement by the RFU post World Cup final of the players, the team and indeed the sport itself is shameful.

A great listen.

A world cup win but at what cost

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Really great insight and chronologically laid out very well. It takes a dark turn towards the end which leaves you feeling a bit deflated but brutally honest insight

Fascinating insight

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a great insight in to the men behind the world cup victory team of 2003.

Loved it!

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As a rugby fan, really enjoyed this book.
Major question at the end that the RFU need to answer!
Why aren’t any of the ONLY England World Cup winners involved with the English RFU today!

A good read and listen

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What a fantastic insight of the mindset of arguably the best English team in any sport also it highlights changes in sport and society

Engrossing

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This was a fascinating listen. The book has two parts; 1, examining the build and and winning of the World Cup from the whole team’s perspective, and 2, what happened afterwards. In many respects the second half of the book is the most revealing. The exposes just how much this game has cost this group of players. I hope the book can help drive some change in the after care of professional players.

A fascinating listen

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Who would have known what it meant to each player, what they faced then and now. Go and watch Grand Slammers for more.

Brings back that feeling on that day, 20 yrs ago

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A very enjoyable trip down memory lane, with some interesting insights into what made those people tick

Great insights, introspection and nostalgia

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