The Test cover art

The Test

My Autobiography

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The Test

By: Brian O'Driscoll
Narrated by: Aidan Kelly
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About this listen

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Test, the stunning autobiography from rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll, read by Aidan Kelly.

Between 1999, when he made his international debut, and his retirement in 2014, there was no greater player in world rugby than Brian O'Driscoll.

In 2010 Rugby World magazine named him its world player of the decade - and since then the legend has only grown. Along the way he was tested - by personal loss, off-the-field pressures, and career-threatening injuries.

The Test is a book about how he took on those challenges - how a world-class talent developed a world-class work ethic and temperament. As he lost his youthful pace, O'Driscoll's reinvented himself as a player, revealing the remarkable character and drive behind the glittering gifts. In the latter years of his career, he put in a sequence of gladiatorial performances that etched themselves into the minds of every rugby fan every bit as indelibly as the legendary early tries in Paris and Brisbane.

Honest, gritty, and thoughtful, The Test is not just an essential sports book. It is an essential book about family, friends, hard work, courage, and imagination.

©2014 Brian O'Driscoll (P)2015 Penguin Audio Rugby Sports Career Inspiring Thought-Provoking Ireland

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All stars
Most relevant  
I'm a big fan of O'Driscoll and the biography shows us a good portion of the man himself. Very interesting to see his major issues physically and mentally and ability to recognise when he is vulnerable and human.

There are no real controversial topics in the book and any issue he seems to take the peacemaker role. Everyone has bad points and it would have been good to see something beyond constantly being the nice guy. This could have been managed by mentioning some of the stories from the wild nights out he said has and how he would be in the middle of things on a nighg out but there is no story which tells us that. Maybe that is who he is though and he does come across as a very humble, caring, generous and a normal person who hasn't let any of it go to his head.

Worth a read on the beach

Good Biography, Decent insight but played it safe

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Funny, honest and incisive. A throughly engaging read. BOD tells the story of youth's excitement in the professional era and how he turned into a wise old hand. Compelling narrative for sports fans and experts in the human condition.

A must buy

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Great prospective on all the competitions, defining games and tours of the last few years in the game!!!

Great instalment in the rugby history books!

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Lovely inside look at a super pro!!
It's a great read... Best book I have heard shofar!!

An Irish Legend!!!

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Enjoyable and well written but spoiled somewhat by narrator's mistakes when naming well known players. Roughly 100% of this books audience know the big names like Sean O'Brien (not Shane O'Brian) and Kevin Mealamu so it pulls you out of the story when they are ready wrong or mispronounced. Other than that good performance and enjoyable book.

Good read - Recommended for rugby fans

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It is really interesting to listen to a story of how a small boy lacking confidence became one of the greatest rugby players of a generation. It is also
an account of a normal man, his fears, challenges and triumphs. Highly recommended.

A fascinating story of an elite athlete and normal human being.

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Best biography I've listened to, well done to all involved. A must if you like or love rugby.

Brilliant

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Loved every bit of it.
More interesting because read by BOD himself.
THANKS FOR MEMORIES !

Great listen .

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Honestly written with a lot of seemingly genuine insights. A great read for any rugby fan.

Narrator does a good job and is easy to listen to, with the occasional exception of mispronouncing teams like Llanelli, and some players' names. On the whole very easy to listen to, and soaked it up over a few days.

Well worth the listen

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Have always liked the honesty of the modern day rugby player. O’Driscoll comes across as humble and human. He is a credit to a sport that produces athletes who’s team ethic goes before that of the individual. A lovely contrast to the modern day footballer. Very enjoyable.

Terrific

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