Rainbow Warrior: The Hard-Hitting Autobiography

by François Pienaar (Author), Nelson Mandela (Foreword), Edward Griffiths (Contributor)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1999

  $3.29

  In one of the most important rugby books of the last three decades, the former captain of South Africa's 1995 World Cup winning side reveals his compelling career story and his remarkable role in the historic re-emergence of the Rainbow Nation onto the world stage. The image of Francois Pienaar shaking hands with Nelson Mandela as the South African captain was presented with the Webb Ellis trophy on that magical afternoon at Ellis Park, Johannesburg in 1995 will never be forgotten. A quite remarkable athlete and ambassador for multi-racial sport was being honoured in front of an estimated global audience of some 15 million. In his autobiography, Francois Pienaar demonstrates how throughout his career he has led by example, both on and off the pitch -- but especially off it. He not only said the right things at the right times, he convinced us that he meant every word of it. He even organised for the cash-strapped Romanians to be given a brand new set of Adidas kit before they flew home from the World Cup. Not long after this, however, he found himself incurring the wrath of the Transvaal RFU as he led a walkout of leading international rugby players demanding better pay terms. In his book he describes in detail that defining period in the history of the game, and how he was ostracised by the South African board as the global game was threatened with being torn apart. A glowing international career at an end, Pienaar explains the motives behind his move to London-based Saracens as player-coach on a two-year contract. His arrival sparked a remarkable change of fortunes for the second division outfit, leading to promotion the next year followed by second place in the Premiership and a Cup winners trophy in 1998. Rainbow Warrior is much more than an autobiography of a top-class sportsman. It is the first-hand account of a man who grew up in a strong Afrikaaner heartland to unite his country, the new South Africa, the rainbow nation, not just in rugby but across the wide spectrum of international relations.

• Used

  Paperback
  2000

  $3.29

  In this updated edition of his bestselling autobiography, the ex-captain of South Africa and current coach of Saracens, looks back on an eventful career in rugby union and offers his compelling views on the future of the game post-World Cup 1999. His is a fascinating story of a tough Afrikaans upbringing -- how his unique brand of fighting spirit and unquenchable ambition saw him gain, against all odds, the captaincy of his country in Test rugby. In his book he describes in detail the professional era -- that defining period in the history of the game -- and how he was ostracised by the South African board as he negotiated contracts for his players. How did Pienaar influence political and cultural change in South Africa? What are his views on the change from amateurism to professionalism in the sport, both in this country and overseas? Where does he see rugby heading in the new millennium? These and other powerful themes are addressed by Francois Pienaar in his hard-hitting and thought-provoking book, specially updated with Pienaar's first-hand account of the 1999 World Cup and its repercussions on the sport.