Charlie Faulkner: The 1 and Only

by Charlie Faulkner, Greg Lewis

Immortalised in Max Boyce's 'The Pontypool Front Row', Charlie Faulkner was a key member of the 1970s Wales team which dominated Northern Hemisphere rugby, winning all four of the Five Nations Championships he played in, with three Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams. The early days, the glory years with Pontypool, Wales and the 1977 Lions, his time as a coach - in this long-awaited autobiography, Faulkner takes us behind the scenes and tells us in his own words how it was, with his trademark humility and humour. In progress when Faulkner died in early 2023 aged 81, the book has been completed by co-author Greg Lewis with input from teammates, friends and family.“At one stage Wales was viewed as ‘easy meat’, without any toughness in the scrum. But the Pontypool Front Row shattered that view. When they came along, every team knew they were in for a tough afternoon. They were brilliant and such an important part of the Welsh team.” Gerald Davies“‘Legend’ is often an overused word in sport, but not in Charlie’s case. He was a true legend of our game.” Pete Jeffreys“He and the Pontypool Front Row had a huge impact on Welsh rugby. They were known around the world. They all had different personalities, different skills, but when they worked together, they were simply formidable. That’s why they are a legend which endures.” Gareth Davies“He was one of those characters that you had to be around, you needed in the changing room; always made everyone laugh, always made everyone welcome. He was just a funny guy; a great guy to have in your squad.” Jonathan Davies“We had our own little motto at scrum time, thought up by ‘We may go up, we may go down, but we never go back’... It was an incredible period, on and off the pitch. The memories will never leave. Charlie was in a class of his own at loosehead prop.” Graham Price“I’d go fighting tigers with Charlie... I played with some Fran Cotton, ‘Mighty Mouse’ McLauchlan, Mike Burton. Great, great players. But if I had to have anyone by me, it would have to be Charlie. He would give it all for you – every single time. When Charlie died, I lost my Number One. My Number One. And I mean that in every way, playing wise and as a friend off the field.”Bobby WindsorY ddau adolygiad yma ar Amazon yn barod“Charlie was anthracite... I knew I wanted Charlie, Graham Price and Bobby Windsor together in our team... As a scrum half, few people saw them in action up closer than myself. That’s why I know Charlie’s worth for that Wales team of the golden age.” Gareth Edwards“Simply one of the great characters of Welsh and British rugby.” Max Boyce

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2023

Reviews

[Mat Greener · Rating 4 out of 5]

true 79s Welsh rugby legend. what I felt was slightly missing was everyone he gave tributes (many people) said "everyone's got at Charlie anecdote" but for some reason very few were put into the book. obviously he will be remembered, rightly so, for being a great rugby player but I would have liked a few more stories
comes across as very fit hard working player