2nd Book: What a Flanker. James Haskell!

What a Flanker!

So well written and easy to read was this book that I had finished it the day after boxing day! All 300 pages.

Written with a different structure and approach to most sports biographies, it chose not to go sequentially from child-hood through to retirement. Instead you are given a mosaic of stories loosely based around a theme and yet weirdly your head manages to unjumble the jigsaw into a chronological time-sequence. Somehow it works. Brilliantly written by Ben Dirs, the ghost writer.

The vast majority of the book is a laddish story leading into another laddish story, some of which were insightful, all interesting, others made me laugh out loud and then into fits of giggles as I recounted them to Rach, my wife.

James is self-effacing and modest on every page. I thought he got the balance between sharing some of the best bits of fun from the changing room and pitch without putting anyone under a bus. We got good insights into what happened ‘on tour’ and yet, though this may seem like a contradiction, Haskell doesn’t seem to violate the sacred law of all sportsmen: ‘What went on tour managed to stay on tour’! Not an easy balance to strike.

Along the way Haskell, inevitably, has picked up criticisms, headlines, social media trolls and the odd spat with management. No doubt these have hurt. He is within his rights to respond because it feels as though he is sharing his side of the story. He does this well: it feels honest, he never paints himself as a saint and he just about manages it without criticising others.

In many ways James comes across as the complete anti-hypocrite: he nevers pretends or makes out he is monk, yet behind layers of fun stories is revealed a man who was highly dedicated to his profession, has evident leadership skills, cared for his team-mates, took opportunities to further his career over finances, was happy in his own skin but could also be the life-and-soul of a party and…… turned down an opportunity to dance on strictly for the sake of his marriage.

James, if you ever read this, and I doubt you will: I am not a tier one rugby fan but I have followed your career from the early days, always loved watching you play, thought you were the best English Flanker of your generation, appreciated your commitment and am grateful for all you gave to the sport. I would say, if I may, I’d love to hear a few more ‘boasts’ from you. Only right at the end do you let slip that only 14 other Englishmen have more caps than you. As a fan we love the fact you got man of the series in the historic 3-0 Aussie series thrashing and a few more insights into that sort of achievement would be a joy to hear and read about also.

And finally, as someone comfortable being described as a follower of Jesus, would like to add I agree with your views on Falou’s comments and am sorry you were judged by so many . If it ever helps: it was Jesus who (first?) gave the command: ‘Do not judge.’

Good luck with the wrestling.

PS: This is the 3rd book I’ve read by the (ghost) author Ben Dirs. I knew Ben when we were at the same Uni. He was always highly perceptive, witty with a crafty way with words. All these qualities shine through in his writing. His next book, out in the summer, looks to be a cracker: a memoir of Rob Burrow, the former Rugby League Player now battling motor neurone disease! One to look out for!