Crossing The Line

Willie Anderson is a charismatic figure in Irish rugby, known for his defiant stance against the All Blacks Haka and his time spent locked up by the military junta in Argentina. His life has been challenged by sectarianism, alcohol addiction, and personal tragedy, but he has triumphed over adversity. He has a unique range of experience across Irish rugby, including coaching London Irish, Leinster, and Scotland. His lowest point came with the accidental death of a neighbour's child, but he is still married to the woman he credits with saving his sanity. He is the father of JW Anderson, a successful figure in the fashion world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Reach plc

Irish rugby has a rich history of producing charismatic figures, and among them, Willie Anderson stands out as a truly remarkable individual. Immortalized for his defiant stance against the All Blacks' Haka, Anderson is also known for his time spent in captivity under the military junta in Argentina due to a prank gone wrong. However, there is much more to Willie Anderson than mere newspaper headlines.

Crossing The Line is the captivating story of a life that has been plagued by sectarianism, alcohol addiction, and personal tragedy. It is a tale of triumph over adversity, showcasing the indomitable spirit of a man who has faced numerous challenges throughout his life.

Anderson's journey in Irish rugby is truly unique. During his three months in custody in Buenos Aires, between remand and house arrest, he kept a diary, which includes the love letters he wrote to the woman he would later marry, Heather Buckley. Almost a decade later, he gained further notoriety when, as Ireland captain, he marched into the middle of the All Blacks' Haka in Lansdowne Road, prompting the International Rugby Board to establish a protocol around this theatrical performance.

In this book, Anderson candidly shares his experiences with alcohol, revealing that it had a profound impact on his life from his teenage years. He explains how alcohol gradually took control of him, even as his coaching career reached its peak. Despite his talents being sought by prestigious rugby teams such as London Irish, Leinster, and Scotland, the coveted head coach role in Ulster, the job he desired most, eluded him.

One of the lowest points in Anderson's life occurred with the accidental death of a neighbor's child in a road accident. Although he was exonerated of any blame, the tragedy took a toll on him and his way of living. It was a moment that tested his resilience and forced him to confront his inner demons.

Despite the hardships he has faced, Willie Anderson remains a positive and inspiring figure. He is the father of JW Anderson, a renowned figure in the fashion world. Anderson continues to reside in Northern Ireland, where he continues to coach rugby and remains married to the woman he credits with saving his sanity.

Crossing The Line is a powerful and emotional memoir that delves into the life and experiences of Willie Anderson. It is a testament to his resilience, determination, and the strength of the human spirit. Through his story, Anderson inspires us to overcome adversity, pursue our dreams, and never give up in the face of challenges.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914197475