Once Johnson gets into rugby as a teen the book really takes off. We learn of his experiences playing for New Zealand at club level and in the under 21 national side during his time there, a remarkable feet. It is fascinating to learn of his experiences and insights into the way the game is played down there with the training, coaching and different attitudes and styles. Clearly this is an eye opener for the young player and I found myself hooked from this stage on.

Johnson returned to England and as everyone will know he had a distinguished career based at Leicester Tigers, being part of a successful winning team captaining it to League and Heineken Cup triumphs. What makes this book truly interesting and educational is that Johnson’s career spanned the Amateur days to modern Professional Rugby Union as we know it today. It reads like a history lesson with some excellent insights and characters recalled from a bygone era. The game has truly evolved over the years and a new kind of player and game has emerged. Johnson was there to see it all happen and he lets the reader in on his years of experience gleaned from these changes.

Johnson is clearly passionate about playing for club and country, his enthusiasm and conviction are never in doubt. He does not keep the attention on just the games and the camaraderie with team mates either, he also explores the politics of rugby and talks openly of the time when he boldly lead the English side in a strike over a dispute with the RFU. He is honest about this incident and explains he was reluctant to go on strike and did so only with the consent and with the best interests of the players. He is free also in giving praise where he feels it is due. For example he says of former England coach Clive Woodward ‘ He was a ‘big picture man’ and an ‘excellent communicator (with) innovative thinking.’ The chapters dealing with Woodward’s reign at England are exciting and enlightening as a new England emerges with fresh ideas.

Johnson talks openly about victory and defeat and the book is full of dramatic and comic incidents on and off the pitch. In fact I was delighted to learn that the usually dour and taciturn man as portrayed by the media is in fact the possessor of a very dry and wry sense of humour. The book also shows he is clearly a dedicated family man away from the pitch.

Chapters dealing with England’s pursuit of a Grand Slam Six Nations title and their amazing wins over the ‘big three’ Southern Hemisphere countries South Africa, Australia and New Zealand in the Autumn of 2002 are all vividly recalled and described as are his feelings and emotions going in to the games. This is where the book excels as we have a first-hand account of what it is like to play international rugby in front of tens of thousands of fans (as well as the millions watching on television).

Johnson’s famous defiance and belligerence are also clear as he discusses the many battles with the top sides. The British and Irish Lions tours of 1997 and 2001 are remembered, some memories fond others not so, but he is at all times candid and revealing.

His descriptions of the nationalistic, bombastic and harsh Australian press are spot on as he remembers the Rugby World Cup of 2003. His captaincy emerges as one where he served with distinction; although very modest it is clear that the naturally quiet and reserved Johnson was nevertheless an inspiring figure who promoted solidarity and a united front in the face of pressure. It is all stirring stuff, ably told.

This book is simply a must read for all serious rugby fans. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself eagerly turning the pages to find out more. I devoured the book quickly and it flows well. The drama and excitement of England’s winning World Cup is all captured here by one of the main protagonists. But the book is not just about that, rather it is a rich, full, in-depth and honest work about a player who has rightly gained the respect and admiration of a nation in his particular sporting field.