Engage: The Fall and Rise of Matt Hampson - Softcover

Kimmage, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0857205471 ISBN 13: 9780857205476

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK, 2011

Synopsis

The shocking, controversial, and moving story of Matt Hampson, the rugby player who dislocated his neck and was paralyzed in an England training session

 

"Engage!" was the last word Matt Hampson heard before dislocating his neck while in rugby training with other young England hopefuls. On a cold, gray day in 2005, the cream of the young English rugby crop gathered at a Northampton training ground. Matt Hampson, "Hambo" to his mates, was one of them. His skill, conviction, and dedication had brought him to the cusp of realizing his dream of playing professionally, in an England U21 team that included Olly Morgan, Toby Flood, Ben Foden, and James Haskell. But as the two sets of forwards engaged for a scrum on the training field, the scrum collapsed and Matt, who played tight-head prop, took the full force of two opposing sides. In that moment his life changed forever. Paul Kimmage went to visit Matt as he recuperated, and wrote an award-winning piece on him for the Sunday Times. They struck up a friendship which led to this spectacular book—where Paul tells Matt's whole story, in all its intimate detail. From the build-up to the dreadful day, to Matt's recuperation, to his struggle to adjust back to normal life, this is a story of terrible sadness yet unadorned triumph and joy, of anger yet of reconciliation and peace—and of a boy who became a man.

About this title

About the Author

Paul Kimmage is a respected sports journalist. Currently chief interviewer for the Sunday Times's sports section, he is also the author of the highly acclaimed Full Time: The Secret Life of Tony Cascarino as well as Rough Ride: Behind the Wheel with a Pro Cyclist.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0857205471
• ISBN 13: 9780857205476
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288