This memoir begins with Phil Gifford’s personal story, followed by portraits of (mostly) sportspeople Phil had a genuinely close connection with, to the point where he can tell stories that go far beyond the public perception, many screamingly funny. The list, in no special order, is: Sir Peter Snell, Billy T James, Peter FitzSimons, Sir Fred Allen, Sir Peter Leitch, Todd Blackadder, Andrew Mehrtens, Joe Stanley, Sir John Kirwan, Valerie Adams, Louis Luyt, and Andy Haden. As well, Phil will present riveting, inside stories on the great rugby coaching debates—John Hart-Alex Wyllie and Graham Henry-Robbie Deans. Phil will also enlighten readers on the impact his alter ego, Loosehead Len Lacey, had on his career.

Phil Gifford is an award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, speaker, and author. He is the author of 20 sports books, including Rivals: Sports Greatest Battles.