The naming of Warren Gatland’s Coaching team for this summer’s Lions tour to South Africa has left one particular Hertfordshire resident distraught.
Gatland insists that the naming of Gregor Townsend (attack), Steve Tandy (defence), Robin McBryde (forwards) and Neil Jenkins (kicking) as his assistants will bring “new voices and a fresh perspective” to this year’s Lions squad.
Sadly, however, there is no room for Chess Valley Colts assistant coach, Total Flanker, in the 2021 Lions set up.
“Devastated,” was the portly former breakaway’s response when asked about his Omission from the coaching line up.
"It's particularly galling having narrowly missed out on selection for the 1983, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2017 Lions tours as a player.
“Once again, no explanation has been given. I wouldn’t mind so much, but it’s well known that Andy Farrell, Steve Borthwick and Graham Rowntree all declared themselves unavailable, so I thought I had a great chance of being called up.
“It’s as if 6 years of putting out cones and running the line for my son’s age grade teams counts for nothing.”
Despite his omission the 56½ year old backrower is now setting his sights on being named in the Lions 36 man playing squad.
