What I'm All About, Alfie The Gareth Thomas Story

From postman to captain of the British and Irish Lions, Gareth Thomas’s story is remarkable by any sportsman’s standards. Universally known by his nickname ‘Alfie’, Thomas has amassed an incredible list of achievements in more than a decade at the top of his sport: he scored three tries on his international debut in the 1995 World Cup; in 2004, he was made captain of Wales by Mike Ruddock; he has claimed a record number of Test tries for his country, beating the mark of thirty-three set by Ieuan Evans; in 2005, he racked up not just the Grand Slam but also a Heineken Cup winner’s medal with Toulouse; and he stepped into the breach as leader of Sir Clive Woodward’s Lions when captain Brian O’Driscoll’s tour was prematurely ended. Away from the field, Thomas’s experiences have often read like a real-life soap opera. In 2006, a potentially life-threatening neck injury resulted in a mini-stroke that almost ended his career. There was also a French court appearance for alleged affray, the anguish of the saga surrounding Ruddock’s controversial departure in 2006 and a Six Nations ban following an altercation with Ulster supporters at a Heineken Cup match. Yet, amid the highs and lows of a remarkable rugby odyssey, it is Thomas’s alternative-yet-engaging personality that marks him out as a true one-off. Never afraid to speak his mind, he has made it to the top simply by being himself. In Alfie!, Thomas reveals the inside story of his incredible life and offers readers an insight into one of the most intriguing personalities the game has ever known.Thomas, Gareth is the author of 'What I'm All About, Alfie The Gareth Thomas Story', published 2007 under ISBN 9781845961916 and ISBN 1845961919.