Glenn Webbe - The Gloves Are Off - Autobiography of Welsh Rugby's First Black Icon

There could not be a more appropriate time for the publication of this book. Consider these words by the author: ‘Sadly, it seems racism in sport has reared its ugly head once more, which is quite unbelievable when you consider it’s 2019 and we live in a multicultural society.’ Yes, it is quite unbelievable. And utterly shameful. But Glenn Webbe, to his great credit, qualifies that statement. It is misleading, he says, to state that there is more racism now than ever in sport. It’s just that it is reported more. Yes, Webbe became a target for racism and bigotry from an early age. Touring South Africa with the Welsh Youth Team he witnessed that ultimate evil, apartheid. He accepts that some name-calling was banter. He was once thrown a banana by a rival supporter. He picked it up and took a bite out of it before throwing it back. He was cheered! But let us not dwell on racism. Webbe will be remembered not for his colour but rather for his ability on the field and his demeanour off it. Geraint Thomas, who co-wrote this book, puts Webbe’s attributes in a nutshell, describing him as having the power and ability to beat any defender of his day. He won ten Welsh caps and remains Bridgend’s second highest scorer in the Premiership. Had he not been a great rugby winger, Webbe could well have made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian. He even kicks off with a joke, explaining the reason why he was speedy. It was, he says, a family trait: ‘... when you grow up having seven sisters you have to be pretty quick on your feet to get to the bathroom first each morning.’ And that is just a sampler. It is all here – the highs and the lows – much more of the former. Webbe is the son of immigrants from St Kitts who were part of the Windrush Generation. His parents met on the Queen Mary on their way over in the early 1950s, married and settled in Ely, Cardiff. Like other West Indian immigrants of the time, life wasn’t easy for them. But, says Webbe, ‘they came here in good faith and helped rebuild this country.’ This is not just a book about a great rugby player; it is also about a decent and a thoroughly likeable man. -- Lyn Ebenezer @ www.gwales.com