Description
Book SynopsisOne of the most colourful and controversial characters in Welsh rugby history, Mike 'Spikey' Watkins remains the only player since 1882 to captain Wales on his debut, and win. Discarded by Cardiff RFC and banned by the WRU after the infamous 'Hookers Night Out' incident in November 1978, Spikey, who had regularly played for the Wales B team and was understudy to Bobby Windsor, thought his chance of a prized Welsh cap has disappeared. In this brutally frank and hard-hitting autobiography, 'Spikey' Watkins, the loveable rogue of Welsh rugby, lifts the lid on his roller-coaster playing career and explains how he fought back against the 'blazer-brigade' he despised, returned to captain a hugely successful Newport team and finally got the call from the WRU, due to public pressure from the supporters who adored him, to captain his country to victory against Ireland in 1984.
Trade Review'One of the most inspirational leaders that Welsh rugby has ever produced' Mike Ruddock 'Spikey Watkins is the most 'Rock 'n' Roll Welsh sportsman ever. The establishment hated him but the people loved him. This is the best sports biography I've ever read. Buy or steal a copy now' Jonathan Owen
Table of ContentsForeword by Paul Turner 1. Hookers Night Out 2. 50 Shades of Spikey! 3. Blood, Sweat and Stud Marks 4. Come in Cardiff - we have Parity, 5. One Stray Boot and a Bottle of Beer 6. Charlie Faulkner RFC 7. The Cat with the Ten and Half Inch Tail 8. The Irish Generation Game 9. A Bunch of Amateurs 10. Dirty Tricks and Cocktail Sticks 11. High Tailing it through the Dark Clouds 12. Hello, I'm Oliver Reed 13. Hooker goes to Bangkok 14. Rugby Reflections
