Former World Cup winning Saint Austin Rhodes launches autobiography (From St Helens Star)

Former World Cup winning Saint Austin Rhodes launches autobiography

1:03pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in Latest News

FORMER Saints and Great Britain World Cup winner Austin Rhodes has written his autobiography – and it will be launched today.

Entitled A lad from Donkey Common, A Rugby League life, Austin charts his way from the prolific breeding ground of St Austin’s school to Wembley and World Cup joy.

The official launch date is Thursday, October 4, 8pm, at Greenalls Sports & Social Club, Alder Hey Road, St Helens where Austin will be joined by speakers Alex Murphy and Ray French.

All are welcome to attend.

Austin was the complete player and his wide range of skills meant that he could cover several positions on the field.

Although several of his major triumphs were when playing at full-back, he was always a stand-off at heart.

His marvellous sporting story covers his early days at St Austin’s school in Thatto Heath; his part in Saints’ first-ever Challenge Cup success; Forces rugby union with the RAF; his delight at being a team-mate of Tom van Vollenhoven and further Championship and Challenge Cup glory in the late 1950s and early 1960s with St Helens.

The former altar boy also was a Rugby League World Cup winner with Great Britain. Spells at Leigh and Swinton are also integral parts of the story, together with a marvellous finale as coach of the powerful amateur outfit Pilkington Recs – the scourge of professional clubs in the Challenge Cup.

The book costs £12.95.