{"title":"Ben Dirs","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the collection featuring the engaging works of Ben Dirs, a talented author recognised for his captivating sports literature. With a flair for storytelling, Ben Dirs delves into the world of sports, bringing its vivid and thrilling aspects to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the standout titles in this collection is \u003cem\u003eThrowing the Book\u003c\/em\u003e, where Ben expertly weaves humour, drama, and real-world sporting insights into a compelling narrative. His writing style cleverly balances deep research with personal anecdotes, making his books equally informative and entertaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intricate dynamics of the sporting world, Ben Dirs' books offer a unique behind-the-scenes perspective that both enlightens and entertains. Explore this category to discover more about the fascinating world of sports through Ben Dirs' eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"throwing-the-book-by-ben-dirs-9781408719558","title":"Throwing the Book","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWayne Barnes, one of the most-experienced international referees in history and a criminal barrister to boot, uniquely lifts the lid on a lifetime of trying to keep the biggest names in the sport on best behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere aren't many people who can say they've been the thirty-first man on the pitch during a World Cup humdinger, Grand Slam decider, or Premiership and European Cup final. Wayne has listened to the sobs of a 20-stone prop as he tries to belt out his national anthem, heard the crunch of bones after some of the mightiest hits known to the game, and been yards away from the greatest players of the last twenty years, doing almost impossible things with a rugby ball—especially when you're a working-class lad from the Forest of Dean, wondering how you ever got there in the first place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCandid, humble, and warmly told, \u003ci\u003eThrowing the Book\u003c\/i\u003e is a definitive account of what it means to be a rugby referee and a love letter to the sport that has provided Wayne with so much. Covering his childhood days, family life, career highs and lows, side-step into law, as well as what's next in store for Wayne both on and off the pitch, this book reveals the man behind the referee for the very first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSerious when it needs to be, but also rich in good humour and humanity, \u003ci\u003eThrowing the Book\u003c\/i\u003e is a memoir to remember.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46024174862572,"sku":"9781408719558","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408719558.jpg?v=1734490578"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/ben-dirs.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}