Fast Lane to Shangri-La is the unique autobiography of a professional rugby league player. Dave Sampson's book tells the story of growing up in a Yorkshire mining community, signing as a professional player in the early 1960's for Wakefield Trinity along with his brother Malcolm and subsequent career as a professional player and then coach. Both funny and moving, Dave's book portrays a vivid picture throughout. From his early years growing up near Wakefield, a playing career spanning 20 years with Wakefield Trinity, Bramley and Castleford and more latterly his time as coach with Castleford and the ill-fated clubs of Doncaster and Nottingham. Fast Lane to Shangri-La also tells the story of other members of this sporting family, including Denise, a former Olympic sprinter, Paul who plays Rugby Union with Wasps and England and Dean who recently nothed up his 400th first team appearance for Castleford Tigers.