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A Very Tall Story

By: Martin Bayfield
Narrated by: Martin Bayfield
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Summary

A hilarious and, at times, moving and soul-searching account of rugby union’s rollercoaster days in the 1990s, told through the eyes of a player who saw it all as the sport lurched shambolically from the crazy final days of amateurism into the professional era.

Martin Bayfield has a story to tell. Indeed, some might describe it as a very tall story. Standing at 6ft 10ins, the former England and British and Irish Lions second row remains one of the tallest players ever to have played international rugby, and his immense physical stature made him one of the most destructive forwards in the world game. He played for England during one of the most successful eras in English rugby, winning two Grand Slams alongside legendary players such as Will Carling, Jeremy Guscott, Brian Moore and Rory Underwood.

His international heyday came at a seminal moment for rugby union when, almost overnight, it was transformed from a noble minority sport to a celebrity event, with stories appearing on the front pages of the British tabloids. Now Bayfield is ready to reveal the inside story of that rip-roaring decade that changed forever the face of English rugby. The book provides an emotional link between the generations, so that today’s fans can reconnect with rugby's soul. Renowned as one of rugby's best and most entertaining storytellers, the former policeman and Hagrid's body double has written a brilliant and very funny love letter to a sport that continues to inspire and entertain millions.
©2022 Nicole Arend. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, UK. All Rights Reserved.
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What listeners say about A Very Tall Story

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A damn good Tall Story

A most enjoyable listen. Not only is Martin Bayfield a thoroughly decent individual he is also a genuinely modest fellow who has nothing to prove.Easy to listen to and above all else very entertaining with some very
constructive and pertinent observations.

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Enjoyable read

I really enjoyed Martin’s story, more so in that he also narrated it too. He bridges the end of the old amateur code of rugby with the birth of the professional era. Great insights what it was like to reach the pinnacle of playing international rugby for England whilst holding down a career in the police. Great stories too on working on the Harry Potter films. Warmth & humour shine throughout.

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brilliant run through of an outstanding rugby players career

Fascinating warts and all story of Martin Bayfield... life's and career up and downs

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Well told story about the Olden days

Well told and read by a skilled storyteller about the time when you played and had another job for a living.

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A nostalgic set of stories

My introduction to rugby coincided with this era of English (and world) rugby in which there was room for both chicanery and chivalry on a rugby pitch. You could fight your opposition and then drink with him in the bar afterwards with no concerns if it spilling over. An era in which you had a job as well as played for your country - and then it became professional with all the positives (and some negatives) that that brings. A great time, well described and narrated by a memorable man.

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I feel like I know the Man 👨 🏉

A great book with heart felt stories, behind the scene stories every rugby fan would love to hear. Lots of shenanigans 🤪 that you'd expect. Exceptionally well read by Martin Bayfield too.

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No better Rugby read

Taken Rugby biographies to a new level. The most candid, humble and new insight read for me .

Loved it

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What a bloke

Martin Bayfield is a brilliant story teller. Gives a great insight into professional and amateur rugby.

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A really good listen

I really like it when the author reads the audio version. Martins got a very good narrating voice. A great listen, been a fan of Martin for a long time and was really looking forward to listening to his book. Spanning a few generations of players this book has good anecdotes on several generations of players from amateur to professional. We’ll done Martin, I’d definitely listen to another if you do one 👍

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His frank and honest speaking

Loved every single minute, most of it was about the era of rugby I loved most of all.

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