Union converts anywhere could do a lot worse than read Iestyn Harris’ excellently written autobiography, “There and Back” which profiles his move from League to Union and back again, the first player to do such a thing.

With the Rugby Union World Cup in 2007, the likes of Andy Farrell and Brian Carney have converted to Union to represent their country on the biggest of stages, something lacking in the world of rugby league. But Harris’ book covers the successes and failures of his speedy introduction in to the world of Union, and who better to cover the pros and cons than someone who has experienced it first hand?

Harris was of course fast tracked in to the Wales national team in time for the 2003 World Cup, and instead of a steady introduction to the pressures that go with the Welsh shirt, Harris was thrown in at the deep end, and despite a successful debut, subsequent performances in the Six Nations saw the rugby-mad nation on Harris’ back.

In this book, Harris goes in to depth about the methods of coaching and the way different officials treated him after his conversion, and how he felt that affected his progress. He goes as far as saying he was giving the ideal introduction to Union, but 12 months after he should have been. Maybe the RFU and other governing bodies should look at the methods mentioned by Harris and implement them from the start to ensure that their league converts aren’t a failure. After all, Union fans are often cynical towards the converts and blame them for poor performances, such as Andy Farrell in the 2007 Six Nations.

But aside from providing a useful and authoritative opinion on the treatment of league players converting to Union, the book profiles Harris’ life in both codes in depth. From the way he was treated at Warrington to the modern day success of his Bradford team. And it shows his growth from a young star with huge potential to being the captain of the Bulls first team.

It was interesting to read that Harris was up training at 4 o clock in the morning before he left Warrington, and it makes you wonder how successful Warrington could have been had Harris stayed. He provides several little anecdotes that introduce fans to the lifestyle of league and union players, and the comparisons between the two. The difference between the two codes is also highlighted like never before, with many who regard the sports as extremely alike having to make a second opinion after reading Harris’ personal experience training and playing both sports.

Harris was involved in the first ever season of Super League and is now a pivotal part of one of the success stories of the modern day era, Bradford Bulls. His story is a great read for all fans, of both codes, and gives an expert view on the situation regarding players who convert from league to union, a very worthwhile read. 7/10.

Review by James Gordon (July 2007)