Ian Robertson, former international rugby player and author of Rugby: Talking A Good Life reflects on Hay Festival and his most memorable reads. Rugby: Talking A Good Life charts his forty-seven year career with the BBC as a sports commentator and the litany of people he has met along the way.
1.What are you at Hay Festival to talk about?
My recently published autobiography and all the anecdotes therein.
2. What do you want the audience to take away?
Lots of signed copies of the book and a new special awareness of a BBC Sports Correspondent’s lifestyle.
3. What sports event are you looking forward to watching this year?
The Rugby World Cup in Japan in October and November because I commentated on all the big matches in the previous eight Rugby World Cups.
4. What kind of experience do you hope to get from your event at Hay Festival?
A chance to look back on all the highlights and special memories made over forty-seven years of work for the BBC.
5. What is so special about Hay Festival?
It’s unique and I’ve been told it’s a very, very special book festival. I am incredibly lucky to be invited this year.
6. What was the last book you read and loved?
Walking Home by Clare Balding.
7. What is the book you’ve most often given as a gift?
Sweet Chariot The Complete Book Of The Rugby World Cup 2003.
8. Which book has most inspired you?
Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela. He was one of my best friends and I had four great interviews with him.
9. Which piece of advice do you wish you could give your sixteen-year-old self?
Just stay true to yourself and put your heart and soul into everything you do.
Ian Robertson will talk to Carolyn Hitt at Hay Festival Wales on Friday 31st May. Tickets here.