Warren Gatland certainly didn’t do much to stand up for the Ulstermen, writes Kristian Ross…
And so it twas the day of April 30th 2013 that Warren Gatland’s squad for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia was announced. But keeping an eye on proceedings as an Ulster Rugby fan there was little to cheer about as just a single player from the province was included. Huge congratulations to Tommy Bowe who will participate in his second Lions tour. But whilst Bowe has got a seat guaranteed on the plane, others missed out.
RTE were favouring a possible surprise inclusion for Iain Henderson. Hopeful maybe but the young man has shown his potential over the last twelve months. Could it be said that Craig Gilroy may have been worthy of a place on the tour, after all, isn’t he as good as Sean Maitland ? However the biggest surprise came in the form of Ulster’s formidable hooker. Rory Best missed out on the Lions yet again and will feel incredibly hard done by. Rory has made mistakes in international matches over the course of the season, but it has to be said, that sixty seven appearances as Ireland’s most capped hooker, Rory would have brought his tremendous experience to the squad. With Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs also included, Ulster fans and I myself are incredibly disappointed that someone of Best’s calibre was not looked at.
Aside from this, we must give huge applause to the rest of the Irish contingent who have made it in the plane for this summer’s adventure. A well earned place for Jonny Sexton, easily now one of the most capable kickers in Europe. Cian Healy was also included, as well as scrum half Conor Murray from Munster. Again we will see Rob Kearney don a red shirt, and despite injury over the last year, Rob as always be keen to show just how much of a great full back he really is. Irish captain Jamie Heaslip has been awarded a place, as another of Leinster’s players will make the trip to Oz. The ever present Paul O’Connell makes the cut as well as Sean O’Brien. And then who could forget Mr Irish Rugby himself, rumours have persisted over Brian O’Driscoll ‘s retirement but he certainly isn’t finished yet, although it has upset many that he hasn’t been picked to captain the tour, that accolade fell to Sam Warburton instead.
With the tour slowly but surely getting closer, many will feel that the Irish strength within the team will certainly contribute in huge ways. But as for Ulster fans and some others around Ireland, Mr Gatland’s selections have been controversial to say the least and have left a very bitter taste in the mouth indeed.
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
