What do you think?
Rate this book
Meer as Rugby
'You might never play rugby again.'
Everything that I did for most of my life was centred on rugby, so can you imagine the shock I experienced when I heard those words? But if you thought that was bad – there's more. The doctor went on to say that there was a chance I could end up dying. Now that was the absolutely devastating part! After being on cloud nine in the Springbok squad and going to the World Cup, being hit with this shattering news was enough to knock the wind out of my sails. I couldn't believe it. Just when my career was beginning to soar: scoring and winning the Super 14 finals; great performances in the Tri-Nations (and against England at Loftus); being selected for the Springbok World Cup squad … and now this?
These are the words of Pierre Spies, who reached the heights of Springbok status and was then told that he may never play rugby again. In More than Rugby, Spies, one of the most imposing and explosive loose forwards that South African rugby has ever produced, shares his own story for the first time: from his family life to his numerous sporting triumphs to his faith. Much more than a sports biography, this is the moving, personal story behind the well-loved 'No. 8' of South African rugby. With a foreword by Victor Matfield and contributions from Morné Steyn, Bryan Habana and Juan Smith.
Everything that I did for most of my life was centred on rugby, so can you imagine the shock I experienced when I heard those words? But if you thought that was bad – there's more. The doctor went on to say that there was a chance I could end up dying. Now that was the absolutely devastating part! After being on cloud nine in the Springbok squad and going to the World Cup, being hit with this shattering news was enough to knock the wind out of my sails. I couldn't believe it. Just when my career was beginning to soar: scoring and winning the Super 14 finals; great performances in the Tri-Nations (and against England at Loftus); being selected for the Springbok World Cup squad … and now this?
These are the words of Pierre Spies, who reached the heights of Springbok status and was then told that he may never play rugby again. In More than Rugby, Spies, one of the most imposing and explosive loose forwards that South African rugby has ever produced, shares his own story for the first time: from his family life to his numerous sporting triumphs to his faith. Much more than a sports biography, this is the moving, personal story behind the well-loved 'No. 8' of South African rugby. With a foreword by Victor Matfield and contributions from Morné Steyn, Bryan Habana and Juan Smith.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 5, 2025
THis is an inspirational book. Even after so many years. Thank you Pierre for this deep and honest reflection of your career and life.
May 16, 2026
Great story!
A very inspriring story from brother Pierre Spies, it will encourage people to draw closer to God and Jesus. God bless you.
A very inspriring story from brother Pierre Spies, it will encourage people to draw closer to God and Jesus. God bless you.
August 13, 2012
Great insights into Pierre's personal life and Bulls/Springbok rugby with a very positive message.
Great read for rugby lovers or any sport enthusiast. Pierre Spies is truly an inspirational character and reading about his life in his own words was eye opening. The book leaves you with a lot to consider about your own life, potential and whether you are being all you can be.
Great read for rugby lovers or any sport enthusiast. Pierre Spies is truly an inspirational character and reading about his life in his own words was eye opening. The book leaves you with a lot to consider about your own life, potential and whether you are being all you can be.
January 16, 2012
I found the book moving and interesting, and also inspiring. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is interested in rugby, but also in the role that belief plays in Pierre's life.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews