Penguin, Sandycove to publish Andy Farrell’s autobiography ‘The Only Way I Know’ in October 2025
Pe
nguin, Sandycove is delighted to announce the acquisition of…
THE ONLY WAY I KNOW
by ANDY FARRELL
in a deal with Ciarán Medlar at BDO Ireland. Michael McLoughlin, Publisher, Sandycove has acquired World Rights. The book will be published on the 16th October 2025.
Michael McLoughlin says: ‘Andy Farrell is rightly seen on these islands as one of the most remarkable sports people and coaches of all time. He has played and been hugely successful in both rugby codes and as a successful coach he has brought the Ireland team to the top of the world rankings and to consecutive Six Nations championship titles. The Lions tour to Australia this summer, under his leadership, will hopefully be another highlight. I am delighted to publish this book, which is as stellar as his career.
Andy Farrell says: ‘It has been a really interesting and enjoyable process reflecting on my life and career, and working with Gavin Mairs to bring it all together. I have tried to be honest and true to myself, and I hope that is reflected in the book.’
About the book
At the age of 16, a boy amongst men, Andy Farrell made his first-team debut for Wigan Warriors – and became a father for the first time. At 18, he won his first senior international cap. At 21, he won his first Man of Steel Award for the Super League player of the year. He went on to win the Golden Boot award for World Player of the Year. All of that on its own would have been enough to make him a sporting legend – and none of it even hinted at the fascinating second chapter of his sporting life, as a rugby union player with Saracens and England, or the third chapter, as a highly successful and beloved union coach. Under his leadership, Ireland have played a brilliant brand of rugby combining precision and freedom, and won two of the past three Six Nations championships.
Warm, thoughtful and passionate, Andy Farrell is not just a brilliant rugby man: he is a fascinating human being. His autobiography brings us back to his childhood in Wigan, when he made a meteoric ascent to the highest levels of rugby league. He writes about his ambitious attempt to remake himself as a rugby union player in his thirties, and about the importance of family in his life. And he traces the journey that has led to him becoming one of rugby’s most successful coaches, explaining what he has learned about leadership along the way.
UK media enquiries please contact Elise Harvery eharvey@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk
Irish media enquiries, please contact Cliona Lewis – clewis@penguinrandomhouse.ie or Mobile: +353 87 207 8160
Please Note – Andy is not doing any interviews until time of publication and high-Res images of the book jacket are available on request
