Gerry Thornley – författare

Front Up, Rise Up is the story of Connacht’s remarkable journey to becoming the 2016 Pro12 champions. The story goes inside the dressing-room, takes in their unscheduled, week-long, bonding trek to Siberia and back for a European Challenge Cup game, and all the key twists and turns along the way.It brings us the characters in this Band of Brothers, from the locals such as captain John Muldoon from Portumna to their iconic fans’ favourite Bundee Aki – who like their talismanic coach Pat Lam is a Kiwi from Auckland of Samoan descent – and their Nigerian-born and Dublin-raised match-winner Niyi Adeolokun.The story takes in the province’s troubled professional history, which had them on the brink of extinction as a professional entity in 2003 and led to Connacht and their supporters marching to the IRFU offices in a successful bid to keep them afloat. It covers their dethroning of the champions Glasgow in the Sportsground in Galway and their stunning performance in the final against Leinster in Edinburgh. In more than two decades of professional rugby, there has been no story quite like it.

The electrifying story of a Munster, Ireland and Lions icon who changed the game - and the face of Irish sport.From the streets of Cork to the grand stages of Thomond Park, the Stade Yves-du-Manoir and beyond, Simon Zebo's journey is one of flair, fire and fearless individuality. In this candid and captivating memoir, Zebo opens up about his life, from his record-breaking feats with Munster and Ireland to his trailblazing role as the first black man to wear the green jersey.With trademark wit and warmth, Zebo reflects on the highs and lows of a career that spanned continents, including his unforgettable stint with Racing 92, his Lions tour memories, the moments that made him a fan favourite, and his insightful, exuberant punditry.Co-written with acclaimed rugby journalist Gerry Thornley, Zeebs is more than a sports memoir: it's a celebration of self-expression, resilience and the joy of playing the game your way.