Sam Warburton OBE was not only a titan of Welsh rugby, but an icon of the game. Having represented his country as a player and team captain at all junior levels, he propelled himself to international attention in 2011 when named as the youngest ever captain of Wales for the Rugby World Cup.
Despite his tender age, Sam’s immense displays for club and country were recognised still further in April 2013, when, at just 24, he was named the Lions' captain for the extraordinary 2013 tour to Australia. Four years later, after a year ‘in the wilderness’, Sam was named Lions’ captain yet again for the historic tour to New Zealand, thereby becoming the first ever Lions Captain never to lose a series in the professional era. Intelligent, calm, thoughtful – in many ways seemingly the exact opposite of the smash and crash of modern rugby – Warburton’s edge never came with his size, but with his depth of thought, his reading of movement, and his understanding that, to be a uniquely successful leader, one needs to set goals that far exceed the ambitions of even the most ferocious of opponents. In leading other men, and in pitting himself against the world’s best, Warburton was forced repeatedly to push himself to the very edge of his physiological and mental limits, the 21 significant operations over that period a painful testament to his sacrifice. Open Side is therefore not simply a chronology of events or a celebration of statistics. Written in a compelling but soul searching style, this is an astoundingly personal book exploring the nature of leadership, the value of self-control, the precision of mindset and of course the future of the game. It is also a deeply personal meditation on the sacrifice of body, the torment of injury and the pain of retirement, a decision Sam was forced to make in July 2018, at just 29 years old. Never before has a rugby autobiography given such intimate access not only to the realities of the dressing room and the heroes and villains of the modern game, but to the unique mindset required to make someone a genuinely great leader of men.

Open Side

Warburton, Sam

Science & Math

Harpercollins

Open Side EXPORT

Updated edition featuring a brand new afterword 'A terrific book. No one put their body on the line quite like Sam Warburton.' Brian O'Driscoll 'It was an absolute privilege to play against Sam. An inspiring leader with an equally inspiring story to tell.' Jonny Wilkinson Sam Warburton OBE was not only a titan of Welsh rugby, but an icon of the game. Having&nbsp;represented his country as a player&nbsp;and team captain at all junior levels, he propelled himself to international attention in 2011 when named&nbsp;as the youngest ever captain of Wales for the Rugby World Cup. Despite his tender age, Sam's&nbsp;immense displays for club and country were recognised still further in April 2013, when, at just 24, he was named the Lions' captain for the&nbsp;extraordinary&nbsp;2013 tour to Australia.&nbsp; Four years later, after a year 'in the wilderness', Sam was named Lions' captain yet again for the historic tour to New Zealand, thereby becoming the first ever Lions Captain never to lose a series in the professional era. Intelligent, calm, thoughtful - in many ways seemingly the exact opposite of the smash and crash of modern rugby - Warburton's edge never came with his size, but with his depth of thought, his reading of movement, and his understanding that, to be a uniquely successful leader, one needs to set goals that far exceed the ambitions of even the most ferocious of opponents.&nbsp; In leading other men, and in pitting himself against the world's best, Warburton was forced repeatedly to push himself to the very edge of his physiological and mental limits, the 21 significant injuries over that period a painful testament to his sacrifice. Open Side&nbsp;is therefore not simply a chronology of events or a celebration of statistics. Written in a compelling but soul searching style, this is an astoundingly personal book exploring the nature of leadership, the value of self-control, the precision of mindset and of course the future of the game.&nbsp; It is also a deeply personal meditation on the sacrifice of body, the torment of injury and the pain of retirement, a decision Sam was forced to make in July 2018, at just 29 years old. &nbsp; Never before has a rugby autobiography given such intimate access not only to the realities of the dressing room and the heroes and villains of the modern game, but to the unique mindset required to make someone a genuinely great leader of men.

Open Side: The Official Autobiography

Sam Warburton has had an incredible year. In the summer of 2011, at the age of only 22, he was asked to captain his country, leading Wales into the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The team's scintillating progression through the tournament reached a nail-biting height as Wales met France in the semi-final. With a nation's hopes resting on his shoulders, Warburton made 'that' tackle on Vincent Clerc and was shown the red card. Outcry ensued, and the Wales captain experienced great lows despite being named Player of the Tournament by many commentators. Picking himself up from the suffocating media attention, Warburton was determined to rectify Welsh fortunes and strode into the 6 Nations. Battling injuries he led Wales to a magnificent Six Nations. This is his moment. This is his Grand Slam year.

Refuse to be Denied: My Grand Slam Year

Biographies & Memoirs

Simon Schuster(uk)

When the British and Irish Lions set out for Australia in late May, they knew they faced a daunting task. Since the war, only four Lions sides had returned victorious, the last in 1997. In the modern era of professional rugby, some even questioned if the Lions concept still had a place. How could a mixture of of northern hemisphere nations come together and take on the might of one of the southern giants? Under coach Warren Gatland and captain Sam Warburton, the Lions of 2013 looked to overcome the doubters and to show they could still make the Lions roar. As captain, Warburton himself had to face questions over his form and fitness, but he emerged to lead his side to a stunning 23-21 victory in the first Test in Brisbane. The second Test was lost by the narrowest of margins, but the Lions bounced back to record an epic 41-16 triumph to seal the series. In this book, Warburton relives the entire Lions experience, from the moment he learned he had been chosen to captain the side to the time he got to raise the trophy at the end of the tour, and the huge welcome that greeted the squad when they returned home. Packed with insight and revealing details about the Lions preparations, this is the definitive inside account of one of rugby's greatest moments.

Lions Triumphant: The Captain's Story

Sports & Outdoors

When the British and Irish Lions set out for Australia in late May, they knew they faced a daunting task. Since the war, only four Lions sides had returned victorious, the last in 1997. In the modern era of professional rugby, some even questioned if the Lions concept still had a place. How could a mixture of of northern hemisphere nations come together and take on the might of one of the southern giants? Under coach Warren Gatland and captain Sam Warburton, the Lions of 2013 looked to overcome the doubters and to show they could still make the Lions roar. As captain, Warburton himself had to face questions over his form and fitness, but he emerged to lead his side to a stunning 23-21 victory in the first Test in Brisbane. The second Test was lost by the narrowest of margins, but the Lions bounced back to record an epic 41-16 triumph to seal the series. In this book, Warburton relives the entire Lions experience, from the moment he learned he had been chosen to captain the side to the time he got to raise the trophy at the end of the tour, and the huge welcome that greeted the squad when they returned home. Packed with insight and revealing details about the Lions preparations, this is the definitive inside account of one of rugby's greatest moments.

Other Team Sports

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Books by Warburton, Sam

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Warburton, Sam. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Open Side

Open Side EXPORT

Open Side: The Official Autobiography

Refuse to be Denied: My Grand Slam Year

Lions Triumphant: The Captain's Story

Lions Triumphant: The Captain's Story