There isn’t any dangerous method to discover out you could have been picked for the British and Irish Lions, however Will Greenwood endured one of the crucial complicated call-ups in 1997.
The then Leicester centre was satisfied he hadn’t made the squad after an all-time traditional wind-up from his flatmate, Austin Healey.
Again then, the squad announcement was a great distance faraway from the all-singing, all-dancing manufacturing on the O2 tomorrow. There have been no followers current to cheer every title because it was revealed and no stay TV to broadcast the choice. As an alternative, each squad member was knowledgeable by letter.
“We received informed, I feel on April fifth, that the letter could be delivered in the event you had been within the squad,” recalled Healey.
“Being a light-weight sleeper, I heard the postman and I ran down. I noticed each letters. Craig Joiner was residing with us on the time, and he was near entering into the squad as nicely.
“I picked up Will’s letter and put it inside my dressing robe and began cheering that I’d received my letter.
“He got here down into the kitchen all sad-faced and I mentioned: ‘Have you ever not received one?’ He mentioned: ‘No, I’ve not received one.’ I mentioned: ‘Mate, you must have gotten on that tour. You need to be on that tour.’
Greenwood was nonetheless uncapped by England in 1997 however had been talked up as a attainable wildcard choose. Healey determined to stretch out the ache somewhat longer.
“I mentioned: ‘Can you are taking me to the coaching floor as a result of I wish to have a couple of beers to rejoice. There’s a large press announcement there as a result of Martin Johnson is the captain – it says it right here on the letter.’ Certain sufficient, he drove me in his Mini Metro,” mentioned Healey.
“As we pulled in, one of many TV cameras got here to the window and (the interviewer) mentioned: ‘Nicely finished, Will, nicely finished.’ As we pulled off, I mentioned: ‘Mate, are they taking the mick out of you or what?’
“Then Will received out of the automotive and as he received out, I opened his letter and mentioned he had been chosen.” Greenwood didn’t know whether or not to be delighted or livid.
It was an eventful tour for each of them, in contrasting methods. Healey turned a Check Lion, showing off the bench for the ultimate minutes in Durban and Ellis Park.
Greenwood swallowed his tongue after being knocked out in opposition to the Free State Cheetahs when his head struck the bottom in a deal with. It was solely the fast considering of tour physician, James Robson, that saved his life.
Fortunately, he returned to develop into a World Cup winner with England and tour twice extra with the Lions, lastly turning into a Check Lion in 2005.
