Ladbrokes Lions star opens up about the tough challenge ahead
Published:
With the initial excitement of being selected for the Ladbrokes Lions now just a memory, slowly but surely, it’s dawned on me that the limited skillset I could once lay claim to may not be enough to see me through the upcoming O2 Touch Rugby tournament at Twickenham.
Quite simply, everything I thought I’d developed a knack for in the back row coalface of my school’s 1st XV and Maidstone’s 4th/5th sides – resilience to being trodden on, a nose for a loose ball and an uncanny ability to get away with hands in the ruck – is entirely incompatible with the traits needed to be an effective tag player.
Those are namely: athleticism, agility, fitness, pace and an overall sense of sporting graciousness.
That being said, I’ve still had the last three weeks to try and get into the best condition possible despite two stag parties and an extended stay in Leicester running around with 5000/1 title winners doing its best to derail my finely-tuned programme.
Anyone accusing me of getting my excuses in early would be absolutely correct, although one positive is that there will be fewer people at Twickenham more excited about putting on a pair of boots again after my extended career break.
And I’ve no doubt that will help me find an extra few yards at the right time.
More to the point, this all takes place in order to raise money for an excellent cause and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to play.
While none of us expect any sympathy for getting a day off work to throw a ball round on the hallowed turf, we’re all doing so for the benefit of Barnardo’s so any support is gratefully received.
Alex
The Ladbrokes Lions are raising money for chosen charity Barnardo’s by competing in the O2 Touch Rugby event to be held at Twickenham on Thursday 12 May.
Click here to learn more about the team!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
