Reasons 2 Smile - Matthew Rees

For the last 12 months, I and Matthew have been putting together a book based on his rugby career and also challenges off the rugby field. The book is available to pre-order from Amazon this coming Friday, the 19th October and then for all other major bookshops from Monday 22nd October.

As we all know Smiler as he is fondly known as had an outstanding rugby career appearing for Treorchy, Pontypridd, Celtic Warriors, Carmarthen Quins (once), Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, Barbarians, Wales and the British and Irish Lions captaining his respective teams on many occasions.

The book consists of rugby based chapters including the demise of the Celtic Warriors from a players perspective.  The great Heineken Cup run with the Scarlets. Playing for and captaining his country. The honour of playing for the Lions and the last few years with the Cardiff Blues. It covers off some of the coaches who he has had many experiences with including Lyn Howells, Gareth Jenkins, Phil Davies, Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards, Mark Hammett, Matt Sherratt and Danny Wilson amongst others.

Also in the book as personal experiences including his inspiring story overcoming cancer and returning to play for his country again, plus a personal matter involving his family. Matthew, as he is on a rugby field, pulls no punches and gives his views and opinions on many matters.

In the book is a foreword from Warren Gatland, as well as quotes about Smiler from Gethin Jenkins, Stephen Jones, Alun Wyn Jones and Sam Warburton. Martyn Williams who has read the book also gives his thoughts on the book.

From the sales of the book, a donation will be given to Velindre who supported Matthew through those dark times fighting cancer. 

It has been a dream of mine for quite a while to have a book published and it has been a real privilege to work with Smiler on this project.

Keep an eye out for the book and I hope you all enjoy reading as much as I have enjoyed co-writing it.

Craig Muncey