Alun Wyn Jones goes to Pan Mac in eight-way battle

Pan Macmillan has triumphed in an eight-way auction for the autobiography of Alun Wyn Jones, the captain of the Welsh national rugby team.

Robin Harvie, non-fiction publisher, acquired world rights from David Luxton at DLA on behalf of Esportif. Alun Wyn Jones: The Autobiography will be published in October 2021as a hardback, e-book and audiobook.

The sportsman has teamed up with Tom Fordyce, the voice behind Peter Crouch's books, to write an autobiography that is “a brilliant, combative story of one of the most recognised and adored players in world rugby”. The publisher said: “Told with unflinching honesty, this is the ultimate book for all fans of the sport.”

The player made his test debut for Wales in June 2006 against Argentina, and came to prominence in the 2007 Six Nations campaign before Wales won the Grand Slam in 2008. He was the first name on Warren Gatland’s team sheet as Wales enjoyed a long run of success that won them plaudits around the world, and led to Jones touring, and winning, with the British Lions in Australia in 2013 and drawing the series against New Zealand in 2017. On 31st October 2020, against Scotland, he became the most capped rugby player of all time with 149 caps.

He said: “I never thought I’d do a book – I’ve always been focused on my career, and I never thought I’d have the opportunity to talk in my own words about what I’ve done, and how I’ve done it. But the process has been enjoyable and allowed me to reflect on most of it, while remembering those people who have helped my career to date, from family, friends, team-mates and coaches.”

Publication will be accompanied by a national tour, with the player appearing at signings and events across the UK.

Harvie said: “Alun Wyn Jones’ autobiography is not just the story of the world’s most capped rugby player of all time and an individual whose dedication, inspiration and leadership have defined a generation of Welsh players and fans, but also the tale of the man whose legendary status transcends national and sporting boundaries. It is a riveting read for all fans of the sport. We are hugely honoured to be publishing Alun Wyn on the Macmillan Sports list.”