Neil Jenkins is the most prolific goal-kicker in the history of British international rugby. First capped when he was 19, he helped turn Pontypridd into league champions. In this book, he reveals how he bacame one of the most sought-after players in Britain.
Rugby union star Neil Jenkins could not have publicised his autobiography in a more appropriate and timely way.
For within weeks of its publication, the Cardiff and Wales fly-half became the world's top Test points scorer of all time.
Jenkins, known as the "Ginger Monster", created the new record during the 1999 Rugby World Cup by passing the tally of 911, which he had shared with Australian legend Michael Lynagh going into the pool game against Samoa. It gives him a special place in the history books--but it also means that this revised and up-to-date edition, particularly the statistics section, will already need changing again!
Towards the end of the book, which is written by freelance journalist Paul Rees, Jenkins talks about passing Lynagh's record being one of his major ambitions. That goal has now been realised, but it does not detract from what is a forthright and honest account of a career which Jenkins himself admits has been a series of highs and lows.
Overall, though, the scrap dealer's son from a village in rugby-mad south Wales has enjoyed a remarkable time in the game and Life at Number 10--which has nothing to do at all with British Prime Ministers!--is a fitting tribute to him.
While Jenkins has become an established player at the highest level at fly-half, the Number 10 jersey and hence the title, he talks in the book about how he found adjusting to full-back as being difficult, as he finds it a "more lonely position".
It was at full-back where goal-kicking ace Jenkins helped the British Lions to their heroic series victory in South Africa two years ago. Not surprisingly, a fair proportion of the book is devoted to this great achievement.
As well as happily talking about his triumphs, Jenkins does not shirk away from discussing controversy, including the off-field trouble between some players from his former club Pontypridd and Brive after their fiery European Cup encounter in 1997. And he reflects on why he never switched rugby codes, although he does concede that he would have joined league giants Wigan "without a moment's hesitation" if they had officially made an approach.
This is the fascinating story of an outstanding career, a career which probably still has a fair way to run. -- Martine Hunter
