Heart on My Sleeve: My story of struggle and strength

by Andrew Porter

Andrew Porter lost his mother to breast cancer at the age of 12, spent much of his teens suffering with his mental health and overcame his issues by focusing on rugby. Here, this gentle giant wears his heart on his sleeve and opens up about his challenges and successes on and off the pitch.

Displaying courage and resilience, Andrew shares the stories of his toughest tests in life and in rugby, covering his emotional journey from the gym to winning 75 caps and three Six Nations wins with Ireland and becoming one of the highest profile and most respected players in the world along the way.

Genres: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Andrew Porter (born 26 August 1928), is a British music critic, scholar, organist, and opera director.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

This is the profile for the music critic.

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open and honest. A very decent man and good role model to young boys.

[Rita Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this because my family have been following Andrew Porter since he exploded onto the rugby scene and immediately made his presence count. My sons adore him and him sharing the loss of his beloved mother when he was only 12 ensured a little spot in my heart. He is such a dynamic player and brings much entertainment whenever he lines out for Leinster, for Ireland and for the Lions.

He is a lovely young man and I love that he overcame his reticence to write this book which hopefully will find it's way into the hands of many of the young people who are struggling with mental health at the moment.

[Emma Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually a reader of non-fiction books but I am a big fan of rugby and was curious about reading Andrew Porter's book. He comes across as down to earth and I even laughed a few times during the course of reading it. I'd definitely reread this book

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I loved the openness and vulnerablity, the book could have done with a better edit. It was so repetitive and the time lines were all over the place. I'm glad Porter told his story, but I feel he could have been supported better in telling it.

[Aimee Quaide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were just recounting what happened during matches

[Michaela McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful and insightful read. Only knew very basic information about Andrew’s life before I read this book and did not realise half of the struggles he had growing up. Andrew has done so well for himself and deserves every success in his life.

[Sarah Cleary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can take or leave an autobiography hence the 3 stars. But it was really good for what it was - honest, insightful and heartwarming at times.

[Irtiza Mirza · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book that i have read and completed in 2026.

Enjoyed reading this thoroughly as it dives deep into the mental health struggles of men, especially in the form of grief because of the loss of a loved one. The book details about physical, mental and emotional struggles through the lens of Irish rugby union player - Andrew Porter.

Mr Porter lost his mum at an early age and life wasn’t easy for him growing up. He had to navigate his way through childhood, teenagehood and adulthood all while staying laser focused on Rugby because he truly cherished the sport. 🏉

The book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions- it will make you teary eyed, make you laugh out loud and make you laser focused into Training (in the gym) - // something that i always look forward to.

#happyreading
#firstbookof2026

[Laura Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for me as I’m a huge rugby fan. But this book goes beyond the pitch - Andrew Porter’s story is heartfelt, uplifting and inspiring. Hearing about his struggles, challenges and ambition to succeed, you’ll be rooting for him all the way. From his mum passing when he was younger to being called up for the British and Irish Lions Tour 2025, Porter shares the details of his life with a quiet and underrated stoicism.

I think it’s truly commendable that a legend of the game has written about his mental health challenges so candidly and I can only imagine how many people will benefit from this.

I’ve always had a lot of respect for Andrew Porter as a fan of the game and I have to say this just tops it for me 👏🏻🍀

[Damien · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the player and I did enjoy the sections learning about his life after the death of his mother, and his struggles with eating, ADHD and mental health.

But I found a lot of the writing was quite repetitive and many sections felt like reading a university essay paper, rather than an autobiography.

But if you have an interest in the player, it's a perfectly fine, easy-read book.

[Keith Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, so we'll written and very honest and frank about his life experiences and battles with mental health. The only reason I'm giving it 4 and not 5 is the amount of minor errors thrown in (i.e says Jack Crowley kicked two drop goals Vs SA in one chapter, then says Frawley kicked them in the next. La Rochelle in the 2025 Heineken Cup semi??)

[Shirley Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

As sports autobiographies go this is very good. Andrew Porter is so honest and vulnerable about his struggles with mental health and the loss of his adored mum. This book will definitely help any young person who faces the same struggles. Well worth a read.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid for a sports autobiography. Did not expect so many quotes from Marcus Aurelius. Or Nietzsche!