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The Battle

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The Battle

By: Paul O'Connell
Narrated by: John Cormack
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Battle by Paul O'Connell, read by John Cormack.

There has never been a rugby player quite like Paul O'Connell. His name is synonymous with passion, heart and determination. But he is also the thinking man's rugby player, a legendary student of the game. As the heartbeat of Munster, British and Irish Lions captain in 2009 and captain of the first Ireland team to retain the Six Nations championship, O'Connell became the most beloved and respected of the golden generation of Irish rugby players - and was widely regarded as one of the very best players in the world. There was nothing inevitable - or even likely - about any of this, and in an autobiography as intense and thoughtful as its author, O'Connell explores the forces and struggles that turned him into the player and leader that he became.

The Battle is an audiobookfor everyone who wants to understand the roots of achievement and the inner world of an elite sportsman. It will take its place alongside the very finest sports books of recent years.

©2016 Paul O'Connell (P)2018 Penguin Audio
Rugby Sports Ireland Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking
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What listeners say about The Battle

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character guidelines for life

you don't need to know or love rugby, this book is full of gems to lead a life of good characher

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Inspirational

Very well narrated. Gave a great in depth analysis of the early years of the professional rugby era

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Full of wonderful anecdotes

Paul O'Connell was an extraordinarily good rugby player and a great leader (what is is about 2nd rowers that make them so good?) Eales, Johnstone, Wynn-Jones and O'Connell to name but 4.

The book cobeys how the legislators have encouraged less foul play yet maintaining the physicallity of the greatest winter sport. Paul O'Connell led us thruogh his Rugby career with an easy light tread.

Well worth a listen. (Even if you don't like Rugby, you'll get lots of tips about leadership.)

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The Battle

Fabulous book. Listened to it on my return journey to Cardiff. Thoroughly recommended. Total Legend

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Wonderful Insight

Thoroughly enjoyable read/listen that showed many sides to a legend on and off the rugby field. Apt title as the battles Paul had at almost every stage of his career were very apparent but testament to the committent and passion of the man…I laughed out loud and cried silently at various stages in the book but found it incredibly enjoyable to listen to that segment of Paul’s career. More to come from this incredible character.

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good

great insight into Paul's life as a player and a person and his fitness struggle

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Good insight

Engaging character, well motivated and driven. Makes you aware of the rigours of a pro athlete

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A great character of the game gives a typically honest appraisal of his career.

Performance ok but I would rather have felt it was Paul talking to me a bit more. Those audio performances always work the best I feel.

Besides that, a great insight into what kind of a man he is and what made him tick.

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Excellent

This is an excellent insight into one of the worlds most competitive rugby footballers. Phenomenal.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Legendary Captain Battles it All

Honest,gritty at times book,tells it as it is.Seen it all in the world and provincial rugby.Good Insight into Rugby/coaching and being a captain.The Battle is for the winning and a compelling read, O'Connell Bares all for the listener/reader.

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