Get ready for a fascinating insight into the world of rugby and the unique experiences of Ollie Chessum, a forward for the British and Irish Lions. We're about to dive into a story that will leave you questioning the traditions and dynamics of this beloved sport.
Chessum recently opened up about his time with the Lions during their tour of Australia, and he revealed what he considered to be the most disappointing aspect of the entire journey.
The Lions, led by Andy Farrell, emerged victorious in the Test series against Australia, winning 2-1. Chessum, an England lock, played a pivotal role in all three matches, coming off the bench in the first and third games and starting in the second alongside Maro Itoje. The series-clinching victory in Melbourne was a moment of pure elation, but it was what happened (or rather, didn't happen) after the final whistle that left Chessum feeling deflated.
In an interview on "For The Love Of Rugby," Chessum shared his thoughts on the lack of mingling between the Lions and the Australian team post-match. He explained that it was a strange departure from what he expected, especially considering the unique nature of the Lions tour, which only happens once every four years.
"It was a bit different for them [the Australian players]," Chessum said. "They had to go again, their season wasn't over. But I thought there would be more of a mix, more interaction between the teams. I mean, I swapped shirts with Harry Potter after the first Test, but I expected more of that after the third."
His comments resonated with two-time Lions tourist Anthony Watson, who co-hosted the show with Ben Youngs. Watson even suggested that a post-match dinner after the final Test might be a good idea to foster more camaraderie.
But here's where it gets controversial... Should there be more emphasis on post-match celebrations and interactions between opposing teams, especially in such prestigious tournaments? Or is the tradition of keeping to oneself a respected aspect of rugby culture?
Chessum's time with the Lions was a career highlight, and he described the victory as an unreal experience. He went on to say that winning with Leicester was also an incredible feat, but the Lions tour topped it all.
"It's luck, really," he said. "You have to be in the right place at the right time, and fit enough to go on those tours."
And this is the part most people miss... Chessum's revelation about the lack of mingling post-match might just spark a much-needed conversation about the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie in rugby.
Now, Chessum is back at Leicester, where Geoff Parling has taken over as head coach. The England forward is embracing the changes and the new era at the club, despite the team's mixed results so far.
"Geoff is not too far detached from the club's values," Chessum said. "He understands the club's culture, having been a player here just a decade ago."
So, what do you think? Should post-match celebrations and interactions be a bigger part of rugby culture? Or is the tradition of keeping to oneself a respected aspect of the sport? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
