Phil Holmes, who teaches at The Grammar School at Leeds, wanted to commemorate the life of his famous rugby playing uncle, John Holmes, who died prematurely, aged 57, last September.

As a result, Phil and his father, also Phil, spent around five months penning a book entitled Reluctant Hero: The John Holmes Story.

The book details the highs of Kirkstall-born John Holmes 21-year career including his 625 appearances for Leeds, 20 caps for Great Britain, and being in the World Cup winning squad in 1972.

PE teacher and keen rugby player himself Phil Jnr, 35, said: "He was so reclusive and unassuming that no-one knows all the stories about him.

He tried to stay out of the limelight even when he did play.

"He was on TV once and afterwards he said 'never again'!

"His medals were in a shoebox under his bed; his playing shirts were in the loft and one of his brothers found a lot of his silverware tipped into the laundry basket.

"He had a few trophies in a cabinet but he would never have spoken about himself. He was a gem of a bloke; very humble and that was another reason to write the book."

Reluctant Hero details John Holmes' life story in the form of a series of conversations with former rugby players, fans, friends and family.

It will be published by Scratching Shed Publications and will be on sale at Philip Howard Books in Street Lane, Leeds from mid April priced £13.99.