Chasing a Rugby Dream: Impact

A portrayal of a young person following their dream in the game, a cracking read' – Alun Wyn Jones, Wales and the British & Irish Lions

Jimmy Joseph is enjoying a long, hot summer with his friends, counting down the days until he attends his first ever training camp at the Eagles Academy, the youth section of his local pro club. He hopes this is going to be the first major step on his journey to being a professional rugby player ... but a heavy tackle in training and cruel behaviour from his nemesis, Mr Kane, leads to Jimmy suffering a complete loss of confidence. How can he ever regain his love of the game – and fulfil his rugby dreams – if he is too afraid to tackle?

In this new rugby adventure for Jimmy and his friends, James Hook and David Brayley examine concussion, tackling, friendship, loyalty and the true bravery that’s needed to overcome your fears.

James Hook has spent 14 years as a professional rugby player, plying his trade for the Ospreys, Perpignan and Gloucester. He has won 81 caps for Wales, which include two World Cup campaigns, a Six Nations Grand Slam and he toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2009. He lives in Swansea.

David Brayley is an author and sportswriter from Swansea. He has written two autobiographies for elite sportsmen, cricketer Tony Cottey and Wales international football captain, Ashley Williams, two official books for Swansea City and a cycling novel, Champion of Champions.

David Brayley is an author and sportswriter from Swansea. He has written two autobiographies for elite sportsmen, cricketer Tony Cottey and Wales international football captain, Ashley Williams, two official books for Swansea City and a cycling novel, Champion of Champions.