Obsessed: The Autobiography - by Johnny Sexton (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

No Irish rugby player has ever achieved more, or been a source of more inspiration to teammates and fans alike, than Johnny Sexton.

The Sexton era - marked by four European Cups, four Six Nations championships (including two Grand Slams), a series win in New Zealand, two stints for Ireland at number 1 in the world, and the World Player of the Year award - was above all the time when Leinster and Ireland went from being underachievers to being overachievers.

In his hotly anticipated autobiography, Johnny tells the story of his life and explores the sources of his unmatched will to win. Always outspoken on and off the field, Sexton offers an honest look at his childhood, his seemingly inauspicious early experiences in club and professional rugby, his relationships with key teammates and coaches (including Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Ronan O'Gara, Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell), and his ideas about the game.

Obsessed is more than just a brilliantly detailed account of a legendary playing career. It is also a work of deep self-exploration, tracing the psychological arc of a player who almost always felt embattled, who struggled with self-doubt, and who was still learning new lessons about being a team-mate and a leader into his late thirties. Intense, witty, perceptive and frank, Obsessed is an autobiography worthy of its author and the essential chronicle of an extraordinary era in Irish rugby.

Review Quotes

An essential read for any keen follower of professional sport in Ireland--Irish Independent

A must-read ... a revealing glimpse into the psyche of a serial winner--Robert Kitson, The Guardian

Absolutely fantastic ... unflinchingly honest--Brendan O'Connor

Belongs on the top shelf of the best Irish sports books ever written--Paul Howard, Irish Times

Sexton is on that rarefied plane of athlete where even his mere presence can feel quietly decisive--Jonathan Liew, The Guardian

A great read--Matt Cooper, The Last Word

Excellent--Rúaidhrí O'Connor

Sexton is a remarkable figure - stroppy, spiky, angry, unrepentant to a large degree - and it is to his credit that he has produced a seriously compelling book--Stephen Jones, Sunday Times

Great book--Paul Kimmage, Sunday Independent

Revealing and full of fresh insights and surprises ... superb--Murray Kinsella, The42.ie

About the Author

Johnny Sexton is the most decorated Irish rugby player of all time, winning four Six Nations championships (including two Grand Slams), and four European Cups with Leinster. He was named World Player of the Year in 2018, and captained Ireland to the Grand Slam in 2023. He lives in Dublin with his wife and children.