BOOK REVIEW Tragedy, triumph and confrontation in Gatland’s story

WARREN GATLAND is one of the most renowned rugby coaches of the last 20 years, leading Wales to three Six Nations titles, two Grand Slams and a World Cup semi-final, and delivering two successful tours as head coach of the British and Irish Lions.

As he left his post as head coach of Wales at the end of the 2019 World Cup, his autobiogrphy – ‘Pride And Passion’ – chronicles a highly eventful and successful three decades in rugby.

The personal journey spans New Zealand, Ireland, England and Wales. Gatland reflects in characteristically thoughtful and intelligent fashion on a lifetime spent playing and coaching the sport which has been his passion since first picking up an oval ball as a boy on New Zealand’s North Island, dreaming of joining the ranks of the mighty All Blacks.

Along the way we encounter the greatest matches, players and rivalries the sport has to offer, get introduced to a stunning cast of unforgettable characters who grace the story with their humour and humanity, and emerge with striking appreciation of how rugby has managed to retain its appeal for millions around the globe.

The book has some eye-opening tales and revelations to make it more than worth your time. Gatland and ghost writer Chris Hewitt take you on a largely chronological journey from the

Kiwi’s childhood to the final moments of his Wales career that unfolded in

Japan at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Along the way there are stories of tragedy, triumph and confrontation, with some real insight of what went on behind the scenes.

Early on Gatland recalls his time in

Ireland as a young guy playing for the

Galwegians club side. He reveals the moment that rocked his life life more than any other – the death of his first daughter, Shauna, who was just four months old.

Shauna was born with spina bifida, and died on May 13 that year, with Gatland revealing, ‘to his lasting regret’, he wasn’t by her side when she passed because of rugby commitments. It’s moving and heart-breaking stuff.

Gatland deals with the upset behind the scenes at the 2019 World Cup, namely the Rob Howley betting scandal that threatened to derail the Welsh campaign before it even began. He details how difficult it was for the entire squad and himself, and recalls the emotional farewell drink with Rob before he left for home.

Gatland’s time as Ireland coach is well documented, including some less than complimentary feelings towards the man who succeeded him, Eddie O’Sullivan.

Likewise, Ireland legend Keith Wood, who Gatland publicly clashed with during his time as Lions coach in 2013, doesn’t come out unscathed.

The coach recounts the cause of the problems between the two men, revealing a brutal moment during a team meeting where Gatland called out the influential hooker for lack of effort during an Ireland versus Scotland match. Things would not be the same between the pair again.

Gatland deals with the dropping of Brian O’Driscoll on the Lions tour of Australia, but he describes the player’s reaction as everything he hoped it would be. The extraordinary level of hostility to the decision was ‘way beyond anything I’ve ever encountered’.

Gatland also speaks of the shock over the decision of the Irish Rugby Union not to renew his contract in 2001. It’s a tale that shows that rugby can be political drama at times.

BRENDAN FURLONG

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