It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
Becoming a Lion

Becoming a Lion

Summary

Johnny Sexton - the man who pulled the strings for the Lions - gives an intimate insight into the rugby life in Becoming a Lion.

With three Heineken Cups and one British and Irish Lions tour victory under his belt, Johnny Sexton is by some distance the leading fly-half in the northern hemisphere. Over the course of the Lions' first victorious Test series in sixteen years, Sexton was the man pulling the strings. His try in the third test was the decisive blow, and his joyous celebrations after scoring were echoed in homes across Britain and Ireland.

Becoming a Lion is an intimate portrait of life at the highest levels of the professional game - at Leinster, with Ireland, and on tour with the Lions.

'Bracing and fascinating in equal measure' Malachy Clerkin, Irish Times

'Riveting ... Opens a remarkable window into the stresses, hurts and insecurities of a professional life in rugby' Vincent Hogan, Irish Independent

'Captures all the jagged edges that make Sexton one of Irish sport's most compelling characters' Sunday Times

'Sets a great benchmark for sports autobiographies, given that it is so honest' Matt Cooper, Today FM

'Engrossing' Rugby World Ireland

'If you crave an insight into the life of a professional rugby player ... Becoming a Lion is a must' Donal Lenihan, Irish Examiner

'Intensely revealing' Irish Daily Mail

About the author

Johnny Sexton

Johnny Sexton is the most decorated Irish rugby player of all time, winning four Six Nations championships (including two Grand Slams), and four European Cups with Leinster. He was named World Player of the Year in 2018, and captained Ireland to the Grand Slam in 2023. He lives in Dublin with his wife and children.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more