It is not often that one spends time in the company of a 6ft 8 sporting great, however, last Tuesday afternoon, former Wales Grand Slam wining Rugby captain Michael Owen launched his autobiography in Wales courtesy of In the Zone Sport and Politics Consultancy, at the Waterloo Gardens Teahouse in Cardiff. Having had his illustrious career cut short by injury, Michael has devoted the past couple of years to acquiring both undergraduate and graduate qualifications, launching a rugby coaching career and working as a match commentator and analyst for a wide range of broadcasters.

After reading from his new book, Michael Owen, My Story about the hammer blow of finding out that his career was over, whilst reflecting on how to break this news to his family with its enormous implications, Michael responded to questions from an enthusiastic and rugby knowledgeable audience. However, Michael was not just resented with questions and comments regarding career detail, and the prospects for Wales in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but also with questions relating to the writing of the autobiography, the awareness of the politics of both Welsh and international rugby and the pressure of professionalism on players who maybe return to playing for their clubs/franchise when they may not be match fit.

However, the abiding memory of the event remains the iron will evident in an individual whose desire to play rugby from an early age was realized because of the commitment to training and the desire to harness great potential. Despite losing some of his best playing years, Michael appears to feel no bitterness and is excited about the career prospects open to him as a consequence of what sport has given him and what he has learnt from the vast experience packed in to a short time-span.