Pride and Passion: My Autobiography

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SHORTLISTED FOR RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE 2020 TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS. 'excellent' Donald McRae, The Guardian 'Gatland is the master' Sir Ian McGeechan 'Gatland is a coaching star' Sir Clive Woodward 'Gats is one of the all-time great coaches' Sam Warburton Warren Gatland is one of the world's most renowned and intriguing rugby coaches of the modern era, leading Wales to four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals and masterminding two history-making tours as Head Coach of the British and Irish Lions. As he leaves his post as Head Coach of Wales at the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Gatland's definitive autobiography provides a colourful and vivid chronicle of an extraordinary three decades at rugby's dynamic coal-face. The personal journey has been rewarding and challenging in equal measure, spanning many of the sport's most passionate heartlands such as New Zealand, Ireland, England and, of course, Wales. Gatland reflects in characteristically forthright and intelligent fashion on a lifetime spent playing and coaching the sport which has been his passion since as a young boy he first picked up an oval ball 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 a striking appreciation of what makes this outstanding rugby man tick.

Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, in 1963, Warren Gatland played rugby for the provincial side Waikato for eight years, and made 17 appearances for the All Blacks, before turning to coaching. He was the Head Coach of the British & Irish Lions squad which recorded an epic and thrilling Test series draw against the mighty All Blacks in 2017. The result was the first time the Lions had not lost a series in New Zealand since 1971. Gatland also led the Lions on their triumphant tour of Australia in 2013, and he served as Assistant Coach on the 2009 tour of South Africa. After a dozen years at the helm, Gatland left his post as Head Coach of Wales after the 2019 World Cup. In that time, the Welsh have reached two World Cup semi-finals, won three Grand Slams and the Six Nations four times. During his career, Gatland has also coached Connacht and the Irish national team, as well as Waikato and Wasps.

excellent - The Guardian Gatland is the master. - Sunday Telegraph Gatland is a coaching star. - Mail on Sunday Gatland's mark on the game in these parts [Wales] is sacred and indelible ... Gatland has attained immortality. - Sunday Telegraph Gats is one of the all-time great coaches. - The Sunday Times Warren Gatland is a fine coach. - The Sunday Times Gatland's record stands comparison with the very best. - Daily Telegraph Gatland is one of the great coaches of history. - Stephen Jones, The Sunday Times