CHILL-OUT SUNDAY THE ELLIS RUGBY WALES RUGBY ALLAN BATEMAN – THERE AND BACK BOOK PREVIEW

Wales Rugby Allan Bateman There and Back Book

Wales Rugby Allan Bateman Book Author – Paul Rees

Paul Rees was born in Cardiff. And has been a full-time writer on rugby union since 1986. First for the South Wales Echo. Then Wales and Sunday and, from 2001, the Guardian. And the Observer. Having contributed to the former on a freelance basis since 1988.

He has covered every World Cup since 1991. And five Lions tours. When time allows, he also writes on cricket. Mainly Glamorgan. And away from work. He is a season-ticket holder at Arsenal, watching them home and away. Including the European Champions League final against Barcelona in Paris in 2006. He has reported on Wales since 1986. And is the co-author of Allan Bateman. Also, On the Attack and Life At Number 10.

Successful in both Rugby Union and Rugby League

Allan Bateman is a rarity among rugby players. He has succeeded in both codes. Capped by Wales in rugby union before joining Warrington in 1990. And enjoying six successful years in rugby league. He broke into the Great Britain side before succeeding in the most challenging finishing school of all, Australia.

Bateman returned to Rugby Union at the age of 30. And within months was playing for Wales. He toured South Africa with the 1997 Lions. And in 2001 he had the distinction of being the oldest player to appear in the Six Nations Championship. During which he celebrated his 36th birthday and rejoined his old club Neath on a two-year contract.

A promising footballer, before he took up Rugby

Bateman was a promising schoolboy footballer. Who had his heart set on playing for Manchester United before his mother put her foot down. An avid rugby supporter. She told her son that he would only receive a new pair of football boots if he gave up soccer for rugby. The rest is history.
Bateman played for his hometown club of Maesteg on the wing. Before moving to Neath who were at that time the leading club in Wales. He was capped in 1990. But no sooner had he made his mark on international rugby than he surprisingly switched codes. Within days of being approached by Warrington. In those days, there was no way back for union players who turned professional. But that changed in 1995 when the game became open and Bateman joined Richmond from Cronulla.

European Cup success with Northampton Saints

He tells of the torment at the club when it went broke less than three years later. And how misfortune turned to triumph for him. When he won the Heineken Cup with Northampton. Bateman is a player genuinely respected throughout the two worlds of rugby.
Calm in the face of adversity. He appears laid-back but he became known as the “Clamp” in his rugby league days because of the ferocity of his tackling. He played first-class rugby for over 17 years. As a wry observer during what has been a tumultuous period for the union code. He has many a tale to tell.

Where to Buy Wales Rugby Allan Bateman ‘Here and Back’ Book?

The excellent Wales Rugby Allan Bateman book. The Here and Back Book is available from, Amazon. We celebrate the many great teams Allan played for and offer a range of garments. These include Wales RU Shirt, a Northampton Saints Rugby Shirt. In addition, a Northampton Saints Polo and Cronulla Polo. Also, a Warrington RL Shirt and Wales RL Shirt.